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Art di Daniele Sperindio
Photograph: Art di Daniele Sperindio/Kar-Wai Wesley LohArt di Daniele Sperindio

The most romantic restaurants in Singapore

For date nights, anniversaries, big romantic gestures, and everything in between.

Written by
Natasha Hong
,
Nicole-Marie Ng
,
Delfina Utomo
,
Fabian Loo
&
Dawson Tan
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It doesn't have to be a special occasion to treat your partner to a romantic meal. There's a time to dine with big groups and there's a time to eat on a budget but when you're planning an anniversary or a special date night out and about town, it's best to take it up a notch with a proper sit-down dinner with all the trimmings. Here are our picks of the best value-for-money, romantically lit restaurants to wine and dine in Singapore. Let's get in the mood for love. 

RECOMMENDED: Best sustainable-dining restaurants in Singapore and the best rooftop bars in Singapore

50 most romantic restaurants in Singapore

  • Restaurants
  • Middle Eastern
  • Raffles Place

You won't need a plane ticket to visit Tel Aviv. But you'll have to locate the clandestine lift lobby of Aniba, a modern Middle Eastern restaurant by the same folks behind the wildly successful Miznon. The effortlessly sexy space will quickly win you over while you embark on a gastronomic journey across inventive Middle Eastern flavours expressed through European sensibilities. Think fresh minced hamachi sandwiched between slices of juicy watermelon, smoked trout donuts flavoured with Medjool dates and king amberjack with a tzatziki panna cotta. 

Afterwards Retreat to the bar and soak up the amorous vibes with sophisticated tipples or take a stroll along Boat Quay.

  • Restaurants
  • Italian
  • City Hall

There's nothing more romantic than dining alongside sprawling views over the Padang lawn and the background of Marina Bay. Day or night, the lofty restaurant sets the tone as the ideal spot to impress your significant other. Here, chef Daniele Sperindio artfully presents episodic menus (from $158) inspired by his Ligurian roots with plates that are equally intricate and evocative. Sperindio is also all about interactivity – you’ll find tastefully orchestrated story-telling segments peppered with deeply personal anecdotes as you segue into the following courses. And don't sleep on the signature 32-yolk Taglierini, it is to die for.

Afterwards Walk across the Padang for a breezy stroll by the Marina Bay and catch the light show

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  • Restaurants
  • Indian
  • Chinatown

Welcome to the enchanting lair of Vikramjit Roy, an acclaimed chef who worked under the wing of Japanese Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. This intimate 32-seater restaurant in Keong Saik is a love letter to India expressed through a contemporary lens where India’s food cultures and Japan’s culinary arts intersect. The nine-course Explore ($248) menu whisks lovers away on a poetic journey with umami-forward flavours and an emphasis on fiery heat executed with both intention and restraint.

Afterwards Head upstairs to Parliament for a cheeky nightcap and jive to the disco beat until the clock strikes midnight.

  • Bars and pubs
  • Cocktail bars
  • Tanjong Pagar

The former rathskeller of Burger Bar New York isn't much of a Nebraskan truckstop anymore. Instead, this dimly lit New York tavern now makes for an adventurous date spot. Test your limits with nose-to-tail fare by chef Pete Smit – think duck-liver parfaits, pig head scrumpets and other atypical eats. But of course, approachable fire-kissed plates and smoked meats still make up most of the menu if things ever get too squeamish. And definitely ask for a side of bone-marrow mash ($16) – you can thank us later. 

Afterwards Migrate to the bar counter and sip on a progressive range of exciting draft cocktails (from $18). The bar runs in the same bloodline as its sister concepts Sago House and Low Tide so you know the drinks are solid.

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  • Restaurants
  • Italian
  • Tanjong Pagar

You won't have to kiss a mobster's hands to get into this classy joint. But you might want to dust off the leather jacket and put on a pinky ring. After all, this Italian restaurant is all about letting you into the lavish lifestyles of the Gambino crime family in their prime. With marbled mezzanine floors, lush velvet seats and shimmering gold metal detailing, it is unapologetically luxurious. Enjoy hearty Italian plates or work through the storied cocktails designed to spotlight John Gotti's climb to power in the Gambino crime family. Either way, the fine Italian hospitality will make you feel right at home.

Afterwards Jaunt up Ann Siang Hill and explore the back alleys of the buzzy enclave.

  • Restaurants
  • Outram

If your idea of romance is dining amongst lush foliage, consider this vibey French brasserie your indoor oasis. The restaurant's interior is properly stunning with stylish furnishing and an atmosphere deliberately crafted to cradle you and your special one in effortless luxury. Accompanying the reinventive French plates is the impressive wine list boasting over 1,100 bottles that are available at a snap of a finger – a surefire way to impress your date if wine is ever in conversation. 

Afterwards Take a stroll along the buzzy Keong Saik stretch or indulge in a redolent scoop of Mao Shan Wang durian ice cream at the stylish sanctuary of 99 Old Trees.

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  • Restaurants
  • Italian
  • Raffles Place

The Italian restaurant is already known for its stunning views of the Marina Bay from the 43rd floor of the Ocean Financial Centre. And it hopes to elevate your dining experience further with refined regional Italian dishes from new head chef Andrea De Paola – a young cook that has worked in big-name kitchens, including one-Michelin-starred Braci. Here, he taps into inspiration from his hometown in Naples and seeks to whisk your tastebuds off to the idyllic city for the evening.

Afterwards Head outside to its open-air rooftop bar for drinks with a view.

  • Restaurants
  • French
  • Buona Vista

All things floral and botanical. There's an obvious bohemian theme for this semi-fine-dining restaurant tucked away in sleepy Portsdown. Think dried and preserved flowers in almost every corner and Beni Ourain rugs laid across the entrance cushioning your every step – Stevie Nicks and Janis Joplin would have dined here. The ethereal ambience is further amplified by Haute French cuisine using fresh seasonal produce. 

Afterwards Head out to the garden backyard for a nice heart-to-heart chat under the stars. It also makes for a great photo spot cause if it ain't on the gram, did it really happen?

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  • Restaurants
  • Marina Bay

Dim the lights. No, literally. The eponymous one-Michelin-starred steakhouse knows how to keep things classy. And you go to CUT for one reason and one reason only: the steaks. Grilled over hardwood and charcoal, the hunks of beef come from a menagerie of sources – mainly from the USA, Australia and Japan – and are mighty impressive. Forget about the calories and go with the Peewee potatoes when asked about the sides. Crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these garlic aioli-laced spuds should come with a warning label – extremely addictive!

Afterwards In the mood for libation? Stick around and pick out a lip-smacking bottle of red. Go with Wolfgang's very own Cabernet Sauvignon where each balanced sip comes with lush expressions of blueberry and toasted oak. Though, you really should also pair it with your steaks.

  • Restaurants
  • Contemporary Asian
  • Tanjong Pagar

This cavernous 36-seater fine dining restaurant is all but casual. Natural light fills the ecru-clad dining hall, revealing the open kitchen where chefs perform. There are also eye-catching artworks by Dutch artist Peter Gentenaar floating just beneath the high glass ceilings. With the right company, a tantalising four-hour course meal will end in just two shakes of a lamb's tail.

Afterwards Take a stroll under the moonlight along Duxton Road, it helps you digest all that food a little faster.

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  • Restaurants
  • Seafood
  • Sentosa

Ocean Restaurant is Singapore’s only underwater restaurant and unanimously one of the hottest dining tickets in town. Love in the air – or under the sea, if you may – as you marvel at 40,000 majestic marine animals gracefully gliding around in the world’s largest oceanarium. Make your date feel extra special when you book the private room, away from prying eyes. The one-way glass mirror-like panels ensure total privacy, which makes for the perfect Lady and the Tramp moment.

Afterwards If you can't get enough of the sea life, explore the enchanting aquarium or enjoy a light romantic stroll along the boardwalk towards Vivocity.

  • Restaurants
  • Sushi
  • Orchard

This cave-inspired sushi-ya spared no expense in tailoring its luxe interiors to complement its fine produce. Know that choosing to spend a romantic evening here may come with a hefty price tag. It is after all sheer indulgence. But if you have the means, it is definitely worth the splurge. Hidden behind a painting, finding it may relight sparks between seasoned couples. Though if you're planning to impress a new date, make sure you know where it is.

Afterwards Swing across and uncover House, a stylish and sexy sake speakeasy for a nightcap or two.

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  • Restaurants
  • Californian
  • Raffles Place

Set in the grand Quadrant at Cecil for communions over modern Californian fine–dining. Expect lofty ceilings in a cavernous dining room finished with earthy wood tones, cushy furnishings, and sturdy tables exuding the luxuries of a Californian country retreat. It is bustling during the lunch hours amongst the suits but come nightfall, this place transforms into a lover's paradise. Be warned, it is going to cost you. But we'd all agree that it is the open-hearth kitchen with its open flames and embers that keep the evening's romance very much alive.

Afterwards Head upstairs to the rum-focused bar of Sugarhall where the ceilings are designed to look just like the ones inside a Rolls-Royce Phantom.

  • Restaurants
  • Marina Bay

Housed in Gardens by the Bay’s climate-controlled Flower Dome, Marguerite gives you chilly spring temperatures as if you're in Europe – giving you the perfect excuse to cosy up with your date. Here's a meal with deceptively creative presentations and intriguing flavours, courtesy of chef/owner Michael Wilson. Whenever you're not lost in the eyes of your significant other, the open-concept kitchen islands allow you to marvel at the chefs at work.

Afterwards Enjoy complimentary access to the Flower Dome and cross the bridge over to Marina Bay Sands for drinks or even party it up on the roof at CÉ LA VI.

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  • Restaurants
  • Tanjong Pagar

This modern Indian restaurant is dressed like a movie set, and you (and your dining partner) are the main character. Explore the space’s four thematic sections, from the salon-inspired Officer’s Club to the Old Railway Room. Our favourite? The Elephant Room, with cosy dining alcoves designed with the blue room of the Udaipur City Palace in mind.

Afterwards Grab some sweet treats to round off the night from Apiary.

  • Restaurants
  • Sentosa

The former fine-dining enclave of famed chef Beppe de Vito has done away with the stuffy starched white tablecloths. It is now a casual affair at this amorous Italian joint perched up in the lush hills of Sentosa Island. The vibe is still as sexy as ever with the picture-perfect sunset on the horizon that is bound to charm the socks off your date.

Afterwards Head down to the sandy shores and listen to the waves crash at one of the many beach clubs along the stretch.

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  • Restaurants
  • Chinatown

Yes, it’s a little gimmicky – having a meal in total darkness without knowing what’s going into your mouth. But once you give in to the experience of dining in the dark, dinner at NOX proves to be a rather romantic but enlightening rollercoaster ride of a meal. Focus your naturally heightened senses of taste and smell on the food without spoiling the surprise, it’s for the most part delicious. While you’re at it, a little footsie never hurt nobody.

Afterwards While you ease your vision back, perhaps stay for a tipple or two at the sleek and sexy bar just down below.

  • Restaurants
  • Italian
  • River Valley

This decade-old Tuscan steakhouse still got the chops. Slide into a sexy red leather booth and experience unmatched, intimate dining by candlelight with impeccable hospitality. Expect nothing short of heavenly steaks, after all, you're gallivanting in the 13th best steakhouse in the world. Of course, put in an order for a Fiorentina steak. But here's where you'll look like an expert and impress your date – look out for the seasonal Japanese Pumpkin Agnolotti. Think sweet luscious pumpkin contrasted with sharp gorgonzola piccante, all encased in al-dente agnolotti. We're not salivating, you are.

Afterwards Dash across the street and check out Revival, a new loft bar with alluring mid-century modern interiors run by the same people behind Barbary Coast.

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  • Restaurants
  • Spanish
  • Tanjong Pagar
  • price 2 of 4

Stepping into Restaurant Gaig feels like entering someone’s home. Only, that warm dining space belongs to Carles Gaig, a well-loved figure of Catalan cuisine. You’ll find quiet nooks and individual dining enclaves, each divided by wood shelvings and other homely furnishings that’ll make for a charming and low-key evening. 

Afterwards Check out Platform along Amoy Street for approachable low-alcohol cocktails and plush cosy vibes.

  • Restaurants
  • Japanese
  • Marina Bay

This modern-Japanese dinner restaurant has everything you desire for a perfect date night. Just check out the number of tagged pictures on social media of couples holding onto one another in front of the gigantic two-and-a-half-metre-tall Japanese bell that overlooks a footbridge and reflecting pool. Enough said. The wide variety ensures your other half doesn't go hungry watching you eat. Think sushi and sashimi to robatayaki and tempura.

Afterwards Shake off the calories and dance the night away in the dazzling lights of Singapore’s biggest nightclub, Marquee.

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  • Restaurants
  • Tanjong Pagar

The appeal lies in the grand, gilded, and often gold-hued interiors; swoon-worthy spaces that pique curiosity. Snuggle up in oversized banquettes that help give the illusion of privacy. During the meal, a trolley might be wheeled by the table to offer bumps of caviar ($20) – a true sign of opulence. If you’re feeling lucky, the washroom is lavished with Le Labo hand products and trays of knick-knacks from matchboxes, keychains, and condoms. Ladies and gentlemen, keep your fingers crossed.

Afterwards If the stiff martinis have yet taken effect, seal the deal at Apiary where they whip up lush desserts till midnight.

  • Restaurants
  • Orchard

Perched 56 storeys high, 1-ATICO is a new rooftop dining destination that brings together three different concepts: FIRE, FLNT, and 1-Atico Ultra-Lounge. But no matter where you choose to settle down, get ready to be greeted by panoramic views of Orchard Road and the city. Swing by during sunset hours, and watch the restaurant come aglow in warm hues. 

Afterwards Stay for the stunning night views, and switch things up by exploring the whole of 1-ATICO. 

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  • Restaurants
  • Italian
  • Newton

Buona Terra’s vibe is as intimate as it gets. Getting to the restaurant is part of the charm: it is housed in the quiet colonial-era bungalows of Chateau TCC along Scotts Road. Inside, the small, cosy interior makes it the perfect setting to focus on your date – and the food. Share a toast with its impressive wine list, then tuck into a winning dinner that spotlights the best of Italian flavours. 

Afterwards Take a walk down Orchard Road and marvel at the city lights.

  • Restaurants
  • Chinese
  • City Hall

Housed in The NCO Club, Madame Fan is a sexy Chinese restaurant by Alan Yau, the restaurateur behind the Wagamama brand in the United Kingdom. Here, traditional, comforting flavours of the cuisine come presented in a sleek, stylish environment. The cabaret-inspired space comes decorated with sensual touches – intimate table settings, plush carpet, and romantic lighting. The place to be for all things hot and sensual.

Afterwards Take a breezy short walk to CHIJMES and enjoy a sustainable cocktail at Analogue.

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  • Restaurants
  • Japanese
  • Tanjong Pagar

Groove to rap music (‘rappu’ translates to ‘rap’ in Japanese) from the likes of Wu-Tang Clan to Kendrick Lamar as you indulge in sushi and cocktails. The crown jewel of the space is a 36-seater sushi bar, where food and drinks are prepped before your very eyes. Here, the menu will feature a concise selection of just seven handrolls, including an over-the-top creation crowned with uni, wagyu, and caviar for maximum enjoyment. 

Afterwards Take a lovely stroll along Duxton Plain Park.

  • Restaurants
  • Italian
  • Raffles Place

Publico Ristorante stands out from the many riverside eateries along Robertson Quay with its charming interior and hearty creations. Its interior offers an Italian escape; think granite floors laid in bold geometric patterns that call to mind the country’s many piazzas. Grab a seat outdoors and soak in the breeze. There, dramatic green walls double up as vertical gardens, and furniture set in neutral hues help channel coastal vibes. Indoor seating is just as attractive, with warm lighting and floor-to-ceiling windows that open out to the riverside terrace.

Afterwards Stroll along the river, or perhaps make a pitstop to Tap for a wide variety of affordable craft beers. 

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  • Restaurants
  • Italian
  • Raffles Place

When it comes to dates, first impressions count. And Caffe Fernet easily impresses with its gorgeous decor and even more impressive view. The shiny long bar beckons with warm tones of brown, brick red and gold, and the restaurant portion overlooks the glistening Marina Bay – so don't be surprised if you see people popping the question. They might be drunk on love or Caffe Fernet's attractive happy hour promotions. It's all served alongside hearty modern Italian fare like cacio e pepe and veal meatballs.

Afterwards Walk off the booze along the bay and perhaps end up at the Esplanade rooftop to sneak in a little smooch.

  • Restaurants
  • Cafés
  • City Hall

A blooming wonderland nestled within Fort Canning Park offers a floral-themed space that is reminiscent of chic Parisian cafés. Grab a seat at the pet-friendly alfresco terrace, under the shade of trees; or head indoors and dine in the company of lush flora and fauna. When surrounded by that many pretty sights, it is hard not to feel like the main character in a romantic movie.

Afterwards Snap a picture together at the park's iconic spiral staircase and keep a lasting memory or visit the relatively new and charming Sang Nila Utama Garden.

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  • Restaurants
  • Spanish
  • Bukit Merah

The statuesque colonial building is home to three dining concepts, each offering a different vibe. Those of you on a first date can head to Wildseed Café, where cakes and all-day brunch at the courtyard keep things breezy and casual. Turn up the charm at Txa, a pintxos bar where you can snack on all manner of Basque-style bites or dial up the romance at Una on the second floor. The rich timber floors, white tablecloths and warm pendant lights help set the mood as you share a pan of paella and sides.

Afterwards Go on a romantic stroll around Telok Blangah Hill Park towards Henderson Waves, which happens to make one of the best make-out spots in Singapore.

  • Restaurants
  • Bedok

There are many PS.Cafe outlets out there, but we are partial to the East Coast outlet which boasts views of the sea. This beachside outlet feels spacious, airy, with plenty of light to lend a touch of a tropical holiday vibe. And with its new waterfront location comes an exclusive seafood-focused menu: chargrilled octopus ($21), lemongrass mussel and clam spaghetti ($29.50) and Singapore chilli crab and prawns ($32) served with mantou and fried rice.

Afterwards Depending on the time of day, work off the calories with a scenic bike ride, or stroll under the stars. The breakwater is also a perfect spot to land a sneaky kiss. 

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  • Restaurants
  • Marina Bay

Check out the sexy, elegant Mott 32 at Marina Bay Sands. Expect the same opulent touches the restaurant is famous for – from the stunning interior designed by starchitect Joyce Wang, to the Mod-Chinese menu. Munch on the Singapore-exclusive Peking duck polo bun ($10 for three), or sip on the Asian-inspired Fujian Negroni ($24) shaken with ginseng, lapsang souchong tea, and Sichuan pepper. But before you head down, remember to pre-order the iconic Peking duck ($108) that’s marinated for over 48 hours and smoked over applewood to earn a glistening char.

Afterwards A romantic stroll along the Marina Bay area is a must.

  • Restaurants
  • Tanjong Pagar

From the moment you step foot into Cloudstreet, the seductive painting of a woman in a state of undress beckons you towards the sexy dining room. The cavernous space is dark, sensual and lush – decked out in magnificent floral arrangements and an eclectic mix of furniture, all armed to charm. The best seats in the house are by the counter overlooking the open kitchen, where you and your date can watch as the chefs sautée, grill and plate dishes like betel-leaf wrapped oysters, lamb saddle and young jackfruit as well as a stout and liquorice bun that’ll have you licking your fingers and lips clean.

Afterwards Bars along Amoy Street are in no short supply. Walk down the road and look out for the neon pink sign that reads ‘Psychic’. It’s not a Tarot reader but Employees Only, one of the most exciting cocktail bars in the city.

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  • Restaurants
  • Tiong Bahru

Having a gluten intolerance or dietary restrictions doesn’t mean you can’t have an amorous meal at a restaurant just like all the other lovebirds. The Butcher’s Wife takes allergies seriously, ensuring that not a trace of gluten makes its way to the kitchen, giving you peace of mind and a satisfied stomach. An added bonus: it also has a decent selection of natural wines if you're looking for options beyond the typical Bordeaux.

Afterwards Tiong Bahru is packed with quaint cafés where you can get desserts or teas.

Dusk Restaurant & Bar
Photograph: Dusk Restaurant & Bar

Dusk Restaurant & Bar

Located 100m above sea level, grab a cable car ride up to Dusk and take in panoramic views of the Harbourfront and Sentosa as you watch the sunset. Snap pictures under the evening glow as you tuck into an indulgent menu. Standouts include the tiger prawn capellini ($28) tossed with lobster-infused oil and indulgent char-grilled prime beef ($88) served with red wine sauce that’s meant for two.

Afterwards While you’re at the peak, seek out the Poland’s Bells of Happiness to ring in joy and fortune as a couple.

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  • Restaurants
  • Spanish
  • Chinatown

Go on a trip to the sunny coast of Barcelona at Olivia Restaurant & Lounge. The bright and airy shophouse space along Keong Saik Road with accents of cerulean blue, sand-hued rope chairs and exposed brick walls look like kissed with a salty sea breeze is brilliant both in the day and at night. The menu is perfect for sharing with the likes of Ibérico ham croquettes ($10), confit onion and codfish Spanish omelette ($22) and black rice with grilled Mediterranean red prawn ($32).

Afterwards You’ll definitely want to save room for Olivia’s creamy homemade cheesecake ($14) but if you still have room for more then take a couple steps down to Papa Doble for a digestif.

  • Restaurants
  • Raffles Place

Lumo – which means "light" in the constructed language of Esperanto – is a shining beacon of hope daring enough to open its doors during this period of economic uncertainty. But has everything it takes for a F&B business to survive in this day and age: a novel cocktail programme that runs the gamut of low ABV concoctions to those that will have you stumbling out the door, sharing plates of glistening meats straight from the wood-fire grill and a fun, convivial atmosphere peppered with American rock classics from the noughties. This is one for casual dates where you can just let loose and enjoy.

Afterwards Have the raved pistachio gelato from Dopa Dopa Creamery and take a romantic walk down the Singapore River.

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  • Restaurants
  • Contemporary Asian
  • Tanglin

Crystal chandeliers, plush velvet armchairs and luxurious silken wallpaper elevate the dining room of Siri House – a multi-concept venue that also houses a condominium showflat, art gallery and retail corner. The food menu is thankfully more straight forward, with elevated comfort food by chef Ming Tan taking centre stage. Think deep-fried Hasselback potatoes smothered in mala mayo ($16) and pappardelle ($33) tossed in a prawn and lobster head bisque.

Afterwards Take a romantic stroll around the Dempsey enclave. 

  • Restaurants
  • Italian
  • Chinatown

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 are done fresh daily and are used in dishes like the squid ink tagliolini. Fans of natural wines are spoilt for choice too. Sommelier Ronald Kamiyama is able to make pairing recommendations depending on your order, or feel free to split a bottle between the two of you.

Afterwards End your date on a sweet note with ice cream from Apiary, a small café that does simple flavours right.

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  • Restaurants
  • Swedish
  • Outram

Fair warning, a meal at Zén is going to cost you, so you best start saving up if you’re planning a birthday or anniversary blowout. Once you get over the sticker shock of its $580 menu, you'll find that dinner here is actually money well spent. You’re taken on a journey from the first floor of this charming house on Bukit Pasoh to the third, savouring snacks, exquisite mains and petit fours along the way. Think of it as a four-hour retreat to a cabin in Sweden where the food is exceptional.

Afterwards If you can still manage, roll out the restaurant and into Live Twice, which is open till late.

  • Restaurants
  • Marina Bay

More than just its famous chef’s table omakase experience, the revamped Waku Ghin comes with new surprises: step through a cherry wood door, past a two-tonne stone sculpture, and settle down at The Bar. The intimate dining area comes flanked with drinking shelves and an impressive counter, and even offers an affordable introduction to what the chef has to offer – from cocktails sweetened with seasonal fruits ($30) to wild-caught chutoro carpaccio ($58).

Afterwards Cross over to the nearby Gardens by the Bay for a night-time stroll among lush greens.  

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  • Restaurants
  • Grills
  • City Hall

Feel on top of the world at Skai. Nestled on the 70th floor of the Swissotel the Stamford, the restaurant’s sweeping views of the Civic District is reason enough for a visit. Break the ice at the bar before heading over to the plush sofas for a meal. Order up a series of sharing plates but beef things up with the main draw at Skai: steak.

Afterwards Make your way down to Anti:Dote for cocktails with a Korean twist.

  • Restaurants
  • Japanese
  • Tanglin

The Gyu Bar might seem like an unlikely place for a date but step inside the 35-seater restaurant and it is a breath of intoxicatingly smoky air. This is where to go if both you and your date are meat enthusiasts. The 10-course ($138) beef-centric omakase menu features premium Wa-Oh Japanese beef from Kumamoto in different cuts you can cook up on the grill. In the spirit of omotenashi (that’s Japanese hospitality for you), you can pick a sake cup from the shelf and enjoy a premium pour on the house.

Afterwards You'll find Winestone, an affordable wine bar where glasses go from just $10, right next door.

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  • Restaurants
  • Chinese
  • Chinatown

Got a date who appreciates things with a little bit of heat? The botanical Birds of a Feather might shout romance but wait till you feast on the Western dishes with a Sichuan twist. Inspired by the teahouses of Chengdu, the place is the perfect spot for a quiet lunch or dinner and getting to know each other. And there's plenty to talk about from the delicious chewy yam noodles in Good Slime Shine ($23) and Sweating Mussels ($29). But if spicy food makes you work up too much of a sweat, save this spot for when you're about five dates in.

Afterwards You're at Amoy, home to some of Singapore's best bars. Try out ant cocktails at Native with your date or try to locate the back alley Underdog Inn for some progressive cocktails on tap.

  • Restaurants
  • Seletar
  • price 3 of 4

When it comes to romantic meals, it's always important to pick a place with good lighting and good food, of course. The Summerhouse excels on both counts. It sources ingredients from local, Malaysian and Australian farms and growers and celebrates farm-to-table dining. Dine in the spacious dining hall of the colonial bungalow or book one of three air-conditioned domes strategically placed in the garden. They fit up to six guests – there's a minimum spend of $300 – and are themed in different styles. We can't think of a more romantic place to pop the question.

Afterwards Stick around for house pours and wine or head to the nearby Wheeler's Estate for ice cold beer and some live music.

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  • Restaurants
  • Italian
  • Raffles Place

Seal the deal by bringing your date to Monti, at Fullerton Pavilion with a breathtaking view of Marina Bay. Tugboats sail right past your table as you tuck into traditional Italian fare like the Acquerello Risotto ($42), finished tableside in a wheel of Parmesan and topped with freshly shaved black truffle.

Afterwards Make your way up to the alfresco rooftop and have a heart-to-heart conversation over wine with the breeze in your hair.

  • Restaurants
  • Mexican
  • Tanjong Pagar

Go for the seats inside, where the low lights and worn pastel walls transport you to a gritty Mexico City saloon, or those on the outdoor terrace, which is lit by sunset and candlelight later at night. Lucha Loco's always a great bet for its upbeat vibe and disarmingly messy Mexican street fare that's bright and spry on the palate. Finish off dinner with heady mezcal cocktails and good conversation.

Afterwards If your date's a cocktail geek, go make more conversation over the drinks at Tippling Club or share a bottle of wine at Praelum Wine Bistro on Duxton.

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  • Restaurants
  • French
  • Tanjong Pagar

This is as close as you'll get to a romantic Parisian bistro. Chef Frederic Colin's kitted out his long shophouse unit with Art Nouveau posters, rattan chairs, cobblestone floors and a vintage cooker his grandmother nurtured the family with. To carry the experience through, elegantly cut your way through Croque Monsieurs and Madames or a tartine in between sips of one of the many house wines, eaux de vie and pastis. 

Afterwards Walk off the hearty meal in the vibrant streets of Tanjong Pagar towards Amara Hotel where you can continue the amorous evening at Jigger and Pony – one of the best bars in Asia. 

  • Restaurants
  • Burgers
  • Chinatown

Looking for someone who's more fun than high-maintenance? Watch them eat a burger. Three Buns offers an extensive selection of burger-and-the-works options, and plenty of quirky art to talk about between mouthfuls. When you're done, bring the conversation upstairs to the rooftop garden for potent tiki drinks among lights and shophouse rooftops. 

Afterwards There's a door at level 3. Push open and uncover a dingy speakeasy of Studio 1939.

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  • Restaurants
  • Tanjong Pagar

This is a great restaurant to keep returning to for date night as no two meals at Terra are exactly the same – even though you can request for your favourite dishes in advance. Chef-owner Seita Nakahara regularly travels to Japan to source for new ingredients. As such, the omakase sets of Tokyo-Italian cuisine are changed seasonally depending on what arrives in the kitchen that day. Don’t confuse what you’ll be eating with fusion food: 'Tokyo-Italian' simply refers to authentic Italian dishes that are made from the best Japanese produce available.

Afterwards Hop over to Junior, a small pocket bar that seats a maximum of 12 people – reservations mandatory.

  • Restaurants
  • Bukit Timah

This family-run Italian restaurant has charm oozing out of its bricked walls and the candlestick-topped Chianti bottles that rack them. 'Homely' is the operative word here, and the food aims neither to shock nor titillate but satisfy. Deeply. There's nothing like authentic Italian food to break the ice with your date. Comforting but still keeping it classy, dig into the Fettucine al Granchio (squid ink pasta with crabmeat and a creamy tomato sauce) and you’ll understand why.

Afterwards You're stuck out in Turf City but we'd recommend trekking out to The Straits Wine Company off Sixth Avenue for some alfresco tipple.

Complete the date with these...

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