60 Best Restaurants in Singapore

Tucked behind an imposing IKEA building, one of the island's oldest food centers is particularly popular with locals in the Alexandra area; expect lines on weekend mornings to snake across the hall. But the wait is worth it, as you’ll find some of Singapore’s best hawkers here. Some of the longest lines will probably be at Bao Zai, where buns are filled with their legendary chae siew (barbecue pork), or Jin Jin Dessert, an ABC institution serving signature chendol (coconut milk and rice flour dessert) and ice kachang (shaved ice with sweet beans). If you’re feeling a little homesick, indulge in western dishes with a local twist (and huge portions) at Wow Wow West.

You can count on this halal bakery and café (founded by food personality Dewi Imelda Wadhwa) to turn out some of the island’s best pastries and desserts. The ATD To Go Dessert Box, an 8-piece taster of their most popular items, includes the bakery's signature gula Melaka scone and Paris brest. Save space for other delectables like the aromatic Earl Grey cake in a light vanilla buttercream, or the moreish sticky toffee pudding drenched in a homemade caramel sauce. For those more inclined to savory pursuits, dishes like a punchy coriander pesto prawn pasta and a hearty steak & hash potatoes made with grass-fed steak cubes.  

The historic Moroccan coffee brand has a beautiful café/dining room on ION Orchard’s first floor. No visit is a quick one though: you may come for a coffee and pastry, but you’ll soon find yourself whiling away the time exploring the vast array of 100% arabica coffee beans housed in large sunset orange tins.

Based on the old-school eateries of Hong Kong, Fook Kin specializes in char siew (Cantonese-style barbecued pork), crispy pork belly, and other roast meats. Aside from the much-loved meat, the menu features a good selection of soups, dim sum, and rice bowls. A large fridge stores a range of craft beer and sake to peruse. Neon lights and flowing drinks make this a fun place to be on a Friday night in River Valley.

Grab a quick coffee at this hole-in-the-wall joint, one of the few independent coffee shops in the CBD. The space is definitely small—so you’ll want to take your perfectly-roasted flat white to go—but don’t forget to check out the pastry and waffle options.

The trademark shortbread-like crust, which has a light almond flavor, puts this bakery's pastries in a class above those made elsewhere; it's also why the take-out shop's buttery, golf ball–sized pineapple tarts and silky smooth bean curd tarts are often sold out. Luckily, Le Café sells a bunch of other goodies, including traditional moon-pie pastries filled with lotus-seed paste, prawn-roll snacks, and mao shan wang–filled durian puffs that are downright addictive. Pretty gift boxes are available if you're planning on bringing home food gifts. Order ahead from the website to avoid being disappointed as things can get busy, especially during the Chinese New Year period.

Grab a caffeine fix at this premier coffee roastery in sleepy Sunset Way. Founded by a champion barista, Olla is a leading player in Singapore’s burgeoning artisan roasting scene. There’s a menu with great options for brunch, which is when things tend to get a little busier. If you’re still hungry, try Burnt Cones ice cream across the way.

This south Indian restaurant is king of the prata (an Indian flatbread made by frying stretched dough flavored with ghee), and it is the centerpiece of their menu. The owners are especially proud of the "Big One," a Sicilian prata stuffed with pesto chicken, mozzarella cheese, shitake mushrooms, pineapples, and more. For something a little more traditional, they also serve delicious all-day Indian breakfasts, including dosas (a kind of savory pancake) stuffed with a variety of treats, as well as classic Indian curries like butter chicken and channa masala. The restaurant, with cozy bench-style seating, is tucked inside 321 Clementi Mall.

An extensive menu of prata (Indian flatbread), murtabak (thick, stuffed pancakes) and thosai (thin, crepe-like pancakes) make this an island favorite. This branch in The Rail Mall is the perfect place to grab lunch or a snack at the end of a hike on the Rail Corridor, which tracks north to south just past the mall. Service is quick, the place has a canteen-like no-thrills feel, and the list of coffees, teas, iced juices, and lassis are a refreshing partner to the rich curries.

Sandwiches, freshly baked breads, quiches, and a variety of sweet and savory pastries make up the menu at this popular café, the perfect spot to grab a quick bite and caffeinate while shopping the area's boutiques. The lighting mounted in wooden boards suspended from the ceiling by rope, the exposed brick and white-washed walls, and the soft, down-tempo beats all make for a relaxing interior. There are also a few shaded tables outside. As the name would suggest, Tiong Bahru Bakery started in this area, but there are now multiple branches across Singapore.

This large, airy upstairs hawker center is busy from morning to night. Highlights include Loo’s Hainanese Curry Rice (#02–67/68, look for the snaking queue), which serves pork, chicken, prawns, and chap chye (cabbage) smothered in traditional Hainanese curry sauce. Jian Bo Shui Kueh (#02–05) is another local favorite, serving chwee kueh (steamed rice cake topped with preserved radish) to especially long lines at the weekend. There’s also a popular wet market downstairs, with stalls selling meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, and fresh flowers.

Tucked away in a quiet residential block in Queenstown, this small space is the gold standard of coffee roasting on the island. Initially started as a bean and machine wholesaler, the regular stream of coffee aficionados visiting for a drink soon convinced the owners to turn this space into a working café. You’ll find single-origin beans from across Asia, Africa, and South and Central America, delicious filter blends, and a selection of cakes and pastries. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a great brew and experience a slice of Singaporean life.

Grab a hefty bagel from this cult favorite. The menu is comprehensive, so you can design your bagel by type (plain, sesame, etc.) and schmear (cream cheese, vegemite etc.); and add a whole world of extras. The classic and "bagelwich" menus are rotate regularly, though if in doubt, the Personal Best featuring spam, peanut butter, hash browns, and egg is always a winner. The coffee is good, too.

This hole-in-the-wall bakery serves some of the best baked goods in Singapore. Despite the name, it’s not quite as out in the sticks as Woodlands, but you’ll need to go a little farther north than usual to reach these goodies. Bakes change depending on the season, but not much beats a cup of their filter coffee and a fudgy, rich brownie. It’s the perfect place to load up on picnic treats for a hike around MacRitchie Reservoir.

In business for more than a century, this hole-in-the-wall eatery serves what's arguably Singapore's best murtabak. Stuffed with mutton, chicken, or beef, it's a bit like a folded dough omelette with egg mixed in, roti prata (a fried flat bread), onions, and spices, all of it grilled together and served with a side of curry sauce. It's cheap, it's filling, and the sidewalk tables are great for people-watching. Curries, rice dishes, and other regional specialties are also available, but the murtabak is what keeps locals coming back.

Standing on the Singapore River with waterside views, this breezy food center is well-known for the quality of its hawker stalls. Famous stalls include No. 18 Zion Road Fried Kway Teow (#01–17), serving smoky noodles with cockles, fish cake, and Chinese sausage; and Michelin-rated Zion Road Big Prawn Noodle (#01–17), serving spicy noodles with large prawns, pork rib, and fried onions. As always there’s a huge range of choices, with everything from xiao long bao (steamed Chinese dumplings) to cheng tng (a "healthy" sweet soup dessert with dried fruit, nuts, and mushrooms). Evenings and weekends are the busiest times, so come early to get one of the tables facing the river.

Located opposite the historic Bukit Timah Railway Station—and named after the year in which it was built—this bright, open café was once the railway staff quarters. It's a great spot to stop for a quick coffee or ice cream from the all-day menu, particularly if you’re planning on walking another section of the Rail Corridor. The inside dining area uses antique furniture to reflect what life may have looked like then, but the outside, set among lush greenery, is equally as charming. 

A bustling, palm-lined hawker center on the edge of the Botanic Gardens, Adam Food Center has a high hit rate of great stalls to choose from. Highlights include Warong Pak Sapari (stand 9) for fragrant mee soto (Indonesian noodles in chicken broth); and Noo Cheng Adam Road Big Prawn Noodles (stand 27) for juicy prawns served with pork ribs and noodles. There’s everything from rich mutton curry to refreshing ice kacang (shaved ice with sweet topping), so "chope" your table and get ordering.

This true Tiong Bahru classic has been serving neighborhood residents since the 1970s. The porridge served here is a savory Cantonese-style congee, usually with slices of pork or fish added. For those feeling brave, the mixed pork congee includes offal. Ah Chiang’s secret is that the creamy porridge is cooked over charcoal, imparting a subtle flavor. Note that at lunchtime the shop can be busy, and there may be an additional wait as the congee cooks over coals.

This hugely popular Muslim eatery serves a dizzying array of dishes and cuisines, including Thai, Indian, Malay, Western, and Mediterranean. Despite the ambitious menu, the quality is unmatched for a place this size, with quick, friendly service and a great selection of (non-alcoholic) drinks.

For a quick coffee on the go, Alchemist at International Plaza is a small, hole-in-the-wall joint that nevertheless deserves all the attention it gets. Aside from espresso, latte, and iced options, the rotating filter coffee is a great value, and the hot chocolate is rich and addictive.

This bustling food center is a true local's haunt, with more than 80 hawker stalls selling everything from succulent Hainanese chicken rice to tangy satay. When it comes to picking where to eat, use the golden rule of every hawker center in Singapore: choose the stalls with the longest lines. Leng Kee Fish Soup (#02–192) is always popular for its light broth and large portions, as is Terry Katong Laksa (#02–194) for its warming coconut flavors. For a stall that is rather unique, visit Go Pasta (#02–199)—it's rare to find (fairly) authentic Italian dishes at a local hawker center.

This bright, airy café in HortPark has a large outdoor space, a pet-friendly area, and an abundance of greenery hanging from the ceilings. There’s an all-day dining menu for larger bites, but the chilled, green space is a great place to grab a coffee and take a break from exploring the city.

Simple and unassuming, this spot close to the jetty and near the bicycle rental shops is a good place to have a cold drink after exploring the island. You can't go wrong with any of the wok-fried dishes or the chilli crab.

This neighborhood Italian restaurant serves hearty soups, sandwiches, pizza, and pasta in a casual, welcoming setting. It's a great spot for lunch after spending time in the gyms and yoga studios around the area.

This highly popular local hawker center is packed with stalls serving all kinds of delicious Singapore favorites, from roast duck noodles to succulent chicken and rice. As with almost all hawker centers in Singapore, it's hot and a little messy, but the food is always great—especially if you pick a stall with a long line. Popular stalls include Kian Seng Lor Mee (#01–28), where you can get a bowl of soft noodles, prawns, fish cake, and chilli; and Soon Lee (#01–50) for fragrant bowls of savory porridge (choose from chicken, pork, or fish).

At this kid-friendly hangout, adults can unwind over pizza and watch the little ones take a dip in the shallow water or play with the restaurant's sand toys. Expect a laid-back vibe here with sunbeds and deck chairs for customers. Families will like the diaper changing stations and high chairs. For a taste of local food, order the chilli crab dip with a baguette, or sticky, finger-licking Coastes chicken wings.

A dedicated specialty Arabica coffee roaster just off Robertson Quay, Common Man Coffee Roasters is better known for its exceptional brunch, featuring fluffy pancakes, avocado toasts, and full fry-ups. Many come for the brilliant range of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free breakfast options. As the name suggests, the coffee is great, too, and there’s a wide selection of quality teas. If brunch isn’t your thing, the café serves up great cakes and pastries, and there is a full lunch menu of sandwiches, burgers, and salads. Do expect to queue for a table on weekend mornings.