It may be a little far out to travel for a chilli crab fix, but this cosy restaurant has a uniquely toothsome adaptation that includes pomelo pulp. And it’s not just for extra tang—the subtle citrus notes complement the dish’s already balanced contrast of sweet and savoury flavours with just the right amount of heat. This a popular spot for classic Chinese and local dishes though there are at times new dishes to look forward to—like serving fried Kurobuta pork ribs with salt and pepper. Flavourful yet comforting flavours are what I come here for. And the fiery sunset views, of course.

—Don Mendoza, dining content director

(Related: How to Have a ‘Singapoliday’ in Sentosa: Universal Studios, Hotel Staycations and More)

I’ll admit, after checking off a handful of things to do around the city, it’s getting harder to plan for new, outdoor experiences on weekends. But a day at Sentosa never fails to lift spirits and bring friends together. On days where we wish to soak up the sun like a couple of beached whales and enjoy a meal comfortably while watching happy puppies roam free on the stretch of sand before us, we’ll head to Tanjong Beach Club, arguably the most stylish spot and popular choice for beach bums.

For us, there are a couple of essentials that make the perfect beach day. Sunscreen is one, but the club’s crab linguine is a close second. Not only is there a generous portion of sweet crab flesh, but the sauce also has an umami quality that transports you straight to the coast of Italy. Pair it with a refreshing jug of earl grey and elderflower iced tea plus great company and your beach day’s sorted!

—Amelia Yeo, writer

Tanjong Beach Club | 120 Tanjong Beach Walk S(098942) | 6270 1355 | book@tanjongbeachclub.com

Tucked away on the quieter end of Siloso Beach is the outpost of this Hokkaido cafe. If you’re missing Japan, this cute little beachside shack definitely exudes chill Japanese island vibes: you can hang out on bar stools right by its coffee bar or on little tree stump stools by the pavement (where kids can scoot or skate around, too). The cafe’s speciality is the creamy, gourmand-approved rare Hokkaido milk Biei Jersey Milk, and they’re the only ones carrying this in Singapore. The coffee menu is extensive, with a modest offering of simple Japanese savoury fare. Dessert options are a-plenty too: fruit sandos, cream puffs, soft serves and the bear-themed shaved ice and ice-cream parfaits will please both kids and kids-at-heart.

—Daphne Chen-Cordeiro, digital content director

Baristart Coffee | 40 Siloso Beach Walk S(098996) | 6970 0625 | info@baristartcoffee.com.sg

If you’re looking for a laid-back spot by Sentosa’s Siloso Beach, head over to Coastes. Located right along the warm golden stretch of sand, the restaurant offers a range of beach bites alongside a dose of breezy charm. Settle into one of the many sun-beds or deck chairs, and tuck into hearty options like the Big Bad Wolf pizza—a satisfyingly cheesy mix consisting of bacon, roast chicken, mushrooms and roasted veggies—or the crispy rösti that’s perfectly paired with smoked salmon and poached eggs.  

The sunny beach bar also serves up a mixture of tropical and frozen cocktails, alongside an array of draft beers and other non-alcoholic options. Nothing says relaxing paradise like kicking back with a refreshing piña colada in hand and soaking up the sunshine. Plus, the restaurant is dog-friendly, too, so make sure to bring your furry companions along for a day of fun!

—Cheryl Lai-Lim, digital writer

Coastes | 50 Siloso Beach Walk, 01-06, S(099000) | 6631 8938 

(Related: 10 Best Dog-Friendly Cafes and Restaurants in Singapore)

I’m not much of a beach person but for some reason, I have been rather curious about dining on the beach—quite literally, with sand beneath my toes—in the past few months. Perhaps it’s a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and being cooped up at home for a prolonged period? Nevertheless, I was inspired enough to book an outdoor table at FOC Sentosa with my girlfriends on a hot weekday afternoon. I felt a tinge of regret right as I sat at our wooden table and bench, no thanks to the humidity and heat while at Tanjong Beach. But as soon as our food arrived, all hints of discomfort went away. The restaurant offers a wide variety of Mediterranean treats with sharing platters available, which is especially convenient for those lounging away on beach chairs with friends. Try the tapas such as FOC patatas bravas, deep-fried calamari, FOC chicken ‘satay’ nuggets, roasted cauliflower and more. You can also indulge in a Spanish paella, available in a variety of flavours, that can serve up to four people.

And is it really a good time on the beach without a cold drink in hand? Whether it’s an iced salted caramel latte or a chilled gin & tonic served in a generous balloon glass—the beverage options at FOC Sentosa are extensive and will definitely help combat the sweltering heat. But of course, you can also choose to sit indoors and watch fellow guests soak in the sun.

—Andrea Saadan, assistant digital editor

If I want to take a break from the city’s hustle and bustle, you’ll find me soaking up the sun at Rumours Beach Club at Siloso Beach. What I like about the place—apart from the view, of course—is that it offers a slice of Bali through its food and drinks. Inspired by the Jimbaran Bali BBQ, the seafood platter comes loaded with ocean-fresh jumbo prawns, bamboo lobster, red snapper and squid marinated in a house-made concoction of Balinese spices, and cooked over charcoal grill. You’ve also got refreshing drinks, too, which are ideal for our hot and humid weather. I always go for the Frozen Strawberry Margarita, but if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll opt for a glass of bubbly.

—Dudi Aureus, digital dining editor