The best restaurants Singapore City

Timetable

Singapore enjoys a year-round summer climate, so restaurant opening times don't vary with the seasons. On average, they open from 11am to 3pm for lunch and from 7pm to 11pm for dinner. Be prepared to wait for an available table at night-time food courts such as Gluttons Bay or Law Pa Sat, which are very popular with Singaporeans.

For lovers of fine dining, certain restaurants such as Odette (www.odetterestaurant.com) or Tippling Club (www.tipplingclub.com) require reservations, sometimes weeks in advance! Make sure you don't decide on a whim to dine there.

Budget & Tips

For a bite to eat, don't hesitate to try one of the city's many food courts, which offer a wide variety of delicious dishes at very good prices (around S$10 per person is the most economical option). You can make culinary discoveries and try out local specialities in the various districts. You'll also find plenty of restaurants that don't pay much outside, but where you can feast at more-than-affordable prices, mainly in Chinatown and Little India, for a budget of around S$15. You can also easily grab Indian pastries, fresh-cut fruit, and a wide selection of fresh fruit juices and lassis for the connoisseur - it'll only cost you a few dollars and you won't be disappointed!

If you're on a larger budget, the choice is enormous in terms of catering, and you'll need to fork out an average of S$50 per person, drinks not included, and wines can be very expensive. Some restaurants offer BYOB, Bring Your Own Bottle, where you can bring your own bottle of wine.

Be on the lookout for establishments offering happy hours at aperitif time, when certain drinks are discounted, or ladies' nights on Fridays, with free or reduced-price alcohol for women.

VAT will gradually increase from 7% to 9% from 2022 to 2024, leading to higher prices.

What costs extra

The 10% service charge and 8% government tax are included in the price. Tipping is absolutely not part of the rules of life in Singapore - you might even offend them! Don't be surprised by certain practices that will make you smile: in some restaurants, they bring you wet towels at the start of your meal, which you can hardly refuse - you'll be charged for them. It's not a big deal, it may seem a bit of a tourist trap, but don't be offended... You'll know next time!

The local way

Singaporeans love to eat! A multitude of flavors are on offer to delight your taste buds.

A bite to eat at a food court is a real opportunity to share a moment with the locals, at lunchtime or in the evening, during a lunch break or shopping session in a mall. You'll find a wide range of Asian specialties, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Indonesian and even continental! What's the difference between a food court and a hawker center ? Food courts are air-conditioned, i.e. in enclosed spaces, whereas hawker centers are open-plan, with fans.

Treat yourself to a local breakfast, with or without eggs, and try toast spread with kaya (coconut milk jam) and a cup of kopi (local coffee). Taste the pleasure of an ihassi (yoghurt drink) in Little India, accompanied by a good Indian pastry. As they're early risers, they have lunch around 11:30 a.m. and a snack at 4:30 p.m... As for dinner, they're at the table by 6 p.m. - night falls fast! So don't be surprised if some restaurants close very early.

Service in Singapore is far from French standards, so don't be surprised if you receive your appetizer while your companions are eating the main course, or if your plate is cleared while other diners are still eating.

To be avoided

Everyone has their own conception of taste and travel, but don't fall into the trap many tourists fall into, i.e. don't test the local signs. It is sometimes reassuring to take refuge in a restaurant chain that has already been tested at home, but that won't bring you much... Discovering a country involves exploring local specialities! Especially since Singapore has nothing to envy in terms of hygiene in restaurants.

Kids

Children are kings in Singapore, you can take them everywhere. Extra chairs are often available and several restaurants offer a menu specially concocted for the little ones.

Smokers

Rules are very strict in Singapore, and it's best to respect them, as fines can be very steep... If a police officer catches you throwing a cigarette butt on the ground, the joke will cost you S$500. Restaurants are non-smoking, but some tables are available on the terrace. When in doubt, ask. Smoking areas are often available at outdoor points of interest.

Tourist traps

As in many countries, in popular visitor areas, take the time to compare restaurants and menus, as many tend to boost their prices to take advantage of the tourist windfall. You'll be solicited by a few reps touting their menus, but nothing too bad!