In a city where eating is a national pastime, the search for the top 10 best restaurants in Singapore becomes both a journey and a passionate topic of conversation. Singapore’s reputation as a world-class culinary destination is built not only on vibrant street food but also on its rich tapestry of exceptional restaurants Singapore is known for. The city’s culinary scene is a true melting pot, shaped by its multicultural population—including Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan communities—which brings together a remarkable diversity of cuisine. Here, dining is as much about the signature dish as it is about where you eat, the company you keep, and how every meal becomes a story shared with loved ones. The culinary landscape is shaped by both traditional and modern interpretations of local and international cuisines, offering food enthusiasts a unique blend of authenticity and innovation.
What sets apart the best restaurants is not found merely on a ratings page or the Michelin Guide. An exceptional dining experience in Singapore exists where the mission to showcase authentic flavours, familiar flavours, and the latest menu innovations combine with precision, warmth, and a dedication to the finest ingredients. As the SG Dining Guide team, we invite you to explore restaurants in Singapore that stand out for their philosophy, the hands behind the stove, and the remarkable stories they serve on every plate.
Singapore’s culinary landscape is constantly evolving, with around 300 new restaurants opening each month, reflecting the city’s dynamic and ever-changing food culture.
From fine dining at the heart of the National Gallery to kitchen-driven hotspots in Amoy Street or the second floor of Marina Bay Sands, Singapore’s restaurant scene is vast, continually evolving, and always placing guests and their culinary experience at centre stage. Come with us as we open the doors to Singapore’s most exceptional restaurants—a destination where every meal is an opportunity to indulge, discover, and dine.
Top 10 Best Restaurants in Singapore: Michelin-Starred Excellence Steals the Spotlight
For those who seek the world’s top dining experiences, Singapore’s premier Michelin-starred establishments offer culinary journeys defined by artistry and precision. The city’s most lauded fine dining addresses—marked year after year in the Michelin Guide—epitomize what it means to dine at the highest level, where every dish is a celebration of the chef’s vision, the team’s skill, and the bounty of seasonal ingredients.
Take Odette, located in the National Gallery Singapore, where Chef Julien Royer brings a sense of mission to every service. Odette has been awarded three Michelin stars and is known for its innovative French cuisine. His menu is renowned for its small plates that burst with mastery and technique—a potato soup infused with French butter, seafood topped with spring onions and oscietra caviar, or elegant desserts laced with honey. Each dish is thoughtfully served to highlight the artistry and precision of the kitchen, enhancing the overall dining experience. These are more than signature dishes; they are the soul of a kitchen that understands both the tradition and future of fine dining. Guests can expect to find the familiar and the unexpected in each creation, from innovative pastas to grilled fish delivered with extraordinary depth of flavour.
Not far away, Les Amis continues to stand tall as one of the top picks for fine dining Singapore. Its extensive menu spans exquisite French classics, elevated with the best seafood and meat the world can offer, all served with meticulous attention to presentation and detail. Sister restaurant L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon at Marina Bay Sands dazzles with tasting menus that bring centre stage some of the most complex dishes in the city, ensuring an exceptional dining experience at every table. Jaan by Kirk Westaway, a two Michelin-starred restaurant, offers modern British cuisine with a contemporary twist. Burnt Ends is recognized as Tatler Singapore’s Restaurant of the Year 2025, celebrated for its innovative approach to modern barbecue. Restaurant Zén, a three Michelin-starred restaurant, stands out for its unique Nordic-Japanese fusion dining experience. For dinner or lunch, these establishments set the gold standard and command global attention for good reason—they merge excellent service, drinks, and an obsession with culinary detail that few restaurants in Singapore can rival.
Fine Dining: Heritage and Tradition Reimagined
Singapore is celebrated for more than just Western fine dining; its exceptional restaurants Singapore pride themselves on preserving the city’s culinary heritage while boldly customizing the recipe for a new generation. Candlenut, perched within the lush surroundings of Dempsey Hill, has achieved lasting acclaim with Nyonya dishes like ayam buah keluak and beef rendang, balancing traditional and contemporary approaches seamlessly.
What sets these restaurants apart is their ability to bring authentic flavours centre stage without sacrificing sophistication. Heritage-rich venues—from Hainanese institutions serving poached chicken and fragrant rice to family-run Teochew restaurants with signature fish and vegetable classics—keep Singapore’s culinary legacy alive, maintaining the familiar flavours generations of Singapore food lovers have grown to love. Hainanese Chicken Rice is a must-try dish in Singapore, often served with fragrant rice and chili sauce, and is an iconic representation of the nation’s culinary identity. Sweet Chilli Crab, widely regarded as the signature dish of Singapore, is typically served with steamed or fried mantou buns to soak up the rich, tangy sauce. Kaya toast is a traditional breakfast dish in Singapore, usually served with soft-boiled eggs and coffee or tea.
Dining at hawker centres is a quintessential Singapore experience, where a vibrant array of local dishes is served in a communal setting, allowing diners to enjoy the city’s diverse food culture in a lively atmosphere.
Within these doors, vegetables and rice are never afterthoughts. With every visit, guests can taste how the latest menu combines nostalgia with innovative presentation, whether through a twist on spring onions or a dessert inspired by traditional honey and spice pairings. Dining in these exceptional restaurants Singapore is more than a meal; it’s a cultural performance that celebrates the city’s multi-ethnic identity at the table, where the influence of various cultures results in unique fusion dishes that define Singapore’s culinary landscape.
Marina Bay Sands & Beyond: Contemporary Innovation, Fusion & Centre Stage Experiences
Singapore’s culinary experience is constantly being pushed forward by chefs determined to explore and innovate. In the heart of Marina Bay Sands, the spotlight shines on experimental kitchens and open-concept grills where steak, bacon, seafood, and even pasta take on new forms. Contemporary restaurants blur the boundaries between cuisines, blending Asian spices and techniques with the finest ingredients sourced globally. These establishments create menus bursting with small plates designed to be shared, inviting diners to experience variety and surprise.
Nae:um stands out as a modern Korean restaurant that focuses on storytelling through its cuisine, while Seroja celebrates the diverse flavours of the Malay archipelago with a modern twist. Imamura is a kaiseki restaurant that emphasizes minimalism and seasonal ingredients, and Meta, a Michelin-starred restaurant, offers a unique fusion of French and Korean cuisine. Singapore offers multi-cuisine dining options, including upscale hotel buffets and unique concepts, reflecting the city’s diversity in cuisine. Many of these buffets are located in top hotels, such as Estate in Hilton Singapore Orchard, Beach Road Kitchen, and Carousel. Estate offers a buffet with a large selection of local and international dishes, Beach Road Kitchen is known for its extensive international spread including seafood and local delights, and Carousel is a highly-rated buffet with a wide variety of Asian and Western cuisine.
On Amoy Street and in trendy enclaves around the city, you’ll find chef-driven spaces where the menu shifts with every season and the centrepiece could be a signature dish of grilled fish, a bowl of comforting potato soup, or a celebration of locally sourced beef. Standouts like Burnt Ends excel at using familiar flavours—think honey-glazed grilled meats and vegetable sides—prepared over wood fire, ensuring a dining experience that is both elemental and exhilarating.
Many of Singapore’s most exceptional restaurants are leading a mission in sustainability, embracing local producers and showcasing seasonal ingredients front and centre. Their commitment to fresh vegetables, ethical meat, and seafood adds meaning to every menu and empowers guests to indulge with a sense of responsibility.
Best Restaurants & Intimate Neighborhood Treasures: Restaurants in Singapore Where Food Lovers Dine
Some of the most exceptional restaurants Singapore offers are hidden within residential neighborhoods or tucked behind unassuming doors. These gems—often run by chefs who honed their craft in the top 10 best restaurants in Singapore—offer distinctive atmospheres, value-driven excellence, and personal touches that leave a lasting impression on diners and their loved ones.
For a unique experience, head to Jiak Kim House for its fusion menu in a historic location along the Singapore River. If you crave Indonesian flavors, head to Cumi Bali, recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its outstanding grilled seafood. For authentic local Zi Char dishes, head to Keng Eng Kee Seafood, a favorite among locals. Singapore’s hawker culture is also renowned for the quality and affordability of local dishes—hawker centres across the city offer a wide range of affordable options, showcasing the country’s culinary diversity. Iconic hawker dishes like Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow and Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee are must-tries; head to these stalls for a true taste of Singapore. Satay skewers, often served with spicy peanut sauce, are a popular street food, while pork ribs soup, especially at SONG FA bak kut teh, is a comforting local favorite.
Whether it’s a chic eatery on the second floor of a shophouse in Joo Chiat, or a tiny location near the vibrant bars of Tiong Bahru, these restaurants put the focus squarely on the food and the guests. Expect a seasonal menu supported by daily market visits, beautiful drinks pairings, and dishes ranging from beef rendang to desserts built around local honey or familiar fruits and spices. Some of these establishments have become the sister restaurant to more famous names, further expanding the city’s reputation for culinary excellence.
These treasures echo the diversity of Singapore itself, offering spaces where friends gather for grilled seafood, pasta, rice, or an expertly prepared chicken dish. The best part? Guests get personal service and can watch the chefs bring recipes to life right at the table.
Top Picks: The Essence of Exceptional Restaurants Singapore
The essence of Singapore’s most exceptional restaurants can be found in the city’s relentless pursuit of the best dining experience possible. Whether you choose to dine at a celebrated Michelin Guide address, discover a hidden gem in a neighbourhood, or sample small plates at a vibrant bar, you’ll be part of a tradition that values authenticity, hospitality, and good taste above all.
As the Singapore restaurant scene continues to evolve, restaurants across the city are setting new standards for creativity, sustainability, and connection—showcasing a dedication to the mission of delivering not just a meal, but a true culinary experience. Savor the spring onions in your next potato soup, marvel at the grilled meats, or indulge in a signature dessert while exploring the extensive menu at your favourite new spot.
We invite you to discover, indulge, and explore the world of Singapore’s most exceptional restaurants. For more recommendations, reviews, and up-to-date guides to the best restaurants and dining experiences, visit our team at sgdiningguide.com.sg.
