10 Best Restaurants in Singapore – Popular recommended spots for dinner & dates

As the year 2019 comes to an end, we decided to wrap it up with our collated list of Ten Best Restaurants of the Year. In no order of preference, they emerge as winners for feeding us well and amazing us with their extraordinary culinary skills and noteworthy dishes. Meanwhile, several of these restaurants also provide a more all-rounded experience complete with wonderful ambience.

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Baan Ying

A proud recipient of the Royal Thai Government’s ‘Thai SELECT Premium’ award, Baan Ying also serves one of the best Thai food in Singapore, which includes the signature Somtum Platter, classic Green Papaya Salad, Tom Yum Goong and Fried Seabass in Tamarind Soup. Each dish is exciting in flavours and combinations, without losing its colours. Meanwhile, the restaurant assumes a comfy yet modern-looking interior which is very uplifting.

Check it out here:

https://oo-foodielicious.com/baan-ying-singapore-royal-square-novena/

https://oo-foodielicious.com/the-great-baan-ying-brunch/

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BAKALAKI Greek Taverna

With a 4.6/5 Google rating from 1000+ reviewers, Bakalaki needs no further explanation. Reservations are required at this wildly popular Greek restaurant which can get full-house despite its spacious seating capacity. Decor and food are both mind-blowing. The Htapodi (grilled octopus) is huge and delicious, and their trusty dips are amazing with the toasted bread.

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Chengdu Restaurant

For authentic replications of tongue-searing dishes, head on a gastronomic journey at Chengdu Restaurant. The must-order Sichuan dishes – Sichuan Style Spicy Pot and Fish Fillet in Sour Soup – are not to be taken lightly. The former is like your soupy ma la xiang guo blessed with a treasure trove of ingredients while the latter delights with a broth so tasty it warrants a return visit.

Check it out here: https://oo-foodielicious.com/chengdu-restaurant-sichuan/

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Frapasbar by Saveur

While French cuisine is often associated with expensive dining and fancy restaurant, Frapasbar reinvents the way of dining with a laid-back interior and tapas-style French dishes. Prices of each dish are mainly below $20 without compromising on quality. The Saveur Pasta, heavily doused in truffle, is heaven for truffle lovers. These small plated dishes like Stuffed Squid and Crabmeat Croquettes go perfectly well with beers and cocktails which Frapasbar has plenty up its sleeve.

Check it out here: https://oo-foodielicious.com/frapasbar-by-saveur-the-cathay-christmas/

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Izy Fook

Replacing the now-defunct IZY Dining + Bar, Izy Fook offers a mod-sin menu, with dishes served izakaya style. Either dine by the bar or sit deeper in the restaurant for more intimacy. While prices might be slightly on the high side, it is worth the ambience which sets the mood for heartfelt conversation over amazing cocktails and melt-in-the-mouth Roasted Char Siu and Roasted Pork.

Check it out here: https://oo-foodielicious.com/izy-fook-club-street/

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Kushikatsu Tanaka

With 263 outlets worldwide, Kushikatsu Tanaka continues to tug at heartstrings with their lovely deep-fried skewers. Coated in Kushikatsu Tanaka’s signature panko batter, these Kushikatsu come in a crust that’s wondrously crunchy, and absorbs their signature dipping sauce well enough. There’s a good variety of skewers to satisfy everyone at the table, such as the chicken, pork, mochi bacon, gyoza, and even asparagus for the vegetable-loving friend.

Check it out here: https://oo-foodielicious.com/kushikatsu-tanaka-clarke-quay-singapore/

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Qi Lai Feng

For the adventurous tastebuds, Qi Lai Feng will amaze with the one-of-a-kind #QQMuscleFish hotpot which is exclusive in Singapore. What’s unique about the #QQMuscleFish is the distinctive firm and chewy texture, yet without compromising on its juiciness. There are various tasty soup choices, like Jade Pepper, Mala, Sauerkraut and Tomato, to go with the fish. And for those looking for tender fishes, there is the Red Grouper and Dory Fish as options. The portion is generous and the pot can even be turned into a hotpot for other add-on ingredients.

Check it out here: https://oo-foodielicious.com/qi-lai-feng-chinatown-point/

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SBCD Korean Tofu House

While I love Korean BBQ, SBCD Korean Tofu House still tops my list for best Korean restaurant/stew in Singapore. With 11 types of soontofu on the menu, there is something for everyone. My bias are the Seafood Soontofu in level three spiciness and the complimentary sides that are served for each diner.

Nonetheless, after multiple visits, I notice that the richness and spiciness of the soup have toned down considerably over the years.

Check it out here:

https://oo-foodielicious.com/sbcd-korean-tofu-house-puffer-fish-cockles/

https://oo-foodielicious.com/sbcd-korean-tofu-house/

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Sho Yakitori & Sushi at Millenia Walk

As one of the newest restaurants on the list, this Japanese restaurant stands out for its fresh ingredients used in each dish. The Chirashi Bakumori Don and Sanshoku Bakumori Don feature chunky, tender and fresh sashimi patted onto sushi rice, then finished with a generous amount of Ikura. The Unagi Hitsumabushi is equally delicious, nicely grilled with a thin layer of crispiness on the surface while the inside remains moist and juicy.

Check it out here: https://oo-foodielicious.com/sho-yakitori-sushi-millenia-walk/

Sister restaurant: https://oo-foodielicious.com/kotobuki-japanese-restaurant-one-raffles-place/

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Yun Nans

Specialising in Highland cuisine, Yun Nans’ use of ingredients and seasoning is unique in the local food scene, yet adds an element of surprise and character into each dish. The Yunnan Rice Noodles in Prawn Broth with Black Truffle, a rendition of our local favourite prawn noodles, has an extremely robust soup base accompanied with sweet Vannamei prawns. Other highlights include the Grilled Seabass with Lemongrass (with pillowy soft flesh), and Poached Pork Collar with Pickled Chilli served in a killer soup taste, so rich and complex in flavour.

Check it out here:

https://oo-foodielicious.com/yun-nans-singapore-jewel-changi-airport/

https://oo-foodielicious.com/yun-nans-chinese-new-year-set-menus/

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*While we do note that taste and preferences are subjective, please write in to us should you wish to contribute your ideas!

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