Chill with Good Food: Top Casual Restaurants in Singapore
Are you planning a date night with your partner or a fun gathering with your friends and family at a nice restaurant, but you can’t afford fine dining? Then, you might want to opt for a casual restaurant instead.
Casual restaurants are great because they offer a comfortable, laid-back atmosphere and a menu with reasonably priced dishes. Most of the time, they also don’t have a strict dress code, so you can wear whatever you want.
Singapore has many amazing casual restaurants. Here are some of the best ones worth checking out.
Keng Eng Kee Seafood
Address(es):
- 124 Bukit Merah Lane 1, #01-136, Singapore 150124
- 1/A Tampines Street 92, Singapore 528882
- 9 Sentul Cres, #02-01, Singapore 828654
Operating Hours:
- Bukit Merah Lane: 11:30 am to 2 pm, 5 to 10 pm (Monday to Sunday)
- Tampines Street and Sentul Cres: 11 am to 2 pm, 5 to 10 pm (Monday to Sunday)
Contact Number(s):
- Bukit Merah Lane: +6562721038
- Tampines Street: +6569793668
- Sentul Cres: +6596910616
Keng Eng Kee Seafood started as a stall in Old Havelock Road Hawker Center in the 1970s, but now it’s become a restaurant chain with three locations in Singapore!
This seafood restaurant offers a great variety of meal options. You should try the signature chili crab, the salted egg prawns, and the KEK curry fish head. These are all spicy options, so beware!
There are also non-seafood options if you want some variety in your meal. Some of the must-try dishes include roast chicken, coffee pork ribs, and black pepper deer meat.
Pro Tip: If possible, you should come here during the Chinese New Year. This is because the restaurant hosts promotions like discounts and specially crafted sets that won’t be available anytime else!
Samy’s Curry Restaurant
Address: 25 Dempsey Rd, Singapore 249670
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Monday—11 am to 3 pm, 6 to 10 pm
- Closed on Tuesday
Contact Number: +6564722080
Located in the serene neighborhood of Dempsey Hill, Samy’s Curry Restaurant is a must-visit for curry lovers. This dining spot specializes in South Indian cuisine, but there are also North Indian dishes available here.
You can’t go wrong with the butter chicken paired with naan. Sambal prawn or curry fish with biryani rice is also a superior combination!
For dessert, order the gulab jamun, which is a fried fritter ball soaked in a sugary syrup and topped with dried nuts.
Don’t forget to order a drink as well. The mango lassi, in particular, is absolutely delicious and refreshing.
Pro Tip: If it’s not raining or too hot outside, you might want to take a seat on the patio. That way, you can enjoy the view and the fresh breeze while eating your meal.
Da Paolo Dempsey Restaurant and Bar
Address: #01-13 Dempsey Rd, Blk 8, Singapore 247696
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—8 am to 11:30 pm
- Friday and Saturday—8 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +6562613128
Da Paolo Restaurant and Bar is another popular Dempsey Hill restaurant. This restaurant specializes in Italian cuisine, so you can treat yourself to all the pasta dishes and pizzas that you want!
One dish you must try is the spicy lobster tagliolini. The homemade egg pasta is perfectly al dente, the lobster is tender and juicy, and the Italian tomato sauce has a bit of kick, thanks to the chili.
If you’re dining with a group, you should try the festive menu, which is available as a set. You have many options for starters (the buffalo mozzarella is a must-try), main courses (you can’t go wrong with grilled Wagyu ribeye), and pizza (try the garlic confit).
Pro Tips:
- The al fresco portion of the restaurant has the best seats in the house because you’ll be able to enjoy the lush greenery of your surroundings.
- Sometimes, the restaurant hosts exclusive events, and some of them even include experts and sommeliers. If you want to join these events, you should follow them on Facebook because that’s where you’ll get the latest news.
New Ubin Seafood
– From fuelbycoffee2
Address(es):
- 30 Victoria St, #02-01B C, Singapore 187996
- 60 Stevens Rd, Metropolitan YMCA (Lobby), Singapore 257854
Operating Hours:
- Victoria St: 11 am to 3 pm, 5:30 pm to 1 am (Monday to Sunday)
- Stevens Rd: 11 am to 10 pm (Monday to Sunday)
Contact Number(s):
- Victoria St: +6597406870
- Stevens Rd: +6597406870
New Ubin Seafood is another popular seafood spot that’s popular among Singaporeans. It also has two locations—one in the Metropolitan YMCA and another one in CHIJMES—so you can choose where you want to go.
Since seafood is the main focus, you should try the seafood boil here. It has all your favorite dishes—crabs, prawns, clams, squids, and more—so you’ll really be full and satisfied once you’re done.
For non-seafood options, you might like the smoked pork collar, crispy pork jowl, and Indian mutton curry.
Pro Tip: Occasionally, New Ubin Seafood holds special promotions like discounts and items that are only available for a limited time. Check this page to see what promotions are available during your visit.
Tambi Restaurant
Address: 47 Amoy St, Singapore 069873
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday and Saturday—6 to 11 pm
- Wednesday to Friday—12 to 3 pm, 6 to 11 pm
- Closed on Sunday and Monday
Contact Number: +6598388401
Have you ever wondered what Southern Indian and Korean fusion cuisine would taste like? Well, wonder no more because Tambi Restaurant has the answer for you!
Taking inspiration from Michelin-starred chefs, this casual restaurant serves interesting dishes. You can start your meal with a seared scallop with tomato kimchi, and as for your main, you can’t go wrong with the Wagyu bulgogi roti with leek and scallion salad.
To end your meal, you should have the banana and coconut pie. It’s so decadent and has the right amount of sweetness.
Pro Tip:
- Planning an event for your loved ones? You can book a space at Tambi.
If you’re interested, simply send an email to [email protected].
Revolver
Address: 56 Tras St, Singapore 078995
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday and Sunday—6 to 10:30 pm
- Wednesday to Saturday—11:45 am to 2:30 pm, 6 to 10:30 pm
- Closed on Monday
Contact Number: +6562232812
Looking for a great grill restaurant? Revolver is worth checking out!
This restaurant is inspired by Japanese grill, but they offer international flavors. If you come here during lunch, you might like to try the chicken thigh with garlic yogurt or the pulled pork with gruyere kulchette (a mix of Indian kulcha and Napoli pizza).
The dinner menu is a bit more expensive since it only has prix fixe meals. That said, you’ll be served with several courses, so the price will be worth it.
You might be interested in the Discovery option, which features fresh paneer, dry-aged turbot, venison, and more. There’s also the Omakase option, which lets the chef choose what dishes to serve you (it’s quite exciting not knowing what to expect!).
Pro Tip: If you’re going on a date or you want to enjoy dining with a group of people in peace, you might want to book one of Revolver’s private rooms. Check this page for more information.
Tien Court Restaurant
Address: 403 Havelock Rd, #2F Copthorne Kings Hotel, Singapore 169632
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 to 2:30 pm, 6 to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6563183193
Located inside Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore, Tien Court Restaurant is operated by Master Chef Lui and specializes in Teochew cuisine.
The dim sum, in particular, is the main showstopper here. Some of the ones you might like to try include the Teochew-style steamed crystal dumpling with dried shrimp, preserved radish, and jicama and the steamed barbeque pork bun.
You should also try any of the roasted specialties. Your options include the house specialty smoked duck, classic Peking duck, and Teochew-roasted suckling pig.
Pro Tip: If you want to try the roasted specialties, please let the restaurant know at least three days before you’re planning to dine in. You can do this by calling them or sending an email to [email protected].
Birds of a Feather
Address: 115 Amoy St, #01-01, Singapore 069935
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—12 to 3 pm, 6 to 11 pm
- Friday and Saturday—12 to 3 pm, 6 pm to 12 am
- Sunday—12 to 3 pm, 6 to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6597557115
Birds of a Feather celebrates the wonderful flavors of Chengdu. The interior is also noteworthy: green is the predominant color, giving off serene and laid-back vibes.
You can start your meal with bang bang (an appetizer made with cold-dressed chicken, mustard green, and peanuts), followed by slow-roasted Sichuan beef short ribs with orange ginger glaze for your main course.
If you have a sweet tooth, you shouldn’t miss out on Jujube and Strawberry. It’s made with jujube (red Chinese dates) with jujube mascarpone crémeux, jujube cake, jujube and strawberry compote, and almond sable.
Pro Tip: You can book a private room for your event or an intimate dinner with loved ones. If you’re interested, you should send an email to [email protected].
FOC Restaurant
Address: 40 Hongkong St, Singapore 059679
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday—12 to 11:30 pm
- Friday and Saturday—12 pm to 12 am
- Closed on Monday
Contact Number: +6561004040
You don’t have to travel to Barcelona to enjoy the culture and cuisine there. You can just stop by FOC Restaurant on Hong Kong Street!
For your appetizers, try the smoked Cantabrian anchovies on charcoal brioche. For your main course, you can’t go wrong with the crispy roasted sucking pig terrine with glazed red wine or the Mediterranean red prawn and snow crab giant ravioli.
The paellas are a must-try as well. The seafood paella is the best-selling option (it features Argentinian prawns, Hokkaido scallops, and baby squids), but if you don’t like seafood, you might like the Ibérico pork ribs and butifarra (a type of sausage) paella.
Pro Tip: If you can afford to splurge a bit more, you should try the special tasting menu here. Check this page to learn more and reserve your spot if you’re interested.
Wine RVLT
Address: 38 Carpenter St, #01-01, Singapore 059917
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—4 pm to 12 am
- Closed on Sunday
Contact Number: +6569095709
Wine RVLT is a celebration of all things wine, which is why you can find an extensive array of wines here. Most originate from Europe, especially France, Italy, and Spain, but there are also options from Australia and New Zealand.
While enjoying your wine, you should also order some food to fill your stomach.
The Lobster XO Pasta is especially satisfying. The hand-cut pasta is cooked perfectly, and the confit lobster tail is sweet and juicy.
Ordering a charcuterie board is also a great idea. You’ll be served with mixed cheese (brie de Meaux, Fourme d’Ambert, époisses, and 24-month comté) and your choice of protein (your options include Italian cured meat and duck rillettes).
Pro Tip:
- Is there a wine that you like so much that you want to bring a bottle of it home? Luckily, the restaurant has a shop: Raw Wine.
Check this website to see what wines are available.
Le Bistrot du Sommelier
Address: 53 Armenian St, Singapore 179940
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 6 to 10:30 pm
- Closed on Sunday
Contact Number: +6563331982
Le Bistrot du Sommelier is another restaurant that’s best known for its extensive wine list. This French restaurant sources wines from small producers, so you might discover a new favorite winery when dining here.
The food menu is pretty impressive as well. You should try the lunch set menu, which is prix fixe and you’ll be served several courses.
You can have country-style pork terrine as your entrée, followed by a pan-seared hanger steak with shallots and garlic confit.
There are also a la carte food items if you’re not in the mood for a prix fixe meal. Try the Poisson Du Jour, which is Scottish salmon drizzled with vermouth cream sauce and tarragon and topped with celery and grapes.
Pro Tip: Book Le Bistrot du Sommelier for your event! Check this page for more information.
Char
Address: 25 Pandan Cres, B1-01 to 07 Kitchen 17, Singapore 128477
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday—11:30 am to 8 pm
- Closed on Monday
Contact Number: +6594468227
Char siew, also known as Chinese barbeque pork, is one of the most iconic Singaporean dishes, and Char is one of the best places to go when you’re craving it.
The signature char siew is the bestseller, so be sure to try that when you’re dining here.
Aside from this, the jasmine roast duck is a must-try as well. This duck is locally sourced and then infused with jasmine tea before being roasted Cantonese-style.
Another interesting dish you might want to try is the spicy Sichuan chicken with ice cream.
Spicy chicken chunks and ice cream are such a quirky combination, but it makes sense when you start eating. The ice cream helps reduce the spiciness of the chicken!
Pro Tip: Char offers catering services if you’re interested. To see what dishes are available for this, check this page.
London Fat Duck
Address(es):
- 10 Paya Lebar Rd, B2-25 PLQ Mall, Singapore 409057
- 6 Scotts Rd, #B1-16/17, Singapore 228209
Operating Hours:
- Paya Lebar Rd: 11:30 am to 3 pm, 5:30 to 9:30 pm (Monday to Friday), 11 am to 9:30 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
- Scotts Rd: 11:30 am to 9 pm (Monday to Friday), 11 am to 9 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Contact Number(s):
- Paya Lebar Rd: +6569723825
- Scotts Rd: +6564437866
London Fat Duck is a Hong Kong-style restaurant that is oftentimes referred to as the “Wagyu of ducks.” The signature dish here is the London Peking duck, but you might also like the Italian truffle roast duck.
Roasted ducks aren’t the only dishes you can find here. If you love seafood, you might want to order the tiger prawn with golden salted egg sauce, and if you prefer meat, you can’t miss out on the spicy Sichuan crispy chicken.
For people who enjoy noodles and slurping hearty broths, the Hong Kong noodle with shrimp roe is a must-try!
Pro Tip:
- If you don’t want to contend with a possible queue, you might want to come here before rush hour.
Around 11 am for lunch and 5 pm for dinner should work fine. The restaurant is usually empty during these times.
Sum Kee Food
Address: 2 Telok Blangah Street 31, Singapore 108942
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 2:30 pm, 5 to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6567373233
Sum Kee Food is a hidden gem in Bukit Merah, so if you’re in the neighborhood and you love Chinese cuisine, don’t overlook it!
There are a lot of dim sum options here. There are the classic choices, such as siew mai, char siew buns, and pan-fried dumplings, but there are also interesting options, like black gold lava custard bun, abalone siew mai, and deep-fried taro.
Aside from dim sum, you might want to try the Ultraman Chicken, which is chicken coated with salted egg.
Spanish pork ribs are a hit as well. The pork ribs are marinated for 12 hours, so the flavor is very distinct!
Pro Tip: This place is pretty hard to get to if you travel by public transportation. It’s better if you drive here instead.
Burnt Ends
Address: 7 Dempsey Rd, #01-02, Singapore 249671
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday and Wednesday—6 to 11 pm
- Thursday to Saturday—12 to 2:30 pm, 6 to 11 pm
- Closed on Sunday and Monday
Contact Number: +6562243933
Burnt Ends is a modern restaurant specializing in Australian-style barbeque.
The atmosphere here is pretty noteworthy. The interior boasts an open kitchen concept, and the furniture is mostly dark wood, so the vibes are chill and relaxing.
Indulge in the delectable Burnt Ends Sanger (pulled pork shoulder, coleslaw, and chipotle aioli stuffed inside a brioche bun). The king crab smothered in garlic brown butter is mouthwateringly good as well, so don’t miss out on it.
This restaurant has a bakery section as well. If you’re a dessert lover, try the mango passionfruit coconut and lime mousse cake or the donuts with Iranian pistachio.
Pro Tip:
- The restaurant has different seating options: the main dining area (where you can see the open kitchen), the counter seating (seated right in front of the kitchen and bar), and the study room (a quiet location).
If you have a seating preference, you should book a reservation ahead of time. That way, your spot is secured.
Here’s the reservation page if you’re interested.
Acqua e Farina
Address: 400 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 678050
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday—11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 5:30 to 10 pm
- Closed on Monday
Contact Number: +6584997156
If you’re craving Italian cuisine, Acqua e Farina should be high on your priority list.
You can start your meal with the soup of the day (it changes daily), followed by fresh burrata cheese served with confit cherry tomatoes and parma ham.
For your main course, try tagliatelle al brasato. It’s egg pasta with Wagyu beef braised in red wine.
It won’t be a satisfying Italian meal without pizza! Pizza Acqua e Farina is the signature choice (tomato, mozzarella, pork salami, and chilies), but you might also like pizza Napoletana (tomato, mozzarella, capers, anchovies, and oregano).
Pro Tip:
- Sometimes, the restaurant hosts special events like wine-pairing dinners. If possible, try to attend at least one.
Check this page to see if there are any events on the day of your visit.
Tomahawk King and Omookase
Address: 324 Changi Rd, Singapore 419799
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday—5 to 11 pm
- Closed on Monday
Contact Number: +6580314122
Tomahawk King and Omookase is the perfect place to go if you’re craving steaks. To make things better, this is also a halal restaurant, so Muslim steak lovers will love it here.
The premium Australian ribeye steak is one you must try. The meat is from a cow that had been grain-fed for 120 days, so the steak is incredibly juicy and succulent.
This meal is also served with fries and garden salad, so you’ll feel full afterward.
If you’re dining with a few people, order the Extreme Surf and Turf set. This set comes with one Tomahawk steak that weighs 1.2 kg, eight roasted wing sticks, eight crispy tempura prawns, two fish and chips, and two salads.
Pro Tip: Come here during non-peak hours so that you won’t have to spend a long time in a queue.
The Prince
Address: 48 Peck Seah St, Singapore 079317
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +6531297547
Treat yourself to the savory delights of modern Arabic cuisine at The Prince! The best part is that this restaurant takes on a dual-world experience because by day, it’s a chic, sunlit oasis, but at night, it becomes a cool haven with an electrifying energy.
If you come during the day, try the brunch menu. The Dubai Breakfast is extremely satisfying (scrambled eggs with truffles, house-smoked bacon, and halloumi).
Pair that with a mimosa or Aperol spritz for the ultimate brunch experience.
If you’re visiting during dinner, you have more options. There’s a prix fixe menu that lets you enjoy several courses, but if you prefer a la carte, try the lamb loin skewer.
It’s served with apricot and mint zhoug (a spicy cilantro sauce), so it has some sweet and minty undertones.
Pro Tip:
- This restaurant can get fully booked fast. If you want to secure your spot, book a reservation ahead of time.
Here’s the reservation page if you’re interested.
Lolla
Address: 22 Ann Siang Rd, Singapore 069702
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—12 to 2:30 pm, 6 to 11 pm
- Closed on Sunday
Contact Number: +6564231228
If you’re a big fan of Mediterranean cuisine, you should head to Lolla, a modern restaurant set inside a conservation shophouse on Ann Siang Road.
You can start your meal with house-marinated mixed olives or San Marzano tomatoes with burrata. For your main course, try the hand-torn pasta with brown crab.
Another great option is the glazed lamb shoulder.
If you’re a big cheese fan, don’t miss out on any of the cheeses here. Some of the available ones include goat gouda, smoked scamorza, comte, aged manchego, and fourme d’ambert.
Pro Tips:
- Keep in mind that the menu depends on the day you’re visiting. From Monday to Thursday, a la carte and seasonal menus are available, while a tasting menu is available for dinner on Friday and Saturday.
For lunch on Saturday, you’ll only be served a prix fixe menu featuring the current seasonal dishes.
- If you’d like to try the tasting menu on a weekday, book a reservation and let the restaurant know at least three days in advance. Here’s the reservation page.
Bumbu Restaurant
Address(es):
- 44 Kandahar St, Singapore 198897
- 4 Queen’s Rd, #02-101, Singapore 260004
Operating Hours (both Kandahar St and Queen’s Rd):
- Tuesday to Sunday—11 am to 3 pm, 6 to 10 pm
- Closed on Monday
Contact Number(s):
- Kandahar St: +6563928628
- Queen’s Rd: +6564794075
Featuring antique Peranakan decor, Bumbu Restaurant feels like a relic of the past. Its old-school feel makes it charming and even cozy.
Aside from its delightful interior, the restaurant specializes in delicious Thai-Indonesian cuisine. The Thai-style chili basil chicken is a bestseller and perfect for people who love spicy things.
If you don’t, the Thai-style green curry chicken is a great alternative.
For a more filling meal, try the rice and noodle dishes. One recommendation is Thai-style Belachan fried rice, which is also served with sweet chicken, dried shrimp, and chili padi on the side.
Pro Tip: Book a reservation on this page beforehand to secure your spot. This is especially true if you’re planning to come with a group because this restaurant is constantly booked for parties.