Whether you’re looking for sky-high fine dining or casual fusion fare, dinner in the gardens or a date beside the pool, Singapore is full of options for a special meal out. Here, we put some of the island’s most romantic dining experiences to the test.
Stellar at 1-Altitude: Dining with the Stars
Feels:
With dizzying heights and a star-studded Constellations Menu, Stellar is the perfect haven for lovebirds. Towering over the CBD at 62 floors, the restaurant’s views of Marina Bay and the city lights are spectacular, making even the most prominent neighbouring skyscrapers appear subordinate. Inside, the grand and elegant décor lends itself to the romance; crisp linen, floorto-ceiling glass windows and a theatrical chandelier that mimics the enchantment of the Northern Lights. If fear isn’t a factor for you or your date, request a window-side table, where the dramatic drop to the city streets really will set your heart aflutter.
Flavours:
Executive chef Christopher Millar’s extensive career and Australian heritage set the framework for the menu at Stellar. With an emphasis on quality produce and seasonal flavours, he and his team experiment with quirky and unconventional techniques to amplify the texture and flavour of every morsel. Our first few bites of the eight-course Chef’s Omakase Experience ($190) began with Scottish Loch Fyne oysters topped with pumpernickel ice cream, and celeriac and beetroot carpaccio with tomato caramel, which stirred our senses with new and complex notes.
From dish to dish, we loved the occasional shift to simplicity in both preparation and presentation; for example, the warm smoked salmon with fromage frais and the Hokkaido scallop with braised leek and grape mustard both celebrated their star ingredients in their purest form. The final savoury act was the 24-hour stuffed Tajima flank, flown-in from Stellar’s own wagyu cattle in the Riverina region of New South Wales, Australia. Each bite was tender, while still being generously stuffed with brioche, spinach, winter truffle, smoked potato espuma and red wine reduction.Favourites:
Breath-taking views and stellar service combine with an exciting, experiential menu to make this a top-notch romantic choice that you and your Valentine won’t soon forget. The finishing touch is a Singapore Flyer-inspired after-dinner mint sculpture, which would be the perfect place to hide a sparkly little gift!
Favourites:
Dessert was a novel end to this magical evening. Like an artist at work, Stellar’s pastry chef personally curates a selection of desserts, such as a Valrhona crémeux and sable of mango, directly at your table. Imagine chocolate brushstrokes, sprinkled petals and torched meringue, all resulting in an edible masterpiece!
– Leanda Rathmell
Level 62, 1 Raffles Place
6438 0410 | 1-altitude.com/stellar
Il Cielo: Rooftop Romance
Feels:
Located on the 24th floor of Hilton Singapore, this poolside restaurant offers an intimate, relaxed atmosphere that’s great for a weeknight date after work.
Flavours:
Known for using natural ingredients and seasonal produce from Italy and Japan, the award-winning Il Cielo serves elegant Italian cuisine with a Japanese flair. Tokyo-born chef Yohhei Sasaki, who’s had training in Michelin-starred Italian restaurants in Tuscany and Lombardy, helms the kitchen. We tried two of his degustation menus – “Italy” ($88 per person) and “Japan” ($118 per person) – featuring signature dishes from the à la carte menu. Make the occasion extra special with a wine pairing (additional $30 per person) – you won’t regret it!
From the Italian menu, we started with Calamaro Ripieno alla Viareggina, a stunning dish of stuffed squid, served with squid ink sauce, Italian parsley puree, squid ink powder and sea water foam. Another highlight was Cappellini Burro e Timo: homemade angel-hair pasta with Maine lobster, thyme butter sauce and porcini crumble, topped with a generous portion of shaved black truffle.
If you opt for the Japanese menu, you’ll love the Spaghetti ai Ricci di Mare, a sinful dish of homemade spaghetti, Hokkaido sea urchin, Sardinia bottarga (cured fish roe) and yuzu to balance out the umami richness. The La Sfera dessert, consisting of a beautiful sphere, ricotta cheese espuma, lemon sorbet and honey gel, was the perfect end to the meal. Refreshing and delightful, this dolce certainly didn’t disappoint.
Amp up the romance with a six-course Valentine’s set dinner, available on 10, 12 and 13 February ($138 per person), as well as on 14 February ($158 per person). The menu, which includes a glass of champagne, offers highlights like Raviolone di Baccala – stuffed salted cod-fish ravioli – and the Brasato di Manzo Wagyu A5, an interesting number that pairs braised Hokkaido snow beef A5 neck with Valrhona dark chocolate. Psst… Enjoy 15 percent off if you book via Chope by 7 February!
Favourites:
The restaurant’s focus on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, as well as gourmet seasonal produce, stands out the most. Also, the breezy semi-alfresco space makes the whole experience rather special; there’s something about poolside dining that makes it so enjoyable.
– Anthia Chng
Level 24 Hilton Singapore
581 Orchard Road
6730 3395 | singapore.hilton.com/ilcielo
Jamie’s Italian: Casual Italian Affair
Feels:
Jamie’s Italian VivoCity offers a casual, fun vibe; the big restaurant space is well laid out to create a mix of family-friendly areas as well as private zones.
Flavours:
On the menu are accessible Italian dishes in generous servings – a big choice of pasta, pizza and meaty mains, and epic desserts. The giant Jamie’s Italian Burger ($34.95) with bacon, barbecue sauce and caramelised onions will keep your man happy, especially after a shared plank of cured meats ($34.95). Healthier options like the tasty Super Foods Salad ($25.95; additional $4 for salmon, feta or grilled chicken) mean you can definitely indulge in one of the amazing desserts after your meal. Featuring a rainbow of avocado, roasted beetroot, grains and seeds with a harissa (chilli pepper paste) dressing, this salad is a must-try. The mixed crostini of chicken liver pate, crab, avocado and traditional tomato ($15.95) is another great way to try the different flavours.
The desserts are the star of the show, though – go for traditional pecan pie or gelato, or our favourites: the tiramisu ($13.95) with orange mascarpone and the chocolate brownie with amaretto ice-cream and caramelised popcorn ($13.95). Or a dessert cocktail, perhaps – tiramisu martini for me, please!
The Valentine’s set menu ($188 per couple) includes a three-course meal and a glass of prosecco or mocktail each. Note that the VivoCity outlet closes at 9pm from Monday to Thursday, so book an early spot on Valentine’s Day, or meet after work on the way home – both locations are just a short walk from HarbourFront or Orchard MRT stations.
Favourites:
The staff are extremely knowledgeable and helpful; they seated the couples in an area nearer to the windows overlooking the water, and away from the bigger tables of families. It was very relaxing to leave the kids at home for once to watch the sunset with a glass of wine. Easy parking at VivoCity also meant that we could arrive early for a spot of shopping (Valentine’s gifts, perhaps?)!
– Danielle Rossetti
VivoCity (#01-165/167) & Forum The Shopping Mall (#01-01/04)
6733 5500 | 6655 7676
jamiesitalian.sg
Osteria Mozza: Homemade Pastas and Exquisite Meats
Feels:
Adorned with dark wood and white tablecloths, and completed with cosy dim lighting, this award-winning Italian restaurant is romantic enough for date night, yet equally comfy for a family meal or a catch-up sesh with the girlfriends.
Flavours:
Expect hearty Italian fare by executive chef Peter Birks, complemented with exclusive vintages from the restaurant’s La Mozza winery in Tuscany, helmed by awardwinning winemaker Joe Bastianich. Our meal kicked off with a light medley of chargrilled octopus with potatoes, celery and lemon ($27), followed by a red endive, fennel and grana padano salad – both of which were refreshing and great for sharing. Meat lovers will enjoy the grilled Colorado lamb chops with Sardinian pearl pasta, yogurt and mint ($65), amazingly tender and well-seasoned. Or, if you’re more of a seafood person, go for the pan-seared sea trout ($48), done just right with perfectly crispy skin, and served on a bed of lentils.
On 14 February, the restaurant is offering a four-course Valentine’s Day menu ($138 per person) from 5pm to 11pm, with highlights including Corzetti alla Genovese – pasta coated with a thick layer of pistachio, arugula sauce and burrata. For an elevated experience, top up $100 to enjoy a Riserva wine pairing.
Favourites:
If I had to pick out one must-try item, it’d be the tagliatelle with oxtail ragù ($28/42), which featured handmade pasta cooked perfectly al dente, and bathed in a rich, flavourful stew. Oh, and did I mention dessert? You have to try the coconut panna cotta with passionfruit and almond hazelnut biscotti ($17) – the consistency of the pudding was spot-on!
– Anthia Chng
B1-42-46, Galleria Level
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
6688 8522 | marinabaysands.com/osteria
Me@OUE (closed): Three Cuisines in a Sky-high Setting
Feels:
Me@OUE is a favourite for its slick service, modern, unpretentious vibe and unbeatable sunset views, both from the restaurant and open air rooftop lounge.
Flavours:
This restaurant is as well known for spectacular views over Marina Bay as it is for the open kitchens serving innovative French, Chinese and Japanese food under the watchful eye of chef Sam. His Valentine’s Day menu is a journey through the best the restaurant has to offer; highlights include oysters, lobster, turbot, wagyu and a rose dessert. The five-course set menu (available from 6pm to 8pm on 14 February) is $128, plus an additional $68 for matching sake and wines. An eight-course set menu is available from 8.30pm at $198, plus $88.
Favourites:
You can’t beat the carefully selected wine pairings that complement each dish on the set menu; it makes the evening exceptionally easy as there is no fussing and agonising over what to order. That said, the knowledgeable staff will be very helpful if you prefer to select from the à la carte options. The three standouts for us? One was the South African spiny rock lobster, prepared Chinese-style with crispy garlic and macadamia nuts; another was the Kumamoto wagyu beef with shitake and truffle purée; and, though some may find the dessert a touch sweet, we enjoyed the beautifully presented lychee and rose dessert – an ivory rose mousse, with lychee flavours and berry consommé.
–Katie Roberts
OUE Bayfront Rooftop,
50 Collyer Quay
6634 4555 | me-oue.com
Pollen: Sophisticated Garden Dining
Feels:
Pollen boasts sleek, urban interiors with walls of mirrors that reflect the plants surrounding the dining area. Tables are positioned for privacy, as attentive staff explain the story behind each dish and drink with aplomb. At night, the Flower Dome’s temperature dips to around 16 degrees Celsius, so it’s advisable to bring a jacket or wrap to keep yourself warm. And another tip: Enter the restaurant by alighting at the hotel taxi stand and strolling along the river, or by taking advantage of the complimentary buggy service from the Main Entry foyer at Gardens by the Bay.
Flavours:
Pollen offers Modern French cuisine inspired by Mediterranean flavours. The Five Stories Tasting Menu ($155; top up $55 for five glasses of beverage pairing) is a journey through chef Steve Allen’s early life by the seaside in the UK, to his life in Singapore, in European style. Psst… On Valentine’s Day, indulge in a special dinner ($158 per person) that gets you six courses and a glass of champagne.
Favourites:
Just looking at each plate as it arrives is a joy; the profusion of colours and textures in the presentation make it hard to resist snapping a few pictures! The Sea and Sand, consisting of salmon, scallop and crab, paired beautifully with the white grape juice, jasmine and lime drink. The Pollen Garden was another highlight; featuring a colourful wreath of 17 different herbs and vegetables, with a frozen quenelle of bagna càuda, this stunning dish was well complemented with our beverage: a sparkling concoction of rhubarb, basil and Hendrick’s gin.
– Danielle Rossetti
Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay
18 Marina Gardens Drive, #01-09
6604 9988 | pollen.com.sg
Monti at 1-Pavilion: Modern Italian with Marina View
Feels:
Housed in the iconic glass dome next to The Fullerton Bay Hotel, recently opened Monti is chic and sleek, with luxe bronze and blue hues, and a copper-top bar serving all kinds of signature cocktails. At the DJ booth, resident DJs spin tunes each night until late; but if you’re not into that kind of thing, don’t worry – we ate dinner around 8pm, the music wasn’t too loud and it didn’t feel in any way like a club!
You really can’t beat the unobstructed Marina Bay views, especially if you’re seated on the lower level near the window. Whether you go for a business lunch, a date night or want to impress out-of-town visitors, the classy ambience and prime locale, combined with the restaurant’s superb service, make this place a great pick (and I haven’t even mentioned the food yet…).
Flavours:
New-to-Singapore, Italian Chef Luigi Calcagno, who owns Zibiru in Bali’s Seminyak, is the man responsible for Monti’s delectable, modernItalian sharing dishes. The menu is full of options for meat eaters, seafood lovers and vegetarians alike. Pastas are freshly made: the braised veal osso bucco ravioli with cream of bone marrow, lemon zest and Parmigiano Reggiano ($34), and the gnocchi with artichoke, parsley and mint ($38) are popular choices.
We especially loved the variety of fresh salads available – something you don’t always find here in Singapore. A highlight was the crunchy superfood salad ($24), which included sunflower seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, hazelnuts, pine nuts, peas, corn, lentils, borlotti beans, cucumbers and cherry tomatoes, among other healthy ingredients. We also enjoyed the panzanella salad ($28), with medium-rare seared yellowfin tuna, black figs, vine tomato, bell pepper, cucumber, ciabatta croutons, olives and smoked anchovy.
Favourites:
Chef Luigi’s risotto cacio e pepe ($39) is what dreams are made of – it’s a must-order at Monti. Italian carnaroli rice is cooked tableside by Chef Luigi in a giant Parmesan wheel (yes, the cheese melts into the risotto!), and topped with black pepper and shaved black truffles. This alone is worth going for – share it with your sweetie and your date night is made!
Tip:
Head upstairs to Monti’s alfresco rooftop area for an after-dinner drink and more picturesque views.
– Amy Greenburg
Fullerton Pavilion, 82 Collyer Quay
6535 0724 | monti.sg
Terra: Michelin-starred Tokyo-Italian fare with flair
Feels:
Minimalist Japan meets warm Italian trattoria. Terracotta tiles cover a feature wall, alongside modern furniture with clean lines. Terra is intimate and subtly romantic; smart, yet relaxed.
Flavours:
Japanese-Italian fusion, served omakase-style – that is, “let the chef decide”! Choose from three “levels” of menu based on cost (our lunch menu was $308), and allow Chef Seita to take it from there. Sea urchin isn’t for everyone, but the sea urchin bruschetta gave us the perfect taster, followed by carpaccio of kinmedai (golden eye snapper), the prettiest of our seven courses: clean, fresh and stunningly presented. The plates that followed were simply excellent; scallop gratin, tagliolini with caviar, grilled king crab and kinmedai, and, our personal favourite, chargrilled Iwate wagyu served with a baby jacket potato. A Japanese take on tiramisu rounded off our menu.
Favourites:
The food was utterly magnificent; we could see how Terra earned its Michelin star! The service is sublimely slick yet unpretentious, and, while this is fine dining, it doesn’t have a stuffy feel. The attentive staff ask about any allergies or dislikes at the start, which is a thoughtful touch, and the in-house sommelier will help you choose from the boutique Italian and French labels on the menu. Choose a table for two near the open kitchen for a good view of Seita and his team working their culinary magic. Reservations well ahead of time are an absolute must. Oh, and we quite like the no-child policy, too! This is a serious treat for real food-lovers.
Tip:
Not ready to go home? Amble along Tras Street and choose a spot to grab a drink at – there are options aplenty!
– Emi Finch
54 Tras Street
6221 5159 | terraseita.com
JAAN: Pristine produce
Feels:
This sky-high gem is elegantly intimate – a 40-seater pocket on the 70th floor that takes in the Lion City in all its sparkling glory. A dramatic crystal chandelier adorns the entirety of the ceiling, further dramatising the restaurant’s cloudlike state. The rest of the interior is simple and sophisticated. Individual spotlights illuminate crisp linen tables like they are canvases awaiting an artist’s intervention.
Flavours:
The “artist” in this case is JAAN’s talented chef, Kirk Westaway, from Devon in the UK, whose ever-evolving menus of modern French cuisine hold premium produce as their linchpin. Though there are both seasonal and vegetarian courses available, we recommend you surrender yourself to the 10-course surprise menu ($298). Highlights include the theatrical entrance of the 55’ Rosemary Smoked Organic Egg, cooked at 64 degrees Celsius for 55 minutes and served with smoked Ratte potatoes, autumn mushrooms and chorizo Iberico; homecooked eggs reinvented beyond imagination! Then there’s the heirloom tomato cooked sous-vide in tomato consommé, a dish that focuses on a single ingredient but makes it a superstar; stuffed with diced oxheart tomatoes, gherkins and oregano accompanied by a basil sorbet, the Tomato Collection is a delicate amalgamation of clean flavours brought to life by Westaway and his team over the course of three whole days. And to think that those two dishes are only two of ten steps on this multi-sensory journey!
Favourites:
It’s the opening and closing notes that really impressed, with the impeccably presented and flavoursome amuse-bouche and complimentary snacks setting the standard. Not just any complimentary snacks, mind you, but Charlotte potato espuma paired with truffle bouillon and Perigord truffle shavings, foie gras macarons, and clotted cream Devon tea biscuits!
– Leanda Rathmell
2 Stamford Road, Level 70, Equinox Complex, Swissôtel
6837 3322 | jaan.com.sg
Dolce Vita: Italian with a View
Feels:
Dolce Vita has a wonderful setting that overlooks the beautiful pool area of the Mandarin Oriental hotel. The al fresco setting is charming, but for those who prefer air conditioning, floor-to-ceiling glass doors adorn the restaurant, providing superb views of the Marina Bay area.
Flavours:
Chef Marco Manocchio presents a modern twist on Italian food at Dolce Vita. Our starter of Treccia Campana di Bufala ($34) featured buffalo mozzarella from Naples, handmade by spinning, cutting and twisting the milk curd over and over again; it was cut at the table and served with sundried tomatoes, anchovies and olive oil. We also shared the Salmone Marinato from the set lunch menu ($38 for two courses or $46 for three courses) – cured salmon served with fennel and a citrus salad. The main course of barramundi fillet was served with crustacean soup and sautéed vegetables (an additional $10 to the set menu), after which, we devoured another signature, the carbonara ($30) – a creamy mix of homemade spaghetti with pecorino sabayon, pancetta and black pepper.
On Valentine’s Day, treat your date to a six-course dinner ($158 per person) featuring exquisite dishes like seared Hokkaido scallops with passionfruit coulis, lavender-infused black cod fillet, and seared pigeon breast with poached plum.
Favourites:
Desserts were our highlight: a modern-looking tiramisu ($16), accompanied by ice cream and a light mascarpone mouse, along with one of the prettiest dishes I’ve ever seen, panna cotta ($18) with pistachio crumbles, berries and burnt milk ice cream.
– Jacqui Young
Level 5 Mandarin Oriental
6885 3500 | mandarinoriental.com/singapore/fine-dining/dolce-vita
This is an extract from an article that first appeared in the February 2018 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy for the full article, or Subscribe now so you never miss an issue!
Looking for more great dining spots in Singapore? Head along to our Wine & Dine section.
