The best waterfront restaurants and cafés in Singapore

The brand-new all-day dining restaurant is headlined by stunning waterfront views overlooking Changi Creek, the Straits of Johor, and Pulau Ubin. The surroundings of the urban sanctuary are also enriched with verdant greenery and tranquil water features that make it the perfect escapade for families, friends and even pets. Guests can choose to park themselves in the shady outdoor area fitted with coastal furniture or lounge at the exclusive beachfront cabanas. There is also a cavernous indoor section for those who aren’t chummy with the sun. The idyllic location also makes for an ideal venue for events, from intimate wedding solemnisations to corporate retreats or large-scale parties.

One foot in the charming waterfront location and you’ll feel as if you’ve wandered into the captivating city of Matera – known for its iconic Sassis on rocky outcrops overlooking the Ionian seas. At the helm is chef Bjoern Alexander (formerly from two-Michelin-starred restaurant Octavium in Hong Kong) where he and his team set out to blend traditional Italian cuisine and vibrant flavours of Asia on artfully inventive plates. While the fine-dining restaurant has its tasting menus (from $78), it also offers a la carte options that cater to larger group settings.

Panoramic beachfront views of the calm seas, an alluring azure infinity pool, and fresh vibrant Latin-Mediterranean cuisine. These are a few of our favourite things about Sol & Ora. Perched up seven floors, the rooftop restaurant feels like an enchanting Santorini holiday home – think beachfront views but without the icky sand sticking to your feet. The all-day dining restaurant serves up a modern range of Mediterranean and European cuisine that can only elevate your sunrise at the horizon moment. Remember to stick around for the sporadic fireworks courtesy of the Sentosa island show right in front of you.

East Coast Commune is a charming café at East Coast Park, with an inviting interior that taps onto the surrounding landscape as design inspiration. Inside, the high-ceiling pitstop comes decked with rattan-backed chairs, wood-panelled counters, and potted foliage to echo the outdoors. A teal-white colour scheme and marine paintings by a local artist also help lend a tropical, seaside touch to the space. The concise menu features sourdough sandwiches, pasta, and sides of fries and granola.

After delighting our tastebuds for over 46 years, the live seafood restaurant has now expanded with a stylish new restaurant in Esplanade. Diners are now treated to stunning waterfront views of Marina Bay while they feast on a lavish spread in the comforts of a bright and airy space. The crowd favourites are undoubtedly the tomato-forward chilli Sri Lankan crab and the creamy chunks of Tasmanian rock lobster. Other exclusive outlet dishes come from the BBQ section where diners can enjoy a smoky range of succulent Indonesian-style grilled squid ($28) and chicken satay ($3.80 per piece) on steroids. 

Switching up to the prime waterfront scenery of Marina Bay, the former Martin Road resident cafe exudes classy yet boho seaside resort vibes. The P.S Cafe concepts are known for food that is equal parts photogenic and tasty. Tuck into signature dishes like salmon tacos and a nest of fries, that’s artistically created to look like a Japanese kakiage dish of tempura. The menu showcases a mix of small and big plates here, perfect for a larger group to try a little bit of everything. But it is also proper romantic if it is just for the two of you. 

This L-shaped waterfront compound is filled with plenty of gastronomic international dining concepts coupled with a tranquil ambience and lush surroundings. For fresh seafood, head to Greenwood Fish Market for their two-tiered seafood platter featuring succulent Boston lobsters, freshly shucked oysters and applewood smoked salmon. Otherwise, there are wood-fired oven pizzas at SolePomodoro Trattoria Pizzeria or casual Thai with some spice at Gin Khao Bistro. While you indulge, you're bound to find yourself marvelling at the one too many fleets of yachts parked on the calm waters of the berth. 

The waterfront globe at the Fullerton Pavilion is none other than Monti, a swanky Italian restaurant and bar that's pulsing with life by the bay. Savour on the hearty Italian dishes such as the Monti icon of risotto cacio e pepe ($39) that is finished in a wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano and topped with black truffle tableside. Fancy a little breeze? Head up to the deck above and enjoy the whopping views of the cityscape under the stars. There will be a range of refreshing tipples such as the signature Mr Monti ($22), a refreshing highball made of white rum, freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, grapefruit tonic and basil to treat.

Have your seafood fix on the water – sort of. Located at Woodlands Waterfront Park, this family-oriented restaurant prides itself on its mouth-watering plates of barbecue seafood, satay, local favourites and Western dishes at reasonable prices. The restaurant had a makeover last year complete with partial glasses so that you can enjoy the stunning waterfront views and the cool breeze while digging into signature dishes like barbecue stingray ($14/$22), cuttlefish ($16/22), chilli crab and black pepper crab (seasonal prices).

Its location within Sentosa Golf Club offers a pocket of scenery that cannot be found on the mainland. The restaurant, with floor-to-ceiling windows, is flanked by relaxing greenery from the golf course, and glittering vistas of the South China Sea. You’d want to head out and dine al fresco at the breezy verandah, or grab a seat out at its manicured lawn for a closer view of the water. The food at Panamericana is well worth the travel, too, with a colourful menu that pulls from 14 different countries found along the Pan-American Highway. Tuck into Argentinian empanadas ($10 for two), a hearty tostada ($16), or lamb ($55) and other meats charred on the asador.

You hear gentle waves crashing and the calls of distant seagulls as you step into PS.Cafe by the Sea. But the sounds aren’t coming from the nearby beach of East Coast Park; it’s from the café’s speakers. Still, the beachside outlet of PS.Cafe is just as soothing – spacious, airy, with plenty of light to lend a touch of a tropical holiday vibe. The waterfront location also calls for a seafood-focused menu, with highlights that include chargrilled octopus ($21), lemongrass mussel and clam spaghetti ($29.50), and chorizo and calamari stew ($30).

This quiet nook is a neighbourhood secret for those in the Northeast. Hidden in Punggol park with an alfresco area facing the large pond, the best time to visit is before sundown when you'd sometimes witness pink-hued skies against the water. The gastro bar serves up comforting Asian recipes for an altruistic cause. It helps to know that a part of your meal – or your next pint – goes into providing nutritious meals for underprivileged families in the community.

Offshore Bar and Grill, located at the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, offers a scenic escape from the city. Peep the sea view through a fenced gate (erected in the name of national security), and tuck into a menu of fresh catch and prime cuts. With buffet-style prices that start from $69 per pax, choose to char-grill slices of pork and chicken, or have the beef shabu shabu-style. The extensive spread also includes slipper lobster, oysters, prawns, and other seasonal highlights.

Go loco for tacos and all things Mexican at Super Loco Customs House. Located in The Fullerton Heritage precinct, the contemporary Mexican restaurant offers stunning views of Marina Bay Sands and the waterfront, alongside a menu filled with traditional delights. For the best experience, grab a seat outdoors under the fairy lights and order a selection of hearty plates to go around. 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.

Tanjong Beach Club provides intimate access to the sea, along with refined plates inspired by coastal cuisine from around the world. Soak up the sun, sip on refreshing thirst-quenchers, and slurp up hearty options that include beer-battered fish and chips ($28) and a tropical acai bowl ($21). Want a change in scenery? Grab a gourmet picnic basket from Tanjong Beach Club and hop over to a tranquil spot of your choice on Sentosa Island.

Boasting a large outdoor veranda that looks out at Punggol-Serangoon Reservoir, Whisk and Paddle is a tranquil oasis that's perfect for a leisurely meal. Its comprehensive menu includes an all-day breakfast selection, burgers, pastas, pizzas and mains that include the duck confit ($28.80) and lamb shank ($30.80). 

At this waterfront location, chow down on American diner food against lush views of our city's skyline and tranquil Marina Bay waters. The breezy nautical restaurant slings out hulking dishes like the blossom onion ($12), smoky barbecue ribs ($32), ribeye ($52), and ultra-spicy hot wings (called 'Cocaine Wings', $15). If you're looking to really feast, get yourself the ultra-tender beef short ribs ($36). Thirsty after a ride along Marina Bay? Make a pitstop and quench your thirst with margaritas ($16/glass, $60/jug) or the small menu of cocktails ($16-$18), beers by the bottle ($11-$15), or milkshakes ($8). 

Away from the Singapore mainland, Privé at Keppel Bay provides a mini escape from the crowd in town. Immerse yourself in its tranquil atmosphere as you dine in the company of yachts and sea views. The family-friendly café even has an outdoor playground to keep the young ones happy as you chow down on all-day classics like eggs Benedict ($18), pancakes ($15) with peanut butter and jelly, and avocado toast ($18).

Zorba is designed to transport you to the coastal Santorini islands. Enjoy its riverfront locale, which overlooks the Singapore River and brings to mind the soothing breeze from the scenic holiday destination. There’s also the azure blue-white interior that draws reference to the Mediterranean Sea. Its menu is one that’s rooted in traditional Hellenic cuisine, which dishes of slow-grilled octopus ($30) and beef striploin souvlaki ($28) – all of which are best washed down with a cold Mythos ($12), the nation’s famous lager. 

Located near the Punggol Point Jetty, the Punggol Settlement is a dining destination that overlooks the sea. The two-storey building houses a range of dining options, from the famous White Restaurant to barbecued meats from Siam Square Mookata. For the best, unobstructed views, we’d recommend heading up to the second floor and dine al fresco. Head there during dinner time, and you’ll be able to enjoy views of the sun setting as you enjoy a meal.

This seafood chain might have outlets around Singapore, but you’ll want to visit its flagship location at East Coast Seafood Centre for maximum vibes and enjoyment. Its al fresco seating is just a mere few steps away from the fringe of the sea, making it convenient to take a scenic stroll after stuffing yourself silly with plates of chilli crab, salted egg prawns, and fragrant yam rings.