Singapore’s set lunch scene offers something truly special: the chance to experience high-quality dining at a fraction of dinner prices. Whether you’re looking for a power lunch with colleagues, a midweek treat, or just want to explore Singapore’s diverse culinary landscape without breaking the bank, these 11 restaurants deliver exceptional value, flavor, and atmosphere.
The Sky-High Experiences: Dining with a View
Sushisamba: Where Three Cultures Meet 52 Floors Up
Price: From $48++ | Location: Capital Tower, Robinson Road
There’s regular lunch, and then there’s lunch with a panoramic sweep of Singapore’s skyline from the 52nd floor. Sushisamba delivers a theatrical fusion of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisines through their Vivo Business Lunch, promising a three-course meal in under an hour—though you’ll want to linger.
What Makes It Special:
- The wagyu beef tataki with crispy quinoa and truffle ponzu is a standout starter worth the $5 supplement
- The Samba Taquitos platter ($22 add-on) featuring lobster with tartar and yuzu, and yellowtail with white miso are described as having “zero regrets”
- Spicy sushi rolls pack surprising substance with tuna, white fish, and salmon
- Mochi ice cream dessert (chocolate and passion fruit) provides a light, refreshing finish
The Verdict: This is lunch as an experience. The setting alone justifies the price, but the food backs it up with bold flavors and quality ingredients. Perfect for impressing clients or celebrating a midweek win.
Baia: The Rooftop Wonder That Serves Lunch Until 5pm
Price: From $38++ | Location: Esplanade Mall
Baia earns special recognition for extending lunch service until 5pm—a godsend for late lunchers and those with flexible schedules. This rooftop Italian restaurant at Esplanade combines coastal Mediterranean flair with one of the best views in the city.
Menu Highlights:
- Whipped stracciatella with grilled sourdough ($12) offers creamy indulgence
- Wagyu tartare with tahini crema ($26) brings Middle Eastern notes to Italian beef
- Roasted chicken leg with wild morel mushroom fricassé ($30) delivers earthy comfort
- Crispy eggplant cutlet ($28) proves vegetarian options can shine
Group Dining Option: The Gourmet Set Lunch ($78 for four) features crab salad, prawn pasta, and striploin—ideal for sharing with colleagues or friends.
The Verdict: The extended hours and variety make this exceptionally versatile. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely afternoon meal, Baia accommodates. The three-course set at $38++ offers excellent value for the quality and setting.
The Michelin Experience: Fine Dining at Lunch Prices
Saint Pierre: Two Michelin Stars for Lunch
Price: From $198++ | Location: One Fullerton
Yes, it’s the most expensive option on this list, but hear this out: Saint Pierre offers a rare opportunity to experience two Michelin-starred cuisine in a more relaxed lunch setting. Chef Emmanuel Stroobant’s refined menu showcases waterfront Marina Bay views from every table.
The Experience:
- Three-course set at $198++ or four courses at $228++
- Ever-changing menu featuring premium ingredients like Brittany blue lobster, Nagasaki hata, and Bresse chicken
- Supplements available for luxe upgrades (Brittany blue lobster +$38, Omi beef +$38)
- Optional farmhouse cheese course (+$38)
- Service and presentation at Michelin-star level
Sample Dishes:
- Manjimup marron with buttermilk and perilla
- Brittany blue lobster with maitake and vin jaune
- Shizuoka king crab with green curry-edamame
- Tulameen raspberry baba or Araguani chocolate with almond and Szechuan peppercorn
The Verdict: This is an investment lunch, best reserved for special occasions or when you want to truly treat yourself. The quality, technique, and service justify the price. Diners report spending over two hours luxuriating in the spectacular setting—so clear your afternoon calendar.
The Hidden Gems: Exceptional Value Finds
Shinrai: Omakase Quality Without the Omakase Price
Price: From $16.80 | Location: Telok Ayer Street
Shinrai stands out as the most affordable option on this list, yet delivers quality that punches well above its weight class. As the younger sibling of the upscale Sushi Yujo, it brings omakase-level technique to a casual sushi-izakaya setting.
Best Value Options:
- Basic sets start at just $16.80 with miso soup, salad, and signature light cheesecake
- Bara chirashi don loaded with sashimi cubes and ikura ($27.80)
- Juicy wagyu hamburg ($25.80)
- Aburi mentaiko salmon don ($22.80)
- Splurge option: Wagyu foie gras don ($52.80)
Pro Tip: Bring a friend and share dishes to sample more of the menu.
The Verdict: Unbeatable value for quality sushi and Japanese fare. The inclusion of the signature cheesecake with every set is a thoughtful touch. This is where you go when you want Japanese comfort food done right without emptying your wallet.
Ammakase: Neo-Indian Omakase with French and Japanese Influences
Price: From $79++ | Location: One Raffles Place
Ammakase represents something truly unique: Indian cuisine reimagined through the lens of French technique and Japanese omakase presentation. The name plays on “amma” (Tamil for “mother”), suggesting home-style recipes elevated to fine dining.
The Experience:
- Six to ten courses served omakase-style (from $79++)
- Menu rotates every two weeks for variety
- Chef’s Odyssey features lobster entrée, duck signature, and choice of main (lamb, chicken, fish, or vegetarian)
- No beef or pork served
- Seats at the chef’s table offer front-row views
Standout Dishes:
- Crisp potato croquette with curry dip
- Creamy avocado chaat
- Cured Japanese hibachi with mango chilli sorbet
- Grilled lobster in tamarind pulusu curry
- Biryani with lamb kofta
The Verdict: This is adventurous dining for those bored with standard lunch options. The omakase format means you’re trusting the chef, but reports suggest consistent quality and creative flavor combinations. The inventive cocktails are worth trying too.
The Italian Contingent: From Rustic to Refined
Sospiri: Southern Italian with CBD Views
Price: From $38++ | Location: IOI Central Boulevard Towers
While Singapore has no shortage of Italian restaurants, Sospiri distinguishes itself by focusing on Southern Italian cuisine—a refreshing change from the ubiquitous Northern Italian trattorias. The rooftop location in the CBD adds appeal for business lunches.
Menu Structure:
- Three-course lunch: antipasti, main, dessert
- Only two dishes require supplements (a welcome restraint)
Notable Dishes:
- Insalata verde with roasted zucchini and parmigiano
- Butternut squash soup with garlic croutons and toasted pine nuts
- Roasted seabream with crab bisque
- Marbled Wagyu carpaccio with black truffle and pecorino fonduta (+$10)
- Violetta eggplant (+$12) for vegetarians
- Berry compote with Bronte pistachio and mascarpone for dessert
The Verdict: Refined without being stuffy, Sospiri balances quality ingredients with reasonable pricing. The focus on Southern Italian flavors offers something different from standard Italian fare. The busy lunch crowd testifies to its popularity among CBD workers.
Griglia Open Fire Italian Kitchen: Rustic Italian Done Right
Price: $38++ | Locations: Craig Road and East Coast Road
Griglia embraces the theatrical element of open-fire cooking, creating a warm, buzzy atmosphere that feels both rustic and modern. The generous portions and full-flavored dishes make this ideal for team lunches or when you’re genuinely hungry.
Why It Works:
- Small plates include creamy burratina, scallop carpaccio, and punchy beef tartare
- Mains are substantial: tiger prawn fusilli with spicy ‘nduja, pappardelle with pork cheek and black truffle, smoky Iberico pork collar, beef striploin tagliata
- Sicilian cannoli with ricotta and chocolate is non-negotiable for dessert
The Review: “Wear your stretchy pants and reject that 2pm meeting” says it all. This is indulgent lunch done right, with the kind of hearty portions that justify a post-lunch food coma.
The Verdict: Perfect for groups and those who appreciate rustic Italian cooking with bold flavors. The $38++ price point for three courses including dessert represents excellent value given the portion sizes and quality.
Garibaldi Italian Restaurant and Bar: Approachable Fine Dining
Price: $48++ | Location: Purvis Street
Garibaldi makes fine Italian dining feel accessible through its signature lunch set. The restaurant knows its way around classic Italian cuisine, presenting familiar dishes with refinement and attention to detail.
The Lineup:
- Deep-fried seafood cake with arrabbiata sauce
- Green salad with feta and sunflower seeds
- Broccoli soup with garlic croutons
- Buffalo mozzarella with San Marzano tomatoes (+$10, highly recommended)
- Orecchiette in summer truffle cream
- Spaghetti with Angus beef meatballs
- Braised free-range chicken thigh cacciatore
- Grouper fillet and clams in white wine soup (+$20)
- Dessert of the day or à la carte upgrade (+$10)
- Coffee or tea included
The Verdict: Garibaldi delivers classic Italian-American flavors with quality ingredients and proper technique. At $48++ for three courses including coffee, it sits in the mid-range but justifies the price with consistently good execution. The buffalo mozzarella upgrade is worth it.
Caffe Fernet: Bayfront Views with Italian Flair
Price: From $40++ | Location: Customs House, Collyer Quay
Caffe Fernet earns points for consistency—every visit reportedly delivers good food alongside Marina Bay Sands views. The catch? Set lunch is only available Thursdays and Fridays, so plan accordingly.
What to Order:
- Burrata with pistachio pesto
- Salmon crudo with truffle vinaigrette
- Indulgent cacio e pepe
- Crab aglio e olio with uni sauce (+$9)
- Fork-tender wagyu beef cheek tagliatelle (+$9)
- Dessert options: orange olive oil cake, tiramisu (+$3 with dark rum), or cherry blueberry crumble
The Experience: Two courses at $40++ or three at $46++. Cocktails from $18 are available if you’re inclined toward a longer, more relaxed lunch.
The Verdict: The limited availability (Thursday-Friday only) adds exclusivity, while the consistently good food and prime location justify return visits. The cacio e pepe and wagyu beef cheek tagliatelle earn special mention for execution.
The International Flavors
Burma Social: Modern Burmese with a Twist
Price: From $40++ | Locations: Tras Street and East Coast Road
Burma Social fills a niche in Singapore’s dining scene by offering Burmese cuisine with a modern, playful interpretation. The menu blends Southeast Asian comfort with dim sum classics and creative bao buns.
The Executive Lunch:
- Four or six courses from $40++
- Reports suggest four courses leave you happily full
Course Breakdown:
- Chef’s soup and salad (tea leaf salad or cold soba with yuzu-peanut butter sauce)
- Starters: tofu steak with Laotian herbs, BBQ pork ribs, or stir-fried garlic prawns
- Mains: Thai green curry with jasmine rice, Shan Khow Suey, or steamed sea bass with black bean sauce
- Option to add prawns or chicken
The Verdict: This represents excellent value for those wanting to explore Burmese flavors beyond the standard tea leaf salad. The fusion approach (yuzu-peanut butter sauce?) shows creativity, and the four-course format at $40++ offers substantial food. Ideal for introducing colleagues to something different.
HighHouse: Pan-Asian with Pacific Rim Flair
Price: From $48++ | Location: 1 Raffles Place
Known for its after-dark atmosphere, HighHouse transforms during daylight hours into a sophisticated lunch destination with sky-high views and vibrant Pan-Asian flavors.
The Format:
- Two courses at $48++ or four at $68++
- Mix of cold and hot starters
- Pacific Rim influences throughout
Signature Dishes:
- Dutch kingfish crudo with spiced ginger-sesame
- Grilled Indonesian squid with cowhorn pepper sauce and crispy fish skin
- Spanish octopus reginette pasta in lobster bisque (+$8)
- 12-hour slow-cooked sakura pork belly with coffee-balsamic glaze
- Massaman Thai curry (plant-based option)
- Matcha gateau with sencha sponge and grapefruit compote
- Coconut and cashew tart with barley tea ice cream
The Verdict: HighHouse demonstrates that Pan-Asian fusion can be sophisticated and well-executed. The range of flavors—from Indonesian to Spanish to Thai—shows ambition, while the altitude and views add drama. Best for adventurous eaters who appreciate bold flavor combinations.
The Western Classic
Bedrock Bar & Grill: West LA Vibes in Singapore
Price: From $42 | Location: Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard
Tucked away from Orchard’s bustle, Bedrock channels West LA steakhouse energy with woodfire-grilled meats and American classics done properly.
The Offering:
- Three-course set from $42
- Two-course option available with burgers, fish and chips, or rice bowls
Three-Course Highlights:
- Truffle mushroom soup or char-grilled baby gem salad with heirloom tomatoes
- Mains: rib-eye ($58), tenderloin ($68), barramundi ($42), or fall-off-the-bone lamb ribs rice bowl ($48)
- Dessert: rich burnt cheesecake or sticky pudding
The Verdict: For straightforward, well-executed Western food with quality meat, Bedrock delivers. The woodfire grilling adds character, and the tenderloin and lamb ribs receive particular praise. At $42 for three courses, it represents solid value, especially considering the Orchard location.
Making the Most of Singapore’s Set Lunch Scene
When to Go
Most restaurants serve lunch Monday through Friday, roughly 11:30am to 2:30pm or 3pm. Notable exceptions:
- Baia: Extends until 5pm daily—perfect for late lunchers
- Caffe Fernet: Thursday-Friday only
- Saint Pierre: Wednesday-Saturday
Reservation Strategy
Almost every restaurant on this list recommends reservations, with Saint Pierre, Sushisamba, and Sospiri requiring them strongly. Book at least a few days ahead for popular spots, especially Thursday and Friday when corporate lunch gatherings peak.
Value Analysis
Best Overall Value:
- Shinrai ($16.80+) – Quality sushi at unbeatable prices
- Baia ($38++) – Rooftop dining with extended hours
- Griglia ($38++) – Generous portions, full flavors
- Burma Social ($40++) – Unique cuisine, substantial portions
Best for Impressing:
- Saint Pierre ($198++) – Michelin-starred excellence
- Sushisamba ($48++) – Sky-high views and fusion flair
- Ammakase ($79++) – Unique neo-Indian omakase
Best for Groups:
- Griglia – Rustic atmosphere, shareable dishes
- Baia – Gourmet Set Lunch for four ($78)
- Burma Social – Interesting flavors for adventurous teams
Dietary Considerations
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Sospiri (violetta eggplant), HighHouse (Massaman curry), Baia (eggplant cutlet)
- Seafood-Focused: Sushisamba, Shinrai, Caffe Fernet
- No Beef/Pork: Ammakase (lamb, chicken, fish, vegetarian only)
Final Thoughts
Singapore’s set lunch scene proves that you don’t need to sacrifice quality for value. Whether you’re spending $16.80 at Shinrai or $198++ at Saint Pierre, these restaurants deliver experiences that justify taking a proper lunch break.
The diversity is remarkable: from Southern Italian to Burmese, Japanese to Pan-Asian fusion, Michelin-starred to casual izakaya. The common thread? Restaurants taking lunch seriously, offering carefully crafted menus rather than throwing together leftovers from the dinner menu.
Top Recommendations by Occasion:
Solo Lunch, Quick & Good: Shinrai Client Lunch, Need to Impress: Sushisamba or HighHouse
Celebration Lunch: Saint Pierre Team Lunch: Griglia or Baia Date Lunch: Caffe Fernet or Sospiri Try Something Different: Burma Social or Ammakase Late Lunch: Baia (until 5pm) Weekend Lunch: Bedrock Bar & Grill
The beauty of set lunch in Singapore lies not just in the savings compared to dinner prices, but in the atmosphere. Restaurants are less rushed, service is attentive, and there’s something civilized about taking time for a proper midday meal. In a city that never stops moving, these set lunch menus offer permission to pause, savor, and enjoy quality food in beautiful settings.
Your lunch break deserves better than another sad desk salad. These 11 restaurants prove it.