Singapore has no shortage of top-notch restaurants, but not every place listed in the Michelin guide lives up to the hype, or the price tag. These seven spots, however, really deliver. From the careful precision of Sushi Sato’s omakase to the playful creativity of Lolla’s modern European dishes and the comforting expertise behind Wah Lok’s Cantonese classics, each offers a distinct culinary experience. With quality ingredients, thoughtful techniques, and little touches – from wine pairings to signature desserts, these restaurants turn a meal into something truly memorable.
Claudine | 39C Harding Road, 249541 | $ · French
From Julien Royer of Odette fame comes Brasserie L’Aimée, a charming French brasserie named after the chef’s mother. Set in a beautifully converted 1930s chapel, the space combines warm, classic elegance with a modern touch, featuring an open kitchen at one end and a welcoming bar at the other.
The menu celebrates comforting French classics executed with finesse. Signature dishes include the rich foie gras terrine (S$28), delicate vol-au-vents (S$24), and airy cheese soufflé (S$32), each plate highlighting the chef’s attention to technique and balanced flavors. Hearty mains such as duck confit (S$38) and beef bourguignon (S$42) showcase the brasserie’s commitment to indulgent, satisfying dishes without pretense.
The wine list is thoughtfully curated, offering both full bottles and by-the-glass options that pair beautifully with every course, making it easy to enjoy a leisurely meal or a celebratory toast. With its blend of timeless French charm, comforting cuisine, and approachable pricing, Brasserie L’Aimée is perfect for casual lunches, intimate dinners, or special occasions that call for a touch of Parisian flair.
Lolla | 22 Ann Siang Road, 069702 | $$ · European Contemporary
Serving dishes made with luxurious ingredients like caviar, truffle, or uni is impressive, but true artistry lies in pairing them with humble, earthy elements to create dishes that feel special without being pretentious, simply delicious. Lolla, a modern European restaurant, excels at this, seamlessly blending classic techniques with Asian flavors to craft a menu that surprises and delights.
Highlights include the squid ink uni spaghetti (S$48), where the briny richness of uni meets perfectly al dente pasta; scallops with coconut batter (S$38) that offer a delicate crunch and subtle sweetness; and a root vegetable purée with truffle (S$24) that brings gentle, earthy warmth elevated by the perfume of truffle. The snow crab (S$38) offers sweet, delicate meat dressed in bright, clean flavours.
A true showstopper is their signature starter, the squid ink uni pudding (S$28), a one-of-a-kind creation that boasts an interesting texture and unforgettable depth of flavour. Each dish at Lolla demonstrates the kitchen’s playful yet meticulous approach, transforming familiar ingredients into memorable, elevated experiences that linger long after the meal ends.
Sospiri | IOI Central Boulevard Towers, #07-02, 2 Central Boulevard, 018916 | $ · Italian
Tucked away in an office building, Sospiri brings a taste of Southern Italy to the city with warm, soulful cooking. Handmade pasta and fresh seafood are served in generous portions perfect for sharing, letting the natural flavors of ingredients like ripe tomatoes, wild greens, and tender baby artichokes shine.
Highlights include the creamy ricotta-stuffed ravioli with sage butter (S$28), the seafood linguine loaded with clams, prawns, and mussels (S$36), and the wood-grilled branzino with lemon and herbs (S$42), each dish simple yet carefully crafted. Start with the roasted baby artichokes with garlic and olive oil (S$18), and don’t miss the classic tiramisu (S$12) for a sweet finish.
A thoughtfully curated wine list featuring Italian labels pairs beautifully with the menu, making Sospiri a great spot for relaxed lunches, intimate dinners, or celebratory meals. Generous portions, authentic flavours, and the joy of sharing make every visit a memorable one.
Sushi Sato | Address: 6B Dempsey Road, 247662 | $$ · Sushi
Nestled away from the bustle of the CBD, Sushi Sato is the serene vision of its founding chef duo, offering a refined, Zen-inspired sushi experience. The wood-rich, minimalist interior sets the tone for a dining journey focused on precision, balance, and tranquility. Ingredients arrive from Japan four times a week, ensuring peak freshness in every bite.
Three seasonal menus showcase meticulous attention to detail, from Yamagata rice dressed in a delicate blend of three red vinegars to achieve the perfect tang that enhances oily fish, to the careful selection and slicing of each seafood item. Every element is thoughtfully considered, creating a sushi experience that is both elegant and effortlessly harmonious, where simplicity meets impeccable craftsmanship.
While the price point is premium, each course justifies the investment through exceptional ingredients, flawless technique, and artistry that transforms a meal into a memorable culinary journey. For a more accessible option, the lunch omakase-priced at S$168++ – delivers the same craftsmanship, with 10 pieces of sushi, a handroll, and curated appetizers and dessert, making it an ideal choice for a celebratory midday treat.
Nómada | 1 Keong Saik Road, 089109 | $ · Spanish Contemporary
After years of globe-trotting to hone his craft, this chef has settled into Spanish cuisine, but with a deliciously adventurous streak. If you’re into a bit of fusion, this is your spot. Mediterranean traditions get playful makeovers, like tender grilled octopus (S$38) swimming in smoky, umami-rich Japanese bonito broth. The menu flows from bite-sized tapas to hearty share plates, so you can snack, feast, or do a bit of both.
Highlights include the crisp-skinned Spanish suckling pig (S$88 for a quarter) and the golden, saffron-laced seafood paella (S$68) that’s perfect for two. With its lively, buzzing atmosphere, it’s the kind of place where one glass of Rioja inevitably turns into two—and another round of tapas feels like the only sensible decision.
Wah Lok |Carlton Hotel, Level 2, 76 Bras Basah Road, 189558 | $ · Cantonese
A favourite among locals, this classically decorated Cantonese restaurant radiates a welcoming, homey charm that keeps diners coming back. The chef, Lam Kok Weng, born in Guangzhou and trained in Hong Kong, brings decades of experience and a deep respect for tradition to every dish, turning each meal into a celebration of Cantonese culinary craft.
Standout dishes include banquet-worthy treasures such as braised abalone (S$68) and delicate bird’s nest soup (S$48), alongside fresh seafood like steamed garoupa (S$42) that highlights the natural flavours of each ingredient. Cantonese roast meats: crispy roast pork belly (S$28) and soy-glazed roast duck (S$32), pair beautifully with flavourful claypot dishes, while comforting home-style options such as steamed minced pork with salted fish (S$22) evoke nostalgia and satisfy the soul.
Every plate reflects meticulous technique and authenticity, yet the experience is never formal or intimidating, it’s approachable, generous, and utterly satisfying. With its warm ambiance, attentive service, and menu that balances indulgent specialties with comforting classics, this is the perfect spot for family dinners, celebratory feasts, or simply savouring the flavours of Cantonese cuisine with people you love.
Labyrinth | Esplanade Mall, #02-23, Marina Bay Promenade, 039802 | $$ · Singaporean
At Chef LG Han’s restaurant, refined Singaporean dining takes centre stage. Drawing inspiration from familiar local flavours and the tastes many grew up with, Chef Han reimagines each dish through a modern, innovative lens. Using only the finest ingredients sourced from across Singapore, he crafts a set menu that is playful yet precise – layering nostalgia with creativity in ways that surprise, amuse, and ultimately satisfy.
The sleek, black-walled space, illuminated by razor-sharp beams of light, creates a dramatic backdrop for the meal, while the impeccably trained service team keeps the evening flowing effortlessly. The tasting menu starts at S$295++ per person, making it a special-occasion splurge that captures the essence of Singapore’s culinary heritage in a polished, contemporary form.
Dining and Cooking