Willow

Willow is a contemporary Asian fine dining restaurant in a shophouse at 39 Hongkong Street, close to the Singapore River. Chef Nicolas Tam opened it in 2022. It was his first restaurant as head chef, after spells in the kitchens of Zén and Esora.

Tam uses French technique with mostly Asian ingredients, many of them from Japan. He cooks from a Singaporean point of view, so local flavours often turn up in new forms. Willow has held one Michelin star every year from 2023 to 2026.

What to order

There is no à la carte menu. Willow serves set tasting menus that change with the seasons. Lunch is shorter, with a starter, a choice of main course and dessert. Dinner is a longer run of small courses, with a few choices along the way.

One dish has stayed since opening day: the amadai, or tilefish. The cooks baste the scales with oil until they puff up and turn crisp. The fish then goes over a charcoal grill. On the 2026 sample menu, it comes with dried scallop and snow crab.

Other dishes on the 2026 sample menus include:

• Japanese whelk with scallop, horseradish and verbena
• Chicken served with a scallion croissant
• Threadfin with sauerkraut and cuttlefish
• Slow-braised fish maw with onigiri and a roasted fish bone soup
• A liang teh dessert with honey, winter melon and peach gum

Drink pairings can be added to either menu. The Michelin Guide also notes a good wine list.

The setting

The room is calm and low-key, with curved lines and natural textures. You can sit at the counter and watch the chefs in the open kitchen, or take a table. A quieter dining area sits further back.

A private dining room at the back of the shophouse has a long timber table. It suits small celebrations and business lunches. Contact the events team to check group sizes and menus.

Good to know before you go

• Reservations are required. You can book through the official website.
• Diners must be aged 10 or above.
• The kitchen cannot cater for vegetarian or vegan diets.
• It also cannot change the menu for many other needs, including eggs, seafood, dairy, gluten, onion and garlic. Check before you book if you have allergies.
• Late cancellations are charged, so give notice early if your plans change.
• The Michelin Guide lists the restaurant as having wheelchair access.

Nearby

Hongkong Street is a short walk from the riverside restaurants and bars of Clarke Quay. Other well-known fine dining rooms in the district include Odette at the National Gallery and JAAN by Kirk Westaway.

For more ideas, browse our fine dining restaurants and Thai, Korean and Asian restaurants. You can also see all restaurants in City Hall and Clarke Quay, or read our guide to Michelin and fine dining in Singapore.