We’re in the business of spotlighting only the best restaurants worthy of your time and calories, especially so with our annual dining guide, Top Tables. There have been closures, (RIP Joel Robuchon) but we maintain that these are some of the best places to eat at when you’re down south. Or, you could look out Best of Singapore page for other droolworthy lists.
Bayswater Kitchen
Bayswater Kitchen’s coveted location at Keppel Bay is the ideal backdrop for The Privé Group’s latest, a modern seafood restaurant. After all, you could do a lot worse than a waterfront view of yachts, complete with seaside breeze, as you enjoy Head Chef Jack Allibone’s innovative dishes. Allibone’s time at London’s Angler has served him well. He reinvents classic seafood offerings with a distinctly British touch—from starters like the whipped cod’s roe with flatbread to indulgent mains such as the Fisherman’s Feast, a deep skillet of lobster, fish, prawns and linguine swimming in seafood stock. It’s especially magical at night; you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more romantic date spot. 2 Keppel Bay Vista, 6776-0777. $$
Cassia
As far as classy Chinese restaurants go, it’s hard to beat the uber glam Cassia. Housed at the elegant Capella, tasteful interiors in the form of luxe finishings, ornamental lamps and gorgeous screens with floral motifs are complemented by contemporary Cantonese cuisine, making it as appropriate for a date as it is a family reunion. Chef Lee Hiu Ngai is the man responsible for spot-on classics like double boiled soups and Peking duck, not to mention signatures such as baked lobster with cheese and Australian M9 wagyu with black pepper sauce. Plus, there’s a great dim sum set lunch on the weekends to boot. G/F Capella Singapore, 1 The Knolls, 6591-5045. $$$
Tamarind Hill
Tamarind Hill has a lot going for it. First, there’s the setting—a historic colonial mansion at Labrador Park with Asian- inspired decor and lush foliage, which makes it feel like a lavish tropical resort in Thailand. Then, there’s the impressive menu. All the bases are covered with staples like salads and curries done in an elevated way, such as five variations on the ever-popular papaya salad, including one with wagyu. However, you’ll also discover hard-to-find dishes from Chef Wanthana’s native Northeast, such as shrimp paste relish with green mango. All in all, an amazing experience. 30 Labrador Villa Rd., 6278-6364. $$
