Singapore’s lunch scene has evolved into a treasure trove of incredible deals that let diners experience premium cuisine without the premium price tag. From Michelin-starred establishments to casual bistros, the variety and value available during lunch hours make it the perfect time to explore Singapore’s culinary landscape. Here’s my comprehensive review of the best lunch spots across different categories.
Best Budget-Friendly Lunch Deals (Under $15)
Earle Swensen’s – The All-Day Champion
Price: $12 set lunch
Available: Monday-Thursday, all day
This might be the most wallet-friendly complete meal deal in Singapore. At just $12, you get a substantial main course (options include Carbonara, Arrabiata, Charcoal Grilled Chicken, or Deep-Fried Chicken Katsu & Waffle) plus a soft drink. The all-day availability is a game-changer for those who work non-traditional hours or prefer late lunches.
Verdict: Unbeatable value for money. The portions are generous, and the quality exceeds what you’d expect at this price point.
Pepper Lunch Singapore – Interactive Dining
Price: $11.90 weekday set
Available: Monday-Friday, opening-3pm
The sizzling hot plate experience comes complete with soup and a drink. Popular choices include the Striploin Steak and Salmon Pepper Rice. The interactive element of mixing your meal on the hot plate adds entertainment value, making it particularly appealing for solo diners who want something engaging.
Verdict: Excellent for meat lovers on a budget. The theatrics of the sizzling plate make it feel more special than a typical budget lunch.
Suki-Ya – Comfort Food Done Right
Price: $12.90++ per set
Available: Monday-Thursday, 11:30am-4pm (excludes VivoCity)
For shabu-shabu lovers, this is a steal. Each set includes three trays of meat, vegetables, fishballs, and noodles. It’s warming, filling, and perfect for Singapore’s aggressive air-conditioning.
Verdict: Best value hotpot experience in Singapore. Ideal for cold, rainy days or when you need serious comfort food.
Mid-Range Marvels ($20-$40)
Publico Ristorante & Garden – The Mix-and-Match Winner
Price: From $9 for small plates
Available: Monday-Friday, 12pm-3pm
The weekday small plates concept is brilliant for indecisive diners. House-made pastas start from $13, and the ability to order multiple small portions means you can sample more of the menu. The pet-friendly garden setting by Robertson Quay adds tremendous appeal.
Verdict: Perfect for groups who want variety and sharing-style dining. The riverside location elevates the entire experience.
The Masses – Accessible Fine Dining
Price: $30.90++ set lunch
Available: Weekdays (excluding eve of public holidays)
Modern French cuisine with Asian accents at under $35 is remarkable. The duck confit and signature C&C&C Pasta are standouts. Each set includes a free drink, and you can add bread service for just $5.
Verdict: This is what democratized fine dining looks like. Excellent for impressing a lunch date without the intimidating price tag.
Beauty in the Pot – Fast and Efficient
Price: From $19.90/person, $39.90 for two
Available: Monday-Friday, 11:30am-4pm (The Star Vista, VivoCity, Westgate)
The 20-minute service guarantee is clutch for working professionals with tight lunch breaks. The hotpot quality remains high despite the speed, and the value is solid for the portion sizes.
Verdict: Best option for time-pressed office workers who don’t want to sacrifice quality for speed.
Pasta Bar – The Wine Lover’s Pick
Price: Set menu with optional $30++ wine pairing
Available: Monday-Friday, 12pm-3pm
Keong Saik Road’s Italian gem offers handmade pastas from their Summer menu with starters and dessert. The curated wine pairing option elevates this from a standard lunch to a proper midday indulgence.
Verdict: Ideal for client lunches or celebrations where you want to impress without evening prices.
Splurge-Worthy Fine Dining (Over $40)
Spago by Wolfgang Puck – The View and the Food
Price: 3-course set menu
Available: Daily, 12pm-2:30pm
Location: Marina Bay Sands, Level 57
The Michelin-starred experience at Spago combines breathtaking views from the SkyPark with inventive Asian-Western fusion. Dishes like the Peranakan-Inspired Keluak-Coconut Coffee showcase serious culinary creativity.
Verdict: Worth every dollar for special occasions. The combination of location, view, and food quality creates an unforgettable experience.
Alma by Juan Amador – Elevated Spanish-European
Price: $78 weekday lunch set
Available: Daily for lunch
This one-Michelin star restaurant delivers Spanish-European cuisine with subtle Asian influences. The Crispy Skin Barramundi and Aged Duck Breast demonstrate technical excellence, while the casual setting keeps things approachable.
Verdict: Best value among Michelin-starred lunch options. The quality-to-price ratio is exceptional.
Thanying – Traditional Thai Excellence
Price: 4-course or 5-course executive set
Available: Daily for lunch
Location: Amara Singapore
Established since 1988, Thanying has perfected elevated Thai cuisine. The 4-course option includes starter, two mains, rice or noodles, and dessert. The 5-course adds soup. Recommended dishes include red curry with chicken, deep-fried seabass with tamarind sauce, and Phad Thai.
Verdict: The most generous fine dining lunch deal in terms of courses. You’ll definitely leave satisfied.
Best for Specific Occasions
Best for Business Lunches: Garibaldi Italian Restaurant and Bar
The Michelin-starred status impresses clients, the three-course format allows proper conversation time, and the Purvis Street location is accessible yet prestigious.
Best for Girls’ Lunch: Tablescape
The pastel pink interiors are Instagram-worthy, the 2-course lunch starts at just $28, and the Grand Park City Hall location is convenient for Raffles Place crowd.
Best for Romantic Lunch: Bread Street Kitchen
Marina Bay Sands location provides glamour, 2-course ($46) or 3-course ($52) options allow flexibility, and Gordon Ramsay’s name recognition adds cachet.
Best for Late Lunchers: Atout
Lunch sets available until 8pm accommodate non-traditional schedules, French bistro fare feels special, and the Harding Road location offers a neighborhood escape.
Best for Riverside Ambiance: Bella Pasta
Clarke Quay riverside views are unbeatable, the 3-course set lunch offers excellent value, and the Pesto Rigatoni and Fettuccine Alo Zafferano are crowd-pleasers.
Unique Concepts Worth Trying
Crossroads Cafe – The Health-Conscious Choice
Special Feature: Poke Bowls (April-June 2025 only)
Location: Orchard Road, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza
Four fresh poke bowl options (Ikura Chirashi, Unagi Kabayaki, Smoked Salmon, Vegan Buddha Bowl) provide nutritious, vibrant lunch alternatives. The alfresco setting is perfect for Orchard Road shopping breaks.
Jack’s Place – The No-Decision Option
Unique Angle: Different main each day
Available: Daily, 11am-5pm
Can’t decide between Grilled Filet, Fish and Chips, or N.Z. Striploin? Come back multiple days. Each set includes garlic bread, dessert, soup, and coffee or tea.
La Nonna – The Sharing Deal
Offer: 2-for-1 on Pizza, Pasta, or Mains
Available: Monday-Saturday, 11:30am-2:30pm
This Holland Village gem offers incredible value with their 2-for-1 lunch special. Perfect for catching up with a friend while getting restaurant-quality Italian food at essentially half price.
Location-Based Recommendations
Best in CBD: YAN (National Gallery), Latteria Mozzarella Bar (Duxton), BoCHINche (Amoy Street)
Best in Orchard: Crossroads Cafe
Best at Marina Bay Sands: Bread Street Kitchen, Spago
Best in Holland Village: La Nonna
Best in Robertson Quay/Clarke Quay: Publico Ristorante, Bella Pasta
Best in Keong Saik: Pasta Bar
Pro Tips for Maximizing Lunch Deals
- Book ahead for Michelin-starred spots – Popular restaurants like Spago, Garibaldi, and Alma fill up quickly
- Check availability – Many deals exclude public holidays and their eves
- Arrive early for time-limited deals – Beauty in the Pot’s 20-minute guarantee works best when kitchen isn’t slammed
- Consider dietary restrictions – Publico’s small plates and Crossroads’ poke bowls offer good variety
- Look for weekday vs weekend differences – Some places like La Nonna include Saturdays, others are weekday-only
- Factor in location – A $30 lunch near your office is better value than a $25 lunch requiring a $20 cab ride
Overall Verdict
Singapore’s lunch scene offers exceptional value across all price points. The democratization of fine dining through lunch sets means you can experience Michelin-starred cuisine for a fraction of dinner prices. Budget options have improved dramatically, offering complete meals with drinks for under $15.
Best Overall Value: The Masses and Publico Ristorante offer the perfect balance of quality, creativity, and affordability.
Best Splurge: Spago combines view, food, and prestige in one unforgettable package.
Best Budget: Earle Swensen’s $12 all-day deal is unbeatable for value.
Most Unique: Crossroads Cafe’s limited-time poke bowls and Jack’s Place’s rotating daily mains add variety to routine lunch schedules.
The key is matching the venue to your needs – whether that’s speed, ambiance, cuisine type, or budget. With this comprehensive guide, there’s no excuse for boring lunches in Singapore.