With the pandemic curtailing our plans for a romantic getaway, we’re feeling the need to look for hideouts on this island to alleviate cabin fever and spend some quality time with our partner. Make the most of our balmy evenings and dial up the romance with some alfresco dining at these spots.
In the tranquil countryside of Seletar is The Summerhouse, a farm-to-table restaurant that also offers a romantic dining experience with its air-conditioned Garden Domes. In the evenings, its outdoor edible garden is aglow with twinkling fairy lights, providing an intimate setting for your date. Share a Clafoutis Aux Poires (made with William pear, almond flakes, custard and crème fraiche) for a sweet tooth fix, or for something more casual, swing by Wildseed Cafe (located at the same premise) for some brunch and a cuppa.
The Summerhouse is located at 3 Park Lane, Singapore 798387
Good old Chijmes never disappoints with its charming ambience and selection of fine cuisine. El Mero Mero offers authentic, hearty Mexican fare, including traditional favourites like baja fish tacos, coconut ceviche and hamachi, and even tortilla soup. The drinks list is just as impressive, with a variety of tequilas and cocktails, including the Horchata Bachata (homemade horchata made from rice or nuts, and injected with cinnamon-infused rum).
El Mero Mero is located at #01-20 Chijmes, 30 Victoria St, Singapore 187996
Nestled within the Ginger Garden in the Botanic Gardens, The Halia is the perfect spot for some respite from the urban bustle. Wine and dine in this halal-certified restaurant while enjoying the view of lush greenery all around. Mains include hearty local fare with a twist, such as Chilli Crab Spaghettini, and Braised Spice Islands Marinade Rump Stew, which is reminiscent of the Malay rendang.
The Halia is located at Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569
For more Mexican fare, visit Lucha Loco on Duxton Hill. Its charming garden bar lit with fairy lights and cosy outdoor vibes make it a lovely spot for date night. Order a couple of tequilas and pair it with some tacos while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. To dial it up a notch, have your dinner over stunning waterfront views of Marina Bay at Super Loco at Customs House, Lucha Loco’s sister restaurant that offers the same authentic blend of contemporary Mexican food and cocktails.
Lucha Loco is located at 15 Duxton Hill, 089598; Super Loco is located at Customs House, #01-04, Customs House, 70 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049323
Ask any Eastie and they’ll point you to The Coastal Settlement for a relaxing sojourn, be it with your S.O. or your friends. With verdant scenery and a glimpse of Changi Beach, the cafe gives off laidback resort vibes since it’s located among golf and yacht clubs. Inside, the decor is quaint, with vintage memorabilia and antique furniture that lend a touch of nostalgia to your dining experience. The menu also features local delights prepared with a contemporary twist, such as the Crayfish Laksa.
The Coastal Settlement is located at 200 Netheravon Road, Singapore 508529
This farm-to-table restaurant sits on a sprawling 35,000 square feet of land, and also comes with a little retail store that doubles as a juice, coffee, and cocktail bar. Kick back at the vibrantly coloured terrace that offers a sweeping view of the garden, which is stocked with meticulously grown herbs and vegetables that are used in the fusion dishes at Open Farm Community. Post-dinner, wander around the grounds for some one-one-one time with your partner.
Open Farm Community is located at 130E Minden Road, Singapore 248819
Perched atop popular stomping ground Dempsey Hill is The Rabbit Hole, Singapore’s only gin garden bar. Given its name, you know you’re about to step into an Alice in Wonderland-like watering hole. With a laid-back ambience and refined tipples, The Rabbit Hole is perfect for an intimate dinner date or tea party. Its specially curated list of craft gins and homemade tonics, this whimsical garden is the place to unwind.
The Rabbit Hole is located at 39C Harding Road, Singapore 249541
Amid the blooming Flower Dome of Gardens By the Bay, Pollen serves contemporary French fare with a Mediterranean twist. Indulge in a multi-course dinner while admiring the Marina Bay skyline and inhaling the scent of lush botanicals all around. Every guest at Pollen is also given complimentary access to the Flower Dome, so you and your S.O. can take a stroll around after dinner. Alternatively, head up to level two for a tipple or two at the terrace bar.
Pollen is located at #01-09, Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
If you’re craving for some authentic French cuisine for date night, head down to Merci Marcel at Palais Renaissance, a boho-chic restaurant with alfresco seats that allow for people-watching while you dine, and an interior boutique bar with racks of French wine as backdrop. After your meal, head over to the retail store next door, which houses over 800 home and lifestyle items from boutique brands all around the world.
Merci Marcel is located at #01-03/04, Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Road, Singapore 238871; 7-9 Club Street, Singapore 069403
Nestled amongst the strip of restaurants along Robertson Quay, Botany is a cafe to swing by on lazy Sundays for brunch or dinner. Decorated with fairy lights and lush blooms, it looks like a fairy-tale setting perfect for a date. Grub-wise, the restaurant offers a mix of Asian and Western food such as the Uni Truffle Capellini (cold rinsed capellini with truffle salsa and topped with a generous serving of salmon roe) and the Impossible Mapo Tofu Bowl (silken tofu with Sichuan spices and Impossible meat).
Botany is located at #01-03, 86 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238245
This Thai restaurant perched on top of Labrador Nature Reserve is all about the old-world charm (think candle-lit wall lamps and exquisite antiques), making it a lovely date night spot surrounded by rich greenery and tranquil waters. Within this restored black-and-white colonial bungalow, this restaurant dishes out a mix of traditional and modern Thai food, particularly Northern Thai, in exquisite, refined portions and toned down spiciness.
Tamarind Hill is located at 30 Labrador Villa Road, Singapore 119189
Situated 100m above sea level at Mount Faber, Dusk Restaurant & Bar offers stunning panoramic views of lush greenery, glistening waters and the vibrant Sentosa Island. Witness gorgeous sunsets while chilling out with European-style tapas and specially curated cocktails and wines. If you and your S.O. are looking to let your hair down, swing by on Friday and Saturday evenings for groovy live band performances and happy hour drinks.
Dusk Restaurant is located at Level 2, Faber Peak Singapore, 109 Mount Faber Road, Singapore 099203
Text: Joyce Chua
