34 Best Restaurants in Singapore

Tucked behind an imposing IKEA building, one of the island's oldest food centers is particularly popular with locals in the Alexandra area; expect lines on weekend mornings to snake across the hall. But the wait is worth it, as you’ll find some of Singapore’s best hawkers here. Some of the longest lines will probably be at Bao Zai, where buns are filled with their legendary chae siew (barbecue pork), or Jin Jin Dessert, an ABC institution serving signature chendol (coconut milk and rice flour dessert) and ice kachang (shaved ice with sweet beans). If you’re feeling a little homesick, indulge in western dishes with a local twist (and huge portions) at Wow Wow West.

You can count on this halal bakery and café (founded by food personality Dewi Imelda Wadhwa) to turn out some of the island’s best pastries and desserts. The ATD To Go Dessert Box, an 8-piece taster of their most popular items, includes the bakery's signature gula Melaka scone and Paris brest. Save space for other delectables like the aromatic Earl Grey cake in a light vanilla buttercream, or the moreish sticky toffee pudding drenched in a homemade caramel sauce. For those more inclined to savory pursuits, dishes like a punchy coriander pesto prawn pasta and a hearty steak & hash potatoes made with grass-fed steak cubes.  

Head to level 2 of the Amoy Street food center for a cup of traditionally-brewed local kopi with a twist; the menu includes a dizzying array of latte flavors, including black sesame, hazelnut, and butter pecan. For a quick bite, pair it with their equally-eclectic toast flavors, like earl grey creme or matcha coconut.

Grab a quick coffee at this hole-in-the-wall joint, one of the few independent coffee shops in the CBD. The space is definitely small—so you’ll want to take your perfectly-roasted flat white to go—but don’t forget to check out the pastry and waffle options.

This south Indian restaurant is king of the prata (an Indian flatbread made by frying stretched dough flavored with ghee), and it is the centerpiece of their menu. The owners are especially proud of the "Big One," a Sicilian prata stuffed with pesto chicken, mozzarella cheese, shitake mushrooms, pineapples, and more. For something a little more traditional, they also serve delicious all-day Indian breakfasts, including dosas (a kind of savory pancake) stuffed with a variety of treats, as well as classic Indian curries like butter chicken and channa masala. The restaurant, with cozy bench-style seating, is tucked inside 321 Clementi Mall.

This large, airy upstairs hawker center is busy from morning to night. Highlights include Loo’s Hainanese Curry Rice (#02–67/68, look for the snaking queue), which serves pork, chicken, prawns, and chap chye (cabbage) smothered in traditional Hainanese curry sauce. Jian Bo Shui Kueh (#02–05) is another local favorite, serving chwee kueh (steamed rice cake topped with preserved radish) to especially long lines at the weekend. There’s also a popular wet market downstairs, with stalls selling meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, and fresh flowers.

Standing on the Singapore River with waterside views, this breezy food center is well-known for the quality of its hawker stalls. Famous stalls include No. 18 Zion Road Fried Kway Teow (#01–17), serving smoky noodles with cockles, fish cake, and Chinese sausage; and Michelin-rated Zion Road Big Prawn Noodle (#01–17), serving spicy noodles with large prawns, pork rib, and fried onions. As always there’s a huge range of choices, with everything from xiao long bao (steamed Chinese dumplings) to cheng tng (a "healthy" sweet soup dessert with dried fruit, nuts, and mushrooms). Evenings and weekends are the busiest times, so come early to get one of the tables facing the river.

A bustling, palm-lined hawker center on the edge of the Botanic Gardens, Adam Food Center has a high hit rate of great stalls to choose from. Highlights include Warong Pak Sapari (stand 9) for fragrant mee soto (Indonesian noodles in chicken broth); and Noo Cheng Adam Road Big Prawn Noodles (stand 27) for juicy prawns served with pork ribs and noodles. There’s everything from rich mutton curry to refreshing ice kacang (shaved ice with sweet topping), so "chope" your table and get ordering.

This hugely popular Muslim eatery serves a dizzying array of dishes and cuisines, including Thai, Indian, Malay, Western, and Mediterranean. Despite the ambitious menu, the quality is unmatched for a place this size, with quick, friendly service and a great selection of (non-alcoholic) drinks.

This bustling food center is a true local's haunt, with more than 80 hawker stalls selling everything from succulent Hainanese chicken rice to tangy satay. When it comes to picking where to eat, use the golden rule of every hawker center in Singapore: choose the stalls with the longest lines. Leng Kee Fish Soup (#02–192) is always popular for its light broth and large portions, as is Terry Katong Laksa (#02–194) for its warming coconut flavors. For a stall that is rather unique, visit Go Pasta (#02–199)—it's rare to find (fairly) authentic Italian dishes at a local hawker center.

This bright, airy café in HortPark has a large outdoor space, a pet-friendly area, and an abundance of greenery hanging from the ceilings. There’s an all-day dining menu for larger bites, but the chilled, green space is a great place to grab a coffee and take a break from exploring the city.

Singapore’s vibrant third-wave coffee scene owes a lot to to Chye Seng Huat Hardware, one of the first specialty coffee spots in the area. The former hardware store turned hip coffee space is rarely empty, and regulars swear by both the brews and the robust brunch menu. Inside, the two-story complex includes a coffee school, retail space stocked with coffee gadgets and gear, and a roastery.

This highly popular local hawker center is packed with stalls serving all kinds of delicious Singapore favorites, from roast duck noodles to succulent chicken and rice. As with almost all hawker centers in Singapore, it's hot and a little messy, but the food is always great—especially if you pick a stall with a long line. Popular stalls include Kian Seng Lor Mee (#01–28), where you can get a bowl of soft noodles, prawns, fish cake, and chilli; and Soon Lee (#01–50) for fragrant bowls of savory porridge (choose from chicken, pork, or fish).

A dedicated specialty Arabica coffee roaster just off Robertson Quay, Common Man Coffee Roasters is better known for its exceptional brunch, featuring fluffy pancakes, avocado toasts, and full fry-ups. Many come for the brilliant range of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free breakfast options. As the name suggests, the coffee is great, too, and there’s a wide selection of quality teas. If brunch isn’t your thing, the café serves up great cakes and pastries, and there is a full lunch menu of sandwiches, burgers, and salads. Do expect to queue for a table on weekend mornings.

At the edge of Holland Village, this independent speciality shop is a rare treat in a country where good coffee can be hard to come by. It sources single-origin beans from around the world, focusing on the aromas and tastes of each variety, and serves its coffee alongside simple snacks and meals, from fresh salads and pastas to sandwiches and croissants.

For a serious cup of coffee near Somerset, drop by this pristine-white café that is usually full of coffee aficionados sipping on in-house roasted brews. You can also pick up fresh beans and coffee-making accoutrements to take home.

This cozy neighborhood café has good coffee and plenty of brunch options. The space is fairly small and gets busy on weekends, so if there are no seats, take your coffee down to the river.

Reminiscent of the hip Melbourne café scene, this CBD lunch spot is a great place to grab a healthy snack. The veggies are always fresh, the meat high-quality, and there’s a great range of tasty bowls like chicken breast, quinoa, mushrooms, and cucumber pickle. Coffees and soft drinks are also available.

This cute Swedish cafe's halal bakes are slightly pricey, but they're favored by local café aficionados. Stick to signature items like the strawberry cream cheese Danish and traditional semla bun, available year round. Other winning menu items include flaky croissants (in flavors like red-velvet cream cheese), kouign amann, and savory quiches for a heartier bite.

This small, blue-decked café on the side of Ann Siang Hill serves some of the best coffee on the island. Grab an iced latte and perch on one of the outside tables for a quick break from the Chinatown sightseeing and shopping. The café often works with local bakers, so make sure to try their pastry and sandwich selections.

“Bringing back the good old taste of Singapore traditional coffee” is the motto here, and you definitely won't be disappointed in the way that's done. Try the strong, sweet kopi ubiquitous in Singapore’s history, in an old-fashioned, bright red coffee house. Brush up on your kopi terms before visiting.

This lovely bistro transforms from bakery and brunch hotspot by day to chic restaurant and bar by night. It specializes in European-style baked bread, which forms the basis of many of the brunch dishes (served until 3 pm) and then again as a delicious accompaniment to a selection of zesty dips and pasta in the evening. Portion sizes are very generous, with a rustic look and feel to the presentation. The bistro is tucked away behind the post office on Nassim Hill about a 10-minute walk from the top of Orchard Road.

Ideally located between the National Museum and Fort Canning Park, Onalu is a popular and pit stop for freshly rolled, boiled, and baked bagels and cups of tea and coffee. The classic bacon, egg, and cheese (stuffed full of creamy scrambled eggs and bacon strips) and smoked salmon bagels (with thinly sliced smoked salmon and cream cheese) are highly recommended.

Famed for fluffy iced cupcakes, the company's flagship Tiong Bahru store is self-described as a “bakery cum café cum retail store." Alongside signature bakes, there is a daily brunch menu and a wide selection of grocery and homeware items for purchase. The alfresco dining area is a quiet space to spend the afternoon.

Part of the popular PS. Cafe chain, this stylish, sun-lit cafe by the sea is one for the Instagram, and a perfect spot for weekend brunch (although you’ll likely have to wait in line). The breezy Anglo-Chinese fare includes exclusive-to-this-branch creations like a scrumptious chorizo and calamari stew, as well as long-time chain favorites like the Parmesan-dusted truffle fries and chunky desserts.