Where’s the best place to eat in Singapore? In this food guide, we share our 12 favourite restaurants and food spots in Singapore, from breakfast and brunch to hawker centres, local favourites and luxury rooftop restaurants. Singapore is a wonderful city for foodies, as its mix of different cultures means you’ll find everything from traditional hawker stalls and trendy brunch cafés to high-end Michelin-starred restaurants. With these tips, you’ll know exactly where to go, roughly how much to expect to pay, and which places are best to book in advance.
General information on Singapore
Are you planning your trip to Singapore? Then check out our tips for the best travel period, daily budget and applying for the SG Arrival Card. You can find all information on Singapore here.
Where to eat in Singapore? Here are the best options right now
The best place to eat in Singapore depends mainly on the time of day and what you fancy. For breakfast and brunch, neighbourhoods such as Tiong Bahru, Katong and Robertson Quay are ideal. For affordable local food, hawker centres such as Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat and Chinatown Complex are the places to go. If you’re looking for a cosy dining experience or a meal with a view, check out Duxton Hill, Kampong Glam or Marina Bay.
Although, personally, we mainly ate at the various hawkers in Singapore, there are also a few restaurants you should not miss. To get you started, we share our favourite places below!
Quick guide: where to eat in Singapore?
| What fancy you doing? | Best choice | Neighbourhood | Why come here? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast or brunch | Tiong Bahru Bakery | Tiong Bahru | The best croissants and good coffee |
| Local breakfast | Chin Mee Chin Confectionery | Katong | Kaya toast and a real local vibe |
| Good coffee | Common Man Coffee Roasters | Robertson Quay | Speciality coffee and a hearty brunch |
| Dumplings | Din Tai Fung | Multiple locations | A reliable classic |
| Affordable local food | Maxwell / Lau Pa Sat | Chinatown / CBD | Best street food |
| A cosy dinner | Xiao Ya Tou | Duxton Hill | Creative and atmospheric |
| Dining with a view | LeVeL33 | Marina Bay | Rooftop with a view of the skyline |
| A unique cocktail bar | ATLAS | Kampong Glam | A unique experience |
Tip: Want to discover several culinary hotspots in Singapore in one day without having to plan it yourself? With an organised food tour, you'll taste the best dishes, get background stories about the city and discover places you might pass by on your own. Book your food tour in Singapore via GetYourGuide here.
The best breakfast and brunch in Singapore
1. Tiong Bahru Bakery
Tiong Bahru Bakery is known for the best croissants in town. Ideal for a leisurely breakfast or an between-sightseeing break. For croissant lovers, a must-visit.
Location: Tiong Bahru Bakery has several locations in the city. You can find them here via Google Maps.
Price: €-€€
Favourites: croissant, kouign-amann, avocado toast.
2. Chin Mee Chin Confectionery
Chin Mee Chin is one of Singapore's best-loved old-school bakeries and a perfect place for a classic brunch. Here you eat kaya toast like locals have been doing since the 1950s. With a cup of strong kopi, this is an ideal morning stop in atmospheric Katong.
Location: Katong. You can find the exact location here in Google Maps.
Price: €
Favourites: kaya toast, kopi, soft boiled eggs
3. Symmetry
An atmospheric brunch spot with a creative menu and fine cocktails. You'll find this restaurant near Sultan Mosque. Everything here looks great, but better yet, it tastes great too. Highly recommended for both brunch and dinner!
Location: Kampong Glam. You can find the exact location here in Google Maps.
Price: €€
Favourites: mushroom Benedict, truffle fries, espresso martini.
4. Wild Honey
Luxury all-day breakfast with worldly dishes and generous portions. At Wild Honey, you can go for a good breakfast all day long! From a simple croissant to shakshuka and French toast. For a good avocado toast, we like to walk around so we visited both establishments.
Location: You will find Wild Honey on Orchard Road and off Bugis Street. You can find the locations in Google Maps here.
Price: €€€
Favourites: The Norwegian, Spanish Hash, California.
5. Common Man Coffee Roasters
The place for specialty coffee and a hearty brunch dish. Those who read our blogs more often know that Melvin loves coffee and Common Man Coffee Roasters was therefore a place we could not skip. It is a popular spot and thus one of the best places in Singapore for brunch and good coffee.
Location: Common Man Coffee Roasters has several locations in the city. We personally visited the one in the Robertson Quay area. You can easily find all locations via Google Maps.
Price: €€
Favourites: Turkish Eggs, CMCR Breakfast, espresso, cappuccino, iced latte.
6. Mr & Mrs Mohgan Super Crispy Roti Prata
If you are a fan of roti prata, you must have been here. The name says it all: the prata is super crispy and among the best in Singapore. It's a popular spot among locals, so go early to avoid disappointment. Ideal to combine with a stroll through Katong.
Location: Katong. You can find the exact location here in Google Maps.
Price: €
Favourites: plain prata, egg prata, curry dip
Best affordable restaurants & local favourites
7. Din Tai Fung
Where Melvin loves coffee, I (Gwen) cannot get enough of dumplings. Din Tai Fung was therefore a restaurant we did not want to skip. This Chinese chain may not be typically Singaporean, but the dumplings are so good we wanted to mention it anyway. You can find branches all over the city, often in big malls.
Location: Din Tai Fung has several locations in the city. You can easily find all locations via Google Maps.
Price: €-€€
Favourites: xiao long bao, spicy wonton, fried rice.
8. Xiao Ya Tou
Xiao Ya Tou is a creative spot serving Chinese comfort food. The interior is retro, dark and cosy – perfect for a lovely evening with your partner or friends without breaking the bank. The menu changes regularly, but is always packed with original dishes with a touch of humour. A lovely, affordable option if you fancy something a bit different from the classic hawker stalls.
Location: Duxton Hill. You can find the exact location here in Google Maps.
Price: €€
Favourites: truffle roast duck, wagyu hor fun, cocktails
International restaurants in Singapore
9. Latteria Mozzarella Bar
Anyone who has been on the road for a bit longer knows that sometimes you feel like western food for a while. Latteria Mozzarella Bar is a cosy Italian in the atmospheric Duxton Hill area. Perfect for date night or a relaxed night out.
Location: Duxton Hill. You can find the exact location here in Google Maps.
Price: €€€
Favourites: burrata, truffle ravioli, tiramisu.
10. Piedra Negra
Looking for a Mexican restaurant? Then Piedra Negra on the colourful Haji Lane street is the place to be. Known for cocktails, street art and their fresh guacamole.
Location: Kampong Glam. You can find the exact location here in Google Maps.
Price: €€
Favourites: guacamole at the table, Aperol Spritz, Tiger Beer
Luxury restaurants and rooftops
11. LeVeL33
Yes, this is a fantastic place! LeVeL33 is a rooftop restaurant and brewery with stunning views over Marina Bay. A great alternative to the more expensive bars on Marina Bay Sands and especially fun for craft beer lovers.
Location: CBD / Marina Bay. You can find the exact location here in Google Maps.
Price: €€€-€€€€
Favourites: pork belly, craft beers, dessert platter.
12. ATLAS
ATLAS is undoubtedly one of Singapore's most impressive bars. You step into a world reminiscent of 1930s New York. It is a place to feel chic for a while, even if you just stop by for a cocktail. Not cheap, but truly an experience and a perfect end to an evening in Kampong Glam.
Location: Kampong Glam. You can find the exact location here in Google Maps.
Price: €€€-€€€€
Favourites: gin & tonic and signature cocktails
Discover Singapore's most exclusive restaurants (Michelin Guide)
Singapore has dozens of Michelin-starred restaurants and Bib Gourmand options. A few favourites:
- Odette (3★): French, elegant, special experience
- Labyrinth (1★): Singaporean ingredients in modern style
- Burnt Ends (1★): modern BBQ at top level
So if you like to unpack or are just a big fan of delicious food then we recommend you check out the official Michelin Guide of Singapore.
Frequently asked questions about eating out in Singapore
1. What should you eat in Singapore?
In Singapore, you should definitely try local dishes such as kaya toast, laksa, chicken rice, chilli crab, satay, roti prata and xiao long bao. The best way to sample a wide variety of dishes is to visit a hawker centre, such as Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat or Chinatown Complex.
2. What are the best restaurants for a first visit?
The best restaurants in Singapore are Tiong Bahru Bakery, Din Tai Fung, Symmetry and LeVeL33. However, also check out the various hawkers in Singapore.
3. Is eating out in Singapore expensive?
Eating out in Singapore can be expensive, but it certainly doesn’t have to be. You can often enjoy good, affordable food at hawker centres, whilst restaurants, brunch cafés and rooftop bars are considerably more expensive. Expect to pay a few euros per dish for local food, and European prices at a restaurant or rooftop bar
For local food, expect to pay a few euros per dish; for a restaurant or rooftop venue, expect European prices.
4. What is a good place for cheap local food?
For cheap and local food, it is best to be at the various hawkers. Examples include Maxwell Food Centre and Lau Pa Sat!
5. Where can you have breakfast in Singapore?
For breakfast in Singapore, Tiong Bahru Bakery, Chin Mee Chin Confectionery, Common Man Coffee Roasters and Wild Honey are all good choices. If you’d like to try a local breakfast, go for kaya toast with kopi or roti prata at a traditional breakfast spot.
6. Which restaurants in Singapore have the best views?
LeVeL33, Ce La Vi and several rooftop bars in Marina Bay.
7. What are the best neighbourhoods for eating out in Singapore?
The best neighbourhoods for dining out in Singapore are Tiong Bahru, Chinatown, Kampong Glam, Katong, Duxton Hill, Robertson Quay and Marina Bay. For local food, the hawker centres around Chinatown and the CBD are ideal, whilst Duxton Hill and Kampong Glam are great for a cosy dinner.
8. Where can I find halal options?
Kampong Glam and Arab Street have many halal-friendly cafes and restaurants.
9. Is it easy to find vegetarian food in Singapore?
Yes, there’s plenty of good vegetarian food in Singapore. You’ll often find vegetarian options, particularly in Indian restaurants, modern brunch cafés and hawker centres. When eating local dishes, do keep an eye out for stock, fish sauce or prawn paste, as these are sometimes used in sauces and soups.
10. Do I need to book a table at restaurants in Singapore?
Yes, definitely for upscale restaurants and weekend nights.
Useful tips for eating in Singapore
Eating in Singapore is an experience in itself. The city is full of different cuisines, price points and unique places, making it sometimes hard to choose. With these practical tips, you'll make the most of your food adventure whether you're going for street food, looking for a cosy brunch or just want to end a chic evening overlooking Marina Bay.
- Try at least one hawker centre for an authentic Singapore experience. Here you can taste real local cuisine, often for just a few euros.
- Combine brunch spots with a walk through hip neighbourhoods such as Tiong Bahru or Kampong Glam. These are cosy neighbourhoods to explore between meals.
- Want to eat with a view? Then book around sunset. Many rooftop restaurants in Singapore fill up quickly, especially on weekends. It is therefore not an exaggeration to book these at home in advance.
- Always take a look at Google Maps for the nearest location of your restaurant. Chains like Din Tai Fung or Wild Honey have multiple branches in the city.
- Luxury restaurants are popular, so booking in advance is actually always smart, especially if you are planning something special or have a preference for indoor/outdoor seating.
- Dining times vary by district: If you want cosy dining, head to Duxton Hill or Arab Street. For quick bites, hawker centres or Chinatown are perfect.
- Note opening hours. Some brunch spots close early in the afternoon, while hawker centres often only really come alive in the evening.
These tips will make your food planning a lot easier and ensure you don't miss anything during your trip through Singapore.
Whether you opt for a laid-back brunch, an evening of street food or a luxurious dinner with views of the skyline, you’re bound to have a fantastic time in Singapore. Hopefully, this food guide will help you quickly decide where to eat in Singapore and which places fit in with your travel plans. Are you curious about what else there is to do in Singapore apart from all that delicious food? Then be sure to check out our comprehensive blog on ‘what to do in Singapore‘ full of highlights, insider tips and places you don't want to miss!
Have fun planning your trip and especially let us know if you have any questions or want personal tips via info@thousandtravelmiles.nl or Instagram!
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