CBD restaurants for business lunches, dinners & dates

From burgers and milkshakes to fine dining, here are some restaurants near Marina Bay and Singapore’s Central Business District (CBD). Whether its for business lunches, post-work bite, drink with colleagues or the perfect date-night destination, knowing where a good CBD restaurant is handy!

Restaurants in CBD

Crafted by Peter Zwiener

Crafted is an American-style diner by the same team behind Wolfgang’s Steakhouse. Located in the heart of the CBD, the restaurant is a short walk from Raffles City or Suntec City and across the road from the Raffles Hotel. A combination that Crafted does well is burgers and milkshakes. We would get our fingers dirty again for Bun Jovi and Deja-Moo. Bacon jam in the latter left a tinge of sweet aftertaste, while tender pulled beef in the former enhanced the smoky flavours of the patty. All wrapped in fluffy and light potato burger buns.

Many diners have raved about Crafted’s milkshakes – the richness comes from vanilla ice cream – and we agree; skip dessert and get a milkshake instead!

All the beef used at Crafted are 100% USDA prime black Angus, just as at their sister restaurant. They’re dry-aged for at least 28 days, which adds depth to the flavour profile. This is evident even in the beef cubes used in the beef ragu pasta, available only on their weekday work lunch menu consisting of pasta selections. The only exception to this is the filet mignon. Despite being wet-aged, our medium rare serving was still tender, and juicy.

Great for: Business lunches, weekend brunches and sundown drinks

– Patricea Chow

26 Beach Road, #B1-2, South Beach Avenue
8886 2618 (WhatsApp) | crafted.com.sg

Dolce Vita at Mandarin Oriental Singapore

Located on the fifth floor of Mandarin Oriental Singapore, this Italian restaurant in CBD has stood the test of time. Their menu puts a uniquely modern twist on the alluring flavours of authentic Italian cuisine. Premium produce is flown in from Italy, and dishes are created with the finest ingredients of the best quality. Guests can look forward to highlights such as the traditional and flavourful Treccia buffalo mozzarella, homemade pasta and risotto, as well as sumptuous mains such as the Pan-roasted limestone Wagyu beef tenderloin.

The restaurant’s outdoor alfresco area boasts vistas of the city’s skyline and CBD district, leading to the patio and pool area. Meanwhile, the interior comes with floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as a feature wall with vertical slit windows, offering diners a glimpse into what goes on in the kitchen.

Great for: Business meals, after-work drinks and date nights.

5 Raffles Avenue
6885 3500 | mandarinoriental.com/singapore

Artemis Grill & Sky Lounge

This restaurant near Marina Bay Sands, has stunning views and is an impressive space for both day and night dining.

The menu is modern Mediterranean with strong French and Italian references – and you may have trouble deciding what to order. The chicken liver parfait, served with rhubarb jam and brioche, is so good you’ll have to hold yourself back from licking the bowl. The colour of the seared Boston lobster pops against the vivid green of the minty sweet peas, and tastes just as good.

If you’re a meat lover, try the perfectly cooked and simply served beef striploin. It is full of flavour, with the flame-seared outside giving way to a melt-in-your-mouth tender steak. The juicy Iberico Pork Secreto is perfectly accompanied by an apple-miso puree and pork crackle. But, there are plenty of dishes for vegetarians and pescatarians, too. Make sure you order the delicious crushed potatoes as a side dish!

The team is exceptionally professional and attentive, without being obtrusive. Requests are carried out with genuine thoughtfulness and in a swift, fuss-free manner.

Great for: Business lunches and romantic date nights. Tip: The restaurant is very popular for large corporate gatherings, so check when you book, if this might bother you.

Artemis Grill & Sky Lounge
Level 40, CapitaGreen, 138 Market Street
6635 8677 | artemisgrill.com.sg

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