While most of us are familiar with American food because of its widespread popularity, there are a couple of establishments in Singapore that provide more than just the usual burgers and fries. Mind you, these fine establishments aren’t your typical diner dash sort of place. Get your fix of fresh seafood, juicy steaks and other comfort food dishes with a finer slant at these six restaurants.
db Bistro and Oyster Bar
Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud’s restaurant is awash with soft lighting, dark wood accents, and a beige marble bar dedicated to oysters. The menu is dominated by well-executed French classics including bouillabaisse and traditional coq au vin, as well as delectables like the quintessential original db burger. There’s a dizzying amount of luscious seafood, too, covering the oyster bar, a selection of tartares and ceviches and a handful of seafood cocktails. #B1-48 Galleria Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave.
Hard Rock Café
Orchard’s classic American rock ‘n’ roll-themed bar and restaurant re-opened last year after a four-month renovation. The refreshed look also comes with some new pieces of memorabilia that are sure to excite classic rock fans, but the rest of you should order up their hearty American bar fare, like hickory-smoked brisket and beef and their famous selection of burgers. #02-01/03-01 HPL House, 50 Cuscaden Rd.
Lawry’s The Prime Rib
A stately and sprawling space with a distinctly Old World feel—chandeliers, beveled panels on the walls, service trolleys and bonnets on the waitstaff—Lawry’s is something of a family-friendly institution on Orchard Road. Steaks aside, there are at least four different cuts of the USDA prime rib to choose from, along with traditional sides like Idaho mashed potatoes and Yorkshire pudding. The Atlantic lobster is a delicious alternative for those who don’t do red meat. #04-01/31 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Rd.
Luke’s Oyster Bar & Chop House
Travis Masiero’s oyster bar and chop house has a few branches around town, but we’re eternally partial to the tucked away flagship on Gemmill Lane. The chic brasserie is classy yet relaxed— everything from the marble-topped bar, to the crisp white linens, to the vest-wearing servers recalls a lighter version of Old World elegance, while the food includes American retro-glam classics, including iconic East Coast dishes like the clam chowder and Boston lobster pot pie. Or order the lobster mac and cheese to go with your bone-in tenderloin au poivre. The three sommeliers on staff give extra attention to the wines of the US, South America and the Loire region in France. 20 Gemmill Ln.
The Market Grill
The bustling industrial looking space on Telok Ayer is still going strong, with its open-concept kitchen with a zinc counter and a 1.5-meter long live lobster tank. In the kitchen is executive chef Colin West who puts out a straightforward menu of juicy burgers and grilled meats and seafood. Premium beef aside, there is also a selection of unsung-but-good, affordable cuts. The food may be simple but it’s flawlessly executed and always hits the spot. 208 Telok Ayer St.
The Pelican
This Gatsby-glam spot, with its red leather booths, specializes in East Coast American seafood fare. Try dishes like the baked snapper pie, old‑fashioned crab cakes, as well as the Pelican raw platter. Most recently, they’ve introduced set lunches and, more excitingly, an a la carte weekend brunch menu with stuff like bagels, oyster platters and frittatas. When the weather’s fine, be sure to grab a cocktail and opt for a table on their alfresco deck. #01-01 One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Rd.
