Best Steakhouses & Grills in Singapore

Steakhouses & grills in Singapore: what to expect

Singapore has a strong steak scene, with beef flown in from places such as Australia, the United States and Japan. Steakhouses & grills in Singapore range from formal dining rooms to smoky open kitchens. The list also includes Korean barbecue, where you grill meat at your own table. Many of the classic steakhouses are in the Orchard, River Valley and Marina Bay areas.

Types of grill on this list

Classic steakhouses

These serve big cuts of beef with sides such as creamed spinach, mashed potato and fries. CUT by Wolfgang Puck and Morton's The Steakhouse are in the Marina Bay and CBD area. Wolfgang's Steakhouse, Lawry's The Prime Rib and Gordon Grill are in Orchard and River Valley. Wooloomooloo Steakhouse is in City Hall and Clarke Quay.

As its name says, Lawry's is known for prime rib, a large roast beef joint carved into thick slices. Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse, also in Orchard and River Valley, follows the style of Tuscany in Italy. Bistecca is simply the Italian word for steak.

Wood-fired and smoked

Burnt Ends in Dempsey cooks Modern Australian barbecue. Revolver in Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar brings Indian flavours to the grill. For American-style smoked meats, try Meatsmith in the CBD or Smokey's BBQ in Katong. American barbecue is cooked low and slow over smoke for many hours. Brisket, ribs and pulled pork are the classics.

Korean barbecue

At a Korean barbecue, you grill meat yourself on a charcoal or gas grill set into the table. Meals usually come with banchan, which are small side dishes such as kimchi. Seorae Korean Charcoal BBQ is in Orchard and River Valley. Super Star K is in Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar. For more, browse Korean restaurants.

Sentosa and seafood grills

On Sentosa, Skirt is a steakhouse and Osia Steak and Seafood Grill serves Western food. Luke's Oyster Bar & Chop House in the CBD mixes steak with seafood. See Chilli Crab & Seafood for more seafood picks.

How to choose a steak

• Ribeye: well marbled with fat, juicy and full of flavour.
• Sirloin or striploin: a little firmer, with a strip of fat along one side.
• Tenderloin or fillet: the most tender cut, and also the leanest.
• T-bone or porterhouse: sirloin and fillet on either side of a bone. Good for sharing.
• Wagyu: beef from Japanese breeds of cattle, with heavy marbling. It is very rich, so a small portion goes a long way.

Dry-aged beef is hung in a cold, controlled room for weeks. This deepens the flavour and makes the meat more tender. For doneness, medium-rare is a popular choice. Tell your server if you prefer it cooked more.

Booking, prices and tips

• Book ahead. Steakhouses are popular for business dinners and celebrations, especially later in the week.
• Know rough costs. A premium steak at a classic steakhouse can cost from around S$80 to several hundred dollars. Korean and casual barbecue cost much less. Prices change, so check menus first.
• Check for '++'. Menu prices marked '++' will have a service charge and GST added.
• Dress smart casual. Hotel steakhouses can be quite formal, so skip shorts and flip-flops.
• Check halal status. Not all grills on this list are halal. If you need halal food, look for the MUIS halal certificate on display.

FAQs about steakhouses & grills in Singapore

What is the best area for steak in Singapore?

Marina Bay and the Orchard and River Valley area have the most classic steakhouses. Dempsey and Chinatown are good for wood-fired and barbecue grills.

Is wagyu worth trying?

If you like rich, tender beef, yes. Order a small portion first, as wagyu is very rich and costs more than other beef.

Where can I find Korean barbecue in Singapore?

Try Seorae Korean Charcoal BBQ in the Orchard area or Super Star K in Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar. Tanjong Pagar has many Korean restaurants.

Do steakhouses in Singapore have a dress code?

Most ask for smart casual. Hotel steakhouses may be more formal, so check before you go.