A romantic dinner could mean a home-cooked meal together, or dining at your favourite hawker centre. To some, even Sushi Tei is not enough (okay, maybe you didn’t get the joke.)
Friends ask me for “most romantic restaurants recommendations” all the time, for birthdays, special dates and anniversaries. I think twice before dropping a name of a restaurant – I don’t want to spoil such an occasion for them. “What if the food sucks and she is not accepting the proposal?!”
Here are 5 of the most romantic restaurants in Singapore (I know there are many many more), since every one’s idea of romance is quite different. That’s why they say Men are from Mars.
JAAN
2 Stamford Road, Level 70, Equinox complex, Swissotel the Stamford, Singapore 178882 (City Hall MRT), Tel: +65 9199 9008
Opening Hours: 12pm – 2pm (Lunch Mon-Sat), 7pm – 10pm (Dinner Daily except PH)
Dine In The Clouds
There are many restaurants found at high stories with scenic views in Singapore, but how many can claim that they are one of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. Located on the 70th floor of Swissotel The Stamford, Jaan will give you breath-taking view of the Singapore skyline facing the Marina Bay district, and you would somehow spend some time gazing across with a fall-in-love feeling. The cuisine by Chef de Cuisine Julien Royer is imaginative and exceptional. 5 course degustation dinner menu with 48 hours confit Tajima Beef Short Ribs is recommended (198++, $298 with wine pairing). (Read: Jaan at Swissotel the Stamford)
After date: Dance at Equinox next door, or walk to the Merlion or Esplanade area for more photo-taking.
Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora
S.E.A Aquarium, Marine Life Park,22 Sentosa Gateway, Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore 098269, Tel:+65 6577 6869
Operating Hours: 11.00am till 10.30pm (Mon-Sun)
Dine By The Waters
Ocean Restaurant by celebrity Iron Chef Cat Cora is likely to be one of the most beautiful and magical in Singapore, located right inside the S.E.A Aquarium at Sentosa. You dine with thousands of marine life right beside you, with the Ocean Gallery – the world’s largest aquarium viewing panel. Some of the food was so so, but price still reasonable ($55++ for 3 course set lunch). My favourite dish was the Sakura Shrimp Risotto with Morel Mushroom-Black Truffle Butter Ikura ($28 ala carte). There was a smooth balanced blend of textures, from the creamy risotto with the lightly fried crispy sakura shrimps. (Read: Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora)
After date: Propose by the fishes, or go for round 2 at the Universal Studios. Getting out of the carpark can be a challenge for the unfocused though.
Halia Restaurant
1 Cluny Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens (enter from Tyersall Avenue off Holland Road), Tel: +65 8444 1148
Opening Hours: Lunch – Mondays to Fridays, 12 noon to 5pm (set-lunch only till 2pm); Dinner – Daily, 630pm to 11pm
Dine In The Gardens
This is literally a restaurant in the garden – and within Singapore’s most iconic Botanic Gardens. “Halia” drew its name from the Ginger Garden nearby, and is indeed a scenic get-away place for that relaxing brunch or romantic dinner in earthy greenery. Some of Halia’s signatures include are the Roasted Rack of Lamb in Javanese spice, Paperbag baked Chilean Seabass, and Sauteed Risotto Soja. If you come on the second and last Sunday on the month, it will be the perfect date with live jazz performances serenading during your dinner. (Read: Halia at Botanic Gardens)
After date: A slow stroll by the Botanic Garden, take a seat and watch the stars (if any).
Pete’s Place
Hyatt Hotel 10-12 Scotts Road Singapore 228211 (Orchard MRT) Tel No: +65 6732 1234
Opening Hours: 12:00 noon – 2:30 pm, 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Dine Under The Ground
For those who prefer something more nostalgic, Pete’s Place has been around since 1973. That is 41 years! You may have never discovered its existence even if you been to Hyatt Hotel, because it is located on the basement with only a staircase leading to the Italian restaurant. Pete’s Place specialises in authentic Italian cuisine from homemade pastas to wood-fired oven pizzas, just like how it started four decades ago. You would get a similar sense of homeliness from the old-school décor, lively atmosphere, and impeccable friendly service from some of the older staff who has been working here since its beginning. (Read: Pete’s Place Hyatt Hotel)
After date: A movie date at Shaw Lido right opposite, unless she (or he) wants to shop at Tangs.
NOX Dine In The Dark
269, Beach Road, Singapore 199546, Tel: +65 6298 0708, enquiries@noxdineinthedark.com Opening Hours: 6pm till late Daily
Dine In The Dark
Yes, you dine in pitch black. That means Bye Bye to your mobile phones (no facebooking or instagramming “Hey, I am having a date!”). You do not need to bother much about colour coordinating your entire getup, just make sure you smell good and talk sense. NOX-Dine in the Dark is housed in a shophouse at Beach Road, and you will be guided by specially trained blind and visually impaired servers. Part of the fun of dining in the dark is not knowing what you are eating and challenging your palate by trying to guess the ingredients in the dishes. This is the dinner that would make you talk to each other.
After date: Continue talking about the food and experience, or get your senses bombarded with a walk to Arab Street.
Other Romantic Restaurants
Brasserie Les Saveurs (St Regis)
One of the top on my list for French cuisine. Dining at St Regis Singapore’s signature restaurant Brasserie Les Saveurs makes you feel like you are in Europe – chandeliers on high ceilings, grand-looking furniture, luxurious decors and a musical fountain just outside the windows.
The Clan Restaurant (Bt Pasoh)
Nestled in the conservation area of Bukit Pasoh, quite an elaborate menu of contemporary east-meets-west fusion cuisine, modern European dishes with Asian touches. The 6 course degustation dinner menu is at $65.80++ which is a steal for its quality.
Clifford (Fullerton Bay Hotel)
Clifford has a European inspired décor, a 10 metre high ceiling and windows overlooking the sparkling waterfront of Marina Bay. Simply splendid for romantic dinner dates.
Waku Ghin (Marina Bay Sands)
Definitely one of Singapore’s top restaurant. I had one Japanese chef cooking just for 4 persons, live. The 10-course degustation menu has two seatings, one at 6pm and the other 8:30pm, with a very hefty price tag of $400++ per person.
Ezoca (Quayside Isle)
Located at Sentosa Cove, the traditional sukiya style interior of Ezoca featuring imported red cedar is elegance and exemplified, simple yet bringing out a dignified zen Japanese feel. The restaurant was extremely beautfiful.
Tip for new daters: Don’t pick the most expensive restaurant or one that is likely to close for your first date / first Valentine’s Day dinner. Because THAT is the place you are likely to go again and again.
Which is the Most Romantic Restaurant for you in Singapore?
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