10 Best Restaurants in Singapore for Exquisite Dining | Best of Food 2023

As a melting pot of a country, Singapore’s food scene is always buzzing with the newest bars and restaurants. There are so many restaurants you can try in Singapore that it will be so hard to pick your next dining destination! Whether you are craving the freshest sushi, the juiciest steak, or the tastiest pasta – you will definitely be spoilt for choices. With an extensive variety of restaurants available in the market, which then is the best restaurant in Singapore? In our Best of Food series, we have curated the latest 10 Best Restaurants in Singapore, providing recommendations to suit your food cravings and budget.

This article was last updated on 11 July 2023. 

Best Restaurants in Singapore for Exquisite Dining

1. Burnt Ends, for delicious oven-grilled Australian meat

A carnivore’s haven right in the middle of Chinatown, the award-winning Burnt Ends is the place to be if you are craving some juicy meat. This modern Australian barbecue house is not too literal on its restaurant’s name, though, so don’t worry about receiving steak with that many inedible burnt ends. However, the restaurant prides itself in using custom-made wood-fired scorching ovens for cooking their meat selection, so expect that your meat may come with a lovely charred outer while also being tender and juicy on the inside. And by meat, we mean short ribs, lamb chops, beef tenderloin, and even deboned grilled chicken! But what you should really try is the restaurant’s mouthwatering signature pulled pork sandwich, the Burnt Ends Sanger. The grilled King crabs are also very delectable – it will be so difficult to accept that there’s no more crab meat for you to slurp. 

Moreover, what’s great about Burnt Ends is their open-kitchen setup. At first look, you’d think that the restaurant is a bar, except that they have busy grilling chefs instead of bartenders. There are boutique wines and spirits, too, which guests will be able to enjoy with their meat in a fun and relaxing atmosphere at Burnt Ends. Make sure that you book your reservation ASAP though, as it can often take months just for you to get a seat!

2. The Coconut Club, for an elevated Nasi Lemak experience

As Singaporeans, Nasi Lemak is one dish that we could probably eat for the rest of our lives. Though you can get an affordable one at the famous Hawker centres in Singapore, The Coconut Club takes the all-time favourite Nasi Lemak to a whole new level. Whether you want your rice with Ayam Goreng Berempah or Ikan Kembung, feel free to drop by and enjoy a plate with your loved one. Yes, every dish on their menu is generously served, great for sharing or filling up a famished tummy. 

Furthermore, as seen in the restaurant’s name, they take their coconut milk seriously, having their own propriety blend that’s bursting with familiar flavours that we all love. With every mouthful, you get to taste the perfect balance of creaminess and flavour – your plate will be empty in no time. Also, on top of all their Nasi Lemak variants, the restaurant also offers some of the best chendol and kueh desserts in town.

3. Umami 10, for an European-influenced Japanese epicurean experience

Umami is one of the universally accepted basic tastes that’s usually associated with “savoury”. So if you are looking for the umami-est food in Singapore, you will surely find them in Umami 10. Here, you can experience Yoshoku Sakaya, which is basically Japanese cuisine heavily influenced by elevated European cooking. This means elegantly-served tapas and award-winning sakes – the perfect meal combination to enjoy in such a convivial atmosphere. We also love how the restaurant displays artworks made by local Singaporean artists, giving out a more comforting homey vibe. You can also purchase these artworks if they ignited a spark in you, just let the staff know.

4. Candlenut, for authentic Peranakan dishes

As the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant, one can only expect the best from Candlenut. This restaurant takes a contemporary yet authentic approach to traditional Straits-Chinese cuisine, offering dishes that are ultimately comforting. They are carefully crafted with the perfect balance of herbs and spices that really tickles our taste buds. 

We understand that some may not be that familiar with Peranakan dishes, so we suggest that you try the Taste of Candlenut – a specially curated tasting menu just for you. They also have a dinner version, which you can enjoy further with a nice bottle of white wine. The tasting menu varies per month, so there are more dishes to savour every time you visit the restaurant.

5. Wang Dae Bak® Korean BBQ, for the complete K-BBQ experience

With the ever-rising popularity of Korean culture in Singapore, it is just right that we also include the award-winning Wang Dae Bak® Korean BBQ in this list. After all, those K-pop idols and actors are always teasing us with mouthwatering Korean food! We deserve to at least have a bite of the famous samgyeopsal paired with some soju and authentic cabbage kimchi. And not only is the food delicious, but the Korean BBQ experience is also on point in this restaurant – you get to grill your own meat and all. Plus, the banchan (or side dishes) servings are really generous, like they are straight out from a K-drama. 

If you don’t want to get smoke all over you, worry not. Wang Dae Bak® also offers non-BBQ dishes like bibimbap, jjigae, and fried chicken to satisfy your Korean food cravings.

6. Ayasofya, for authentic Turkish cuisine

With its excellent 4.9/5 rating on Google, Ayasofya is definitely one of the best restaurants in Singapore. At Ayasofya, you will be able to spoil yourself with the most delicious Turkish dishes in town, infused with the well-loved flavours from Mediterranean cuisine. From freshly baked flatbreads to appetizing Turkish salads to charcoal-grilled meat dishes – there’s something for everyone. And to neutralise the intense yet wonderful flavours from the main dishes, try the Ayasofya’s Baklava, which will definitely leave you coming back for more. As they say in Turkish, Afiyet Olsun!

7. Le Bistrot du Sommelier, for French bistronomy and wine discovery

If you consider yourself a wine connoisseur, then the Le Bistrot du Sommelier is the most perfect place for you. This bistro believes that life is too short for bad wine, so get your taste buds ready for some heavenly wine-sipping. Moreover, the menu is brimming with classic French cuisine dishes like baked escargots, ratatouille, lamb chops, and rillettes. Of course, they also have endless choices for charcuterie to match your drink. If you are feeling adventurous or after too much wine intake, maybe try the bistro’s special sautéed frog legs. 

8. Bella Pasta, for premium Italian dishes

As you probably have guessed already, Bella Pasta is all about authentic Italian cuisine. This restaurant brings your favourites from the Bel Paese, which ranges from pasta to risotto to seafood. And of course, some of the best Italian pizzas in Singapore! What’s also great is that you can enjoy these delightful dishes with a breathtaking Riverside view. Yes, Bella Pasta offers al fresco dining, making it a nice venue for romantic date nights. Pair your Italian feast with Bella Pasta’s Wine of the Month, and it will be like you and your partner are transported into an actual ristorante in Italy.

9. The Boiler, for wonderfully-flavoured fresh seafood 

If you are looking to enjoy the taste of the ocean, The Boiler is the perfect place for you to satisfy your cravings. Right now, this award-winning seafood joint slash restaurant has two branches: one in Howard Road and one in Esplanade. But whichever you pick, rest assured that you will be able to indulge in some of the best seafood in Singapore, paired with endless booze, great music, and a welcoming atmosphere. Make sure to try The Boiler’s famous seafood boil, which is best enjoyed together with strong bold sauces infused with both local and Western spices. And since all their seafood dishes are really flavourful, expect some tasty fingers after the meal – we won’t be judging. 

10. VUE, for an amazing rooftop dining experience

VUE may be the last restaurant mentioned in this list, but when it comes to the ambience, it certainly rises above the rest. Perched atop OUE Bayfront on Collyer Quay, VUE presents an incredible view of the Singapore skyline. And combined with a well-curated menu that emphasises binchōtan-grilled specialities, customers are definitely in for a treat. For the best experience, you can pair your meal with a nice bottle of wine. If you want more, no worries as VUE is also home to Singapore’s first rooftop spritz bar. 

We hope that our guide on the 10 Best Restaurants in Singapore will help you find the best restaurant for exquisite dining on the island. If you found this useful, please share it with your friends and family! 

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