Having problems figuring out which restaurant is romantic enough for your upcoming SPECIAL occasion? I know for fact (from personal experience and hearsay from friends) that guys and girls alike tend to have face this common problem – be it for birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s and others.

Having celebrated more than 7 years worth of special occasions, I have my own list of favorite places to visit (a few which have become regular haunts).

From the affordable to the exorbitant, here’s a consolidated list of restaurants to help out anyone out there (in Singapore) stressed out about finding a suitable dining place for a special occasion.

 

P.S Cafe

The charm of P.S Cafe keeps me going back, although the food quality for the mains are at times a hit & miss (but if you check out the reviews ahead you can make sure you order only the good dishes). As a creature of habit I usually go for the fish & chips, truffle fries and aglio olio. Then again, this is a wonderful place to spend some quality time with your special one amongst vases of real flowers, beautiful views of greenery and quaint wooden staircases.

Cuisine: Western & Asian
Address: #02-09A Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Road, 238871 and many other outlets
Average Price: $43 based on 101 submissions (from Hungrygowhere)

Bistro du vin

Want to transport your date to France without the expense of an air ticket? Bring them to Bistro du vin for a night of French dining instead – at least that’s what my partner tried on me and it did work. From the furnishing to the music and menu, the Les Amis group has done their best to deliver an authentic dining experience in a French bistro. Make a reservation, read up on the mains to pick (since there are quite the few), and turn up with your date and get ready to be transported to a different world for the night.

Cuisine: French
Address: #02-12 Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Road, 228208
Average Price: $46 based on 89 submissions (from Hungrygowhere)

 

The Clifford Pier

The Clifford Pier brings together the grandiose setting of colonial architecture by the Bay and simplicity of our humble local cuisines. The restaurant’s spectacular setting will definitely set the right tone for your special occasion. The menu is basically a curated selection of familiar and delectable South East Asian fare at an unfamiliar higher pricing. Don’t be thrown off by the higher pricing, it’s still affordable compared to most restaurants by far, and the ambiance is superior to most. Book your reservations when they have amazing live piano performances (in the evenings and nights) and be prepared to charm your date against a backdrop of a gorgeous night view and musical delight.

Cuisine: Asian (Singaporean)
Address: 80 Collyer Quay, Lobby Level, The Fullerton Bay Hotel, Singapore (049326)
Average Price: $47 based on 20 submissions (from Hungrygowhere)

 

National Kitchen by Violet Oon

If you would like to have authentic Peranakan food in a beautiful setting, National Kitchen would be ideal. I picked this over Candlenut (another of my favorite Peranakan hangout) simply because this is comparatively more affordable and accessible as a date location. My date loved all the dishes there and was mind blown by their coffee, so do remember to give it a try if you end up paying them a visit. If you are planning activities before dinner, do note the restaurant is located in the National Gallery which means it is also ideal for some pre-dinner exploration of the arts or admiring of the sun setting over the Padang.

Cuisine: Nonya/Peranakan
Address: 1 St. Andrew’s Road #02–01, National Gallery Singapore (City Hall Wing) Singapore 178957
Average Price: $49 based on 11 submissions (from Hungrygowhere)

 

Les Bouchons

This is for the steak lovers. I only found out about this quaint little steakhouse because I was looking for something to impress my partner who has a deep fascination with steak. The menu is pretty limited with a focus on steaks, which is their specialty. Be prepared to sweep your date off his/her feet like the french do, as you dine the night away in this authentic little French bistro.

Cuisine: French – Steak Frites
Address: 7 Ann Siang Road, 069689
Average Price: $58 based on 72 submissions (from Hungrygowhere)

 

Kilo at Kallang

Eager to try something a little off the beaten track for your special date? Kilo at Kallang probably will fit the bill. While I have never visited the branch at Kallang, I have tried out their unique yet awesome fusion cuisine at the now defunct Orchard central branch. Located in an old storage warehouse, it will definitely make for a fun and interesting journey to find your dinner place together with your date.

Cuisine: Italian, Japanese Fusion
Address: #02-01 TURE, 66 Kampong Bugis, 338987
Average Price: $63 based on 56 submissions (from Hungrygowhere)

 

Fort by Maison Ikkoku

Want to surprise your date with a special Omakase menu? Fort by Maison Ikkoku’s 12 Course Omakase for just $68 is a steal. Just don’t come expecting a traditional Omakase menu as they are a fusion restaurant, with a focus on their bespoke cocktails. This is definitely for couples who love coupling meals with equally delectable drinks.  Thanks to the scenic venue, you can also go for a romantic stroll around Fort canning before/after dinner.

Cuisine: Japanese Fusion
Address: 5 Cox Terrace #01-02/03 Fort Canning Arts Centre 179620 Singapore
Average Price: $68 per head (without beverages)

 

Bontanico at the Garage

For nature lovers, this might be a dream dining spot. Nestled in the Botanic Gardens, Botanico is a recent addition within Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. This would be a great way to end off a comfortable evening stroll within the gardens. I haven’t personally been, but I cannot wait to visit based on the pictures and reviews I have been hearing.

Cuisine: Western, Mediterranean
Address: Level 2 The Garage (Singapore Botanic Gardens), 50 Cluny Park Road, 257488
Average Price: $89 based on 2 submissions (from Hungrygowhere)

 

Kinki

Good view, good food and reasonable prices for the food quality. That’s the reason why I have been back to the restaurant multiple times, and used the venue to host one too many company outings. Their Wagyu Foie Gras Donburi is a favourite amongst the many guests I have hosted, so do try it if you get the chance to. And remember to ask for a window seat so you can get a good view while you enjoy the company of your date. Who says you can’t have the best of both worlds.

Cuisine: Modern Japanese
Address: #02-02 Customs House, 70 Collyer Quay, 049323
Average Price: $91 based on 41 submissions (from Hungrygowhere)

 

Forlino

A recent favorite of mine, Forlino is easily one of the top Italian fine dining restaurants in Singapore with a gorgeous vantage point overlooking the bay. Impress your date with an exceptional dining experience with a fantastic view (suitable for fireworks viewing), delicious Italian cuisine and exemplary service.

Cuisine: Italian Fine Dining
Address: #02-06 One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Road, 049213
Average Price: $106 based on 132 submissions (from Hungrygowhere)

 

ME@OUE

Want to impress your date with breathtaking views of the city skyline at a less mainstream restaurant? Give ME@OUE a try. I remember being blown away by the main dining room’s floor-to-ceiling glass windows which allows for a stunning view of the evening skyscape.  While there are many restaurants that you pay mostly for the view and not the food, this definitely not one of those.  I have only tried the Japanese menu on Valentine’s and can only speak from personal experience, that it’s worth the the price you’re paying.

Cuisine: Chinese, French & Japanese
Address: Rooftop OUE Bayfront, 50 Collyer Quay, 049321
Average Price: $111 based on 14 submissions(from Hungrygowhere)

 

Le Bincho Tan

A hidden gem (quite literally, as it’s nestled away in an inconspicuous backalley), Le Bincho Tan serves up a menu of unique fusion dishes that confuses your tastebuds in a good way. Be sure to try out the Wagyu Striplion and Shaved Foie Gras which are my favorite dishes! Make reservations early to ensure you get a table in the private areas, otherwise the long bar tables might be too noisy for your intimate celebration. If the dinner menu is too pricy, you could consider lunch where they have cheaper omakase sets from $35++.

Cuisine: French Japanese Tapas
Address: 115 Amoy Street #01-04 (Entrance via Gemmill Lane) 069935 Singapore
Average Price: $120 based on 3 submissions (from Hungrygowhere)

Waku Ghin

Can a $450++ meal ever be worth the price? Yes if it is Waku Ghin. (READ MORE about my Waku Ghin experience here) A two hour gastronomic journey led by a personal chef and sommelier, it is definitely worth a splurge if you are celebrating something major. Give your date a taste of Tetsuya’s culinary magic and I bet it will be one he/she will never forget.

Cuisine: Japanese European Fine Dining
Address: #02-01 Sands Expo And Convention Centre, 10 Bayfront Avenue,018956
Average Price: $524 based on 43 submissions (from Hungrygowhere)

 

Enjoy trying out some of these amazing restaurants on the list and let me know if there are any others I have missed out? 🙂 If you have any specific questions, feel free to leave a comment here, email me at citygirlat65@gmail.com or DM me on Facebookor Instagram.