Where to eat in the Civic District in City Hall, Singapore, according to the occasion

Frequently topping the wishlist of gourmands both local and abroad is three-Michelin-starred Odette. Under chef-owner Julien Royer’s hand, this French restaurant has consistently ranked as the best restaurant in Singapore by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants from 2018 to 2024, and it’s not hard to see why—paying homage to his grandmother, Royer’s dishes are elegant and refined, making each meal a gastronomic experience. Look out for signatures such as the kampot pepper-crusted pigeon and pastry chef Louisa Lim’s dessert creations, and if you can, order the cheese course, where a selection of artisanal French cheeses is presented to you on a trolley.

Jaan by Kirk Westaway

The sky’s the limit for two-Michelin-starred Jaan by Kirk Westaway—literally. This restaurant on the 70th floor of Swissôtel the Stamford is run by the eponymous Devon native, who takes inspiration from his hometown and injects contemporary sensibilities into British cuisine. The menus change seasonally—expect excellent British produce—though some signatures remain on the menu, including Westaway’s iconic charred leek and potato soup. 

Read more: Jaan’s Chef Kirk Westaway unlocks childhood memories to reimagine British cuisine of the future

Art di Daniele Sperindio

This Italian restaurant on the rooftop of the National Gallery has the privilege of being the best Italian restaurant in the world, according to the food magazine Gambero Rosso. It’s no surprise, given chef-owner Daniele Sperindio’s knack for elevating Italian classics and drawing from his personal experiences through his episodic menus. The full experience here is a seven-course degustation menu, but the restaurant has recently introduced lunch and dinner à la carte menus for greater flexibility. 

Whitegrass

French and Japanese food have some of the most exacting culinary techniques out there. When you combine them, as has head chef Takuya Yamashita at Whitegrass, you get a real treat. Take the fish course in its spring 2024 menu; though its backbone is French with crispy skin, a dash of micro celery and a drizzle of olive oil, Japanese influences shine through with a Tennouji kabu purée, as well as yuzu tabasco and zest. Through it all, a deep appreciation of nature comes through from Yamashita’s childhood in the Nara prefecture, which informs the seasonal direction of this restaurant located within the historic Chijmes compound. 

Labyrinth

Located within Esplanade Mall is one-Michelin-starred Labyrinth, where chef-owner LG Han whips up his own brand of modern Singaporean cuisine. Here, you’ll find elevated versions of local flavours that may surprise you—think a bak kut teh chawanmushi, or a bold new version of bak chor mee with squid “noodles”. A champion for both green and cultural sustainability (Han tries to preserve traditional methods and recipes), the restaurant also celebrated its tenth anniversary in February 2024, a milestone of longevity proving that Singaporean food is not relegated to the hawker centre. 

Read more: How David Yip is mentoring the next generation of chefs in Asia

National Kitchen by Violet Oon

If you’re looking for Singaporean heritage cuisine, National Kitchen by Violet Oon is one of the best places in Singapore to scratch that itch. There are dishes with all manner of Malay, Peranakan, Chinese and Eurasian influences here, so whether you’re looking for a classic beef rendang or buah keluak ayam, this restaurant has you covered. No trip is complete without sampling the dry laksa, which bursts with flavour thanks to Oon’s signature laksa blend. Vegans aren’t left out here with a dedicated plant-based menu featuring dishes such as mushroom pong tay and sambal eggplant. Come back for high tea with a selection of local snacks and kueh. 

Brasserie Astoria

Brasserie Astoria was named Best New Restaurant in the Tatler Dining Guide 2024, and for good reason. The local outpost of celebrity chef Björn Frantzén’s brasserie concept in Stockholm is located within the historic Victoria Concert Hall, with stylish interiors by Joyn Studio designed to mimic the Parisian brasseries of the 1910s–1930s. In the kitchen is head chef Emil Cecil-Ess, who whips up signatures such as the Toast Astoria with Norwegian king crab and prawn over butter-fried toast and grilled spring kitchen with finesse. For a touch of drama, order the whisky flambé beef for a fiery tableside preparation. 

Skai

Also located on the 70th floor of Swissôtel the Stamford is Skai, a contemporary grill restaurant helmed by executive chef Seumas Smith. There are tasting menus here if you’re looking to enjoy a luxurious dining experience overlooking the city skyline, but you might prefer the flexibility of an à la carte menu, which includes premium roasts such as the Westholme Wagyu prime rib. High tea is also a popular option here with delicate treats such as bluefin tuna tartare kueh pie tee and hazelnut Paris-Brest.

Mikuni

This Japanese restaurant at Fairmont Singapore is armed with sushi and teppanyaki counters to deliver refined delicacies. At Mikuni, executive chef Keisuke Uno offers both an à la carte menu and an omakase menu filled with premium seafood, meats and produce. Not to be missed is the signature Hokkaido seafood platter, a grandiose presentation of uni, snow crab and scallop that prepares the palate for further delights such as the lobster sushi roll and the sashimi. Don’t miss out on the Japanese abalone, grilled on the teppan—it has none of its rubberiness, only a tender bite that is best enjoyed with liver sauce.

The Courtyard

Widely known to have one of the best afternoon teas you can find in Singapore, The Courtyard within Civic District icon The Fullerton Hotel enjoys an abundance of natural light to grace its elegant tea snacks. Laid out on a tiered stand, the afternoon tea set includes gems such as a chocolate praline crunch and duck rillettes, alongside more local touches including a calamansi tart and a Nyonya medley consisting of pandan chiffon, gula melaka crème, and a mango pineapple sphere. 

The Courtyard
Address: 1 Fullerton Square, S(049178)

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Analogue Initiative

It’s all about sustainability at this bar in Chijmes, which won the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award in 2023. Its interiors are mostly made from recycled materials, including its counter made from 1,600 kg of plastic bottles and its tables made from mycelium. The same care is extended to its drinks—some of which are made from discarded ingredients—and its plant-based food menu. 

Analogue Initiative
Address: 30 Victoria Street, 01-31 Chijmes, S(187996), +65 8518 1882

The Modern Izakaya

This is a no-fuss izakaya situation that just might have you and your friends eating and imbibing till late in the night. You can expect typical izakaya fare such as kushiyaki, karaage, sushi and more; don’t miss out on the volcano maki, which stars crabstick and avocado with spicy salmon and tanuki. Wash it all down with a whisky highball or some sake. 

The Modern Izakaya
Address: 30 Victoria Street, 01-18 Chijmes, S(187996), +65 6255 2838

Tipsy Flamingo

Party at the lagoon in the heart of Singapore at Tipsy Flamingo, located on the first floor of Raffles City. In the day, come for moreish plates such as its version of moonlight hor fun with Wagyu beef and truffle, including a weekday set lunch with dishes such as roasted ling cod on a bed of saffron paella, or for its Sunday brunch buffet. At night, order several rounds of cocktails, including the “Steady Pom P-P”, a concoction by actor and owner co-Pierre Png, that stars Beefeater gin and limoncello with Bitter Truth peach bitters, honey syrup and kaffir lime leaves, topped up with tonic water.  

Tipsy Flamingo
Address: 252 North Bridge Road, 01-17A Raffles City Shopping Centre, S(179103), +65 9010 0348

Hvala

Hvala, which translates to “thank you” in Croatian, specialises in the art of Japanese tea, offering a tranquil zen experience in the heart of the Civic District. Here, you can find ceremonial grade matcha, including Hana and Kaze matcha, which you can drink straight or in a latte. Of course, there is hojicha and genmaicha as well—savour these with an ice cream waffle, pristine pastries, or warabimochi. 

Hvala
Address: 30 Victoria Street, 01-04/05, S(187996)

The Glasshouse

Lovers of speciality coffee, you know you can find quality coffee at The Glasshouse. This café sources its beans across Brazil, Colombia and Indonesia, rendering them into no-nonsense espresso-based coffees. It’s best enjoyed with The Glasshouse’s build-your-own-breakfast plate or its selection of mains, including a classic salmon tartine and a grilled cheese sanger.  

The Glasshouse
Address: 30 Victoria Street, 01-03 Chijmes, S(187996)

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