Amar
Set on the 17th floor of the Raffles hotel, Amar is chef George Mendesâ modern take on Portuguese cuisine, delivered in a dining room that feels unmistakably special. Named for the Portuguese word for âlove,â the restaurant leans into classic, seafood-driven dishes Mendes grew up eating, refined with a light, contemporary hand. Itâs polished without being stiff, and designed for nights when dinner itself is the destination.
The vibe: The room is elegant and composed, with sweeping city views that immediately raise the stakes. Warm lighting and attentive service keep things grounded, while the height and setting lend a sense of occasion. Amar is the kind of place that works best when you lean into itâdress up a little, settle in, and let the evening unfold.
The food: Seafood anchors the menu, with Portuguese classics reworked just enough to feel current. Plates like JamĂłn IbĂ©rico, uni toast, Carabineros prawns, Gomes de SĂĄ cod, and arroz de mariscos for two speak to Mendesâ roots while showcasing precision and restraint. Richer dishes appear alongside lighter ones, creating a menu that feels balanced rather than heavy. Desserts are a highlight, especially the made-to-order pĂŁo de lĂł sponge cakeâan airy Iberian egg-yolk cake paired with smoked cinnamon ice cream thatâs worth saving room for.
The drink: The beverage program is built to complement the food rather than compete with it, with wines and cocktails that play well with seafood and richer sauces alike. Itâs a measured, t