Expert recommendations for the best places to eat in four price ranges: budget ($), moderate ($$), expensive ($$$), and luxury ($$$$).
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Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao
Orchard Road branch of a popular noodle and dumpling restaurant chain, most located in the city’s most popular shopping malls. Authentic Shanghai pork noodles and Hong Kong dumplings. 391 Orchard Road, Ngee Ann City 04-27; tel. +65 6238 1661.
Red Star
“This place doesn't look like it's changed in fifty years…and it probably hasn't.”—Daven Wu, food editor, Time Out Singapore. Tucked-away classic for homemade dumplings served on pushcarts and roast duck. Block 54 Chin Swee Road, 07-23; tel. +65 6532 5266.
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Coca Steamboat
Diners sit around an open “steamboat” pot cooking noodles, meat, fish, and vegetables in soup broth. Not for solo dining; a favorite with families. 360 Orchard Road, 02-05 International Building; tel. +65 6738 2588.
Coriander Leaf
2003 Asian Wall Street Journal article named owner Samia Ahad one of the most noted female chefs in Asia. Blend of Indian, Persian, and Turkish cuisines accented with Thai and Vietnamese spices. 02-03 River Valley Road, Clark Quay; tel. +65 6732 3354. www.corianderleaf.com
Akashi
“Need a spot of pampering, head to Akashi.”—Tan Hsueh Yun, editor, Straits Times. Sushi and sashimi popular with locals; ask owner Mervin Goh for his daily special. Variety of sake and sho chu (distilled Japanese alcoholic beverage) brands. 19 Tanglin Road, B1-09/10/11; tel. +65 6732 4438.
Teochew City Seafood Restaurant
“High standards to live up to, but this it does, very capably.”—Cathleen Tung, food critic, Today. Famous since 1995 for its southern Chinese Teochew dishes; signatures include cold crabs, braised goose, and yam paste. 05-16 the Centrepoint, 176 Orchard Road; tel. +65 6733 3338.
Jumbo Seafood
Two decade-old beachfront Chinese restaurant serves seafood on homestyle platters. Famous for Singapore classics: chili crab with deep-fried man-tou buns and black pepper prawns. East Coast Parkway 01-07/08, East Coast Seafood Centre; tel. +65 6442 3435. www.jumboseafood.com.sg
Tiffin Room
Lunchtime curry buffet is a storied classic as is high tea; white linens, sterling service, and fine china throughout. Located in the Raffles Hotel main lobby. Raffles Hotel, 1 Beach Road; tel. +65 6412 1816.
$$$
Original Sin
Singapore’s sole Mediterranean vegetarian eatery. Part of the popular Michelangelo’s Italian restaurant concepts; big wine list and knowledgeable sommeliers. 01-62 Jalan Merah Saga, Holland Village, Chip Bee Gardens; tel. +65 6475 5605. www.originalsin.com.sg
My Humble House
“Delivering progressive, detailed dishes.”—Grant Thatcher, Luxe Guides. Often referred to as “Haute Chinese,” dishes include soups with names like “Dancing with the World,” 02-27 Esplanade Mall, 8 Raffles Avenue; tel. +65 6423 1881. www.tunglok.com
Senso
“Sunday brunch spread is accompanied by free-flow Italian Prosecco.”— June Lee, restaurant reviewer, Time Out Singapore. Mediterranean-inspired entrees such as grilled pesto sea bass; extensive European wine list. 21 Club Street; tel. +65 6224 3534. www.senso.sg
$$$$
Iggy’s
Recently rated one of the top 100 restaurants in the world by Restaurant Magazine, only Singapore entry on the list. Modern European cuisine; intimate room seats 16 at counter, up to 14 in private dining area. Regent Hotel Singapore Level 3, 1 Cuscaden Road; tel. +65 6732 2234.
Les Amis
“A special place where you get an experience that is rare in Singapore.”—Wong Ah Yoke, food critic, Straits Times. French fine dining; four-course set dinners; interior recently renovated. 1 Scotts Road 02-16, Shaw Centre; tel. +65 6733 2225.
BLU
Contemporary designed space on the 24th floor of the Shangri-La Hotel. One of the few places in Asia where the chef has a Michelin star and you can get Screaming Eagle Cabernet. Attracts expense account wielding CEOs. 22 Orange Grove Road; tel. +65 6213 4598.
