Looking to escape the busyness of the city for that long over-due dinner date? If you don’t have time for an overseas trip or staycation, here’s perhaps the next best thing – a leisurely meal by the river or with a serene sea view that’ll help take away some of that stress you’ve been feeling and help you and your loved ones reconnect over delicious food and drink.
Along the perimeters of the urban jungle that is Singapore, you’ll find these seaside and waterfront restaurants for a romantic lunch or dinner with the gentle touch of the sea breeze.
Need somewhere to go for a breakfast date? Start your day with a meal at Whisk and Paddle beside Punggol Serangoon Reservoir. Indulge in an all-day breakfast menu from chocolate chip waffles to candied bacon croissants. They also have other menus for when you go during lunch and dinner, such as ribeye steaks, honey BBQ sticks, and earl grey tarts if you need something sweet to end your meal.
Whisk and Paddle. 10 Tebing Ln, Singapore 828836, tel: +65 6242 4617
Monti @ 1-Pavillion is a restaurant situated on top of a water bed, slightly jutting out from the road. It serves authentic Italian cuisine such as Pistachio Crusted Veal Loin and Ricotta Ravioli, all while giving you a perfect view of the river. They have a rooftop bar as well for those who want to sit back and enjoy the view with a glass of wine or cocktail.
Monti. 82 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049327, tel: +65 6535 0724
Fans of this go-to brunch spot famed for their truffle fries and decadent cakes now have a new outlet to check out, and it’s the restaurant’s first opening in the East. Situated just steps away from the coastline at East Coast Park (perfect for that post-meal stroll), dine on new seafood dishes like crab laksa and calamari stew as you take in the fine view of the beach and horizon.
PS Cafe By The Sea. 1110 East Coast Parkway, #01-05/06/07, Cyclist Park, Singapore 449880, tel: +65 6708 9288
This picturesque casual dining spot just metres away from the Singapore River is a great place to end your museum date at the Civic District area. Grab an outdoor table and watch the lights come on in the evening as you nom on Prive’s signature comfort foods from pastas and burgers to Asian-style dishes like Seafood Laksa, before ending on a sweet note with their variety of delicious cakes.
Privé @ ACM. #01-02 Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555, tel: +65 6776 0777
Same franchise, different view. It is known for being a family-friendly establishment where you can sit with your loved ones and enjoy the view of boats parked along the river with the backdrop of Marina, Mt Faber and Sentosa.
Privé @ Keppel Bay. 2 Keppel Bay Vista, 098382, tel: +65 6776 0777
If you are craving some good Chinese delicacies, Blue Lotus Chinese Eating House is a restaurant situated at Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove, that offers just that. Try favourites such as their signature Chilli Pomelo Crab that uses chopped herbs and spices to create the normally ketchup-based gravy. You also can’t miss out on their Crispy Fried Marble Goby Fish with a choice of either superior soya sauce or pickled chilli sauce.
Blue Lotus Chinese Eating House. 31 Ocean Way, #01 – 13 Quayside Isle, 098375, tel: +65 6339 0880
Seafood by the sea? Sounds about right. Such is your view while your fresh catch of the day flakes at the touch of your fork. Pick your seafood of choice, from American Striped Bass to New Zealand Fresh Swordfish, and have it done your way: pan-seared, battered, char-grilled, you name it. Its seasonal fresh oysters go from $4 each!
Greenwood Fish Market And Bistro. #01-04/05 Quayside Isle, 31 Ocean Way, Singapore 098375, tel: +65 6467 4950.
Or, be transported to the seaside of Greece with this Santorini-inspired restaurant decked out in a clean blue-and-white theme.
Whet your appetite with a refreshing Watermelon Salad with Feta before moving on to authentic Greek fare from Grandma’s recipe book, like Mousaka (Greek eggplant and beef “casserole”, creamy béchamel sauce), grilled meats and more.
Mykonos On The Bay. #01-10, Quayside Isle, 31 Ocean Way, Singapore 098375, tel: +65 6334 3818.
What better place for Hawaiian cuisine than by the beach? Eat your fill with menu items like Wagyu Beef Burgers, fresh Poke Bowls, and, in true blue beach-bar style, cocktails served in tiki mugs. Delish, and not just because you’ll be hungry after a round (or three) of jet-skiing at this beach club.
Ola Beach Club. 46 Siloso Beach Walk, Sentosa, Singapore 099005, tel: +65 8189 6601
Seafood lover? So are the folks behind this dining concept by the Keppel Bay waters, and they’ve certainly done their favourite food justice. Light starters like the Beer-Battered Cod Fritters are cheeky teasers to the big boys like the Fisherman’s Feast, a deep skillet of linguine coated in a briny seafood sauce and topped with lobster, prawns, mussels and seasonal fish. Pets are also welcome, so make sure to bring your furbaby along so they can sniff the air and enjoy the outdoors.
Baywater Kitchen. 2 Keppel Bay Vista, Singapore 098382, tel: +65 6776 0777
Tanjong Beach Club is the perfect “almost-getaway” from Singapore. Located on the beachfront at Siloso Beach in Sentosa, it’s a great place to enjoy the sun and white beach, with a beer in hand. Plus, they offer an exquisite selection of international seafood delights!
Tanjong Beach Club. At 120 Tanjong Beach Walk, Singapore 098942, tel: +65 6270 1355
Love high tea? Then you’ll want to check out The Clifford Pier, with its selection of delights as you admire the view of Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore River. Plus, this high tea is unlike any other – as the landing point for Singapore’s forefathers, the restaurants pay homage by serving high tea delights with local flavours.
The Clifford Pier. 80 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049326, tel: +65 6597 5266
If you can’t experience California, you can still enjoy its food at Bayside Drinks and Eats. Indulge in tacos and beverages from summery drinks to cocktails and beers with a view of Marina Bay Sands and the bay. Don’t forget to try their plump oysters with free-flow drinks every Wednesday night.
Bayside Drinks and Eats. 1 Fullerton Road, 01-12 One Fullerton, 049213, tel: +65 8121 3995
Ok, so Smith Marine isn’t exactly a seaside restaurant, but that’s because it’s literally the sea. On a floating platform that’s reachable only by boat, you even get to fish for your own seafood right before your meal and have it cooked any way you like.
Smith Marine. Johor Strait. Call +65 9792 7609 to hire a bumboat
This restaurant inspired by the breezy, picturesque Santorini allows you to wine and dine over spectacular sunset views that the coastal holiday destination is best known for.
Tuck into authentic Hellenic cuisine out on the alfresco dining deck while admiring views of the Singapore River, and tuck into a brunch menu inspired by Hellenic cuisine. Must-try brunch items include the Avga (eggs Benedict with a twist), Tsoureki, Shakshuka, and the Greek breakfast platter. For heartier fare, go for the Mediterranean-style beef burger or Zorba’s mixed grill platter.
Zorba, #01-02, The Riverhouse, 3A River Valley Rd, Singapore 179020, tel: +65 8897 0688
Loco for Mexican grub? Have your fill at Super Loco Customs House, a contemporary Mexican restaurant and bar situated at the Fullerton heritage precinct. Enjoy stunning waterfront views of Marina Bay Sands when you dine outdoors under fairy lights on specialties such as house-cured wagyu on Mexican flatbread) and soft shell crab tacos.
Super Loco Customs House, #01-04 Customs House, 70 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049323, tel: +65 6532 2090
Are you craving some Spanish tapas? Enjoy Tapas Club’s must-try garlic prawns and Spanish omelette, or perhaps their Sherry Braised Pork Cheek with Escalivada, with a view of the Straits of Singapore to go along with your meal. Pamper yourself with their crème brulee and cheesecake for dessert to finish the meal with a sweet bang.
Tapas Club, 1 Harbourfront Walk VivoCity #01-98/99, Singapore 098585, tel: +65 6602 8081
Panamericana boasts a magnificent view of the sea with floor-to-ceiling windows, a verandah and manicured lawn that overlook the South China Sea. Its menu is just as impressive, derived from the 14 countries along the Pan-American Highway. From Argentinian empanadas to hearty seafood stew to asador-grilled meats, you’re guaranteed a gastronomic adventure here. Itching for a tipple? Panamericana also has a well-stocked bar and Happy Hour promotions ($5 cocktails, anyone?) that run every Friday.
Panamericana. Sentosa Golf Club, 27 Bukit Manis Rd, Singapore 099892, tel: +65 6253 8182.
Text: Pinky Chng/The Finder, Additional reporting: Elizabeth Liew, Joyce Chua, Terri Kue