Eating has been known to be one of Singapore’s national pastimes, and it’s pretty clear why. Besides well-loved traditional hawker food, we’re also blessed with a myriad of unique restaurants in Singapore — ones that offer extraordinary dining experiences worth going the extra mile for.
Why stick to the usual spots when you can choose to dine in an aeroplane cabin or spend a morning pretending to be a character from the wizarding world of Hogwarts? In this article, we’ve gathered some of the best restaurants with cool concepts for your next unforgettable meal!
1. Gardenasia
The Gardenasia Bistro lets you experience the countryside right here in bustling Singapore. Delivering a farm-to-table experience, you’ll not only be supporting local agri farmers but also be enjoying delicious fresh foods. Source: Gardenasia
Far from the city centre lies a hidden gem: Gardenasia. Located in a secluded spot in the Kranji countryside, this expansive space is a farm stay and event space all in one. Aside from the villas, you’ll find a quaint and comfy bistro that’s tucked amidst all that lush greenery. It’s a great spot for those looking for respite away from the usual cafe crowds flocking to the urban jungle.
What makes this restaurant especially unique is how it features curated dishes made with local ingredients grown from surrounding farms. Yes, that means you’d get the authentic farm-to-table experience! Diners can expect to find classic western dishes like Fish and Chips (S$20) and Pan-seared Fish Fillet (S$32) — these are prepared using fresh catches of the day; such as salmon, red snapper, or sea bass.
Besides those, do keep a lookout for unique takes on local delights like their Grilled Ribeye Hor Fun (S$28), or other comforting nibbles like Mozzarella Cheese Sticks (S$9).
Address: 240 Neo Tiew Cres, Singapore 718898
Opening hours: Wednesday to Thursday — 10:30am to 4:45pm, Friday to Saturday — 10:30am to 9:45pm, Public holidays & Sunday: 10:00am to 4:45pm
2. Platform 1094
Amidst the mundane grind of our daily lives, sometimes all we need is a sprinkle of magic. Enter the Wizarding World in this next spot: Platform 1094. Not to be confused with Platform 9¾, this is a bistro that serves up modern western food with a local twist!
At Platform 1094, interiors take on a magical ambience — with tabletop candles and a unified shade of brown, including its wooden floors and tiled walls. It’s reminiscent of The Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade, where Harry and his pals often head to for warm, hearty meals (and mugs of butterbeer, of course).
One main dish to look out for is the House Elves Special Pork Ribs (S$26), which comes served with grilled corn, broccoli, tomato, onion and pickled beetroot. It’s further complemented with a generous amount of pesto mayo.
This cafe is where you can find a host of Instagram-worthy moments too. Feel like an actual mage with Mr. Lich’s Flaming Brew (S$17) — an enchanting concoction inclusive of alcohol, and one that’s accompanied with some dramatic theatrics. Shake some cinnamon powder in the beverage (with your cameras ready) and you’ll get to watch brief flames rise in eye-catching swirls!
Those with a sweet tooth can consider getting some delicious bakes and confectionaries like the Wizard’s Secret Message (S$16), which puts a unique twist on swiss rolls that come served with chocolate ganache, topped with vanilla owl macaron, vanilla crumble and chocolate branches.
Address: 1094 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 328192
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday — 11:00am to 10:00pm
3. Smith Marine Floating Restaurant
Are you a foodie looking for a unique gastro adventure? Fancy reeling in fish and devouring them on the same day? Smith Marine Floating Restaurant is where you can eat your fresh catch!
Take a 15-minute boat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal to hop aboard this modern kelong (an offshore platform) located right smack in the middle of the sea — an unconventional place that’s unlike your usual Zi Char stall.
Not only is it Singapore’s first halal-certified kelong restaurant, but diners can also personally catch their fish in the restaurant’s “sure catch” pond. This particular pond is teeming with fleshy fishes like snapper and sea bass. Don’t worry if fishing is new to you — friendly staff will be on hand to offer assistance, and you should be able to secure one within minutes.
Feeling hungry yet? Smith Marine Floating Restaurant offers several set menus to satisfy your seafood cravings. Its 7-course set menu for five pax (S$580) features a feast of lobster deep-fried with shredded potatoes, steamed fish Hong Kong-style, steamed garlic scallops, sambal mussels, seasonal stir-fried vegetables, and lala bee hoon. And the best part? The price includes a two-way ferry ride!
If you're looking for even more seafood indulgence, there's a 9-course set menu for S$680 that comes with additional delights like chilli or black pepper crab, steamed or salted egg prawns, and more. Or, if you're feeling extra fancy, go for the 10-course set menu at S$780.
Address: 95B Pulau Ubin FC97E Pulau Ubin Coastal Area 508325
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday — 10:00am to 8:00pm
4. Le Jardin Singapore
This next stop is sure to leave you enthralled — Le Jardin (which translates to ‘the garden’ in French) is a blooming floral-themed garden cafe that’s nestled within Fort Canning. Expect to find a Victorian-style interior, with hanging ceiling plants and vibrant terrariums. That aside, this pet-friendly eatery also offers an alfresco terrace seating for those who prefer to dine under a canopy of trees.
If the naturalistic styling of this place seems familiar to you, that’s because it's opened by the same team behind Cafe de Nicole’s Flower, which has a similar florist-in-cafe concept! Food-wise, they’ve certainly got quite a spread too. Consider trying the Potato Rosti (S$20) and Belgian Waffle (S$17) for a hearty brunch, or mains like the Pan Seared Salmon (S$30) that’ll leave you satiated for a long while.
If you’re more of a mid-afternoon dessert kind of person, give Mermaid Tears (S$8.90) drink a go! This gorgeous butterfly pea tea is mixed with some lemon juice and sugar syrup.
In terms of pastries, keep an eye out for the sourdough brulee french toast (S$22) — a nutty and fruity dessert that comes with fresh berries and toasted almonds, as well as berry sauce and maple syrup.
Address: 5 Cox Terrace, Level 2, Fort Canning Arts Centre, 179620
Opening hours: Monday to Tuesday — 9:30am to 6:00pm, Wednesday to Sunday — 9:30am to 9:00pm
5. Sushi Airways
Itching to satisfy those travel cravings? Hop aboard a plane-themed restaurant named Sushi Airways as a way to experience being in the air. This dining destination replicates a flight to Japan, with an interior that looks very much like an aeroplane cabin with its stainless steel stairs, compartments and meal carts. They even have windows that are shaped just like the ones in aircraft! To top it all, service staff are also dressed as air stewards and stewardesses.
All that might seem gimmicky, and you might be thinking if the food matches up to its theme. Thankfully, Sushi Airways delivers quality with a wide range of fresh seafood air-flown from Japan every week. They’ve even got a high-quality omakase meal consisting of 8 to 10 courses made with seasonal ingredients (S$200 to S$250 per pax).
The course includes a wide range of dishes, from appetisers like Raw Eggplant to more substantial dishes like Abalone with Saba Tiny Crab, Unagi, Frozen Ikura, Chawanmushi with Grated Truffle, and Grilled Lobster with Sea Urchin Sauce. Aside from that, their ala-carte menu offers a range of hot and cold dishes too. Here’s where you can get a taste of the popular Tsukune grilled chicken ball with bonito flakes and mayonnaise topping (S$7) or Beef Yakiniku Don (S$35).
Address: 20A Baghdad St, Singapore 199659
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday — 11:45am to 2:30pm, 5:45pm to 9:45pm, Friday to Saturday — 11:45am to 2:30pm, 5:45pm to 10:00pm, Sunday — 11:45am to 2:30pm, 5:45pm to 9:45pm
6. Cygnet by Sean Connolly
Get ready for a dining experience that's as sizzling as it is stylish! Cygnet, a new neo-classic bar and grill by acclaimed chef Sean Connolly, is bringing the energy of New York steakhouses to Singapore.
What makes this restaurant unique, you ask? Step into its Art Nouveau-inspired space, and you’ll find out.
For dinner, indulge in mouthwatering dishes like lobster fries with garlic butter (S$62), crab linguini with chilli salmon roe and lemon (S$48), or its ricotta gnocchi with a medley of mushrooms (S$40). Meat lovers, rejoice! The restaurant's "meat library" boasts an impressive selection, including a show-stopping tomahawk steak (S$408) that's perfect for sharing.
Looking for a more laid-back vibe in the morning? Cygnet also offers a delicious breakfast menu with dishes like congee (S$19) and smashed avocado toast (S$26).
Address: 35 Robinson Road, Singapore 068876
Opening hours: Breakfast - Daily, 6:30am to 10:30am, Lunch: Monday – Friday 12:00pm to 3:00pm, Dinner: Monday – Saturday 5:30pm to 11:00pm
7. ASU
Step into a world of culinary artistry at ASU, a fine-dining restaurant nestled within a beautifully restored colonial bungalow in Labrador Park. This 25-seater gem offers a unique take on progressive Asian cuisine, led by Singaporean chef Ace Tan.
The minimalist décor creates a serene and inviting atmosphere, with a sweeping dining table that encircles the open kitchen, offering a front-row seat to the culinary magic. Intricately painted picture cards showcase the ingredients, adding an artistic touch to the experience.
Prepare for a symphony of flavours with its innovative tasting menu, starting at S$188. Indulge in creations like the "crystal ball" oyster omelette, a playful twist on a local favourite, and the decadent crab gyoza. Each dish is a masterpiece of flavour and presentation, promising a truly unforgettable dining experience.
Address: 30 Labrador Villa Road Singapore 119189
Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday — 6:00pm to 11:00pm
8. Panamericana
Singapore's only clifftop restaurant? You bet! Panamericana is perched on a prime spot at the prestigious Sentosa Golf Club, offering breathtaking views of the Straits of Singapore. With over 7,000 square feet of dining space, this stylish restaurant boasts a variety of settings to suit your mood. Soak up the sun on the verandah, enjoy the sea breeze with al fresco dining, or gather with friends in the lush lounge space.
But the real star of the show is its wood-fired grill, bringing to life the diverse flavours of the Americas. Start feasting with its signature sourdough bread (S$8) and the indulgent "Mac & Cheese" (S$28), a symphony of melted cheeses and perfectly cooked pasta. For the main event, try the succulent Lamb Al Asador (from S$70), slow-cooked for 7 hours and infused with aromatic herbs. And don't forget a side of their Umami Chicken Salt Fries (S$14) – trust us, they're addictive!
Address: Sentosa Golf Club, 27 Bukit Manis Road, 099892
Opening hours: Wednesdayy to Thursday — 12:00pm to 3:00pm, 5:00pm to 10:00pm, Friday to Saturday — 12:00pm to 3:00pm, 5:00pm to 12:00am, Sunday — 12:00pm to 4:00pm, 5:00pm to 9:45pm
9. Loy Hey HK Seafood
Looking for unique places to eat in Singapore that'll transport you back in time? Step into Loy Hey HK Seafood and get ready for a cinematic dining experience. This vibrant restaurant serves up authentic Hong Kong-style street seafood and zi char in a setting that's straight out of a classic Hong Kong movie.
The nostalgic décor will have you feeling like you've stepped into a time capsule, with vintage movie posters, vibrant colours, and even a whimsical "ticket counter." It's the perfect backdrop for enjoying its delicious dishes, like the celebratory LO HEY Tossed Chicken Salad (S$22.80), a colourful explosion of flavours and textures. For a comforting classic, try the Nostalgic Braised Beef Short Ribs (S$42.80), slow-cooked to perfection. And no Hong Kong meal is complete without a soul-warming soup, like its signature Hami Melon Sea Conch Chicken Soup (S$58), simmered for eight hours with a medley of nourishing ingredients.
Address: One Holland Village #03-22/23/24, 7 Holland Village Way, Singapore 275748
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday — 11:30am to 3:00pm, 5:30pm to 10:00pm
Experience something new as you feast
It’s clear that dining can be way more than just good food on a plate — sometimes, it’s about igniting all senses at once. Whether you’re a foodie looking for an immersive restaurant or the most unique cafe that offers an intriguing dining concept or someone planning a special date, we hope that these recommendations will leave an unforgettable, positive experience for you!
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