Perched atop Telok Blangah is the historic Alkaff Mansion, home to a fine-dining Italian restaurant by the same folks behind Spruce. With the luxe colonial-style interiors and romantic gazebos, dining here is a grand affair. We suggest dining alfresco, where you can immerse yourself in nostalgia of the mansion’s former glory while dining against the backdrop of lush greenery. Their brunch menu changes every few weeks, but be sure not to miss their regulars such as fresh pacific oysters, wagyu beef carpaccio with parmesan cheese and rocket salad, and pan-fried atlantic cod with vegetables caponata ($88 with free flow Prosecco).
Sun 11.30am-3.30pm.
If you’ve yet to step into this gorgeous restored 1920s black-and-white bungalow tucked away in the Botanic Gardens, their semi-buffet Sunday brunch ($88, $148 with free flowing Bruno Paillard Premiere Cuvée Brut MV) is as good an occasion as any. What this charming, serene establishment lacks in variety (hard to beat hotel buffets for sheer assortment), the well-crafted fare, elegant setting and sensible service make up for it in spades. Aside from the spread of classic French appetizers like duck rillettes and foie gras terrine, you can also choose an egg dish, a main and a dessert. Our tip? Ask (nicely) for a table by the window, just so you can fully appreciate the handsome surrounds while you dine with that special someone.
Sun 11:30am-3pm.
This French bistro exudes laid-back Parisian charm with its rustic decor and French classics. Executive chef Jean-Charles Dubois draws inspiration from his family recipes to create home-style, no-fuss French fare. Head here with your significant other for a romantic meal with their delectable weekend brunch (from $68; $128 with free-flowing Moutard Champagne). Expect a variety of entrees (croque monsieur, house-smoked salmon and oeuf cocotte with baby Qwehli prawns), mains such as roasted wagyu steak (with endless refills of fries), pan-seared cod with fennel salad, or lamb shoulder confit with truffle mash. You even get an unlimited dessert platter to finish.
Sat-Sun 11am-3pm.
A fabulous 30-seater of a gem that occupies an unassuming shophouse in the heart of Chinatown that’s simply stunning; and we’re only talking about the décor (that’s to be expected when the boss is architecture firm SCDA’s principal). Not to be outshone, chef Ben McBride’s newly launched brunch menu puts up a particularly strong showing, in spite of the streamlined selection of about 20 items. Almost hard to pick favorites really, but if we must, the short rib hash ($14) and French toast with coconut cream and caramelized pineapple ($16) come quickly to mind; attentive and earnest wait staff doesn’t hurt either. We especially appreciate the open-concept kitchen, too.
Sun 11:30am-3:30pm.
Dolce VitaExcept for perhaps the name, there are so many things to like about Dolce Vita. Casual yet classy atmosphere, with tables poolside indoors and outdoors. Food only is $108, but we strongly suggest the Champagne options: $148 (Ruinart R de Ruinart Brut NV), $248 (Ruinart Blanc de Blancs), $348 (Dom Pérignon). Expect perfectly executed dinner-worthy dishes and freshly shucked oysters. All of this expertly delivered to your table save dessert, which is buffet-style. In addition to the oysters, our most memorable items include cannelloni stuffed with oxtail and foie gras, Angus tenderloin tartar, pan-fried sea bream, braised short rib with gratin potatoes, and a chocolate-salted caramel tart.
Sat-Sun Noon-3pm.
Yan TingJust pulling up to The St. Regis’ driveway feels like a special occasion; few hotels scream luxe like it does. As can be expected, the weekend dim sum brunch ($98, $148 with free-flow of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut) at Yan Ting is a quiet classy event. The restaurant isn’t just a pretty face (think stained glass, chandeliers and plush booths built for canoodling), it also serves up excellent Cantonese cuisine in a sophisticated all-you-can-eat affair; simply order off their 80 item-strong brunch menu. Sample offerings include standards such as har kao (steamed shrimp dumpling) and char siew bao (steamed barbecued pork bun), plus more substantial dishes like Cointreau glazed-pork ribs, and prawns sautéed with XO sauce.
Sat-Sun 11:45am-3:30pm.
Nestled amongst tropical greenery, with grand and eclectic interiors, the ambiance of this place alone provides a good enough reason to visit. Helmed by chef de cuisine Stephane Cocu, expect nothing short of a fine culinary meal with their weekend brunch special. Their elegant à la carte brunch buffet allows each patron one hot breakfast item (think eggs benedict with smoked trout), and one main dish (like oven-baked lamb leg with thyme). Dessert is served on a shared platter and the whole affair is priced at $78 or $116 with free-flow wine.
Sun Noon-4pm.
More Brunch Recommendations:
