After you’re done with retail therapy on the Orchard shopping belt, you’re probably gonna need to replenish your energy. While there’s a whole variety of things to eat in town, we’ve sussed out some of the best spots that are worth your time and calories, whether you’re in for a juicy steak, sushi or Indian food.
Bedrock Bar & Grill
This is a longtime stalwart when it comes to New York-style steaks. They’ve got a real slick Mad Men vibe with semi-circular, leather booths, wood-paneled walls and some serious mood lighting. Also serious is their fantastic list of choice cuts like USDA Prime dry-aged ribeye and Aussie grassfed porterhouse. Don’t miss the indulgent mac and cheese. #01-05 Pan Pacific Serviced Suites, 96 Somerset Rd., 6238-0054. $$$
Hard Rock Cafe
Orchard’s classic American rock n’ roll-themed bar and restaurant, decked out in music memorabilia, is always the place for a good time and often hosts live music gigs. But it’s not just the place to go for classic rock fans, the food’s solid too. Tuck into hearty all-American fare such as buffalo wings, crisp potato skins and their famous burgers—take our advice and go with the wagyu bacon and cheese burger. #02-01/03-01 HPL House, 50 Cuscaden Rd., 6235-5232. $$
Hashida Sushi
We couldn’t possibly leave out the amazing Hashida Sushi, the first overseas offshoot of the famed Tokyo establishment, which has moved upstairs to a bigger space. Chef Hatch Hashida, who apprenticed under his master chef father Tokio, brings an artistic touch and maestro-level cutting skills to all his seasonal sushi, such as the sea bream, sea eel and botan shrimp, as well as bowls like the ikura and uni version. There are also fine sakes, including Chef Hatch’s private label, to sip. #04-16 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Rd. 6733-2114. $$$$
Iggy’s
This is undoubtedly one of Singapore’s most well-known and highly regarded restaurants, a darling of most regional and international top lists. European food with Japanese touches and refinement is no longer new, but is executed perfectly here and enhanced by attentive yet discreet service. The wine list by owner and sommelier Ignatius Chan is a massive draw. 3/F Hilton Singapore, 581 Orchard Rd., 6732-2234. $$$$$
Jamie’s Italian
Celeb Chef Jamie Oliver’s fresh value-for- money Italian recipes served up in hearty portions is a reliable bet for affordable everyday eats. The sheer variety of offerings means that there’s bound to be something for everyone. We’re talking everything from pastas to pizzas, such as 12-hour slow cooked oxtail lasagne and truffle ravioli to starters like crab arancini and crisp squid. Desserts include their take on tiramisu, a layered dessert of coffee and Kahlua sponge with orange mascarpone and chocolate shavings. #01-01/04 Forum, 583 Orchard Rd., 6655-7676. $$
Ki-sho
Another black and white heritage house turned into a fine dining establishment on Scotts Road, the two-story Ki-sho is divided into a sushi bar, private dining rooms and a sake bar that serves up from a collection of 50-strong nihonshu. On the food front, you have the option of just six sets, including Kyoto Chef Hamamoto’s omakase, comprising the best seasonal seafood flown in twice a week from Japan. Chateau Tcc, 29 Scotts Rd., 6733-5251. $$
Min Jiang
This fancy hotel restaurant has been around since the ‘80s, offering up that classic combination of Peking duck, an impeccable dim sum selection, the kind of ambience that would please your parents and pitch-perfect service. But that doesn’t mean Min Jiang is stuffy. It’s probably one of the most sun-drenched restaurants of its kind, and those poolside patio seats are a rare thrill for upscale banquets with the fam. G/F Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Rd., 6730-1704. $$-$$$
Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro
The popular Michelin-starred Sichuan chain’s first Singapore outpost features creations by Head Chef Chen Kentaro, scion of the famous Iron Chef Chen Kenichi. The space is flamboyant, with high ceilings and plush furnishings set against a scenic view. Not sure what to have? For starters, try classics such as the mapo tofu, dan dan mian, and whole steamed fish. 35/F, Orchard Wing Mandarin Orchard Singapore, 333 Orchard Rd., 6831-6262. $$$
Tandoor
Lavish and relatively affordable, this Indian stalwart’s forte is North Indian and tandoori staples, but they do a good job on regional and coastal dishes too, such as the Malabari fish curry and the crab masala, made with coconut milk, curry leaves and mustard seeds. Changing with the times—but not too much—they also do a funky paneer-pea tikka, where they stuff cottage cheese with spiced peas, Philly cream cheese and all kinds of herbs and spices. B1/F Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre, 11 Cavenagh Rd., 6733-8333. $$
Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant
One of Orchard’s oldest and most beloved fancy Cantonese restaurants enjoyed a facelift, reopening with the super ornate décor theme of “home of the Chinese scholar”. Chef Brian Wong’s signatures include the steamed shrimp dumpling with black truffle and cordyceps flower in the dim sum lunch menu, and spicy HK-style deep-fried spicy ibérico pork with garlic. If you haven’t been in a while, this is a great excuse to visit. 3/F Singapore Marriott Hotel, 320 Orchard Rd., 6831-4605. $$