On top of its exciting retail scene, gorgeous natural attractions and dizzying multicultural offerings, Singapore also happens to be a pretty romantic place. You just have to know where to look. When it comes to planning date nights and Valentine’s Day dinners, the city ‘s dining landscape offers atmospheric interiors, menus that delight the senses and views that lift even the most cynical of hearts. Plan the perfect date night by booking a table at one of these fabulously romantic restaurants in Singapore. Whether your partner is into exotic cuisines, enchanting surrounds or even wildly adventurous dining concepts, these seven restaurants are sure to set the mood.
1. Akira Back
With its stylish modern interiors and soft lighting, and downtown location at South Beach, Akira Back sets the scene for a night of romance and impeccable contemporary Japanese fare. The dishes here distinguish themselves with accents drawn from chef Back’s South Korean heritage. For Valentine’s Day 2023, Akira Back will present a seven-course menu that highlights premium seafood and quality cuts of meat. The Valentine’s Day menu ($238 for two, inclusive of a welcome cocktail) begins with an Akira Black specialty, the AB tuna and zucchini pizza with umami aioli, sliced truffle and micro shiso. Other seafood dishes such as the shiso seabass and a premium sushi selection follow, along with other indulgences such seared foie gras served with a corn croquette. The meal concludes with an ooh-worthy dessert made with rose Bavarian cream, raspberry confiture and lychee granita.
30 Beach Road, Level B1M, JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach. Available 14 February 2023.
2. 15 Stamford by Alvin Leung
Set within the plush The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore, right in the heart of City Hall, modern Asian restaurant 15 Stamford has pulled all the stops for the Valentine’s Day dining experience. The five-course dinner ($188, add $98 for wine pairing) starts off with a Champagne cocktail followed by delicate starters like yuzu mud crab, poached diver scallops and winter black truffles. For mains, choose between a Japanese bluefish and Arita Wagyu beef striploin. Round off the meal with a rosella meringue with cheese mousse, walter seed crisp, citrus peta and honey lavender ice cream. Diners can also rekindle their romance on the dance floor. The best pair of dancers of the night will walk away with a special gift. You might even consider booking a room at this beautiful heritage hotel.
15 Stamford Road, The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore. Available 14 February 2023.
3. NOX – Dine in the Dark
If you’re planning an evening with an adventurous gourmand, NOX – Dine in the Dark offers a date night experience like no other. Before dinner begins, you’ll be given a quick briefing on what to expect, followed by cocktails and an amuse bouche that serves as a culinary teaser. You’ll then be led into the pitch-dark dining area by the restaurant’s visually impaired staff. In addition to creating a rather intimate atmosphere, the darkness also serves to enhance the tastes and textures of your three-course dinner by blocking out distractions. After dinner, you’ll be led into the softly lit lounge area where you’ll be given a form to try and guess what food was served. You’ll then be presented with pictures and descriptions of the food so you can see just how close your guesses are. After that, you can continue the evening of romance with post-dinner cocktails at the bar, which is softly lit so you can see your date. For Valentine’s Day 2023, Nox has opened reservations for a special Ultimate Romantic Date ($168 per diner) which includes a signature cocktail of your choice, a three-course mystery menu, wine cocktail or mocktail pairing and petit fours.
83 Club Street. Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer. Available 14 February 2023
4. Firangi Superstar
Firangi Superstar takes a maximalist approach to its cinematic portrayal of India – most apparent in its four themed spaces that invoke different facets of the country’s history. The Elephant Palace is an ideal spot for a date with its cosy booths that offer a sense of intimacy and privacy for your date. The Jungle Lodge will appeal to those with a bit of a wild side (fret not, all the animal trophies are replicas). The Officer’s Lounge is primarily for cocktails and light bites while the Darjeeling Limited-esque Railway Room offers a private space for gatherings. Firangi Superstar’s appeal is more than just skin deep – the menu showcases excellent modern renditions of Indian classics like tandoori lamb, a tamarind fish curry with vaddai fritters and even Bombay-style elotes. With their popularity enduring well into 2023, reservations are definitely recommended.
20 Craig Road. Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar
5. Dolce Vita
Set in an alluring poolside space in Mandarin Oriental, Dolce Vita presents a menu of modern Italian dishes in a refined setting. Here you can brush fingers over easy-to-share-pizzas or tuck into heartier mains like the roasted rack of lamb or slow-braised veal shank. You should also save room for desserts like the specialty tiramisu or, if you need a little caffeine hit, the affogato with vanilla ice cream, almond crumble and freshly brewed espresso. While the space is enchanting in the evenings, you can also plan a Saturday afternoon date and take advantage of their late brunch that runs from 12pm to 3pm.
5 Raffles Avenue, Mandarin Oriental. Nearest MRT: Esplanade
6. The Corner House
The Corner House, set in a lovingly restored black and white manor, highlights fine French-Asian cuisine in an enchanting setting. If you’re on a date, opt for seating at the breezy veranda that overlooks the verdant forest and hedgerows beyond. Holding court in the kitchen is executive chef David Thien who was born and raised in Bordeaux. Drawing from his experiences there and in Singapore, he’s put together a selection of unique French-Asian omakase menus that will thrill discerning gourmands. Dishes can also be paired with exclusive and rare wines sourced from Burgundy, Bordeaux En-Primeur and America.
1 Cluny Road, Corner House. Nearest MRT: Botanic Gardens
7. Botanico Garden
Looking for romantic restaurants in Singapore in a more natural setting? Nestled amidst the lush environs of Singapore Botanic Gardens, Botanico Garden is a great option for afternoon dates. The restaurant is housed within a 1920s Art Deco-style heritage building and offers seating in both an indoor dining hall and a breezy outdoor terrace bar that’s draped in fairy lights. For Valentine’s Day 2023, Botanico will offer a special four-course dinner with a his and her cocktail. Diners will be seated at the Garden Terrace and enjoy a complimentary bouquet per couple. The menu includes elegant starters like the Hokkaido scallop ceviche and basil and tomato “cappucino” as well as mains like an Angus beef filet mignon or the pan-seared silver cod. After your meal, keep the date going with a romantic stroll through the Tanglin Gate Gardens or the Palm Valley.
1 Cluny Road. Nearest MRT: Botanic Gardens. Available 14 February 2023.
8. Canchita
Want to impress your date with your knowledge of South American cuisines? Canchita is one of the few restaurants in Singapore that serve Peruvian food – in a wildly romantic setting as well. Set in the well-known dining enclave of Dempsey Hill, it takes full advantage of its enviable setting with full-length windows that open up to lush forest views. Naturally, Peru’s national dish, ceviche, takes centre stage. Keep it simple with the classic ceviche made in the traditional style or try adventurous options like the ceviche canchita which includes marinated fish, grilled octopus and purple corn tortilla chips. Beyond ceviche, you’ll also find tacos, Peruvian-style rice dishes and light bites like plantain crackers with guacamole.
9A-9B Dempsey Road. Buses: 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123, 174