13 Best Restaurants in Singapore

Chef Rishi Naleendra’s Cloudstreet is rooted in both his Sri Lankan heritage and his training in Australia. The menu promises to “champion ingredient-driven cuisine,” and there’s always a heavy focus on seasonality in the creative tasting menus. The chef’s counter allows diners to engage and interact with the team as they move through the menu, delving deeper into the inspiration behind the elegant dishes. There’s also a great curated wine list, featuring wines from independent winemakers from all over the world.

The Joo Chiat outlet of this Singaporean ethical coffee franchise established in 2013 offers what they boast as the "best brunch in Asia"—a true statement, judging by the lines waiting by the door. The popular organic eggs Benedict (runny poached eggs served along with braised ox cheeks, chive hollandaise, and artisanal sourdough bread) is the explosion of tastes you need to power charge your day. The coffee, sourced from organic farms and served by their own trained baristas, is also brewed to perfection. 

Follow the neon dumpling sign and giant dumpling mural to get to this intimate, fun restaurant in Boat Quay, which serves a range of dumplings and noodle dishes. Original dumplings are pot-sticker style with pork, ginger, and cabbage filling, but the menu offers many other varieties, all of which pack a punch. The deep-fried dessert dumpling—a rich mix of cream cheese, pears, and amaretto—is not to be missed. Signature cocktails, craft beers, and natural wines make for an exciting drinks menu in the evening. The lunch set is a particularly good value, with noodles, dumplings, and an iced drink.

Decked in a charming mix of modern-meets-colonial—think vintage brown leather padded chairs, wooden tiles, hanging metallic wire lamps, and a minimalist bar that resembles a British Malayan colonial pub—the Esplanade branch of this classy yet casual franchise has breathtaking views over the bay and a menu that fuses English and Malaysian staples. Wagyu beef flank Wellington, cone trios rillette, and fish & chips pair with local chicken percik and an assorted selection of satay to help bring the “talk, makan, and chill” tagline to life.

Part of the popular Tipsy Collective (you may see various "tipsy" animals across the island, from penguins to pandas), this lively bar and restaurant is a fun place to grab a bite. The food is mostly Asian fusion, with a range of wok and pasta dishes, although the signature pizzas are a crowd favorite. Happily, beer drinking here is for a good cause—every pint of Frosty’s lager sold supports their adopted pair of African penguins, Ben & Bella, at the Singapore Zoo. You can also pick up a board game to play at the table while you drink