There’s a reason Singapore is often hailed as one of the world’s premier destinations for fine dining. But does it live up to the hype? After indulging in some of the city’s most exclusive culinary experiences during a recent business trip, I can confidently say: absolutely. Singapore fine dining is an experience of a lifetime that is etched in my memory.
From heritage-inspired Peranakan cuisine to sky-high rooftop bars and innovative takes on Italian and Japanese fare, Singapore offers an extraordinary range of high-end dining options that cater to every palate. My journey began with cocktails overlooking the iconic skyline at CÉ LA VI, followed by exquisite dinners at National Kitchen by Violet Oon, Sen of Japan, and Altro Zafferano—each leaving me with unforgettable memories and flavors that lingered long after the plates were cleared.
When I travel, I usually lean toward affordability, opting for street food or casual meals. Singapore is a vibrant melting pot of cultures, offering an unparalleled range of culinary adventures for every palate and budget. From bustling hawker centers serving affordable local dishes like char kway teow and chili crab, to mid-tier eateries and exclusive fine-dining establishments where meals feel like a symphony on a plate, the options are limitless. But during business trips, especially this one, I got to indulge in Singapore’s fine dining, high-end gastronomy scene.
CÉ LA VI: A Sky-High Welcome to Singapore Fine Dining
Perched atop Marina Bay Sands, CÉ LA VI is more than just a restaurant or bar—it’s an institution synonymous with luxury and breathtaking views. Our team’s welcome cocktail event took place here, with the entire outdoor area reserved exclusively for us. As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, the glittering Singapore skyline emerged as a stunning backdrop. The experience was nothing short of magical.
We sipped creative cocktails paired with delicate canapés while soaking in the panoramic views. For regular guests, CÉ LA VI offers a menu filled with standout dishes. Among their bestsellers are the Wagyu Beef Sliders—a decadent bite-sized treat topped with caramelized onions and truffle aioli—and the Miso Cod Croquettes, which combine creamy miso-infused cod with a crispy exterior. Another crowd favorite is the Hokkaido Scallop Ceviche, marinated in yuzu and chili oil, offering a refreshing yet indulgent start to any meal. CÉ LA VI isn’t just about drinks and food; it’s a Singapore fine dining experience that captures the essence of the city’s vibrant energy and modern sophistication.
Contact Details:
- Address: 1 Bayfront Avenue, SkyPark at Marina Bay Sands, Tower 3, Level 57, Singapore 018971
- Phone Number: +65 6508 2188
- Email: reservation-sg@celavi.com
- Website: https://www.celavi.com/en/singapore/
National Kitchen by Violet Oon: A Culinary Tribute to Peranakan Heritage
For our board dinner, we dined at National Kitchen by Violet Oon, located within the historic National Gallery Singapore. Known for its dedication to preserving authentic Nyonya (Peranakan) cuisine, this restaurant delivered not only a feast for the senses but also a deep dive into Singapore’s multicultural heritage. The private dining room reserved for us added a touch of exclusivity, making the evening feel even more special.
We began with the Starter Trio, featuring Ngoh Hiang (spiced pork rolls wrapped in bean curd skin), Kuay Pie Tee (crispy pastry cups filled with vegetables and shrimp), and Tau Hu Goreng (fried tofu served with sweet soy sauce). These appetizers set the tone for what would be a spectacular meal. For mains, the star of the show was the Beef Cheek Sambal Bajak —tender beef cheeks simmered in a fiery sambal paste that balanced heat with sweetness.
Another highlight was the Butter Prawn Chap Chye, richly flavored prawns swimming in a velvety butter sauce alongside mixed vegetables. We also savored Barramundi Rebung Masak Lemak, Dry Laksa, and fragrant jasmine rice. Dessert concluded the meal on a high note: Kueh Beng Kah, a soft pandan cake layered with coconut cream, and Gula Melaka Tea Cake served with creamy coconut ice cream. Singapore fine dining mixed with history culture is a perfect recipe for dinner.
Contact Details:
- Address: 1 St. Andrew’s Road, #02-01 National Gallery Singapore, Singapore 178957
- Phone Number: +65 9834 9935
- Email: eat@violetoon.com
- Website: https://violetoon.com/national-kitchen-by-violet-oon-national-gallery-singapore/
Sen of Japan: A Modern Take on Japanese Classics
Situated along Marina Bay, Sen of Japan elevates traditional Japanese cuisine to new heights. With its minimalist design and meticulous attention to detail, the restaurant creates an atmosphere that perfectly complements the artistry of the dishes served. Although fully booked when we arrived earlier in the day, we secured reservations later that night, ensuring we didn’t miss out on this gem.
Highlights from our meal included the Maguro Pizza , a unique fusion dish featuring slices of fresh tuna atop a thin crust drizzled with truffle oil. The Gyukatsu , breaded and deep-fried wagyu beef cutlets, delivered a satisfying crunch with each bite while remaining incredibly tender inside. For seafood lovers, the Sashimi Moriawase platter showcased pristine cuts of salmon, tuna, and yellowtail, all melt-in-your-mouth fresh. Finally, the Black Cod Soy —marinated overnight and grilled to perfection—was a revelation, combining smoky char with the natural sweetness of the fish. Every dish reflected a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.
Contact Details:
- Address: 2 Bayfront Avenue, #01-86 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018972
- Phone Number: +65 6688 7426
- Email: info@senofjapan.com.sg
- Website: https://www.senofjapan.com.sg/
Altro Zafferano: Singapore Fine Dining Italian Cuisine with a View
Our final dining place was Altro Zafferano, located high above Ocean Financial Centre with sweeping views of the Singapore skyline. This contemporary Italian restaurant specializes in bold flavors and meticulous presentation, offering a South Pacific-inspired menu during our visit.
We began with two contrasting starters: the Scallop Tartare with Ikura Salmon Roe and White Corn, a light and refreshing dish bursting with oceanic flavors, and the Japanese Tomatoes, Panzanella, Stracciatella, and Basil Emulsion, a celebration of seasonal produce. For pasta, we opted for both the Mezzi Fusilli with Porcini, Guanciale, and Pecorino and the Parmigiana Risotto with Eggplant, Taggiasca Olives, and Basil—both rich, comforting, and packed with umami.
Mains included the Black Cod with Spicy Cacciucco and Snap Pea, whose delicate texture contrasted beautifully with the spicy broth, and the Lamb Rack with Smoked Sunchoke, Seasonal Mushrooms, and Pepper Jus, cooked to medium-rare perfection. Dessert was a tropical delight: Coconut, Mango, and Yuzu, combining tangy citrus notes with creamy coconut mousse. These food spell what Singapore fine dining is all about—elegant, sumptuous and tantalizing.
Contact Details:
- Address: 10 Collyer Quay, #43-01 Ocean Financial Centre, Singapore 049315
- Phone Number: +65 6509 1488
- Email: info@altrozafferano.sg
- Website: https://www.altrozafferano.sg/
The Singapore fine dining scene truly lives up to its reputation, blending global influences with local traditions to create unparalleled gastronomic adventures. Whether you’re raising a glass against a glittering skyline at CÉ LA VI, savoring heritage flavors at National Kitchen by Violet Oon, indulging in Japanese masterpieces at Sen of Japan, or relishing refined Italian cuisine at Altro Zafferano, the city promises moments of pure culinary bliss.
