Forget the Merlion, the city parks, the cleanliness and the world-class retail locations, the main reason the rich and famous continually flock to Singapore is the city’s magnificent multitude of fine dining establishments. So here’s a list of 10 of the most luxurious and prestigious ones to be found in the fine city.
1. Waku Ghin
A regular on many compilations of Asia’s best restaurants, Waku Ghin is a plush 25-cover Japanese restaurant situated in the imposing Marina Bay Sands complex. The area is split into four private dining areas, each with varying luxurious styles, and each comes with a private chef who prepares a sumptuous degustation menu. For afters, guests are escorted into a separate dessert room, where the night will be rounded off with two sweet courses whilst overlooking the breathtaking Singapore skyline.
2. Les Amis
Another eatery often found on Asia’s Top Restaurant lists is Les Amis, which serves mainly contemporary French and European cuisine. Made up of 5 private rooms including a chef’s table with views into the kitchen, Les Amis is an ideal choice for a truly deluxe celebratory or business meal. With an impressive wine cellar worth over US$5million and renowned Austrian Chef, Armin Leitgeb, in charge of the kitchen, you’re guaranteed a memorable dining experience.
3. Iggy’s
Generally considered one of Singapore’s hidden gems, Iggy’s Restaurant, located in the Hilton Hotel on the famous Orchard Road, is a huge hit with the city’s high-fliers and those visiting as part of a luxury holiday or while on business. Named after well-respected restauranteur Ignacious Chan, Iggy’s food category is hard to precisely determine, but it is perhaps best described as a fusion of East-meets-West, as the dishes take inspiration from Asian, European and Australian cultures.
4. Jaan
Jaan Restaurant, found in The Stamford Swisstel, has already had a remarkable 2014. After picking up two distinguished gongs at the Awards of Excellence, followed by the further honour of receiving the Best Dinner Experience prize at the illustrious G Restaurant Awards, the French fine dining establishment then moved up 5 spots in this year’s list of Asia’s Best 50 Restaurants to 17th. Offering an artisanal menu, esteemed head chef Julien Royler continues to lead his team to culinary brilliance.
5. CUT by Wolfgang Puck
For unrivalled imported Wagyu steaks seemingly worth more per ounce than silver, be sure to make a visit to CUT Singapore in Marina Bay Sands. As Singapore’s best American steakhouse, prices are high and reservations essential, but you get what you pay for in any restaurant head by renowned chef Wolfgang Puck.
6. Catalunya
With its unique dome shape and unparalleled 360 degree views of Marina Bay, Catalunya serves delightful contemporary Spanish and Singaporean cuisine in a seriously classy ambience. Once you’ve finished marvelling at the culinary delights, you can enjoy the stunning waterfront views which are a sight to behold night or day.
7. Clifford
The arresting high-ceilings of the American-French Clifford Restaurant in the Fullerton Bay Hotel won’t fail to leave anyone knowing they’re in a seriously prestigious establishment. The stunning 10 metre high floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the sparkling waters of the bay won’t be enough to distract you from the food though, which has to be tried to be believed. In addition, Clifford’s impressive wine collection reaches more than 800 bottles, which are all stylishly showcased in a timber and glass wine library as you enter.
8. Shinji by Kanesaka
For the finest traditional Japanese Sushi and Sashimi Omakase to be found in Singapore, you’d do no better than Shinji by Kanesaka. The vibrant but intimate atmosphere is superior to any other Japanese eatery in the city, and even though dcor is clean and simple, Shinji by Kanesaka is one of the most exclusive restaurants in Singapore.
9. Sky on 57
Perched beautifully on top of the Marina Bay Sands Skypark, Sky on 57 offers unforgettable panoramic city views and serves superior Franco-Asian cuisine courtesy of acclaimed Singaporean celebrity chef Justin Quek. Quek’s take on traditional Asian and local cuisine mixed with refined and sophisticated European touches and techniques is sure to tantalise and excite all tastebuds.
10. Restaurant Andre
Easily missed by many passers-by for its pretty nondescript exterior, Restaurant Andre‘s lack of outward flair and flamboyance actually plays a large part in the exclusivity of this restaurant. Head Chef Andre Chiang has made an incredible impression on the Singaporean culinary scene since he opened his restaurant 4 years ago, and his team of highly skilled chefs produce memorable French cuisine to die for.
