Why go: This new restaurant at Duxton specialises in Indian and Japanese fusion cuisine. Chef Vikramjir Roy has got some pretty serious street cred too, having been Japanese Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s protege. The 32-seater restaurant also stands out for its art-focused design. The interior is adorned with contemporary artworks by artists from India, as well as a repurposed fabric sculpture by iconoclastic designer Kallol Datta suspended from its ceiling. Food-wise, Ahara is tasting menus only, with either a nine-course ($248++) or 16-course ($338++) option, and the choice between a vegetarian or signature menu.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday; from 6pm to midnight

Address: 20 Teck Lim Road

Contact: tel 9726-9720

Why go: This latest omakase concept by the Les Amis Group is influenced by the ‘kissaten’, which is a Japanese-style teahouse that doubles up as a coffee shop. The food stands out for familiar flavours showcased in novel ways. For example, the Japanese Sando – a combination of crumbed and deep-fried tamago and pork katsu sandwiched between toasted bread with a dash of wasabi mayo. Also, persimmon-shaped mochi filled with sweet red bean. Couples will appreciate the laid-back interior, low-key mood lighting and relaxed vibe too.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, from noon to 3pm and from 6pm to 10:30pm

Address: #01-11 Shaw Centre

Contact: tel 9635-0963

Why go: This recent dining concept by Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) is all the buzz now. It’s opened by Thai celebrity chef Ian Kittichai – whose flagship Bangkok restaurant Issaya Siamese Club has racked up accolades such as being named as one of ‘Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants’. Diners can expect the use of fresh herbs and fruits harvested daily from RWS’ in-house’ garden. One must-try is its Inch Sausages – Chiang Mai duck sausage served with wild betel leaf, ginger, peanuts and chilli.

Opening hours: Daily, from noon to 3 pm and from 5pm to 11pm

Address: Ave8, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Hotel Michael

Contact: tel 6577-6448

Why go: Opened by Drew Nocente, chef-owner of the now defunct Salted & Hung, Cenzo is best for diners who prefer an extensive menu and relaxed atmosphere. The space features plenty of natural light, images of Australian and Italian seacoasts lining its walls and an open kitchen. On the menu are options like small plates, pasta, mains, vegetables and desserts. We recommend the bucatini, spanned crab and smoked trout roe pasta option, which comes with a generous serving of shredded crab meat.

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, from noon to 2:30pm and from 5:30pm to 10:30pm

Address: 81 Club Street

Contact: 9155-8374 or e-mail reservation@cenzo.com.sg

Why go: Situated at Shaw Centre, Elan is all about modern French cuisine with Asian influences. The 48-seater space features understated tones of copper, brown and gold, and is perfect as a classy date location with an approachable setting. Chef de Cuisine Peter Teo also tenured at Les Amis, Bistro Du Vin and Batard in Hong Kong. Main courses include a variety of meat and seafood options, including A4- and M9- graded wagyu, pigeon, and tilefish. Elan’s innovative starters are worth checking out too. We’re eyeing the foie gras bonbon, a foie gras terrine dome in dark chocolate, coated over toasted brioche.

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, from noon to 2pm and from 6:30pm to 10pm

Address: #01-13, Shaw Centre

Contact: 6735-6656

Why go: This tasting menu-only restaurant by chef-owner Malcolm Lee of Candlenut fame definitely wins points ambience-wise, being located within the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The branding is ‘Straits cuisine through a contemporary lens’, so one can expect a twist on traditional Peranakan dishes. Menus are seasonal, with an eight-course lunch costing $198++, and dinner priced at $258++. The wine programme also includes a diverse selection of well-regarded classics, as well as niche varieties from emerging regions.

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, from noon to 2pm and from 6:30 pm to 10pm

Address: 11 Gallop Road, Gallop Entrance, Singapore Botanic Gardens

Contact: 6735-6656

Why go: Chef Gaggan Anand first opened this restaurant in Bangkok back in 2020, and has now brought it to our shores. The brand story is pretty apt for Valentine’s Day too −a fictional love story between a Mexican girl and Indian boy, translating into an eclectic menu blending both cuisines. You’ll find dishes like cold curry ceviche, spicy crunchy okra and truffle quesadilla. Decor-wise, think rustic whimsy, with rattan lampshades, traditional saree fabrics hanging from the ceiling, as well as pampas grass lining the walls.

Opening hours: Friday to Sunday, from noon to 3pm & Wednesday to Sunday, from 6pm to 10:30pm

Address: 43 Craig Road

Contact: e-mail contact@mariaandsingh.sg

Text: Rebecca Rachel Wong/Female

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