The Best Casual Restaurants in Singapore

Keng Eng Kee Seafood is a family-run restaurant that has been around since the 1970s, starting out from a humble hawker stall in Old Havelock Road. It’s known for its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and traditional zi char cooking that appeals to both locals and visitors. The friendly setting makes it an inviting spot to experience genuine Singaporean flavors.

Recommended by

Tristin Farmer

Chef

The best hawker food in town (no more needs said) Paul and his team have incredible hospitality, delicious food and a must visit for supper!

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J.B. Ah Meng Restaurant is known for its simple yet flavor-packed wok cooking in Singapore. Locals and visitors alike appreciate its bustling atmosphere, so it can be busy at peak times. If you’re seeking an unpretentious spot that highlights skillful cooking, this restaurant offers a welcoming experience.

Recommended by

Victor Liong

Chef

A must on the way from or to the airport when in SG Simple, elegant and flavourful wok cookery from one of the city’s best cooks - outstanding seafood and wok cookery - JB Ah Meng slaps!

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Revolver is a new Indian grill in Singapore that focuses on wood-fired cooking and Indian flavors. By taking a thoughtful, less-is-more approach, it brings out subtle nuances without feeling heavy or overdone. Diners can sit at the counter to watch the chefs at work, making for a fun and welcoming setting to catch up with friends.

Recommended by

Michael Ryan

Chef/restaurateur

Woodfired cooking with Indian flavours There are plenty of restaurants around the world, and in particular in Singapore, with a similar format-counter seating in front of a wood fired kitchen. But what sets Revolver apart is it's food. The vast and complex cuisine of India is used creatively and with a careful 'less is more' approach to produce that often sought after, but rarely acheived, goal of simple food with profound depth and nuance.

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Wine RVLT in Singapore is a laid-back wine bar known for its fun atmosphere and natural-leaning wine list. Whether you land there on a calm night or walk into a lively gathering, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. They also serve creative, satisfying food that adds to the easy-going vibe.

Recommended by

Dave Pynt

Chef

A casual and fun wine bar with a great vibe and good food. Wine RVLT is a bar that is absolutely fantastic and quite casual and fun. The place is run by Singaporeans but the place and the wines are sort of French. Wine RVLT is one of those classic wine bars where you go to have a great time, and they also serve some very good food.

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Kai Garden (Marina Square) is a Cantonese fine dining restaurant owned by award-winning Chef Fung Chi Keung. Set in an elegant and comfortable space that can seat up to 200 guests, it offers creative takes on traditional Cantonese cuisine while staying true to its heritage. The inviting atmosphere makes it a nice spot for anything from business lunches to special events.

Recommended by

Liguang Han

Chef

Another gem of a dim sum/chinese restaurant! The peking duck is highly recommended but the char siew puff is simply the best in Singapore. Double boiled cartilage soup is also amazingly thick and flavourful and the signature beetroot dumpling is also a must order!

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Le Bistrot du Sommelier is a laid-back spot in Singapore that offers a straightforward approach to dining. It has provided takeaway and delivery services for those who prefer to eat at home, making it a convenient choice in the city.

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Will Goldfarb

Chef/owner Room4Dessert

Sometimes you just need chicken with 40 cloves of garlic and a juicy Brouilly in South East Asia. Ecco, poulet. Takeaway and delivery during Covid-19!

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Lolla is a modern Mediterranean restaurant set in a conservation shophouse on Ann Siang Road, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Led by Chef Johanne Siy, who was named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2023, it has also been recognized by the Michelin Guide and Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. The open kitchen and communal table create a friendly, down-to-earth setting for diners to enjoy.

Recommended by

Jon Cheng

Restaurant Critic

Underrated gem of a star restaurant in Singapore. That isn’t to say that her simpler dishes don’t deliver the same thrill. They do, especially when that lipstick-red Carabinero prawn she serves is as big as a lobster and filled with meat so sweet that it had me ravenous for more. I will return.

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Mr & Mrs Mohgan Super Crispy Roti Prata is a small, bustling spot in Singapore that's often buzzing with customers. Tucked away in a hall, it’s a bit out of the way but many say it’s well worth the visit, especially if you’re looking for a relaxed stop after a long journey.

Recommended by

Colin Wood

Chef

Super crispy roti prata. Very busy little shop inside a hall with the most delicious, butterycrispy prata. Choose from three curries: fish, mutton, or dahl, add chilli samba and order a kopi from Tin Yeang Restaurant. It’s a little way out but well worth the trip and soothing for those with jet lag.

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New Ubin Seafood CHIJMES grew from a small seafood joint on Pulau Ubin to a popular spot known for its mix of traditional home-style cooking and modern ideas. The dining atmosphere is casual and vibrant, making it a comfortable place to enjoy bold flavors influenced by Singapore’s rich food heritage. It’s a friendly option if you’re looking for a hearty meal with a local twist.

Recommended by

Daniel Modlin

Food & Wine Editor

One of the only non-hawker center restaurants worth a visit. You could easily eat all of your meals in SG in hawker centers. And you should. But if you go to one restaurant, let this be it. Its a family affair, with SG classics: Get the hor fun and the chili crab and you won’t leave dissapointed.

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Samy’s Curry Restaurant is a family-run spot that started in the 1960s and is recognized as one of the best Indian restaurants in Singapore. Located in the Dempsey Hills area, it offers a relaxed setting that appeals to both locals and visitors. Its long history and convenient location make it a comfortable place to enjoy a casual meal.

Recommended by

Dave Pynt

Chef

The fish head curry at Samy's is one of those incredible things you get to eat in life. The fish head curry at Samy’s Curry on Dempsey Road really exemplifies the Singaporean cuisine, where the locals eat the parts of the animal that are just delicious. The curry comes out in a banana leaf and is absolutely insane. The head has so many different components, like the back of the head, the cheek, where the jawline comes in and the eyeballs if you’re in to it. The fish head with a huge flavour bomb curry sauce is one of those incredible things you get to eat in life.

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Tambi Restaurant in Singapore serves Indian and South Korean street food by Mano Thevar and Sun Kim, featuring bold flavors and clever cooking. The a la carte, casual setting makes it easy to enjoy its spicing and fresh ideas.

Recommended by

Tristin Farmer

Chef

Indian & South Korean street food by Mano Thevar & Sun Kim. Incredible flavor profiles, spicing and clever cooking. A’la carte, fun & casual

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Tien Court Restaurant at Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore has offered authentic Teochew cuisine since 1989. Led by an experienced chef from Hong Kong, the dining room’s warm atmosphere and private rooms make it a welcoming place for both business gatherings and casual get-togethers. The menu balances tradition and modern touches without feeling fussy, giving diners an easygoing yet refined experience.

Recommended by

Victor Liong

Chef

Charming dining room delivers solid dim sum lunch fare and Chaozhou cuisine in a retro hotel dining hall Go for lunch, pre order the drunken chicken and oyster omelette (a must have)- order all of the dim sum and the sea cucumber is one of the best

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Two Men Bagel House Novena in Singapore offers a laid-back spot for coffee and bagels. Customers note that everything on the menu has been consistently enjoyable, with no disappointing choices. It’s a relaxed place to grab a quick bite or meet up with friends.

Recommended by

Bjorn Shen

Chef

Best sandwiches in Singapore hands down. These guys are making me broke. I’ve gone thru every sandwich on their menu and there are no duds at all. Everything is on fire.

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Violet Oon at ION Orchard offers a comfortable space where you can discover Singapore’s Peranakan heritage. It features an all-day dining menu and a retail area that bring together a taste of local history and culture. The setting is warm and relaxed, making it a friendly spot to enjoy classic flavors in the heart of the city.

Recommended by

Mimi Lan

Chef/ Consultant/ Foodie

Classic refined Peranakan cooking Located in the historic City Hall building which houses the National Gallery, National Kitchen by chef Violet Oon let me taste Perenakan food for the first time. Perenakan, or Nyonya cuisine, is a cuisine of the rich and diverse history of the Asian continent (influences by countries such as China, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, etc.) We started with Kuay Pie Tee, a must, cute little pastry cups with delicious stuffing topped with shrimp. The grilled chicken satay was delicious on its own, but even better when dipped into the sweet & savory peanut sauce. The Beef Rendang was my guest’s favourite dish of the night and the expression on his face certainly made that evident. It really is one of the best dishes in this part of the world and for good reason. The beef rendang was so tender, in a yummy sauce flavoured with kaffir and bay leaves. But the most special dish we ate was something we will never forget: Buah Keluak Ayam, a classic Peranakan dish that was a bit adventurous bc it’s cooked with the pungent buah keluak nut that could be poisonous if not handled correctly. Being an adventurous eater, the story made me more excited to try the dish, and it was delicious, especially eaten with white rice. And enjoyed everything that our friend, a local, ordered for us. Chef Oon is a local celebrity chef, known for her exceptional Perenakan cooking.

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Madras New Woodlands Restaurant in Singapore is known for its spicy, affordable fare that appeals to those who enjoy bold flavors. The casual setting makes it an easy place to drop by for a tasty meal. Its lively atmosphere and budget-friendly menu have made it a local favorite for anyone seeking hearty, satisfying food.

Recommended by

Ivan Brehm

Chef

Great chaats, awesome appams. Food is spicy, affordable and very delicious. Special mention to all their dosas. Not for the faint of heart! Appams only served in the evening.

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YANG MING SEAFOOD Bishan Branch is a casual tze char spot known for its seafood and laid-back setting. You can bring your own drinks and enjoy a meal with a group, and the fair prices make it an easy choice.

Recommended by

Ethel Hoon

Chef

Tze char restaurant with great seafood Great chinese seafood dishes, super casual atmosphere, BYOB, fair prices. Definitely recommend eating in a larger group. Burnt vermicelli (chao ta beehoon), steamed turbot with soy, lobster rice noodles (lobster cheong fan), and the chicken stuffed in a pigs bladder soup are some of my favorite dishes!

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Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice is a well-loved spot in Singapore’s Maxwell Food Center. Locals and visitors alike mention it as a favorite for its satisfying, straightforward meals. Its welcoming setting makes it a go-to place whenever you’re in the area.

Recommended by

Julien Royer

Chef-owner

My favorite place to eat to eat chicken rice is called Tian Tian, which is at Maxwell Food Center. It’s one of my favorites in Singapore.

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Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle at Crawford Lane has been around since 1932, operating from its single outlet. It was awarded a Michelin star when the guide first came to Singapore, and continues to draw people looking for its freshly made fare. It’s a simple, friendly spot where you can enjoy a piece of local culinary history.

Recommended by

Julien Royer

Chef-owner

It’s a small local restaurant, where they are cooking prawn-pork noodles. These pork noodles are one of the best pork noodles in the world, and when the first Michelin Guide came to Singapore, they awarded this place one star.

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Symmetry is an all-day dining restaurant and bar in Singapore that brings together a relaxed Australian feel with fresh, contemporary flavors. Its laid-back setting is welcoming for everything from casual meetups to special gatherings. Come by for a comfortable, friendly atmosphere that suits different occasions throughout the day.

Recommended by

Nicolas Navas

Chef And Food Hunter

"Perfect spot for a delicious brunch/lunch" When in Singapore, visit this cozy Australian inspired restaurant Symmetry. Sit outside on the terrace and enjoy a nice glass of wine together with tasty dishes going from signature eggs benedict to my favorite: shakshuka with lamb sausage.

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Da Shi Jia Big Prawn Mee is a cozy spot on Killiney Road, just a short walk from Singapore’s Orchard Road. Run by a hardworking young couple, it’s known for its comforting local fare that blends fresh ingredients with a rich, smoky touch from the wok. Locals often bring friends here for a satisfying taste of Singapore in a relaxed setting.

Recommended by

Johanne Siy

Chef

I am bottomless when it comes to noodles and I love prawn noodles. Da Shi Jia is the place that I love to go to, on Killiney Road just off Orchard Road, which is the main shopping district. Da Shi Jia is a place that serves big prawn noodles and they call it Prawn Mee. It's a slightly different take on it because they serve it in a giant bowl with Bee Hoon, which is a type of rice noodle with big, giant pieces of prawn. What really makes it actually is the sauce and the broth that they use to cook the noodles. It's a mixture of prawn heads and pork stock and they cook it on the wok so it has that rich umami smacking goodness from the broth and at the same time that smokiness from the wok. I always bring all my friends who visit to this place. It’s run by a young Singaporean couple who is the hardest working young couple I've ever seen. I always recommend this place.

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Mustard Seed offers a cozy, counter-style dining experience combining Singaporean flavors with Japanese-inspired techniques. Run by Chef Ming Kiat and his team, it’s known for a menu that evolves every couple of months and reflects a range of local influences. Though seating is limited, the welcoming ambiance and thoughtful approach make it worth planning ahead.

Recommended by

Johanne Siy

Chef

When it comes to a little bit more upscale fine dining, not quite your normal white table cloth fine dining kind of place, there is restaurant Mustard Seed. It’s run by Gan Ming Kiat and some really talented young chefs. They've gone to different places around the world to train and bringing it back to this restaurant. It's a Singaporean restaurant, but the format itself is very much inspired by a Japanese style, technique and approach. It’s a very intimate, counter style, and very difficult to book because they only release the seats every two months. I think it's very worth the wait because you’ll experience the young chefs’ take on Singaporean cuisine. It varies in terms of the influence that they bring out in the menu. Sometimes it leans a bit more heavily towards the Peranakan aspect, sometimes a bit more towards Teochew or the Indian aspect. You never know what you're gonna get. It's very interesting

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JUMBO Seafood – East Coast is known in Singapore for its reliably well-prepared seafood and relaxed dining atmosphere. With multiple branches across the city, it draws visitors looking for a comfortable place to gather with friends or family. Its East Coast location offers a welcoming setting for a laid-back meal or a casual celebration.

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Julien Royer

Chef-owner

For chili crab or black pepper crab I will go to Jumbo Seafood. They have six branches in Singapore. They are always cooking the crab very well.

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The Beef House in Singapore is known for its traditional flair and simple, welcoming vibe. Locals often arrive early to beat the queue, so plan ahead. It’s a relaxed place to enjoy a comforting meal without any fuss.

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Nicola Lee

Food & Wine Writer

Head here for old fashioned Hakka Yong Tau Fu. Beef balls and Soon Kueh are also stomach worthy. Expect a queue so come early. 217 Syed Alwi Road Singapore 207776

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Huevos @ River Valley is a welcoming spot in Singapore known for its casual Mexican fare and laid-back vibe. Many appreciate its fresh take on familiar flavors, making it a go-to choice for a satisfying meal. It’s part of a newer development in the area, offering a friendly place to gather with friends or family.

Recommended by

Julien Royer

Chef-owner

Huevos is a nice taco place, and until recently we didn’t have any decent tacos or Mexican cuisine in Singapore. At Huevos they do some really nice quesadillas and tacos. It’s located in the new development called New Bahru.

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Long Ji Zi Char in Singapore offers comforting local fare that many people find satisfying. Their website makes it simple to order for pickup or delivery, and the menu caters to a range of tastes. It’s a straightforward place to enjoy a hearty meal without any fuss.

Recommended by

Johanne Siy

Chef

When I want my comfort food rice noodles, I go to Long Ji. They serve crab with bee hoon, and when it arrives at the table you see this big pile of rice noodles and a crab sitting on top of it. It smells a little bit funky because I think they add prawn paste to the broth. So initially you might ask what kind of dish this is but then you dig in and there's so much umami in that sauce and you just won't be able to stop eating it.

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