The restaurants with the best views of Singapore

THE VIEW The multi-concept rooftop dining destination at Ion Orchard comes with sweeping views of Singapore. And the sight changes depending on the concept you dine at: FLNT offers a bird’s eye view of the city centre, and comes in direct eye-line of the horizon (perfect for watching the sunset); while Argentinian-inspired FIRE overlooks the Marina Bay area, paired with smoked-kissed grilled meats. 

THE FOOD FLNT offers an introduction to Nikkei cuisine, where Japanese plates come spiced up with Peruvian flavour. Gindara Misoyaki ($28) is a must-order, where flaky miso-scented cod comes served with a side of bracing aji verde, a Peruvian green sauce; or try the addictive Sakura Kakiage ($15), with crisp strips of vegetables and shrimp drizzled with teriyaki sauce. 

THE VIEW Newly renovated Kinki still comes packing with plenty of attitude – with urban murals and patterned motifs. Head up to the rooftop bar on level three for an alfresco waterfront dining experience, or head down and dine in comfort at the teahouse-inspired restaurant on level two. Ask to be seated by the windows, which offers a peep at the glittering Marina Bay. 

THE FOOD This isn’t your usual Japanese restaurant. Plates come injected with fun flavours to give you options of AC/DC Dynamite ($22), mixed seafood roll that comes deep-fried for crunch and texture; the seared wagyu-topped Cowabunga ($36); and unagi claypot rice ($35). 

THE VIEW Escape the city crowd and venture up to Dusk Restaurant & Bar. Located some 100 meters above sea level at Faber Peak, the restaurant is flanked by lush rainforest and sweeping views of Harbourfront and Sentosa Island. Grab a seat at its open deck and enjoy prime view of the setting sun, or snap a picture by its adorable ‘all time high’ neon light sign for the 'grammable memory. 

THE FOOD As you take in the gorgeous views, indulge in Dusk’s selection hearty mains and sharing plates. Standouts include the tiger prawn capellini ($28) tossed with lobster-infused oil, duck confit ($33) with truffle oil and balsamic glaze, and the indulgent char-grilled prime beef ($98) served with red wine sauce that’s meant for two. Wind down the long day with a fruity cocktail or two – get the signature Dusk till Dawn ($16) with gin, vodka, rum, tequila, blue curaçao, lemon juice, and peach syrup; or go for a refreshing watermelon Smoking Nitro Margarita ($16). 

THE VIEW No prizes for guessing on which floor this bar and restaurant is perched. Billed as the world’s highest microbrewery, Level33 gloriously overlooks the Marina Bay, and, thanks to the decor and service, is perhaps the most sophisticated place to quaff a locally brewed beer.

THE FOOD Just because it's better known for its beers, it doesn't mean that LeVel33 doesn't have some seriously solid dinner options. The food here, courtesy of executive chef ArChan Chan, is far from the typical chicken wings and fries. Think beer malt risotto with local sea bass ($33) and Level33's very own beer ice cream ($5). 

THE VIEW Away from sprawling glass and metal structures of the city, Panamericana offers unobstructed sea views – thanks to its prime location on the scenic Sentosa island. Leaving the mainland is well worth the effort, with alfresco seats on its breezy verandah that overlook glittering vistas of the South China Sea.

THE FOOD Besides being a feast for the eyes, Panamericana's food choices here are just as indulgent. The colourful menu pulls from the 14 different countries found along the Pan-American Highway. Try the Argentinian empanadas ($10 for two), Peruvian ceviche ($24), or tender lamb ($55) grilled on the Asador over seven hours. Then, wash down all the hearty fare with Panamericana's extensive beverage programme. Signature cocktails such as the white wine sangria and Tommy's Margarita are served in shots ($9), glasses ($20), or by way of porrons ($74).

Time Out Singapore in partnership with Panamericana

THE VIEW Head up to the 43rd floor of the Ocean Financial Centre to find Zafferano: an impressive circular space that boasts views of Marina Bay from its restaurant as well as outdoor bar space.

THE FOOD Ideal for client lunches, the Italian restaurant showcases seasonal produce in its two and three-course lunch menus ($48/$58). The menu changes every month so you can head down regularly to try out more of its contemporary Italian dishes. 

THE VIEW Easy, breezy, beautiful, Caffe Fernet is what every girl aspires to be. It’s gorgeous from the inside out – the shiny long bar beckons with warm tones of brown, brick red and gold, and the restaurant portion offers views of glistening Marina Bay Sands in all its majesty.

THE FOOD It's elevated Italian comfort food on the menu. Get a couple of small plates like the seared scallops ($28) and veal meatballs to share ($24) before you move on to its heartier options like the chicken agrodolce ($38) and highly raved Mafaldine cacio e pepe ($26). 

THE VIEW It’s clear what the restaurant is known for; Vue is the French translation of the word 'view'. From its high floor-to-ceiling windows, enjoy breathtaking views of the Civic District from the 19th floor of OUE Bayfront. Start off with a drink at its open-air spritz bar, then move on to the main dining hall for a dinner that overlooks the Marina Bay. 

THE FOOD Majestic views aside, the restaurant also serves a grand menu of binchotan-grilled meats. A selection of prime beef cuts are available, from American USDA Prime ribeye (from $98) to the Japanese A5 Emperor “Kokuou” Black sirloin (from $128), or choose other proteins that include the crispy scale-on tilefish ($48) and grilled yellow chicken breast ($42). A four-course tasting menu ($128) is also available.

THE VIEW Located on the 62nd level of 1-Altitude, Stellar is a feast for the eyes and the stomach. The elegant, earthy-coloured, spacious dining area also features a high ceiling to boost the panoramic view of the city lights below.

THE FOOD Progressive Australian in nature, the menu highlights quality seasonal produce similar to what you'd find in other fine dining establishments in the city. If you're looking for a truly memorable experience, check into The Plénitude Suite by Dom Pérignon.

THE VIEW Can't get a table at Caffe Fernet? Pop on over to Super Loco Customs House for some Mexican food instead. Plus gazing out to the waterfront under fairy lights adds even more to restaurant's chill vibe.

THE FOOD Signature dishes on the menu include tacos topped with slow-roasted pork shoulder ($12) and crispy chicken ($9), and Ceviche de Mango ($18) made with sustainably farmed seabass.

THE VIEW "You can see Tanjong Pagar from here!" – something you'll probably find yourself exclaiming when you head to the 60th floor of UOB Plaza to Si Chuan Dou Hua.

THE FOOD "Wah, so spicy" is probably going to be the second thing you'll find yourself saying. The restaurant doesn't shy away from dry chillies, numbing Sichuan peppercorns and other spices to whip up its signature dishes like chong qing diced fried chicken, boiled sliced fish in a mala sauce and mapo tofu.

THE VIEW Taking over the space voided by Catalunya at Fullerton Pavilion, this swanky Italian restaurant and bar pulses with the life by the bay. The Singapore River Cruise boats get pretty up close to the glass dome Monti is housed in, and if you time it right, you'll also get to catch the Spectra - A Light & Water Show from across the bay.

THE FOOD Monti makes its pasta fresh every day, while its mains run the gamut from the fish of the day (market price) to meats like ribeye ($69) and pork ($42) grilled in its Inka oven.

THE VIEW This intimate restaurant offers breathtaking views of the Singapore skyline no matter where you're seated. Of course, the hot seats are the tables right by its floor-to-ceiling windows that look out Marina Bay, with the Singapore Flyer glowing in the distance.

THE FOOD After three years at the helm of Jaan, chef Kirk Westaway has hit full stride with his latest Reinventing British menu. A series of snacks like a fish and chips tart and Britain’s national dish, chicken tikka masala served to the tune of Brit-pop and rock music to set the tone of the meal. Signature mains include the Alaskan langoustine served with courgette as well as aged roasted pigeon with blackberry, beetroot and foie gras.

THE VIEW Located on the 57th floor of the iconic Marina Bay Sands, Spago looks down on the riverfront and the dwarfs the glittering buildings of the CBD. Wolfgang Puck and his team transplanted the brand's breezy Cali-cool aesthetic up onto the Sands' surfboard, outfitting the long, many-roomed space to look like a bungalow. And flanking the two walls of floor-to-ceiling windows are views of the half-dressed infinity pool-going flock and Singapore's ship-studded southern shores.

THE FOOD Spago's lunch set menu is probably one of the best deals in town. You get three courses at $48, which includes options like quail, Iberico pork and Japanese seabream. Don't expect an uninspired copy-and-paste from Spago's US outlets. The Singapore branch plays with regional flavours and ingredients to create unique dishes.

THE VIEW Perched on the 70th floor of the Swissotel the Stamford, Skai overlooks the civic district down from the Padang to Marina Bay. The revamped space takes a literal leaf from the modern Japanese design book with green foliage and maple accents adorning the otherwise minimalistic but homey 130-seater venue. Settle into a tall barstool or cosy up to your date on one of Skai’s many sofas – no matter where you sit, the restaurant's clever elevation makes sure you can still catch of glimpse of the view.

THE FOOD Executive chef Paul Hallett is an expert butcher and self-professed lover of steak, so it’s no surprise to see 10 types of rare beef on offer. The Saga Wagyu tenderloin ($170) is a knockout.