Restaurant Reviews & Analysis
1. Tamarind Hill
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Tamarind Hill offers an enchanting escape from urban Singapore, perched atop Labrador Nature Reserve in a beautifully restored colonial building. The restaurant successfully marries traditional Thai and Shan cuisines with contemporary techniques, creating a dining experience that feels both authentic and refined.
Ambience The setting is nothing short of magical. Housed in a colonial-era structure surrounded by lush tropical greenery, the restaurant features rustic wooden interiors, soft ambient lighting, and an intimate atmosphere perfect for romantic dinners or special celebrations. The forested backdrop creates a sense of seclusion despite being in Singapore, with both indoor and outdoor seating options that overlook the verdant landscape.
Signature Dishes
- Red Curry with Pork: Rich, aromatic, and generously portioned
- Duck with Lychee Salad: A perfect balance of savory and sweet
- Deep Fried Tiger Prawns with Salted Egg Sauce: Crispy exterior with creamy, umami-rich coating
- Traditional Thai curries elevated with premium ingredients
Dish Analysis The kitchen demonstrates mastery in balancing the five fundamental Thai flavors: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy. Portion sizes are notably generous for fine dining, making the higher price point justified. The use of fresh herbs and house-made curry pastes is evident in every bite.
Menu Structure
- Appetizers: $14 – $28
- Mains: $22 – $58
- Desserts: $14 – $24
- Sunday Brunch: $60++ (unlimited ordering from set menu)
- TGIF Set Lunch: $48++ (includes Chang Beer or house wine)
Specialty Features
- Sunday brunch with unlimited ordering
- Colonial architecture and forest setting
- Authentic Thai flavors with luxury ingredients
- Ideal for group dining and sharing
Essential Information
- Location: 30 Labrador Villa Rd
- Best for: Romantic dinners, special occasions, group dining
- Dress code: Smart casual
- Reservations: Highly recommended, especially for Sunday brunch
2. Xin Divine
Overall Rating: 4.3/5
A bold experiment in culinary fusion, Xin Divine reimagines Chinese cuisine through a European lens, creating dishes that challenge expectations while honoring traditional techniques.
Ambience Chic and contemporary with minimalist Chinese design elements. The space feels modern and sophisticated, with clean lines, elegant table settings, and subdued lighting that creates an upscale yet approachable atmosphere. Perfect for business dinners or date nights.
Signature Dishes Analysis
Szechuan-Style Tortellini ($16 for 3 pieces) This dish exemplifies the restaurant’s fusion philosophy. Kurobuta pork is encased in handmade pasta skins, swimming in a complex broth of Sichuan chili and Zhejiang vinegar, then topped with an innovative chili oil foam. The result is a dish that speaks both Italian and Chinese fluently, with the foam adding textural intrigue and tempering the heat.
Poulet De Bresse ($35) A roulade of French chicken thigh marinated in nu er hong (a traditional Chinese rice wine) and stuffed with foie gras. The crispy skin contrasts beautifully with the rich, buttery liver, while the wine marinade adds depth and a subtle sweetness.
Dish Traits
- Technically sophisticated preparation
- Unexpected flavor combinations
- Premium ingredients (Kurobuta pork, foie gras)
- Artistic plating with attention to detail
- Portions lean toward moderate rather than generous
Menu Options
- À la carte dining
- 4-course lunch set: $48++ (appetizer/soup, main, staple, dessert)
Specialty The fusion of Chinese and European techniques creates truly unique dishes unavailable elsewhere in Singapore. Each dish tells a story of culinary innovation.
Essentials
- Location: 10 Duxton Hill
- Closed: Sundays
- Best for: Adventurous eaters, foodies seeking novelty
- Parking: Limited street parking; public transport recommended
3. Cheek By Jowl
Overall Rating: 4.7/5 (One Michelin Star)
Helmed by the talented husband-wife duo Rishi Naleendra and Manuela Toniolo, this one-Michelin-starred establishment delivers modern Australian cuisine with artistic flair and intense flavors.
Ambience Intimate and refined with an industrial-chic aesthetic. Exposed brick walls, warm lighting, and an open kitchen create a welcoming yet sophisticated environment. The compact space ensures personalized service and a sense of exclusivity.
Signature Dish Analysis
Zucchini Flower A visual masterpiece featuring bright green and orange hues. The delicate flower is stuffed with Sri Lankan mung beans and paired with millet, creating a dish that’s both beautiful and surprisingly hearty. The combination speaks to Chef Rishi’s Sri Lankan heritage while embracing seasonal Australian produce.
Dining Experience Traits
- Ever-evolving seasonal menu
- Artful, Instagram-worthy presentations
- Bold, innovative flavor pairings
- Small portions with intense flavors
- Impeccable attention to detail
Menu
- 5-course omakase dinner: $88++
- Frequently changing à la carte options
- Wine pairing available
Facets The restaurant excels in creating unexpected combinations that work harmoniously. Each dish showcases multiple textures and temperatures, engaging all the senses. The kitchen’s willingness to experiment with indigenous Australian ingredients alongside international flavors sets it apart.
Features
- Michelin-starred quality at accessible prices
- Husband-wife team brings dual perspectives
- Open kitchen allows guests to watch the artistry
- Intimate setting (limited seating)
Essentials
- Location: 10 Boon Tat Street
- Closed: Sundays
- Best for: Special celebrations, food enthusiasts
- Reservations: Essential (book weeks in advance)
4. Labyrinth
Overall Rating: 4.6/5 (One Michelin Star)
Chef Han Li Guang’s love letter to Singapore, Labyrinth elevates local flavors to fine dining heights while maintaining authentic connections to heritage recipes.
Ambience Contemporary with subtle Singaporean touches. The dining room balances modern sophistication with warmth, featuring clean design that doesn’t distract from the food. The atmosphere respects the heritage of the cuisine while presenting it in a thoroughly modern context.
Signature Dish Analysis
Toh Thye San Farm French Poulet This dish demonstrates Chef Han’s philosophy perfectly. A chicken thigh is slow-roasted for five hours until impossibly tender, then served with keropok (prawn cracker) crumbles for texture, glutinous rice for substance, and soy-egg yolk sauce for richness. It’s haute cuisine that tastes like home.
Chargrilled Pork Collar Served with mixed grains, pickled local bok choy, and fried kale, this dish showcases premium local pork with vegetables sourced from Singapore farms. The char adds smokiness while the pickles provide acidity to cut through the richness.
Dish Features
- Grandmother-inspired recipes reimagined
- Local produce highlighted
- Familiar flavors in unexpected forms
- Technically sophisticated preparations
- Storytelling through food
Menu
- Lunch menu: $68++ (best value option)
- Dinner tasting menus available
- Seasonal variations based on local availability
Specialty The only Michelin-starred restaurant in Singapore dedicated entirely to elevating local cuisine. Each dish connects diners to Singapore’s culinary heritage while pushing boundaries.
Traits
- Deeply personal cuisine
- Educational dining experience
- Support for local farmers and producers
- Nostalgic yet innovative
Essentials
- Location: 02-23 Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, 8 Raffles Ave
- Closed: Mondays
- Best for: Singaporeans seeking elevated local cuisine, tourists wanting authentic experience
- Dress code: Smart casual
5. Empress
Overall Rating: 4.4/5
A modern Chinese restaurant that combines authentic Cantonese flavors with a stunning waterfront location at the Asian Civilisations Museum.
Ambience Elegant and refined with a contemporary Oriental aesthetic. The restaurant offers both indoor dining with sophisticated décor and alfresco seating overlooking the Singapore River. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide natural light during lunch service, while evening dining offers romantic views of the illuminated waterfront.
Signature Menu Analysis
Signature Empress Menu ($65++ per person) This five-course sharing menu is designed for communal dining, reflecting traditional Chinese dining culture. It includes:
- Two appetizers (shared)
- Soup
- Triple Roast Platter (signature dish featuring three types of roasted meats)
- Main course
- Choice of rice or noodles
- Dessert
The Triple Roast Platter is a standout, showcasing the kitchen’s mastery of Cantonese roasting techniques with perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat.
Dining Features
- Waterfront location with museum views
- Indoor and alfresco options
- Romantic packages available
- Traditional yet contemporary presentations
Menu Options
- Signature Empress menu: $65++ per person
- Extraordinary Empress Evenings: $88++ (includes bellini, pre-dinner bites, 4-course dinner)
- À la carte options
- Optional floral arrangements ($40 for 6 roses)
Specialty Traits
- Museum setting adds cultural dimension
- Authentic Cantonese techniques
- Romantic dining packages
- Waterfront ambience
Essentials
- Location: #01-03 Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place
- Best for: Romantic dinners, business meals, celebrating special occasions
- Parking: Available at museum or nearby lots
- Dress code: Smart casual to business casual
6. 1919 Waterboat House
Overall Rating: 4.2/5
A charming European restaurant housed in a colonial heritage building, offering exceptional value with riverside views and old-world elegance.
Ambience Step back in time to colonial Singapore. The Art Deco chandelier, vintage Edison bulbs, and colonial architecture create a nostalgic atmosphere. The riverside location provides stunning views, while the heritage building adds character and romance. The warm lighting and period décor evoke a bygone era of elegance.
Signature Dish Analysis
Bar de Ligne (Sea Bass) Pan-roasted sea bass with dashi mushroom essence, potato mousseline, and enoki crisp. This dish demonstrates the kitchen’s French technique with Japanese influences, creating umami-rich flavors with elegant presentation.
Beef Bourguignon A French classic reimagined with braised short ribs, wasabi kale, and patatas bravas. The long-braised meat is fork-tender, while the wasabi kale adds an Asian twist to this traditional dish.
Cassis Noir Dessert Rich dark chocolate mousse paired with cassis sorbet and mixed berries. The combination of dark chocolate and blackcurrant creates a sophisticated, not-too-sweet ending.
Menu Structure & Value
- 2-course set: $28
- 3-course set: $35
- Exceptional value for heritage location and quality
Dish Characteristics
- French-inspired with subtle Asian influences
- Seasonal fresh ingredients
- Classical techniques
- Generous portions
- Refined plating
Specialty Unbeatable value proposition for the setting, quality, and location. Perfect for those seeking European fine dining without the typical price tag.
Features
- Colonial heritage building
- Riverside views
- Old-world charm
- Affordable luxury
- Romantic lighting
Essentials
- Location: #03-01, 3 Fullerton Road, The Waterboathouse
- Best for: Romantic dates, budget-conscious fine diners
- Reservations: Recommended for riverside seating
- Dress code: Smart casual
7. Osia Steak and Seafood Grill
Overall Rating: 4.6/5 (One Michelin Star)
An Australian grill restaurant at Resorts World Sentosa that earned its Michelin star through creative dishes, impeccable ingredients, and skillful execution.
Ambience Modern and inviting with an open kitchen that adds theater to the dining experience. Natural light floods the space during lunch service, while the open design creates a friendly, approachable atmosphere despite the Michelin status. The contemporary décor is sophisticated without being stuffy.
Signature Dish Analysis
Spiced Lamb Rump Served with garam masala dhal and cucumber apple mint yogurt, this dish showcases the grill’s ability to blend cuisines. The Indian spices complement the lamb perfectly, while the yogurt provides cooling contrast and the dhal adds earthy depth.
Braised Beef Cheek Accompanied by potato rocket purée, parmesan cream, and wild rice. The slow-braised beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the wild rice adds nutty texture and the parmesan cream provides richness.
Hot Chocolate Soup Dessert An intriguing finale featuring black pepper ice cream and sesame crisp. The unexpected spiciness of black pepper elevates the chocolate, while sesame adds Asian flair.
Stone Hearth Oven Flatbread (+$14) Freshly baked with perfect char, served with butter and macadamia ricotta spread. This addition is highly recommended for bread lovers.
Menu
- 2-course lunch: $39
- 3-course lunch: $49
- Dinner tasting menus (higher prices)
- Extensive wine list
Dish Traits
- Grill-focused with charred flavors
- Creative fusion elements
- Premium Australian ingredients
- Carefully balanced flavors
- Artistic plating
Features
- Open kitchen provides entertainment
- Michelin-starred yet accessible
- Natural light during lunch
- Family-friendly despite fine dining status
- Located in resort setting
Specialty The stone hearth oven produces exceptional breads and creates unique flavors through wood-fire cooking.
Essentials
- Location: #02-140 and 141, Resorts World Sentosa, Festive Walk, 26 Sentosa Gateway
- Best for: Meat lovers, lunch deals, family celebrations
- Parking: Resort parking available
- Dress code: Resort casual to smart casual
8. Skai
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
A sky-high dining destination on the 70th floor of Swissôtel The Stamford, where breathtaking views complement Japanese-influenced cuisine.
Ambience Spectacular is the only word to describe the setting. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide panoramic cityscape views from one of Singapore’s highest restaurants. The contemporary design is elegant and refined, with sophisticated lighting that doesn’t compete with the natural views. Perfect for impressing dates or celebrating milestones.
Signature Dish Analysis
Smoked Duck with Pear, Pickled Girolle, and Choya The Japanese plum wine (Choya) adds a subtle sweetness that complements the rich duck, while the pickled mushrooms provide acidity and the pear offers fresh contrast. The smoking technique adds depth without overwhelming.
Baby Bass with Seafood Bisque, Fennel and Miso A masterclass in balancing delicate fish with robust flavors. The miso adds umami depth to the French-style bisque, while fennel provides aromatic notes that tie everything together.
Dining Traits
- Portions lean toward smaller (3-course recommended)
- Japanese flavor influences throughout
- Excellent sourdough with mushroom butter
- Refined presentations
- Premium ingredients
Menu Structure
- Festive Set Lunch 2-course: $49++
- Festive Set Lunch 3-course: $59++
- Dinner sets: from $128++
- À la carte options
Features
- 70th-floor location with city views
- Japanese-influenced European cuisine
- Romantic atmosphere
- Impressive sourdough bread service
- Ideal for special occasions
Specialty The views are unmatched, making this a destination for celebrations and romantic proposals.
Essentials
- Location: Level 70, Swissôtel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Road
- Best for: Romantic dinners, proposals, impressing clients
- Reservations: Essential, request window seating
- Dress code: Smart casual to business formal
- Note: Smaller portions; 3-course recommended
9. Bam! Tapas Sake Bar
Overall Rating: 4.4/5
A unique Mediterranean-Asian fusion concept focusing on Spanish tapas with Japanese techniques, delivered through an omakase-style experience.
Ambience Industrial chic meets sophisticated dining. Exposed elements, clean lines, and modern furnishings create an urban yet refined atmosphere. The open kitchen allows diners to watch the culinary creativity unfold, adding an interactive element to the meal.
Signature Dish Concepts
Omakase Format The chef-decides menu means every visit is unique, with only the freshest available ingredients making it to your plate. This approach ensures peak quality and seasonal relevance.
Nori and Sakura Ebi Rice Crackers ($6) The most affordable entry point, showcasing how Japanese ingredients can create addictive snacks with deep umami flavors.
Beef Short Ribs ($32) The premium end of the tapas menu, likely featuring Spanish or Japanese cooking techniques applied to high-quality beef.
Menu Structure
- Set lunch: $40 (2 starters, main of Yellow Belly Flounder or Iberico Pork Jowl, dessert)
- Omakase set: from $98++ (4 courses)
- With sake pairing: +$58
- Tapas à la carte: $6-$32
Dining Features
- Daily changing menu based on ingredient availability
- Spanish-Japanese fusion techniques
- Omakase-style chef’s selection
- Tapas sharing format
- Sake specialization
Traits
- Unpredictable menu keeps it exciting
- Emphasis on freshness
- Technical sophistication
- Smaller plates for variety
- Sake expertise
Specialty The full omakase experience represents a unique approach to tapas dining, where Spanish concepts meet Japanese precision and seasonal philosophy.
Essentials
- Location: 38 Tras Street
- Best for: Adventurous diners, sake lovers, group sharing
- No two visits are the same
- Reservations: Recommended
- Dress code: Casual to smart casual
Recipe Inspiration: Home Cooking Edition
While we can’t replicate the exact techniques of these restaurants, here are simplified versions inspired by signature dishes:
Tamarind Hill-Inspired Thai Red Curry
Ingredients:
- 500g pork shoulder, cubed
- 3 tbsp Thai red curry paste
- 400ml coconut milk
- 200ml chicken stock
- 2 kaffir lime leaves
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp palm sugar
- Thai basil leaves
- Red chilies, sliced
Instructions:
- Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pot, fry curry paste for 2 minutes until fragrant
- Add pork, cook until lightly browned
- Pour in coconut milk and stock, add lime leaves
- Simmer 45 minutes until pork is tender
- Season with fish sauce and palm sugar
- Garnish with basil and chilies
- Serve with jasmine rice
Labyrinth-Inspired Soy-Glazed Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 4 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Ginger, sliced
- Keropok (prawn crackers), crushed
Instructions:
- Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger
- Marinate chicken for 2 hours
- Roast at 180°C for 35-40 minutes, basting occasionally
- Let rest 5 minutes, slice
- Serve over glutinous rice, sprinkle with crushed keropok
Xin Divine-Inspired Fusion Dumplings
Ingredients:
- 300g ground pork
- Wonton wrappers
- 2 tbsp Sichuan chili oil
- 2 tbsp black vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Spring onions
- Sichuan peppercorns
Instructions:
- Season pork with salt, white pepper, sesame oil
- Fill wonton wrappers, fold into dumplings
- Boil 4-5 minutes until cooked
- Mix chili oil, vinegar, crushed Sichuan peppercorns
- Toss dumplings in sauce, garnish with spring onions
Delivery & Takeaway Options
Current Status (as of December 2025):
Most fine dining establishments have adapted to include delivery options:
Available for Delivery:
- Tamarind Hill: Selected items via GrabFood and Deliveroo
- Empress: Sharing sets available for takeaway
- 1919 Waterboat House: Meal sets via own delivery system
- Bam!: Tapas boxes available
Dine-In Only:
- Cheek By Jowl: Omakase experience best enjoyed in restaurant
- Labyrinth: Tasting menus not available for takeaway
- Skai: Focus on in-restaurant experience
- Osia: Limited takeaway options at resort
Delivery Platforms:
- GrabFood
- Deliveroo
- Foodpanda
- Direct restaurant websites
Note: Delivery availability changes frequently. Check restaurant websites or call ahead.
Essential Dining Tips
Booking Strategy:
- Reserve 2-4 weeks ahead for Michelin-starred venues
- Lunch sets offer 40-50% savings vs dinner
- Sunday brunches provide best value (Tamarind Hill)
Maximizing Value:
- Order set menus for best pricing
- Share appetizers and mains (Chinese/Thai restaurants)
- Visit during lunch for identical quality at lower prices
- Take advantage of special promotions
Dress Code General Guidelines:
- Smart casual minimum
- Avoid shorts, flip-flops, tank tops
- Business casual for hotel restaurants
Special Occasions:
- Request window/view seating when booking
- Inform restaurant of celebrations for special touches
- Consider wine pairing for elevated experience
Group Dining:
- Tamarind Hill, Empress ideal for sharing
- Bam! perfect for tapas-style variety
- Minimum 4 people for optimal tasting experience
This guide represents Singapore’s accessible fine dining scene, where quality, creativity, and value converge to create memorable culinary experiences without the typical fine dining price tags.