Eating out with the kiddos? Here are some of our tried-and-tested picks for brunch and lunch spots across Singapore when you need family-friendly dining options.
Edge
When: Sundays from noon until 3.30pm. It’s $188 per adult, including free-flow Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow label, house pour red and white wines, and select beers; $64 for children aged six to 12.
Edge is a perennial favourite among our family. Despite the fact that half an hour has been lopped off the leisurely timing, there’s still plenty of time to take full advantage of the food stations and free-flow.
There are many winning things about this brunch, including the natural daylight and views of the Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay. Then there are the dramatic sights and sounds from the various kitchen stations, and the sheer quality and quantity of food on offer. The raw seafood bar is often our first port of call, followed swiftly by the foie gras and roast suckling pig stations.
We try to visit the farmer’s cheese theatre, with over 30 variations, before we’re too full to appreciate it. Just next to this is the relatively new botanical gin bar, where you can choose from a decent variety of gins. Not a fan of the spirit myself, I left it to husband James to sample the array. He was suitably impressed.
We can’t, of course, forget the kids! Their favourites are the charcuterie selection and the giant wagyu burger. However, it’s hard to keep them away from the kids’ dessert section and, before too long (I’d say within the first 30 minutes), they’re piling plates high with cakes, gummies, chocolate fruit and candy floss.
Kid-friendly features: Request to sit at a booth near the live band; our seven- and ten-year-olds love the entertainment. A balloon artist also visits the tables to sculpt pieces for the kids.
Word to the wise: The brunch is now “only” three-and-a-half hours long, so don’t be late!
– Amy Brook-Partridge
Edge
Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard
6826 8240 | edgefoodtheatre.com
Jamie’s Italian
When: Lunch is served every day from 11.30am.
This place was packed with families when we visited on a Sunday and I could see why – a casual setting, a great kids’ menu, and lots of choices for adults make for a nice family experience. While our toddler coloured, we sipped on some rosé ($15 per glass) and nibbled on delicious starters like pumpkin arancini (fried risotto balls with pumpkin and pecorino, served with spiced cheese fondue; $15.95) and crunchy “Italian nachos” ($12.95) – sinfully good, fried three-cheese raviolis served with spicy arrabbiata sauce.
Kids can choose from chicken lollipops, free-range chicken wraps, Margherita pizza and other mains ($12 each), all of which come with a “shake me” salad and a drink. Our son loved his very generous portion of spaghetti and meatballs, accompanied by apple juice, and followed by a scoop of ice cream ($3.50) with toffee popcorn on top (let’s just say he didn’t nap afterwards…).
Meanwhile, we grown-ups enjoyed the heritage tomato salad ($22.95) with fresh and slow-roasted tomatoes, whipped ricotta, croutons, basil, rocket and toasted pine nuts, and the chargrilled tuna ($34.95). Since we were already indulging, we ordered a side of crispy polenta chips with rosemary and Parmesan ($7.95), which was definitely overkill but oh so good.
Kid-friendly features: A great kids’ menu, tons of baby chairs (you don’t need to worry about not getting one), and coloured pencils with a colour-in menu to keep the kiddos busy. – Amy Greenburg
Jamie’s Italian
#01-01/04 Forum, 583 Orchard Road
6655 7676 | jamieoliver.com/italian/singapore
Panamericana
When: Brunch is served from 9am to 3pm on weekends, and lunch is served from 12pm Wednesday to Sunday (the restaurant is also open for dinner).
Sometimes it’s a schlep to head to Sentosa with the kids. For this place, though, I’ll happily do it anytime. The modern colonial-chic décor and beautiful bar makes Panamericana’s casual indoor outdoor setting automatically cool; throw in the fab food and drinks, and sweeping sea views, and it’s definitely my new favourite spot (plus, a prime pick for group get-togethers).
With dishes inspired by those you’d find “traversing the Pan-American highway” (which connects North, Central and South America), the menu has Latin-influenced small and large-plate specialties – think Cuban-style corn with manchego and chilli citrus salt ($14), empanadas ($8) and charred meats from the Argentinian asado grill. We particularly loved the spicy snapper ceviche ($18) with paw paw, coconut milk, chilli and coriander to start; and, the fabulously flavourful burrata with grilled zucchini, shallots and salsa verde ($29) as a side. While we all went with burgers for our mains – my beef burger with green chilli salsa, cotija cheese, bacon, and caramelised onion ($20) was incredible, while my husband loved his spiced tofu burger ($20) with avocado and tomato jam – the brunch menu does include items like huevos rancheros ($25) and pancakes ($15). My toddler loved his mini burger ($10) with barbecue sauce and fries – one of the many kids’ menu options; other choices include salmon nuggets ($13), a three-cheese quesadilla ($8), avocado toast ($8) and pancakes with ice cream ($9). And, of course, the children’s churros with vanilla ice cream ($8) were a total hit.
We can’t forget the cocktails! There are so many great options. I loved the too easy-to-drink white wine sangria (Barsol pisco, sauvignon blanc, Cointreau and tropical fruit; $18), while my husband went nuts for the Don Julio Blanco tequila and pineapple ($11) concoction from the bar’s signature “Booze & Juice” list.
Kid-friendly features: Other than a strong kids’ menu and the essential plastic dishware and high chairs, there are colouring pencils for the colour-in menu, and an open grassy area where little ones can run around (surprisingly, mine stayed put inside, too busy with his churros).
Word to the wise: If you’ve got a stroller, don’t follow the sign directing you to the restaurant from the right side of the main entrance, as that ramp is far too narrow to navigate (it’s definitely not for strollers). You’ll need to go up the ramp to the left of the entrance, through the main doors and then make your way to Panamericana via the Golfer’s Terrace restaurant. – Amy Greenburg
Panamericana
Sentosa Golf Club, 27 Bukit Manis Road
6253 8182 | panamericana.sg
Tamarind Hill
When: Sundays from 11.30am to 3.30pm; it’s $60 per adult, $30 for kids six to 12 years old, and free for ages five and under. For $60 more, you can tack on unlimited cocktails, prosecco and wine, too.
Tamarind Hill’s “Thai-mless” Sunday brunch is a fun play on words, though the clock starts ticking when you place your first order. You’ve got two hours (ample time when dining with young kids!) to enjoy an unlimited amount of 44 Thai dishes within the serenity of a beautiful heritage home. You’ll find favourites such as fish cakes, pineapple fried rice, massaman beef curry (a must-try) and phad Thai, alongside poached tiger prawns wrapped in fresh salmon, pork sago dumplings and duck lychee salad. My three little ones had no problem with the spice levels (except for the deliciously scorching red tom yum soup) and delighted in their “pink diamond” ice cream and mango sticky rice desserts.
Kid-friendly features: Sunday brunch is the only time kids under 14 years old are allowed at Tamarind Hill. You order (and reorder) as many dishes as you want, graciously sparing the walkathon that parents with young kids endure during buffet brunches. Families with little shriekers might like to consider a spot on the verandah. It’s lovely – albeit a little warm – and often empty, so you can dine without fear of your two-year-old’s singing voice disrupting nearby tables.
Word to the wise: Schedule in time after the brunch to explore Labrador Nature Reserve. Part of the Southern Ridges, the reserve has playgrounds, lookout points and a boardwalk to take in the south coast scenery. – Monica Pitrelli
Tamarind Hill
30 Labrador Villa Road
6278 6364 | samadhiretreats.com
Also try
Prego
Located on the first floor of Fairmont Singapore, popular Italian restaurant Prego has a Sunday brunch (12 to 3pm) that little ones will love ($49 per child), thanks to its dedicated buffet of pasta alfredo, bolognese, chicken nuggets, fries, rainbow cupcakes and chocolate cake. Meanwhile, adults can indulge in unlimited classic Italian food and beverages (Zardetto Prosecco, Italian cocktails, and house wines for $128; free-flow Moët & Chandon Impérial for $148) including antipasto, salads, cheeses, seafood and live risotto stations, as well as the restaurant’s well-loved pizza, pasta, grilled meats and more; the home-crafted, rustic Italian bread bar is a must-visit, as is the gelato cart! 80 Bras Basah Road.
6431 6156 | fairmont.com/singapore/dining/prego
Melt Café
The signature Sunday Champagne Brunch (12 to 3pm) at Mandarin Oriental Singapore’s Melt Café makes for a magical afternoon for the entire family, with a roving magician and live gourmet stations serving up everything from Japanese and Indian fare to to fresh seafood, and Australian barbecue in the alfresco garden. Not to be missed are the irresistible dessert creations by the restaurant’s award-winning pastry chefs; the amaretto sabayon with red fruit compote, doused in liquid nitrogen and accompanied by chocolate or maple syrup, Chantilly cream and vanilla sauce, is a new addition to the stunning spread. In addition to magic tricks, little ones will love the interactive kids’ room with activities like sugar cookie decorating and Xbox video games. Brunch is $115 per adult without alcohol or $178 for unlimited Ruinart “R” de Brut Champagne, wines, cocktails, beers, juices and soft drinks; upgrade to free-flow Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Champagne for $218. Seven-to-nine-year-olds dine for $48, 10-to-12-year-olds eat for $78, and kids six and below are free.
6885 3500 | mandarinoriental.com/singapore
Picotin Express Bukit Timah
Overlooking the Champions Golf Course, this alfresco-deck restaurant has a kids’ menu (choice of pizza, pasta or chicken sausage, a juice or soft drink, and a scoop of ice cream or small chocolate mousse, for $15), and European bistro-pizzeria fare for grownups; the Pinto Pizza ($22) with mozzarella, Parmesan, Parma ham and rocket is a favourite from the new menu. Keeping with the golf theme, there’s a mini-golf course available, along with a play area featuring a swing set, slide and mini-train. Breakfast is served on weekends only from 8 to 11am, and lunch is served from noon daily. 60 Fairways Drive.
Privé Keppel Bay
We love this waterfront spot for the vast menu (it’s got everything from all-day breakfast to pizza, pasta, sandwiches, salads, poke bowls and more), the laid-back atmosphere and, most importantly, the well-planned kids’ area on the terrace. Parents can sip Aperol Spritzes while their little ones play on the slide or mini cars in eyesight. There’s a two-course kids’ menu for $12 (includes one main, a dessert and a drink) with a variety of choices like spaghetti bolognese, pizza, scrambled eggs and pancakes. The kiddos will also love yacht spotting! 2 Keppel Bay Vista.
6776 0777 | theprivegroup.com.sg
Huber’s Bistro
This Dempsey Hill spot has an enclosed outdoor playground where little ones can play while their grown-ups catch up over a glass of wine and some food from an extensive menu of charcuterie, sausages and meaty mains like Australian pasture-fed lamb chops ($26) and a beef burger with bacon and gruyère cheese ($16.50) – with kiddie portions available for many of the dishes, too! You’ll also find soups, salads, desserts and weekend breakfast options, plus beer, cider and cocktails. Afterwards, be sure to stock-up on gourmet goodies inside at Huber’s Butchery. 22 Dempsey Road.
Readers’ Picks
“The Holy Grail for me is having a glass of wine and relaxed meal while my kids are entertained! I love Open Farm Community, as it’s got a big outdoor sandpit with a few climbing structures and lots of green space for children to run around. While the play area isn’t in view of the main restaurant, it’s easy to keep an eye on the little ones from the outdoor seating area. The food is fresh and delicious, and the kids’ menu isn’t bad.” – Kathryn Calder, British
“We like Hans im Glück on Orchard Road; they’ve got cheap beer, great burgers and the kids are given coloured pencils and books to keep them entertained – winning!” – Melissa Montgomery, Australian
“We love Atmosphere Bistro at Parkland Green, and we enjoy having an early dinner there as a family. They have a number of different kids’ meals, and each comes with a juice. There’s a nice view of the sea and a huge grassy area next to the restaurant, which are two more bonuses.” – Rachael Jackson, British
“There’s nothing better than heading to Tanjong Beach Club with the kids on a Sunday morning. We arrive by 10am and get a table right next to the pool. It’s not the cheapest place, but the ambience is so worth it. You’ll feel like you’re on a beach holiday!” – Katie Hasson, Australian
“Ola Beach Club on Sentosa is one of our new favourite hangouts with the kids! There’s a pool on one side with giant inflatables, and the beach on the other – what’s not to love? Just be sure to bring your own sand toys! The food is delicious, and the Hawaiian theme really suits the setting. It’s a bit of a walk to get to, but totally worth it.” – Kermeez Kiash, Australian
Like this? Read more at our wine and dine section:
6 Italian restaurants in Singapore
Best rooftop bars in Singapore
This article first appeared in the September 2018 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
