Best Fine Dining in Singapore

What fine dining in Singapore looks like

Fine dining in Singapore usually means a set tasting menu of many small courses. The chef chooses the dishes, often based on the season and the best produce available. Service is formal but friendly. A meal can last two to three hours, so plan a relaxed evening around it. Many top kitchens here also cook Asian food in a modern way.

Styles on this list

French and European

Odette and Les Amis cook French food. Zén cooks Nordic food, the style of northern Europe. JAAN by Kirk Westaway serves modern British food high above City Hall. Mustard Seed and Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar serve modern European menus. See more on the European & Italian page.

Asian tasting menus

Some of the city's most talked-about tables cook Asian food. Seroja serves Malaysian dishes in Kampong Glam. Nae:um cooks Korean food in the Marina Bay and CBD area. Meta Restaurant offers modern Asian cooking. Thevar serves modern Indian dishes. Labyrinth reworks Singapore flavours. Its menu is a good way to taste local dishes in a new form.

Japanese kappo

Kappo Shunsui serves Japanese food. Kappo is a counter-style meal where the chef cooks in front of you. For more, see Japanese.

Contemporary and barbecue

Burnt Ends is a modern Australian barbecue restaurant in Dempsey. Cloudstreet, Nouri, Born and Corner House serve contemporary menus that draw on ideas from many places.

Where to find them

Most restaurants on this list sit in four parts of the city. Marina Bay & CBD and Orchard & River Valley have the most. Dempsey, Tanglin & Holland is greener and quieter. Chinatown & Tanjong Pagar mixes high-end tables with hawker food nearby. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the easiest way home after a late dinner.

How to choose and book a tasting menu

• Pick a style first. Decide between European, Asian or contemporary cooking. Then compare menus online.
• Book early. Popular tables can fill weeks ahead. Some restaurants open bookings on a set date each month.
• Expect a deposit. Some restaurants ask for a card or deposit to hold your table. Read the cancellation rules.
• Share dietary needs early. Kitchens plan menus in advance. Tell them about allergies, vegetarian diets or foods you avoid when you book.
• Try lunch. Some restaurants serve a shorter menu at lunch, which costs less.
• Know rough costs. Dinner tasting menus often cost several hundred dollars per person before drinks. "++" on a menu means a service charge and GST are added. Prices change, so check the restaurant's website.

Etiquette and dress code

Smart casual is the usual dress code. Avoid shorts, singlets and flip-flops unless the restaurant says they are fine. Arrive on time, because the kitchen paces each course. Photos of food are usually fine, but keep the flash off and do not disturb other tables.

If you would like wine pairing, ask at the start of the meal. The legal drinking age in Singapore is 18, and it is wise to drink responsibly. Some places also offer non-alcoholic pairings, such as teas and juices.

Planning a special occasion? See Couples & Romance for ideas, or browse Rooftop & Sky Dining for meals with a view.

FAQs about fine dining in Singapore

How much does a tasting menu cost in Singapore?

A dinner tasting menu often costs from around S$150 to well over S$500 per person, before drinks, service charge and GST. Lunch menus can be cheaper. Prices change, so check before you book.

What should I wear to a high-end restaurant?

Smart casual is safe. Some restaurants ask guests to avoid shorts and flip-flops, so check the website or your booking email.

How far ahead should I book?

For the most popular restaurants, book several weeks ahead. For others, a few days may be enough, especially on weeknights.

Can tasting menus cater for dietary needs?

Most can, if you tell the restaurant when you book. Last-minute changes are harder, because many dishes are prepared in advance.

Is tipping expected at top restaurants?

No. A service charge is usually added to the bill, so tipping is up to you.