The most romantic bars in Singapore

Masterminded by the folks behind The Compound Collective of Barbary Coast and Deadfall fame, the two-storey bar impresses with a nine-metre-long marble bar countertop. Against a posh backdrop lined with over 400 different spirits, it is all grand and sophisticated. The mid-century modern interiors are complemented by deep jewel green and earth-tone furniture while blots of wallpaper by House of Hackney plaster the walls. Work your way through a polished menu that showcases 16 signature tipples, each tied to an iconic artwork of its time. The headlining Le Jardin ($25) drinks smooth and refreshing and is certainly made for for the gram’.

While the unassuming 22-seater hole-in-a-wall is a shrine for urban alienation, it might also be the perfect date-night respite away from the buzz. Expect clean and innovative tipples such as the signature cocktail, Nighthawks ($25). A delicious homage to Edward Hopper's iconic painting of “Nighthawks” juxtaposing temperatures between a cold mix of coffee infused with rum, vodka and amaro generously layered with the warmth and depth of the coconut and gula melaka foam. The idea of a enchanting night out isn’t all rocket science and trust that Nighthawk knows.

Whisk your date away and up into this amorous speakeasy right above Revolver – you're hardly a super spy, but in his or her eyes, you'll look pretty cool. Step into Paris in the 60s, think dark alleyways, intimate lights, and plush red leather booth seats. Together with tantric beats and a luscious plum-licked room, the space is undeniably sexy. And the energy? Dangerous. If all that heat got you craving for a refreshing tipple or three, have a go at a curated mix of cocktails (from $25). Peckish? The wildly-imaginative Japanese-Indian izakaya has got plenty of innovative bites to spice up your date.

Make no mistake, this is a sequestered speakeasy for the discerning. Nestled in a corner of Conrad Singapore Orchard is House, an unsuspectingly stylish bar hidden behind a painting – it's one for those with a taste for understated luxury and subtle sophistication. This quiet retreat is where you’d want to pamper your significant other over a carafe of the finest sake or fine Japanese whiskeys and cocktails. There is also an exquisite selection of bar bites that are thoughtfully designed to pair and elevate your experience. Just make sure you're able to find it. 

Scheduled for a fitting for two and step through to the fitting room behind velvet curtains. But keep the naughty stuff for after as the mirrored doors slide open to reveal an intimately hidden speakeasy. This covert cocktail bar has got cushy booths to snuggle up into while you sip on an inspired menu (from $22.80) based on trade and travel around countries within the Commonwealth. In the mood for something special? Taylor Adam – much like suit-making – is also committed to providing a bespoke experience.

Set of Six is a sultry cocktail lounge inspired by the stories of novelist Joseph Conrad. And much like the seafaring spirit present in many of his titles, the drinking spot is an adventurous mishmash of eclectic furnishings and unique items. Embark on a delectable journey to explore what Set of Six has to offer: from rich textures of emerald-hued walls and plush palm fabric-lined seats, to sleek details of apothecary cabinets, ancient maps, and even a cheeky ‘Call for Champagne’ button.  

Picking a romantic bar for a date is no easy feat but the decor and interior at Isabel hit the sweet spot. Besides the hand-painted wallpaper, delicate herringbone floors and knotted silk rugs to set the mood, the stunning pink onyx bar counter is the main feature of Maxwell Reserve’s signature bar. It’s easy to feel in the mood for love when you’re seated on a red velvet banquette at dusk. 

All the wines, champagnes, spirits and liquors on the menu have been handpicked specially from around the world. Isabel is also known for its selection of cocktails and after-dinner digestifs. Imbibe in a Rosé Margarita ($28) for an elevated twist on the original cocktail or a French Kiss ($28) – with vodka infused with dill and raspberry honey – if you’re feeling bold. Each drink is handcrafted and designed to complement Isabel’s interiors and ethos, and maybe your mood.

Stay Gold Flamingo is a dual-concept space opened by two local bartenders – Jerrold Khoo, formerly from Jigger and Pony; and Bai JiaWei from Employees Only. You'll want to head to the back of the space, pass velvet curtains, to enter Stay Gold, a sleek, neon-lit drinking lounge filled with cosy alcoves (for privacy) and shimmering wall details. It helps that the drinks are good, too – both refreshing and spirit-forward depending on what you're in the mood for. 

The well-appointed bar taps into the 1960s, and reimagines major historical and cultural occurrences that took place in Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Italy into its cocktail menu. Adding to the atmosphere are relics from the past – vintage posters line the walls, and tunes from the era are played through the speakers.

The upstairs space of Restaurant Jag welcomes a new drinking spot: Flow Bar. This easy-going drinking spot flips the script on what a usual bar should be; lights are turned up a few notches (all the better to look at your lovely date), and the drinks are unpretentious. Head Bartender Ricky Paiva has created a menu split into three categories – from familiar favourites to bold tipples. It even taps onto the winning restaurant's pantry to incorporate fresh herbs from the Savoie region into the libations. 

Transport yourself into a utopia of mystery, romance, theatre and perfection at Anouska's Bar. Hidden inside Duxton Reserve Hotel, formerly Six Senses Duxton, the bar is an ode to former Bond girl Anouska Hempel, an acclaimed British interior designer who designed the hotel. Step inside to find top-shelf spirits, premium wines, local craft beers, artisanal Chinese teas and cocktails that merge contemporary recipes with nostalgic Eastern influences.

This well-loved izakaya has since found a new coop. Inside, the 84-seater manages to retain its grungy charm, thanks to the dim lighting and raw, concrete finishing. Also new to the swanky nightspot is a raw bar, which serves up small plates that feature seasonal catch. Highlights might include the Kumamoto oysters ($16 for two), topped with smoked dashi gelee to balance its salinity. Of course, hot favourites from the old menu makes a return, too. Tokyo Hummus ($10), with blended edamame and curry chips, are best enjoyed with a drink or two from the cocktail bar. Sip on the gin-based Ichi-Go-Lightly ($22), where sweet strawberry comes packed with a hint of umami from nori. 

A small, intimate bar that ensures you'll need to sit close to your drinking partner. Junior The Pocket Bar is a 25-seater space tucked behind Maxi Coffee Bar. Enter through a side door, and be greeted by some intimate vibes that most know the bar for. The menu changes periodically, and comes centred around various theme to keep things fun and exciting. 

On the second level of Conrad Singapore Orchard sits a portal to 19th-century New York City, where ladies are decorated in pearls and gentlemen dressed to the nines. Under lowered lights, large leather armchairs and sofas gather around tables to offer enough privacy for a clandestine rendezvous. Its latest menu draws inspiration from six iconic Manhattanites, from the likes of Anthony Bourdain to Vera Wang. Aptly named ‘New York Personified’, the menu features some 18 cocktails and six zero-proof beverages that tap into the colourful lives and rich history of these larger-than-life personalities.

Be transported to mid-century Japan at the Jigger & Pony Group’s newest cocktail establishment, Live Twice. Enjoy simplicity at its finest as you gloss over its menu of only 14 cocktails ($25 each). Minimalism prevails as each drink centres around a maximum of four ingredients. Take things up a notch with its exciting bar snack menu – which includes sinful sandos filled with cheese, ebi or wagyu.

What makes a great date is the quality of the conversation. Keep it intimate in this classy but bold space at the Mandarin Oriental. Its latest menu draws on regional inspiration to give you novel tipples – sample Ube ($14), made to capture the flavours of the popular Filipino street snack; or the Full Moon ($26) with rum, wheatgrass, pear and a picture-worthy printed rice paper garnish.

Impress your date at this grand art deco-inspired bar, featuring champagne-hued tapestries that line the ceiling, and intricate gold and bronze balconies that surround the space. But the highlight here is its massive gin tower, which claims to house over 1,000 bottles of gin. You can't go wrong with a gin and tonic or the Atlas martini but have fun and explore the rest of its extensive menu. It even has non-alcoholic cocktails if your date prefers to stay away from booze.

Club 5 first started some 35 years ago as a dance club. Today, the space has been reimagined into a bar, complete with stylish details made to exude an old-world charm. Brass accents and vintage light fixtures help add character, and texture, to the romantic drinking hole. Even its menu pays homage to history; cocktails are inspired by the culturally rich neighbourhood that the bar is located in. 

Climb up to the second floor of this 80-year-old heritage shophouse and enter Emerald City. Snuggle up to your date at this dimly lit bar (or the booth seats) and have a conversation over its unique signature drink, the Gibson ($25). A cousin of the martini, this tipple is a conversation starter served with house-pickled onion, ginger and smoked quail egg. But it is the seasonal fresh oysters that remain a well-kept secret in these parts and gone were the days of the dauntingly-priced tiered seafood platters.

Love is in the air, and so are you and your date when you get a pint at the world's highest urban microbrewery. Residing at the top of Marina Bay Financial Centre (MBFC), LeVeL33 is the epitome of urban penthouse dining, with good food, good suds and front-row seats to Marina Bay’s iconic skyline. Impress your date with Level33’s freshly brewed craft beers that are also seamlessly incorporated into their dining menu.

Head upstairs to the Barbary Coast Ballroom to take your drinking experience to new heights. The mismatched floral wallpaper and glittering chandeliers over plush velvet settees dial up the romance of this quiet bar that's inspired by the luxe life of 1800s San Francisco. The cocktails are equally charming, with something for every taste – sip on the Low High Brow ($22), a sour and fizzy start to the evening. Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy the Tea with Raspberries and Cream ($25), a clarified milk punch infused with berry tea and raspberry that you can help pour into your date's glass.

Right around the corner from BluJaz is its Latin offshoot, a Mexican joint that, like the mothership, attracts crowds with live DJs and a bustling alfresco area. But, it's the cocktail-friendly Mexican grub that keeps us coming back. The chunky guacamole is prepared with just-right doses of lime and chilli, and a fresh and tangy ceviche is worthy of seconds. Unwind with an after-work margarita in hand that won’t leave a gaping hole in your wallet. The vibe here is streetside chill – go for the outdoor seats along Haji Lane and play a drinking game with your date: each time you spot someone taking an #ootd or wefie in the photogenic area, down one.

There's nothing like a good rooftop to set a romantic scene, but you also don't want to peak too early – save the best for the month-iversaries. Southbridge is a happy medium. This fifth-floor shophouse perch rolls out a view of the Singapore River beneath your feet and the CBD in the distance. Book ahead for one of those seats by the roof's edges, and order a cocktail or two to have with a bit of nosh or an oyster platter.