The Best Spots for Lunch 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.

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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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Candlenut in Singapore is known for its distinctive and memorable flavors, impressing even well-traveled food lovers. The relaxed setting and creative approach to cooking make it a standout spot for anyone looking for a refreshing dining experience.

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Mimi Lan

Chef/ Consultant/ Foodie

Amazing flavors, should get two Michelin As a chef who travels for food, I’ve eaten some of the best foods all over the world. After a while, my taste bud gets harder & harder to please. Lately I’ve been disappointed at michelin starred places, felt like same old, nothing new. Sorry if I sound jaded, but it’s true. This Candlenut surprised me by waking uo my taste buds. Everything was delicious even if i don’t remember what I ate. But one particular dish stood out in my mind, and made me scratch my head trying to guess what seasoning or flavors they used to make it so out of this were delicious, but so different that I can’t put my finger on why it was so delicious. I can’t even remember what the dish was called, but if you go there, please just order the dish by pointing to the last picture I’m posting here, some kind of veggie dish that was unforgettable. I could eat it every day. It was that good. I would come back to Singapore just to eat this dish.

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Odette is a fine dining restaurant in Singapore that brings together French techniques and gentle Asian influences under Chef Julien Royer’s guidance. Despite its elegant setting, the team’s genuine hospitality makes it feel like you’re visiting old friends. Through careful attention to ingredients and service, it offers a refined yet welcoming experience.

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Peter Goossens

Chef at Hof van Cleve

An amazing experience in Singapore by chef Julien Royer. Restaurant Odette in Singapore by chef Julien Royer is a real discovery. Julien serves dishes that reach unbelievable heights. An amazing experience in a very nice atmosphere.

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Hashida Sushi Singapore has earned a loyal following for its consistent quality and attention to detail. Customers praise the fresh flavors, top-notch ingredients, and welcoming service that make every visit memorable. It’s a trusted spot in Singapore for those seeking a refined sushi dining experience without the fuss.

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Tristin Farmer

Chef

Omakaze menu to rival any in Singapore, the menu is intelligent, full of depth of flavour and umami driven. Hatch is the ultimate host and outstanding chef

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Nouri in Singapore is a Michelin-starred restaurant that explores how different food traditions connect through what it calls “crossroads cooking.” Led by chef Ivan Brehm, its welcoming open kitchen sets a lively tone and reveals how global cuisines share more similarities than you might expect. It’s a thoughtful space focused on bringing people together through a shared appreciation for flavor and culture.

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Darren Teoh

Chef

A very fascinating restaurant in Singapore. The cuisine is extremely intellectual. Chef Ivan Brehm calls it ‘crossroads cooking’ and it’s basically the intersections of how cultures across the world have more similarities than they have differences. His cuisine is based on that and I find that quite fascinating.

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Zén in Singapore offers an interactive dining experience that blends Scandinavian, French, and Japanese influences in a relaxed setting. Guests can expect seasonal menus that highlight carefully selected ingredients, served with calm yet attentive hospitality. The restaurant welcomes a comfortable atmosphere without a strict dress code, making it an inviting choice for a thoughtful meal.

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Jaclyn Kong

Chef

Definitely a highlight of my trip Home. A very interactive ***restaurant, delivering amazing flavours with its Nordic precision, French flair and Japanese aesthetics. There is no dress code requirements as it was meant for the guests to feel comfortable and at home. A large box of ingredients featuring the menu of the day was shown and explained while the 4th and 5th candles were served. I opted for a mix of alcohol and juice pairing which did not disappoint me. Both Aaron and Warren excelled in their services with very clear explanations and details of every single pairing. Every course was served with a kitchen/service staff show-casing the finishing of the dish at the tableside. Service was calm, casual, yet sharp and attentive. Zen serves a seasonal fixed menu consisting of: 5 canapés (served at first floor of the restaurant) 7 cold/warm dishes (2nd floor) Seasonal fruits and sorbet + 6 petit fours with coffee/tea (last floor) Zen is definitely top on the list to visit in one of the most exciting gastronomic destinations-Singapore!

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JAAN By Kirk Westaway is a Singapore restaurant known for its welcoming atmosphere and attention to detail. Perched high above the city, it offers sweeping views that add to a warm and memorable dining experience. Many guests praise the combination of elegant design and thoughtful, friendly service.

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Joshua Niland

Chef, Sydney

In Singapore, I had an extraordinary meal at Jaan by Kirk Westaway. What I was most enamoured by was the fragrance of the food. The dessert there was strawberries - to go in there and sit down for a dessert that is full of strawberries and all you can smell is just strawberries. That was fascinating to me that in Singapore, being a country that relies upon importing stuff, to harness the perfection of a strawberry that was probably from the UK or from France. It was just so well put together and it felt like a really generous experience and the quality of the food and the service was amazing. That that was a tremendous experience.

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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.

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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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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.

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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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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.

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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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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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Naked Finn is a seafood-focused restaurant in Singapore that has been noted by the Michelin Guide for its careful sourcing and inventive approach. They highlight Southeast Asian flavors through modern techniques, all while keeping the atmosphere fun and relaxed. It’s a welcoming spot for those who want to explore fresh seafood in a casual setting.

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Ethel Hoon

Chef

Seafood focused restaurant, modern and innovative techniques with a focus on Southeast asian ingredients and flavor Meticulous sourcing and an interesting range of seafood, innovative flavors and techniques from head chef Markus. Playful, tasty, always fun!

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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.

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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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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.

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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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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.

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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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