Everything You Need to Know about Somerset in Singapore
For most Singaporeans, the Somerset area is a shopper’s paradise. After all, Orchard Road is literally right next to Somerset Road, and both roads are lined with various shops. Restaurants are also abundant here, attracting foodies as well.
But more than that, the Somerset area is rich in history. Chinese people settled here, and it once held plantations and graveyards. Eventually, these were demolished to build a new shopping district in the 1980s.
If you’re planning to explore this curious neighborhood, here’s a guide with everything you need to know.
Where is Somerset?
Somerset is in the Central Area of Singapore. It’s not an official planning area, but it is situated on the periphery of Orchard.
What is the main street of Somerset?
The main street of Somerset is Somerset Road, which is located right next to Orchard Road. This street has some of the neighborhood’s most popular malls, attractions, and restaurants.
How to Get to Somerset
By MRT: MRT is the best way to reach Somerset. The Somerset MRT Station (NS23) is located right in the heart of the neighborhood.
What to Do and See in Somerset
Get active at TRIFECTA
From: trifecta.singapore
Address: 10A Exeter Rd, #01-01
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—9 am to 10 pm
- Friday—9 am to 11 pm
- Saturday—8 am to 11 pm
- Sunday—8 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6583990484
Website
At TRIFECTA, you can experience the thrills of surfing, snowboarding, and skateboarding in just one place!
I love the snow activities here because, as you know, Singapore is a tropical country. The Ski Simulator, in particular, is super fun. The slopes seem endless, and I feel like a professional every time I make a move.
If you’re more experienced than I am, then you might like the Freestyle Park. As the name suggests, this snowboarding/skiing experience lets you go wild with your moves and leaps.
Trampoline and climb walls at BOUNCE Singapore
From: bouncesingapore
Address: 8 Grange Rd, #09-01 Cineleisure basement car park
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—10 am to 8 pm
- Friday—10 am to 9 pm
- Saturday—9 am to 9 pm
- Sunday—9 am to 8 pm
Contact Number: +6568162879
Website
Another must-visit spot in Somerset for adrenaline junkies is BOUNCE. This active park is all about the art of bouncing on trampolines, so expect a thrilling time here.
I usually come here with my friends, and we go crazy in the Free Jump Arena doing all sorts of somersaults like we’re gymnasts. If we’re in the mood for a challenge, we play dodgeball!
Skate at Somerset Skate Park
From: kk.vm
Address: 1 Somerset Rd
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—7 am to 10 pm
Do you love to roller skate or skateboard? Or do you want to start learning? Then, you might like Somerset Skate Park.
This park has all sorts of ramps that let you show off your moves. If you’re not comfortable with your skills yet, you can practice on even ground instead. There’s even a railing that you can hold on to.
This park also has a small green lawn where you can just sit and relax. That’s usually what I do whenever I accompany my skater cousin. I simply lie down on the green and listen to music or a podcast.
Get a relaxing massage at Natureland Orchard Point
From: naturelandmassage
Address: 160 Orchard Rd, B1-12/13 Orchard Point
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +6562356780
Website
If you’re like me, life has made you tired and sore all the time. So, I recommend that you head to Natureland and get a long massage that eases out all the tension in your muscles!
This spa offers a wide array of services. My go-to is the Tui Na or sports massage. I’m actually not athletic, but since I suffer from chronic muscle pain and nerve issues, this massage is super helpful. It also helps me sleep better at night.
Get lost in virtual reality at Sandbox VR
From: sandboxvr
Address: 181 Orchard Road, #05-31 Orchard Central
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—10:50 am to 9:30 pm
- Friday to Sunday—9:50 am to 9:30 pm
Contact Number: +6598325988
Website
Real life can get boring sometimes, so why don’t you explore virtual reality instead? Fortunately, there’s a VR spot in Somerset: Sandbox VR.
Deadwood Phobia is the first one I tried, and that’s simply because my friends love horror, and I’m outnumbered. This game involves zombies, so you can imagine how freaked out I was when I first played it. What a heart-racing experience!
Where to Dine in Somerset
Morinaga Izakaya Restaurant
From: limkohpi
Address: 220 Orchard Rd, #B1-08 Mid point
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 pm to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6591013016
Pricing: $$
Website
Morning Izakaya Restaurant is a great restaurant to go to after work. They offer all my favorite Japanese comfort foods!
I usually order their signature deep-fried chicken, which is super crispy and savory. I also love the Wagyu ribeye steak because the pieces are tender with a bit of smokiness that I like. To wash everything down, I order a bottle of cold beer. It’s such a simple meal, but it’s enough to put a smile on my face.
Blue Label Pizza and Wine
From: bluelabelpizza
Address: 333A Orchard Road, #03-02 Mandarin Gallery
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 pm to 11 pm
Contact Number: +6597857799
Pricing: $$
Website
If you’re a big fan of pizza and wine, then Blue Label is the restaurant for you.
The pizza is stone-fired here, so the crust has a lovely char to it. My favorite pizza to get is Wish I Was a Baller, which has toppings of sliced steak, mustard bechamel, roasted onions, and mushrooms. Every slice is earthy and sharp, with a hint of sweetness!
Josh’s Grill
From: joshgrill
Address: 313 Orchard Rd, B2-15 to 19, 313@somerset
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6562350594
Pricing: $$
Craving Western Food? Then head to Josh’s Grill!
My favorite thing to order is the char-grill spicy chicken chop. The chicken is perfectly grilled, and the meat inside is savory and juicy. Pour the Dynamic Sauce over the chicken, and now, you can enjoy tangy, sweet, and spicy notes on every forkful.
This dish also comes with broccoli doused in mala sauce. As a result, each broccoli piece has a lovely bite to it!
Bedrock Bar and Grill
From: florencesjah
Address: 96 Somerset Rd, #01-05 Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—12 pm to 3 pm, 6 pm to 10:30 pm
- Friday and Saturday—12 pm to 3 pm, 6 pm to 11 pm
Contact Number: +6562380054
Pricing: $$$
Website
Bedrock Bar and Grill is another grill restaurant I recommend you visit, but just prepare to shell out a good amount of cash because this place is super fancy. That’s why I only come here for special events or a romantic date.
Of course, the steak is the bestseller here, and the best one, in my opinion, is the full-blood Wagyu steak. It’s 250 grams, which is enough to share with another person, but sometimes, I feel like I can eat it on my own. The steak is simply so tender and buttery. I can’t get enough of it!
Armoury Steaks and Craft Beer Bar
From: armourysteaks
Address: 181 Orchard Rd, #11-03/04 Orchard Central
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday—11:30 am to 10 pm
- Wednesday and Thursday—11:30 am to 10:30 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11:30 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +6588456205
Pricing: $$
Website
Steaks are great, but they can also be pricey. If you want to enjoy quality steaks without the hefty price tag, check out Armoury Steaks and Craft Beer! There are all sorts of steaks here—from Black Angus porterhouse to Japanese Wagyu.
I actually prefer getting the burgers here, which also use the premium steak cuts as patties. My favorite is the Pin Bunker, which has a thick Wagyu patty and bacon, so it’s rich, salty, and savory. It’s also super cheesy because it comes with a dipping cheese sauce.
Mrs Pho Kitchen
From: mrspho
Address: Orchard Rd, #01-16 313 313@somerset
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6596445077
Pricing: $$
Website
Get a taste of authentic Vietnamese flavors at Mrs Pho Kitchen!
Of course, the main highlight of this Vietnamese restaurant is the pho, and the one I recommend with my whole heart is the premium short-rib pho. The broth is incredibly rich since it’s been simmering for 12 hours, and the short ribs are so tender and savory!
Misato
From: misatosingapore
Address: 176 Orchard Road #01-33E The Centrepoint
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday—12 pm to 3 pm, 6 pm to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6562352822
Pricing: $$
Facebook
Misato is a hidden spot in The Centrepoint. I hadn’t heard about this Japanese restaurant until my friend introduced it to me.
So far, my favorite dish is the Misato Ebi Donburi because it’s so hearty. It has deep-fried live tiger prawns that are perfectly crispy and slightly sweet, and the egg is cooked in a seasoned broth, making it super rich. It’s also runny, and I love how the silky yolk coats the fluffy rice!
Chimi’s Somerset
From: chimis_sg
Address: 313 Orchard Rd, #01-25B 313@Somerset
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—12 pm to 11 pm
- Friday and Saturday—12 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +6569805194
Pricing: $$
Website
I love Mexican cuisine, and one of my go-to spots to satisfy my cravings is Chimi’s. On top of the delicious food, the atmosphere here is always so vibrant and fun!
I’m a big fan of the Chipotle Chicken Bowl. The chicken pieces are smoky and spicy, and even the fluffy rice has a bit of kick as well. When I’m super hungry, I usually pair this dish with the tangy and savory carne asada tacos. Oh, how I’m already drooling just thinking about this combo!
JiBiru Yakitori and Craft Beer
From: jibiru
Address: 313 Orchard Rd, #01 – 26 313@Somerset
Operating Hours:
- Monday—12 pm to 10:30 pm
- Tuesday to Thursday—12 pm to 11 pm
- Friday—11:30 am to 11:30 pm
- Saturday—11 am to 11:30 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +6567326884
Website
Yakitori and craft beer at the end of the day sounds so good, and if you agree with me, then I recommend you check out JiBiru the next time you’re off work.
I usually get finger foods here, and my go-to options are the yaki Wagyu with ikura and tare (the meat is so succulent) and ebi tempura (I love how crunchy it is).
Of course, my dining experience won’t be complete without a craft beer. I recommend the JiBiru Nama Rice Lager, which has a subtle and refreshing taste. It’s a great beer to drink during hot weather.
Fire Ramen and Izakaya
From: menbaka_sg
Address: 176 Orchard Road, #01-53 / 54 / 55 / 56 The Centrepoint Food Street
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11:30 am to 9:30 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11:30 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6582189236
Pricing: $$
Website
When it’s cold and raining outside, a bowl of ramen is the perfect dish to warm you up. If you’re ever in Somerset during gloomy weather, you might want to hit up Fire Ramen and Izakaya.
I absolutely love the Kara Miso Fire Ramen because it balances the rich umami and spicy flavors. The noodles are springy, and they absorb all the goodness from the broth!
Dancing Crab
From: dancingcrabsg
Address: 181 Orchard Rd, #07-14/15 Orchard Central
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 3 pm, 5:30 pm to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6565091878
Pricing: $$$
Website
Dancing Crab is a paradise for seafood lovers. This seafood restaurant has several outlets in Singapore and Japan, and I’m glad to know that there’s one in Somerset!
I recommend the black pepper crab, which is one of the restaurant’s signature dishes. I love how the sharp, peppery flavors of the sauce mesh well with the subtle sweetness of the crab meat. This dish also comes with several cobs of corn, and those too are slathered with that delectable sauce. Yum!
Where to Shop in Somerset
313@Somerset
From: 313somerset
Address: 313 Orchard Rd
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—10 am to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—10 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +6564969313
Website
313@Somerset is THE shopping mall in Somerset, so it’s a great place to start your shopping spree. This modern mall hosts some of the country’s most popular retailers, plus several international ones, and a wide array of dining options.
I usually come here for my fashion needs. There are popular brands here like Zara and Pomelo and also underrated ones. I tend to come back to Actually because I love the fun and quirky clothes there and Denim D’Artisan because I unapologetically love all things denim!
111 Somerset
From: 111somersetsg
Address: 111 Somerset Rd
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6567378505
Website
111 Somerset is another well-known mall in the neighborhood, and it’s a cozy hangout spot. I love coming here to eat because the restaurants available aren’t popular franchises, so I’m always excited to try new things.
Additionally, this mall has several healthcare facilities, which is great if you need to see a doctor pronto. I tend to visit the dentist clinics here (I get toothaches often), and sometimes, I also go to one of the spa and wellness centers to get a soothing massage.
Orchard Central
From: orchardcentral
Address: 181 Orchard Rd
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 10 pm
Website
If you’re looking for a posh mall, then you might like Orchard Central. Many of the brands here are big-time names, so you’ll really be tempted to splurge!
This mall also has studios that offer fun artsy classes and workshops. I personally love attending classes at Am I Addicted Korean Pottery Studio. The process of shaping clay into pots and vases is so relaxing, and I love getting creative!
Orchardgateway
From: orchardgateway
Address: 277 Orchard Rd
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10:30 am to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +6565134633
Website
Another upscale mall you can check out is Orchardgateway. This one, in particular, is best suited for fashionistas because the lineup of fashion stores here is pretty impressive.
One of my favorites is The Tinsel Rack because the clothes here look so cute and whimsical. I feel like a modern fairy princess every time I wear their clothes and accessories!
I also love checking out Vivien Design. This shop specializes in custom jewelry, and the accessories here are gorgeous! One day, I’ll finally buy a bejeweled bracelet or necklace here for myself.
The Centrepoint
From: yutopia.art
Address: 176 Orchard Rd
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6567379000
Website
The Centrepoint has been around since 1983, and in that time, it has become a popular spot for families or shoppers on a budget.
I love coming here for their Christmas market because I love supporting small businesses. I usually hunt for paintings by local artists, and sometimes, I splurge on keychains, bags, and other craft items.
Mandarin Gallery
From: mandaringallery
Address: 333A Orchard Rd
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6568316363
Website
Another mall that will satisfy sophisticated shoppers is Mandarin Gallery. This fancy mall features so many luxurious lifestyle boutiques, stylish restaurants, and refined cafes.
The fashion stores are absolutely stunning and sometimes way above my budget. That’s why I mostly come here to window shop. My favorite stores to check out often are Déjà Vu Vintage (the accessories are old-school and beautiful) and Laichan (the dresses are timeless and elegant).
Where to Stay in Somerset
Somerset Bencoolen
From: staycationgirl
Address: 51 Bencoolen St
Contact Number: +6568494688
Pricing: $$$
Website
Somerset Bencoolen is wonderfully located. Not only does it put you close to Somerset’s best sites, but it’s also near other iconic neighborhoods like Little India.
The rooms are also spacious, and you can even book ones with a kitchen so that you can cook instead of eating out!
Other amenities and facilities you have access to include a gymnasium on a rooftop (workout with a view), a launderette (no more stressing out about dirty clothes), and a swimming pool.
Pan Pacific Serviced Suites
From: panpacificservicedsuites.sg
Address: 96 Somerset Rd
Contact Number: +6568845222
Pricing: $$$
Website
If luxury is more your style, then the Pan Pacific Serviced Suites will undoubtedly deliver. The suites here are modern and equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, so you’ll feel like a celebrity being pampered.
I love that the suites usually have a work desk by the window because I love to work with a view.
I also get access to the Pacific Lounge, where I can indulge in a delicious continental breakfast. The lounge also has a comfortable sofa, perfect when I just want to sit down and get lost in a book.
Concorde Hotel
From: concordehotelsg
Address: 100 Orchard Rd
Contact Number: +6567338855
Pricing: $$$
Website
Concorde Hotel is a sleek 4-star hotel that prioritizes minimalist design. Staying here feels like a calming retreat!
Their deluxe rooms are the cheapest, and even then, they’re still equipped with everything you need—from a comfortable work desk to a flat-screen television. You can even choose a deluxe room with a balcony if you want to enjoy the view of the city!
If you can afford to splurge, why not go all out with the presidential suite? It’s so big you’ll feel like you’re in a palace, and it comes with fun perks like a complimentary mini-bar and evening cocktails.
Lanson Place Winsland
From: lansonplace
Address: 167 Penang Rd, Winsland House
Contact Number: +6568340880
Pricing: $$$
Website
Lanson Place Winsland is a combination of vibrant colors, nature-y vibes, and chic design, making for a pleasant stay. Since the hotel is in a great location, most of the rooms and suites boast a wonderful view of the city.
It also has other facilities you can enjoy, such as a green courtyard and a rooftop swimming pool.
Rendezvous Hotel Singapore
From: stayrendezvous
Address: 9 Bras Basah Rd
Contact Number: +6563360220
Pricing: $$
Website
Rendezvous Hotel Singapore is a hotel that appeals to art lovers. The hotel’s design is unabashedly quirky, inspired by the neighborhood’s rich history, and there are also contemporary art installations by talented artists that will delight your senses.
The rooms are gorgeous and cozy, while the other facilities are warm and inviting. I’m a big fan of The Library Lounge because it has comfortable armchairs and sofas. The Balinese-inspired swimming pool is also lovely. Swimming here is a therapeutic experience.