The best affordable yet romantic restaurants for date nights

This playfully seductive yet chic restaurant sits in the refreshed Palais Renaissance shopping mall with a thoughtfully designed food menu that seeks to include all types of diners. Every option allows a choice of two culinary approaches – Asian and Western – perfect for fussy-eating folks. To keep things light and affordable, build your meal around the starters (all priced at $18) with the Gambas Al Ajillo, deep-fried burrata, lao gan ma spiked grilled octopus and the handmade Wagyu meatballs. But whatever you do, don't sleep on the homemade Kubaneh bread ($14) that comes with irresistible sides of garlic and kombu butter. There is also an intimate alfresco area that's a prime people-watching spot.

Blooming within the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay is a lush garden restaurant serving up a bouquet of the Mediterranean. Having a meal here feels transportive; get whisked away on a buggy, then grab a seat at the sun-drenched terrace or under the romantic pergola, and enjoy the chilly temperatures within the cooled conservatory. The menu has approachable prices, with dishes designed to invoke freshness with light and bright flavours consistently throughout. Feeling stuffed? Enjoy complimentary access to the Flower Dome and whisk your lover away on a scenic stroll among the flora and fauna.

Bar Cicheti has all the trappings of a romantic restaurant: a dark dining room lit by a semicircle of pendant lightbulbs, gorgeous floral arrangements that perfume the space and pasta to recreate that iconic Lady and the Tramp scene. The (mostly) handmade noodles (from $20) are done fresh daily and are used in dishes like the pistachio pesto rigatoni. Amp up your date night by taking on the sommakase ($45) and impress him/her with your wine knowledge. It is an approachable three-wine flight pairing that goes along with your meal where answers will only be revealed at the end.

Perched up on the 17th floor, this Latin-European restaurant serves up innovative plates with a side of stunning CBD skyline – sprawling sunset views and a glimpse of the Marina Bay waterfront included. It doesn't need to be dinner though, because the all-day dining concept lets you choose from brunch, tapas, and even afternoon tea menus. But one thing's constant – the menu’s inspiration. Think Italy, France, Portugal, and Spain, which influence you’ll see in dishes like their White Gazpacho ($19), served with grilled half avocado, and the tapas-sized serve of Fried Soft-Shell Prawns ($16). Want absolute privacy? Head out to the Green Oasis, a lush sky garden, and look out for QR codes to order from Sol & Luna remotely – no matter where you are in the CapitaSpring roof garden.

Located on Portsdown Road, this floral-themed restaurant is all things whimsical and romantic. Every possible corner is tastefully adorned with both fresh and dried flowers but definitely set aside time to visit the outdoor garden where idyllic Insta-worthy photo opportunities are aplenty. Start from the modern European appetizers of fresh Antilope oysters ($16) with balsamic pearls, or spread creamy stracciatella ($18). Slurp on squid ink spaghetti ($23) or indulge in Linden’s in-house 45-day dry-aged black Angus ribeye ($78) that could be shared by a meat-loving party of two. Hot tip: there's an in-house florist that will tend to your emergency flower bouquet needs. 

Blessed with a stunning waterfront location, this scenic Japanese restaurant boasts one of the best views of Marina Bay. The breezy vibe very much recalls a classy stay in a seaside resort. Taking inspiration from Japanese cuisine, Jypsy's food is equal parts photogenic and tasty. Signature dishes are the salmon tacos ($16) and a nest of fries that’s artistically created to look like a Japanese kakiage dish of tempura. There is also a mixture of small and big plates here, perfect for a romantic tapas night out with your significant other. And for dessert, try the pavlova sundae ($11) with fresh fruits like passionfruit, banana, mango and strawberries atop a fluffy, light meringue base.

Once what's left of the evening sun fades away, the casual seaside lounge puts on fairy lights and turns up the romance. Hear the gentle crashing of waves as you tuck into a spread of fresh seafood and charcoal-grilled meats. There are also sharing platters that are of good value such as seasonal seafood, birria tacos ($22) and grilled cauliflower steaks ($14). Want the absolute bang for your buck? Visit on Monday to Thursday where there are tasty deals such as whole grilled snappers ($65), seasonal live oysters ($25, half dozen) and boozy deals to liven up the dates.

With its signature Steak Frites ($39.80), this classy bistro offers diners an authentic French experience set in a simple, rustic restaurant. Although there's only one main course – no sharing allowed! – the extensive list of starters includes foie gras, bone marrow and escargot. Once in a blue moon, a Wagyu cut will appear as an alternative main. Sweet tooths, save some space as there are ten different French-inspired desserts such as waffles with salted butter caramel sauce and real profiteroles available for some after-meal indulgence. If your date prefers waterfront views, head over to the outlet at Customs House.

You can almost always expect to revel in lush greenery and elegant furnishings in any PS Café dotted around the island. Their latest outlet at the newly-revamped shopping mall i12 Katong whisks you back into the grand seaside villas that once sprawled across this neighbourhood. Come sundown, the ambience takes a romantic turn. Of course, there’s no other joint that’s as well known for truffle shoestring fries but hearty mains peppered with Peranakan influences are worthy options too. Tuck into dishes such as the Bali beef rendang bowl ($29), laksa spaghettini ($26) and smoked bacon beef burger ($30). There are also healthier options like the antioxidant superfood salad ($27) made up of blueberries, pumpkin, and quinoa.

An evening in this Santorini-inspired eatery will bring to mind stunning sunset views while cruising along the coasts of the iconic holiday destination. Settle in and peruse the menu rooted in traditional Hellenic cuisine. As amorous as it is, skip the dip platter and go with the value-for-money grill platter (from $68). Great for sharing amongst two, the hearty platter includes proteins such as lamb rump steak, bifteki meatballs, chicken souvlaki and pork gyro – all of which are best washed down with a cold Mythos ($10), the nation’s famous lager. And to complete the dining experience, throw in orders of traditional plates, including the mezze (from $10) and sweet endings of the quintessential baklava ($10).