Singapore, a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, has long established itself as a global culinary capital. From award-winning fine dining establishments to humble hawker centres that are UNESCO-recognised, the city-state offers a dynamic gastronomic landscape that caters to every palate and budget. This vibrant fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Peranakan, and Western culinary traditions has created a food scene like no other—diverse, ever-evolving, and deeply rooted in heritage.

Whether you’re a seasoned gourmand or a curious traveller, Singapore’s dining scene promises an unforgettable journey. Here is a guide to the top restaurants and places to eat in Singapore, meticulously curated to reflect both the modern sophistication and traditional heart of this culinary paradise.

1. Odette – French Elegance at Its Finest

Located within the National Gallery Singapore, Odette is often lauded as one of the best restaurants in Asia. Helmed by Chef Julien Royer, the three-Michelin-starred establishment serves modern French cuisine that celebrates the purity of ingredients and artistic presentation.

Odette stands out not just for its gastronomic finesse but also for its elegant, art-inspired interiors that mirror its gallery setting. Dishes such as the Rosemary Smoked Organic Egg and Normandy Brown Crab feature meticulous preparation and immaculate flavours. A meal here is not simply dinner—it is a multi-sensory experience.

Cuisine: Modern French
Location: National Gallery Singapore, City Hall

2. Burnt Ends – Contemporary Australian Barbecue

Burnt Ends, a modern barbecue restaurant in Dempsey Hill (having relocated from Chinatown), is an essential stop for lovers of flame-kissed cuisine. With a Michelin star under its belt, the restaurant features an open kitchen centred around a custom-built wood-fired oven.

Chef Dave Pynt’s minimalist approach to cooking brings out the intrinsic flavours of premium ingredients. Signature dishes like the Burnt Ends Sanger (a pulled pork sandwich) and the grilled King Crab Legs consistently draw rave reviews.

Cuisine: Australian, Barbecue
Location: Dempsey Road

3. Hawker Centres – Where Singapore’s Soul Lies

No list of Singapore’s best eats is complete without hawker centres. These open-air complexes offer a plethora of dishes that are both affordable and authentic. UNESCO recognised Singapore’s hawker culture as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020, a testament to its significance in local life.

Must-visit Hawker Centres:

• Maxwell Food Centre: Home to the famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice.
• Old Airport Road Food Centre: Known for Char Kway Teow, Lor Mee, and satay.
• Chinatown Complex Food Centre: Try the S$2 Michelin-starred Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice.

Cuisine: Local
Location: Various

4. Candlenut – The World’s First Michelin-Starred Peranakan Restaurant

For those looking to explore Peranakan (Straits Chinese) cuisine, Candlenut is the definitive choice. Chef Malcolm Lee reinvents traditional Peranakan dishes with modern techniques while retaining their rich, spicy heritage.

Expect refined versions of classics such as Buah Keluak Ayam and Chap Chye. The elegant interior and artful plating make for a sophisticated introduction to Singapore’s cultural culinary fusion.

Cuisine: Modern Peranakan
Location: Dempsey Hill

5. Labyrinth – A New Singaporean Identity

Chef LG Han’s Labyrinth offers a modern Singaporean menu that reimagines local favourites through a fine dining lens. Holding a Michelin star, the restaurant proudly sources its ingredients locally, celebrating Singapore’s often-overlooked agricultural producers.

Dishes such as “Ang Moh Chicken Rice” and “Rojak” are deconstructed with scientific precision and creativity, offering a nostalgic yet avant-garde dining experience.

Cuisine: New Singaporean
Location: Esplanade Mall

6. Les Amis – Timeless French Grandeur

A stalwart in Singapore’s fine dining scene, Les Amis is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant known for its classic French haute cuisine. The service is impeccable, the wine list extensive, and the dining rooms tastefully opulent.

Executive Chef Sebastien Lepinoy’s signature dishes, such as Cold Angel Hair Pasta with Caviar and Black Truffle, are indulgent yet perfectly balanced. Ideal for celebrating life’s special occasions.

Cuisine: French Fine Dining
Location: Shaw Centre, Orchard Road

7. Cloudstreet – Progressive Cuisine with Sri Lankan Flair

Headed by Chef Rishi Naleendra, Cloudstreet offers an inventive tasting menu that marries global techniques with Sri Lankan accents. The space is intimate and tastefully designed, with counter seating allowing guests to observe the culinary artistry up close.

Expect unexpected pairings—like Western Australian marron with fermented tomato—and a journey that’s equal parts familiar and novel.

Cuisine: Modern Australian with Sri Lankan influences
Location: Amoy Street

8. Restaurant Zen – Nordic Precision Meets Asian Flavours

The sister restaurant to Sweden’s Frantzén, Restaurant Zen is a three-Michelin-starred gem located in a beautifully restored heritage shophouse. Head Chef Tristin Farmer presents a tasting menu that artfully weaves Scandinavian minimalism with Japanese and local influences.

From the multi-storey service format to the elegant ingredients (such as abalone and Hokkaido uni), dining at Zen feels like an orchestral performance in a minimalist theatre.

Cuisine: Modern European with Japanese Influence
Location: Bukit Pasoh Road

9. Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle – Affordable Michelin-Starred Street Food

If you’re seeking Michelin recognition without the steep price tag, Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle is a must-visit. Their bak chor mee (minced meat noodles) is a flavour bomb of vinegar, chilli, lard, and perfectly cooked pork slices.

Despite the long queues, the wait is worth it—especially for food lovers wanting to experience top-tier street cuisine.

Cuisine: Local Noodles
Location: Crawford Lane

10. Komala Vilas – A Heritage Vegetarian Experience

A heritage South Indian vegetarian restaurant founded in 1947, Komala Vilas offers authentic Indian meals served on banana leaves. Think dosai, chapati, and thali meals bursting with spices, lentils, and ghee.

The experience is humble yet profoundly satisfying—a comforting alternative for those seeking vegetarian or vegan options steeped in tradition.

Cuisine: South Indian Vegetarian
Location: Serangoon Road, Little India

Honourable Mentions

• The Coconut Club: Premium nasi lemak made with single-origin coconut milk and quality ingredients.
• Art di Daniele Sperindio: Italian fine dining with sweeping views of Marina Bay.
• No Signboard Seafood: For those who wish to indulge in the famous Singapore Chilli Crab.
• Din Tai Fung: A Taiwanese chain revered for its xiao long bao (soup dumplings), with local adaptations.

Singapore’s Food Culture: More Than a Meal

What makes Singapore’s food scene so compelling is not just the quality and variety of its offerings, but the culture surrounding it. Meals are sacred social events, whether it’s a multi-course tasting menu or sharing kopi and kaya toast at a kopitiam.

The government’s emphasis on food safety, accessibility, and multicultural harmony ensures that Singapore continues to attract culinary talent from across the world, while also preserving local traditions. From Michelin-starred marvels to hawker stalls with generations of history, Singapore serves its cuisine with heart.

Final Thoughts

Singapore’s culinary offerings are as diverse and layered as its population. Whether you are indulging in haute cuisine or discovering hidden gems in the heartlands, every bite tells a story. With so many renowned restaurants, culturally significant dishes, and a strong local food culture, it is no wonder that Singapore is not just a destination for business and leisure, but a haven for discerning food lovers.

If there is one takeaway from eating your way through Singapore, it is this: the nation doesn’t just feed you—it welcomes you, teaches you, and leaves you hungry for more.