The Tiffin Room
Apr 1910
With its antiquated surroundings and ceiling fans whirring slowly overhead, The Tiffin Room is redolent of the colonial era, and almost seems like a place untouched by the passage of time. The food here is good too—mulligatawny soup, butter chicken, Hyderabad fish and spinach with cottage cheese—by Chef Kuldeep Negi are ever delectable.
Raffles Grill Singapore | City Hall area
Raffles Grill
Even though Raffles Grill has been around forever, the impeccable service, formal colonial ambiance and gourmet menu that reads like poetry all remain. From caviar, duck liver, lobster medallion and prime steaks, the food is one rich culinary delight after another. A pianist provides soothing music, while smartly-attired wait staff perform discreetly.
Col Bar (Colonial Bar) | Portsdown area
Col Bar
This quaint black-and-white in Portsdown’s Wessex Estate served mainly as canteen to British soldiers when it first opened. But ever since, it’s kept its facade, decorations, and menu the same. The vintage space serves Western food with a slight local flavor that suited the palates of Singaporeans, like a traditional English fry up with a side of goreng pisang. It still proves to be a popular hangout for both expats, locals, and their dogs on weekends.
Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant Singapore | Marina Bay area
Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant
Aug 1956
Founded in 1956, Palm Beach touts itself as having invented Singapore’s famous black pepper crab, making its situation next to the Merlion along the Singapore River particularly apt. The Coco Lobo (lobster with vermicelli in superior stock); double baked crab; and chili crab are signature treats.
Gordon Grill Singapore | Orchard area
Gordon Grill
Jan 1964
Fitted out in shades of cream and latte, Gordon Grill is one classy place to bring your wife (or that chick you’ve been trying to impress all year). The emphasis here is on clean, elegant flavors and highlights include the steamed garoupa fillet; chilled angel hair pasta with king crab, seaweed and caviar.
Samy’s Curry Restaurant | Dempsey area
Samy’s Curry Restaurant
Dec 1970
Since 1970, Samy’s has been offering finger licking curries in their very unassuming and casual environment, and the profusion of trendy eateries in this area hasn’t made a dent in Samy’s popularity. Don’t miss the house specialties: The fish head curry, along with Samy’s famous masala chicken; mysore mutton; tandoori prawn; and fish cutlet.
Chatterbox Singapore | Orchard area
Chatterbox
Jan 1971
Open since 1971, this institution is where you can try their widely-lauded, award-winning Hainanese chicken rice—with chili sauce, fragrant rice and all. Also worth trying is the seafood laksa. However be warned that the dishes here don’t come cheap.
Rang Mahal Singapore | Marina Bay area
Rang Mahal
Apr 1971
This long-standing (it dates back to 1971) fine dining Indian restaurant is still impressive after all these years. Serving regional Indian cuisine (North, South and coastal), signature creations that should be ordered are the tandoori masala oyster, hot stone tandoori lamb chops, tandoori salmon tikka, smoked bharta (aubergine) and spicy cottage cheese (lal mirch ka paneer tikka). There are excellent and extensive vegetarian options too. With a contemporary yet traditional vibe, we’d recommend the elegant Rang Mahal anytime.
Pete’s Place Singapore | Orchard area
Pete’s Place
Jan 1973
The fact that Pete’s Place has been around since 1973 must mean it’s doing something right. Resembling a cozy, family-run trattoria, it serves up similarly rustic fare such as the seafood-laden cioppino and pizza pam pam (a two-in-one special comprising a half calzone filled with mortadella, mozarella and ricotta; and a half pizza with minced sausage, cherry tomatoes, fresh chilli and mozzarella).
Prima Tower Revolving Restaurant | Southern area Singapore
Prima Tower Revolving Restaurant
Jan 1977
Singapore’s oldest revolving restaurant specializes in genuine Beijing cuisine. Besides the spectacular views, you can always count on the venerable Chef Chan Sung Og to cook up a storm—be sure to order signature favorites such as the crispy barbequed Peking duck, delectable shredded scallops with fish and egg whites, as well as its toffee banana dessert.
