Belimbing is a new-gen singaporean restaurant in Chinatown, Singapore.
Named for a sour starfruit rarely on menus. The kitchen rehabilitates obscure Singapore ingredients into tasting menus that feel genuinely local.
Signature dishes: Seasonal tasting menu with obscure local ingredients
Must order: The seasonal tasting menu; ask what local ingredients the kitchen is working with that week
Tip: This is one of the harder reservations in Singapore; the team posts availability through their website and social channels.
Address: 7 Fraser Street, Singapore 189356
Best Steakhouse in Asia 2024; World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants 2025. Singapore's serious steak address since 2012, ageing Fiorentina cuts in-house.
Signature: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Cacio e pepe
Order: The bistecca alla Fiorentina, dry-aged on the bone and served for two: the defining version in Singapore
Tip: Order the steak for two minimum; the kitchen does not serve it as a solo cut and the portion is designed for sharing.
Michelin Guide-listed Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurant on Peck Seah Street. Bold mezze and grilled meats; back in Tanjong Pagar in 2025.
Signature: Shawarma plate, Mezze spread, Fattoush
Order: The mezze spread to share followed by the slow-roasted lamb shawarma
Tip: The bar programme is genuinely good; a cocktail before dinner is part of the Fat Prince ritual.
East Coast flagship for black pepper crab; sauce spicier and more pungent than most rivals. Open-air, sea-facing setting on East Coast Parkway.
Signature: Chilli crab, Black pepper crab, Drunken prawns
Order: Black pepper crab: the sauce is the spiciest and most aromatic version of the style in the city
Tip: Ask for medium spice for the black pepper sauce if it is your first time; the full version is genuinely hot.
Best-known late-night dim sum on Jalan Besar since 1962. Trolleys until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays; har gao and char siew bao are the benchmarks.
Signature: Char siew bao, Ha gao, Chee cheong fun
Order: Char siew bao and the pan-fried turnip cake; the kitchen has been making them the same way since 1962
Tip: Go between 11pm and 1am for the sweet spot: kitchen at full speed, queue manageable, tables still turning.
The Katong Square outlet of Thai-run Khao Hom by Rung Mama, the East Coast follow-up to the Ang Mo Kio original. Priced at $$. At 88 East Coast Road.
Signature: Tom yum goong, Pineapple fried rice, Pad kra pao, Thai hotpot
Order: The fragrant tom yum goong and the pineapple fried rice from the Chef's Recommendation menu; share the Thai hotpot with meat and seafood on a longer table.
Tip: Marine Parade MRT is the nearest station. Friday and weekend lunches fill the corner unit; reservations recommended for groups.
Rose from one to two Michelin stars in the 2025 Singapore guide. Chef Yoshio Sakuta's Edo omakase; seasonally sourced Japanese fish and a specific rice blend.
Signature: Seasonal nigiri omakase, Uni hand roll
Order: The full omakase; the rice-to-topping ratio is a particular obsession of the kitchen
Tip: The counter seats only twelve; booking opens 30 days ahead and fills in hours.
