JAKARTA – As the city lights of Singapore begin to shimmer, the city-state transforms into a destination for romantic evenings. Several restaurants are noted for creating an intimate atmosphere, offering experiences designed to be remembered long after the night ends. Among those highlighted are Claudine, Marguerite, and Jaan by Kirk Westaway, all promising memorable date nights.
The selection of restaurants, cited by TimeOut, Honeycombers, and Travel + Leisure, reflects a growing trend of dining as an immersive experience, going beyond culinary offerings to focus on ambiance and connection.
Claudine: A Restored Chapel’s Intimacy
Claudine, housed within a beautifully restored colonial chapel at Dempsey Hill, offers an effortlessly romantic setting. The restaurant’s design, featuring soft greens and pinks, high ceilings, and plush velvet banquettes, creates an atmosphere described as almost sacred. Chef Julien Royer’s menu focuses on French home cooking, emphasizing warmth and comfort with dishes like Steak Tartare and Brown Mushroom and Morels Ravioli, highlighting restraint and refinement.
Marguerite: Nature and Michelin Stars
Located within Gardens by the Bay’s Flower Dome, the Michelin-starred Marguerite provides a unique romantic experience. Surrounded by greenery and glass, the restaurant blurs the lines between indoors and nature, fostering a serene and intimate atmosphere. Chef Michael Wilson’s tasting menu is designed to captivate with both creative presentation and flavor, with the S$288 Signature Menu being a particularly notable experience, requiring advance reservations.
Jaan by Kirk Westaway: Panoramic Views and Modern British Cuisine
Perched on the 70th floor of Swissôtel The Stamford, Jaan by Kirk Westaway combines stunning panoramic views of Singapore’s skyline with a sophisticated dining experience. The restaurant’s interior features a sculptural chandelier and avant-garde paintings, creating a cinematic atmosphere. The menu, rooted in modern British cuisine, reimagines classic dishes with contemporary flair and meticulous precision. A signature dish, Fish &. Chips, is elevated with a crisp potato rosti and caviar.
Jaan by Kirk Westaway currently holds two Michelin stars, recognized for its excellent cooking, wonderful food, service, and ambiance, according to the Michelin Guide. The restaurant is open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday from 11:45am to 2:30pm, with last reservations accepted at 12:45pm, and for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 6:30pm to 10:30pm, with last reservations at 7:45pm. Contact information is jaan.bookings@swissotel.com and +65 9199 9008.
Beyond the Top Three: Ce Soir, Altro Zefferano, and La Vache!
The list extends beyond these three establishments. Ce Soir blends modern Asian and French cuisines, with compositions crafted by MICHELIN Guide Young Chef Award 2024 winner Seth Lai, drawing inspiration from his childhood in Malaysia. The restaurant’s botanical and floral elements contribute to an intimate and dreamlike atmosphere.
Altro Zefferano, located atop Ocean Financial Centre, offers authentic Italian flavors and rooftop views of the Singapore skyline. The restaurant emphasizes fresh ingredients, including freshly made pasta, premium beef, and seasonal produce, complemented by a curated wine selection.
La Vache!, inspired by Parisian bistros, offers a simplified menu centered around steak-frites, focusing on quality, comfort, and connection. The Parisian-inspired interior is described as warm and lively, creating a relaxed yet charming atmosphere.
These restaurants collectively demonstrate a shift in dining, evolving into settings where individuals can connect and create lasting memories. The emphasis on intentional spaces, refined menus, and immersive atmospheres underscores the importance of experience in modern dining.
Chef Kirk Westaway, of Jaan by Kirk Westaway, has also been noted for his innovative use of edible flowers in fine dining, demonstrating a commitment to both culinary artistry and aesthetic presentation, as highlighted in a 2017 Michelin Guide feature.
