If you’ve dismissed Harbourfront and Sentosa as a tourist trap, these droolworthy restaurants may just change your mind.
Cassia
When it comes to the glam stakes, it’s hard to beat Cassia at the ultra chic Capella. The extensive menu at this fine-dining Chinese restaurant certainly measures up to its tasteful and warm decor of ornamental lamps, gorgeous screens carved with flower-like motifs, stately windows and lush sofas, all dressed in delicate shades of gray and lilac. On the menu is well-executed modern Chinese cuisine (with Western and local influences)—topped off with discreet and attentive service.
L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon
The more “casual” of his two Singapore outposts, L’Atelier has the same distinctive red and black decor as the others around the world. Opt for the eight-course decouverte degustation menu, which brings a seemingly endless procession of dishes, including highlights like the wagyu hanger steak with shallots, yellowtail tuna tartare with spicy tomato coulis and the ever-addictive and unimaginably smooth and creamy mash potato.
Osia
Australian celebrity chef Scott Webster has designed an exciting menu inspired by fresh Australian produce, that combines Asian influences with Western culinary techniques, with flair. The white-washed and blue-tinged space fires up signature items like the yuzu-marinated tuna with compressed watermelon and basil ice cream; milk-fed lamb short loin and breast and Valrhona hot chocolate soup.
Saint Pierre
This stalwart French establishment, which used to be at Central Mall, now has a refined home in Quayside Isle. Helmed by the irrepressible Chef Emmanuel Stroobant, it now serves a revamped menu that includes more vegetarian and seafood options. But one thing has stayed the same: a stellar selection of cheese, featuring everything from mild tomme de savoie to pungent epoisses.
Skirt
This stylish steakhouse plays up the parilla bar concept with house-aged meats from Argentina, Australia and the US such as Blackmore wagyu. The meats come with an impressive array of accompaniments like homemade sauces and flavored salts. There’s a handsome wine list, too, and the dramatic design—with horn chandeliers cascading from the ceiling—is pretty stunning.
Syun
Japanese chef Hal Yamashita opens his first restaurant outside of Japan and it focuses on Japanese fine dining. This modern restaurant takes cues from Kobe cuisine with a fresh new twist: think seasonal produce from Awaji Island and Tanba, as well as (what else but) Kobe beef in dishes like sukiyaki with wagyu beef and sea urchin. The space is super zen, too, decked out in wood and marble.
Tamarind Hill
Set in a historic colonial building at Labrador Park with Asian-inspired decor and golden Buddha statues, this place feels just like a tropical resort. It doesn’t hurt that you get a (non-alcoholic) welcome drink upon arrival. To eat, there are sophisticated modern Thai plates like deep fried lobster in tamarind sauce courtesy of Chef Wanthan Nikonsaen.
