CUT (Best for celeb-spotting)
What it’s like: Culinary superstar Wolfgang Puck’s first Asian outpost is a contemporary steakhouse, all industrial-cool and adorned with glamor shots of celebs like Brad Pitt and Adele.
What to eat: Does it even need to be said? Steaks like the 300-day grain fed Australian Angus and U.S.D.A. Prime Illinois Corn Fed are incredibly satisfying with house-made sauces such as their signature Argentinean chimichurri.
What to drink: Like everyone else in town, there’s a respectable wine list here of about 700 labels, but what really shouldn’t be missed are their fantastic handcrafted cocktails.
Did you know? Most of the restaurant’s playlist was personally selected by Wolfgang Puck.
JAAN (Best for sky-high views)
What it’s like: Swiss hospitality meets fine modern French food at this classy spot atop the skyscraping Swissôtel. Oh, and the view isn’t too shabby either.
What to eat: Order from the Jardin Gourmet menu, which is dedicated to elevating vegetables from so-so side dishes to the stars of the show. Chef de cuisine Julien Royer enjoys tweaking his usually subtle cooking to better suit the Singaporean palate, tending towards full-bodied and intense flavors.
What to drink: Any of the nearly 500 Old and New World wines.
Did you know? No stranger to ethical eating, Royer grew up on a farm and was taught as a boy to raise animals humanely.
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon (Best for imaginative indulgence)
What it’s like: With 28 Michelin stars under his belt, French chef Joël Robuchon is the world’s most decorated chef, and it certainly shows here. It’s got a real VIP feel, though the highlight is undoubtedly the stunning indoor garden and dining space with a huge tree and lush foliage.
What to eat: Go for the 14-course degustation menu, obviously. This seemingly endless procession of fine creations has been described by critics as “magic”.
What to drink: They boast over 1,200(!) labels in their massive wine cellar. There’s also a tea trolley with an equally amazing 27 tea varieties available.
Did you know? You just might catch the chef taking notes while chatting with patrons; the restaurant maintains an extensive guest database and briefs the staff daily on who’s coming. Kitchen tours are also available upon request.
The White Rabbit (Best for whimsical wonders)
What it’s like: Located in a converted Ebenezer chapel on Dempsey Hill is this fairytale-inspired restaurant which doubles up as a party space with the occasional guest act (look out for their NYE party with DJ Viceroy).
What to eat: Ultra-luxe takes on European classics. Think wagyu beef carpaccio, lobster bisque with half a Maine lobster in it, roasted black truffle chicken and white chocolate soufflé made with Valrhona Opalys white chocolate.
What to drink: On top of some 120 wine labels and a list of reinvented classic cocktails, they also have coffee and tea from local specialists Papa Palheta and Tea Bone Zen Mind.
Did you know? They’re happy to flambé a Crêpe Suzette or torch a Baked Alaska right at the table for your viewing pleasure. Just ask.
For more dining insights, read our interview with restaurateur Olivier Bendel, behind popular eateries like &MADE and Sabio.
Brought to you by Singapore Experience Awards 2013.
