It’s not exactly a reputed foodie enclave, but nevertheless it’s got some serious gems for breakfast, lunch, drinks and dinner. Here are some of our favorites.
Cafes & Brunch Spots
Although the space is better known as a retail store, the food at the on-site cafe is fresh and unfussy. There are sushi-burritos and bowls at lunch and a menu of staples like eggplant with cream. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to dine among lust-worthy goodies.
This down-to-earth bistro has a great alfresco area that’s perfect for people watching on the weekends. The menu walks a fine line between cafe classics and Asian fusion dishes like puffed rice with Chinese sausage. It’s great for a quick grab and go sandwich, as well as a sit down meal with wine.
The Palais Renaissance outlet of this famed cafe is by far the prettiest looking place in Orchard Road. It’s got the group’s signature oversized blooms and a restrained black-and-white color scheme, not to mention a gorgeous verandah overlooking the Thai embassy. The menu is eclectiv and features large salads, pastas, pizzas and mains like the miso cod with soba. If you come for brunch, try the Israeli-inspired shakshuka.
Serving some of the best pastrami and bagels you will get in Singapore, this New York-style deli is packed with the works. From salmon and cream cheese to corned beef and chopped liver, you’ll find tons of hearty sandwiches and huge sharing plates for an easy lunch.
Noodles & Dumplings
Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck
Ultra crispy Peking duck aside, this Chinese restaurant is also a sure bet for dim sum. Everything is finely-made with staples like the Teochew dumplings, glutinous rice in lotus leaf, yang chow fried rice and prawn in egg white with truffle oil.
Despite the fact that it’s got plenty of other outlets around town, this one still has snaking queues, especially on the weekends. Settle down with a hot bowl of tonkotsu-based ramen laced with juicy char siu slices. Don’t forget sides like the beef tataki with sweet onions, as well as the buns with pork belly.
The modern reincarnation of Neil Road staple Jing Hua Xiao Chi, this one has got a swankier vibe thanks to the mosaic walls and Oriental minimalist furniture that fits right in at the chi chi Palais Renaissance. The menu remains the same and is full of homemade dumplings, xiao long bao and noodles.
Soba-centric restaurants are hard to come by and this one does the noodles justice. Made fresh daily, the buckwheat noodles come in hot and cold renditions with sets that include sushi, sashimi, tempura and even chicken karaage.
Head here if you’re looking for dry ramen. Not only is the Tan Tan Men here unique, the mix of minced meat and veggies is delicious. If you’re here for dinner, head downstairs to The Horse’s Mouth for a cocktail nightcap.
Affordable & Alcoholic
This Spanish restaurant has a classic menu in a slightly obscure location. The second floor of the renovated Shaw Centre may be hidden, but the food here is delicious. There are options like garlicky prawns, squid ink paella and suckling pig. Plus, the space has a balcony that’s great for after-work drinks.
Settle down here for the affordable rice bowls loaded with wagyu beef and fresh sashimi. Come nighttime, the casual Japanese joint also has a great happy hour involving a rotating list of freshly-shucked oysters.
It says something about a restaurant when even the Thai embassy orders lunch from them (or so the owner tells us with pride). This hole-in-the-wall joint in Orchard Towers is completely no-frills but serves up authentic (and spicy) Thai food like chicken wings, curries, rice and soups. Prepare for folding chairs and fiery spice levels.
Fancy Dinners
When the craving for a good steak hits, head straight to this place. The New York-style steakhouse, decked out in shades of dark wood and leather, has fantastic grilled meats and a mac and cheese that you simply cannot skip. The restaurant also has a great set lunch for those times you need a daytime splurge.
This is the higher-end offshoot of affordable French restaurant Saveur. That being said, everything is still affordable with a four-course meal only costing $52. Expect dishes laden with black truffles and Asian-spiced short ribs with jalapeno-rosemary crumbs.
If you don’t know where to look, this may be a little hard to find. It’s tucked behind Palais Renaissance and sandwiched in between Orchard Towers. But this Italian restaurant has a great alfresco space and food to match. You’ll find all sorts of pasta, from ravioli to gnocchi, as well as pizzas and hearty Italian dishes of pork belly and tenderloin steak.
Anchored firmly on the San Pellegrino Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, there’s no shadow of a doubt that Les Amis consistently serves some of the best French fine dining in Singapore. The kitchen pushes out degustation menus full of meticulously-plated creations topped with decadent ingredients like Omi beef and caviar. It ain’t cheap, though.
