Dempsey may be tucked away to some, but the dining enclave is always buzzing and full of great foodie options. Whether you're in the mood for some evening cocktails or a degustation dinner, here are your best options.

1. Chopsuey Cafe

Fancy some Sino-Anglo nosh? Chopsuey Cafe makes some pretty great, albeit toned down, renditions of our childhood favorites. From a smoky sweet & sour pork with pineapple compote, to DIY lettuce cups (San Choy Pau) with a cornucopia of pork, chicken, corn, mushroom, beansprouts and sugar snap peas in a rich, dark sauce. It also doesn't hurt that the colonial-looking space is decorated with plenty of vintage items that take us back to yesteryear.

2. The Disgruntled Chef

Blink and you'll miss this hidden restaurant. A staircase encased in greenery hides a hillside subterranean restaurant with lots of great food. Whether you fancy something small or big, they have conceptual but comforting food like seared scallops with crackling pork belly, carrot puree and picked daikon; steak tartare with quail eggs and truffled hash browns; as well as decadent brunch items like the Ultimate Beef Burger, with candied bacon, cheddar cheese and caramlised onions. 

3. Jones the Grocer

There's nothing more leisurely than a warehouse-like space with communal tables, gourmet groceries and a cheese room. We admit that the place may be better suited for lunches, but what they do have on their menu is pretty solid. Whether you opt for a duck confit salad or a rigatoni pasta, the food is light and easy. Don't miss their make-your-own cheese board or cold cut platter – you can even try samples from the cheese room and deli.

4. La Ventana

Michelin-starred Spanish chef Carles Gaig's Spanish tapas restaurant serves traditional Catalan dishes like Canelon, a cannelloni-style dish stuffed with foie gras, beef and pork in truffle cream; Carabinero paella in a dark brown sauce; crispy boneless suckling pig and pigeon cooked two-ways—confit and josper-grilled. Oh, and the airy space has lots of sangria.

5. Long Beach Seafood

Few can pass up Chinese and Singaporean-style seafood. This huge seafood restaurant serves up some of the island's best pepper and chilli crabs as well as other favorites like garlic razor clams, succulent steamed prawns and plenty of fish. For those who don't really like seafood, fret not —they’ve got other classics like roast chicken, fried rice and oodles of noodles, too.

6. Samy's Curry

Established by the late Mr M. Veerasamy in the '50s, this unpretentious and casual Indian eatery is pretty much an institution at Dempsey Hill for South Indian food lovers. Here, you'll be dining on signatures like masala curry chicken, fish cutlet and fish head curry, all on banana leaves. The affable wait staff circle the floors with buckets of sides and rice, so if you'd like a top up, just raise your hand and you'll have food heaped unceremoniously on your table. 

7. The Green Door

This garden-inspired bar not only has kooky cocktails but tons of light bites and weekend barbecues. It's a great place for afternoon drinks or weekend chill out sessions with its Alice In Wonderland-inspired decor and beautiful semi-alfresco space.

8. Open Farm Community

Chef Ryan Clift teams up with urban farmers Edible Gardens for this farm-to-table(ish) restaurant. The expansive 5,000 sq m space has its own herb and vegetable garden, as well as an airy dining room serving hearty and fresh pastas, salads and meat dishes. Don't skip the creamy rigatoni with local mushrooms, as well as the charred lamb rump with garden peas and mash. The place also encourages people to picnic in the garden while playing a game of lawn bowling or ping pong, too.

9. Portico Prime

An off-shoot of European, produce-driven restaurant Portico, the Dempsey outpost has a small and focused menu highlights like the Wagyu A4 ribcap and the pan-seared Pulau Ubin sea bass, that uses fresh barramundi farmed off the shores of Pulau Ubin. Other must-try mains here include the braised Wagyu beef cheek in mulled wine and chilled truffle-scented angel hair pasta. 

10. PS. Cafe

This Dempsey Hill institution has close proximity to the rainforest, with long timber walkways, huge flower arrangements and floor-to-ceiling windows. Great for brunches, lunches, suppers and everything in between, the easy and breezy space is a favorite hangout for any Dempsey-goer. Although everyone has their favorites, classics like their Green Goddess pesto penne, PS. burger and truffle fries never go out of style. They've also got a pretty neat list of cocktails like their basil & lemon mint mojito, sangrias and extensive wine list.

11. Red Dot Brewhouse

This large structure perched on a hill is part of Singapore's growing microbrewery scene. Admittedly, they're better with bar snacks and light bites than full-on meals, but the place is pretty and weekend atmosphere buzzing. No one can go wrong with chicken wings, pork belly, fries and a pint of beer, but their grilled sausage platter is pretty legit, too. For heartier meals, they have pastas, pizzas and burgers that go well with brews like the lime wheat, weizen, and kolsch.

12. Roadhouse

An all-American diner and restaurant, Roadhouse serve up grub like Mac 'N' Cheese, bacon marinated burgers and crispy Cajun shrimp sandwiches. The Simple Brie-vine Burger is something pretty special with a josper-grilled wagyu patty, grilled poached pear, brie cheese, rocket and sundried tomatoes. 

13. The White Rabbit

Destination dining spot for those special occasions, this converted church is now home to a modern French fine dining restaurant. Once you stop admiring the stained glass windows, white-washed space and tiled floors, the food should grab your attention. Think wagyu beef carpaccio with truffle cream sauce, balsamic pearls and shaved parmesan; a savoury-sweet foie gras duet with apple and cherry compote; an Alaskan king crab and pork broth tagliette; or a 36-hour Brandt short ribs. For those who like cocktails, meander over to The Rabbit Hole to try their 18 different types of gin and tonic.

There are lots of zi char places, but there are a few that make us drool. From one at a Marine Parade condo (we're not kidding) to a couple at Tiong Bahru, here are the best ones we'd take our moms to.

Diamond Kitchen

Started by young entrepreneurs Lambert Chen and Josh Chou, Diamond Kitchen is a hidden gem that's located unexpectedly in a Marine Parade condo. Chef de cuisine Kevin Lau whips up seafood and zi char signatures like Champagne pork ribs, prawn paste chicken, superior stock clam bee hoon and gan xiang crab. Desserts include stuff like yam paste and bird's nest.

#01-22/23 Laguna Park, 5000F Marine Parade Rd., 6448-0629. 

Long Ji Zi Char

Started by the folks from the famous Golden Spoon eatery, also in Tiong Bahru, it takes just a quick glance at the dinner menu to discover the specialty here: giant platters of crab bee hoon in a shallow pool of creamy broth. Also amazing is the delicately steamed grouper with ginger and the salted yolk pork ribs. The place is a magnet for big groups, but do call ahead and book if you have a posse in tow.

Kok Sen Restaurant

It’s super handy having an amazing, unassuming, fluorescent-lit zi char place right in the middle of trendy Keong Saik—but late-night revellers should be aware that it closes at 11:30pm. Still, it’s great to end a weeknight with Kok Sen’s signature claypot yong tau fu, with homemade pastes, and prawn paste chicken.

30 Keong Saik Rd., 6223-2005. 

New Ubin Seafood

It started life decades ago on Pulau Ubin and refashioned itself after moving to the mainland. Located in a nondescript corner of Sin Ming Industrial Estate, this no-frills, traditional seafood joint serves up an assortment of seafood dishes, like salted yolk crab and their signature hokkien mee. They’ve gotten increasingly fancier, serving nice wines, ribeye and foie gras, but we stick to the seafood basics. Remember to book well ahead, and order 24 hours in advance if you want something special.

#01-174 Block 27 Sin Ming Industrial Estate Sector A, 6466-9558. 

Por Kee Eating House

There are several strong zichar contenders in Tiong Bahru, but Por Kee Eating House's an institution. The low-ceilinged indoor dining room is always packed, as are the outdoor tables, the service is inconsistent, but the food is outstanding. Get the Champagne pork ribs, the fresh black pepper crab (they’ll bring you a live one to choose first, of course) and the butter prawns.

#01-02 69 Seng Poh Ln., 6221-0582.

Buffet feasts are a time-honored Singapore tradition. Here is a round-up of some of the best ones in town, and many of them come with free-flow Champagne. From the enduring stalwarts to the recent revamps, these are the ones to book.

Basilico

Basilico

One of the city’s most atmospheric outfits serves a pretty swish, all-Italian Sunday brunch. It includes the lavish cheese and seasonal Italian tomato stations, with highlights such as smoked burrata and cow’s milk bocconcini and yummy cold cuts like the salame Milano and salame Pugliese. Don’t miss the highly-recommended house-made pizzas and rotisserie meats. From $98 to $155 (with free flow Champagne and wines).  

Carousel

Carousel

Dig into an extensive international buffet at this halal-certified crowd favorite. They serve a wide variety of international dishes ranging from dim sum, maki rolls, Mediterranean fare and an exciting spread of fresh seafood. You may also find yourself lingering around the buffet's three dessert counters that feature an indulgent chocolate fountain. Prices range from $32 ++ for breakfast to $101.22 nett for a weekend dinner buffet. 

Colony 

Colony

Formerly the site of the beloved Greenhouse buffet, this swank revamp is easily one of our favorite Sunday brunches in town. It has possibly one of the best oyster spreads we've seen in a while, shucking Normandy, Irish and Fine de Claire varieties, among others. There are also the obligatory live cooking stations that whip up everything from dim sum to tasty fried rice with cereal prawns and a fiery sambal belachan. Check out the cocktail cart shaking up craft cocktails, with house-infused spirits and syrups, although you’ll have to top up around $20 to order those. From $138 to $188 (with free-flow Moet & Chandon) for the Vintage Champagne Brunch. 

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StraitsKitchen

StraitsKitchen

For a truly posh "marketplace" dining experience, this long-standing, 260-seater buffet restaurant at Grand Hyatt Singapore serves Singapore-inspired dishes in a sleek and stylish space. Diners can pick from a dazzling array of Chinese, Indian and Malay dishes such as laksa, Hainanese chicken rice, briyani rice and mee goreng, prepared a la minute from various open-concept cooking stations. The show-kitchens are also halal-certified, making StraitsKitchen a great spot for power lunches, and dinner with friends and family. From $52 ++ (lunch) to $62 ++ (dinner).

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Edge

This 316-seater all-day dining restaurant has plenty of themed buffets on any given night of the week, including a theatrical Sunday Champagne Brunch and seafood feast Hooked on Edge. At the four-hour Sunday Champagne Brunch (12-4pm), premium offerings include free-flow Veuve Cliquot, Alaskan King crab, caviar, Boston lobster, a wide artisanal cheese selection and local dishes. From $118 to $198. 

Flavours At Zhongshan Park

Revisiting Singapore's street food, the hotel's Hawkerlicious Dinner Buffet is a casual affair, with a new Wok-Fry station serving fresh seafood cooked to your specifications, and a D.I.Y Noodles station offering Nonya laksa, Penang assam laksa and prawn noodles. Veering slightly from the theme, the buffet also has a Japanese counter specializing in fresh sashimi and sushi. From $45++ (weekday) to $49++ (weekends). 

Ikoi Japanese Restaurant

It doesn’t have the requisite hotel poshness, and is a bit of a squeeze if you’re coming in a group, but getting a table at this a la carte Japanese buffet requires a bit of forward planning nonetheless, mobbed as it is with fans of their free-flow sashimi and other goodies like yakitori, tempura and noodle dishes.

Lime

With floor-to-ceiling windows and three open kitchens, this modern and stylish restaurant predominantly dishes out Asian dishes with hearty international fare for its daily lunch and dinner buffets. Our favorite is the small but delicious section of Peranakan favorites, including kueh pie ti and ayam buak keluak. Get their other signatures like fried jumbo prawn, Indonesian-style oxtail soup and the Penang char kway teow. From $48 (weekday lunch) to $78 (Sunday lunch). 

The Line

Everyone’s enduring hot favorite, The Line continues to be the place everybody talks about when it comes to stuffing yourself silly, thanks in part to its 16 theater kitchens, including Japanese, Chinese, Western, Indian, seafood and dessert. The buffet has the usual seafood spread, Western and Asian roast meats, dim sum, a selection of cheese, and desserts. From $43 (breakfast) to $158 (Sunday Champagne brunch, inclusive of free flow drinks). 

Marriott Café

Like most hotel buffets in Singapore, Marriott Cafe has a rotating menu of crowd pleasers stretching from fresh seafood items, a la minute dishes and local favorites like chili crab, chicken rice and roasts. Don't forget to save room for the signature sticky date pudding. From $42 ++ (breakfast) to $98 ++ (Sunday lunch, inclusive of free flow sparkling wine, beer and soft drinks). 

One-Ninety

One-Ninety

An institution of sorts, this restaurant is famous for its lavish buffets and sumptuous Champagne brunch on Sundays. (There’s also the option of free-flow sangria.) The set-up is semi-buffet, with a spread of seafood on ice, salads, charcuterie, carving stations, et cetera, followed by your choice of a la minute mains, including poached eggs with truffle, wagyu beef burger and lamb chops. From $64 (dinner) to $180 (Sunday brunch, inclusive of free-flow Veuve Clicquot)

Seasonal Tastes

Seasonal Tastes

The Westin’s signature dining concept boasts stunning panoramic views Marina Bay and the Straits, with five interactive kitchens including an amazing dessert section that features old-school treats like kueh lapis and all sorts of other sweets. If you’re a seafood lover, go for their Sunday brunch, where they also have special deals on bottles of Veuve Cliquot. From $48++ (lunch, Mon-Sat) to $82 ++ (Seafood Night, every Fri).

Café Iguana

They’ve got the full enchilada (heh!) when it comes to Tex-Mex basics: burritos, tacos, chimichangas, fajitas. But what’s nice about their limited, but solid taco selection are the handmade soft corn tacos that come with sides of sides of beans and Mexican rice. Fillings include sabroso chicken and good ol’ carnitas. Check out their daily “Margarita Madness” happy hour deals for authentic, frozen tequila delights. #01-05/06 Riverside Point 30 Merchant Rd., 6438-7438. 

El Mero Mero

El Mero Mero

Definitely the fanciest of the lot, this fine dining outfit at Chijmes is by the folks behind Senor Tacos. The restaurant had a menu overhaul last year, and the highlights of expanded taco list include 10 elevated and progressive filling options like Kurobuta pork al pastor, roasted dorper lamb with eggplant tahini and tiger prawn tempura with mango and coconut. #01-20 Chijmes, 30 Victoria St., 6337-1377.

Guzman Y Gomez

Guzman Y Gomez

This casual Mexican eatery does all the basics: nachos, quesadillas, burritos and of course, tacos. Fillings include pulled pork with chipotle adobo, fire-grilled flank steak and seared fish fillets with a light lime and garlic sauce. For sides and drinks, choose from the ever-popular churros, frozen margaritas or Coronas. And if you work out west, fear not, there’s a new-ish branch at Star Vista, too. #B1-07 Chevron House 30 Raffles Place., 6532-1248.

Muchachos

Value-for-money, hearty portions—what more could you ask for? They’ve got a make-your-own-taco concept that lets you pick and choose your favorite salsas, proteins and carbs according to your liking. They’re also whipping tasty burrito bowls and quesadillas. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a side of tortilla chips and a chilled bottle of Jarritos soda to wash it all down. 22 Keong Saik Rd., 6220-0458.

Piedra Negra

Haji Lane’s most colorful Mexican restaurant has a riotous party atmosphere and is the go-to place for parties like Day of the Dead and Mexican Independence Day. Tacos aside, they also serve some unusual dishes that are hard to find elsewhere like the cactus salad and plantain-stuffed habanero peppers. 241 Beach Rd., 6291-1297.

Senor Taco

Senor Taco

Look no further if you need a late-night fill after a boozy evening at Clarke Quay. This Mexican taqueria serves some of the best tacos (soft corn, of course) in town with options like their signature Al Pastor pork tacos, chorizo tacos and the decadent Baja fish tacos—along with burritos, flautas and killer margaritas. Our secret guilty pleasure involves grabbing and outside table on Taco Tuesdays, when tacos are half-off. #01-12, 3D River Valley Rd., 6336-6376. 

Super Loco

The Duxton Hill outlet is snazzier, of course, but we have a soft spot for this Robertson Quay offshoot, not least because of their cute taco window that’s open for lunch (when the rest of the restaurant is closed). Other than the usual al pastor and grilled fish, there’s the cordero taco with minced lamb and the vegetarian hongos taco with wild mushroom. #01-13 The Quayside 60 Robertson Quay., 6235-8900.

Vatos Urban Tacos

Vatos Urban Tacos

Not too many places in town where you can get Ko-Mex tacos. This popular South Korean franchise fuses classic Mexican bites with Southern Californian and Korean twists and the menu features the signature Urban Tacos range like the galbi short rib, chili lime shrimp and braised carnitas, salads, burritos, quesadillas and a selection of burgers. The shells are soft flour, just FYI. Wash them all down with fun cocktails like frozen margaritas and the makgeolita, a mix of tequila and Korean rice wine. South Beach, 36 Beach Rd., 6385-6010.

Antoinette

The French-inspired boudoir decor isn't the only French thing on their menu. Aside from their brunch options, they've got macaroons and sweet treats like crepes with salted caramel and nutella; gooey warm chocolate cake; and rose petal meringues. Need more convincing? They just rolled out salted yolk lava croissants. 30 Penhas Rd., 6293-3921.

Carpenter & Cook

Carpenter & Cook

Not only do they serve great sandwiches and quiches, this place also has tons of cakes. They do change sometimes but regulars include sweet treats like carrot cake, cheesecakes (with flavors like blueberry and caramel walnut), and tarts like passionfruit meringue and fruit frangipane. #01-06 19 Lor Kilat, 6463-3648. 

The Fabulous Baker Boy

​Henri Charpentier

Henri Charpentier

French-inspired pastries and desserts are the norm at this Japanese patisserie. Decked out in dark wood with touches of pink, this Dempsey dessert cafe is perfect for an afternoon out. Don't miss their signature Crepe Suzette that's flambeed tableside, as well as Singapore-only desserts like The Dome, a confection of strawberries and chocolate. 9A Dempsey Rd., 6479-5518. 

Ladurée

More of a grab-and-go takeaway store, this Paris transplant is just as pretty with its mint green swirls and Versailles-style decor. The macaroons may not come cheap but their wide array of ever-changing flavors has the perfect sweetness level and a great crunchy shell. #02-09 Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Rd., 6884-7361. 

Lady M

Lady M

Sunday Folks

Marmalade Pantry

 

 

The Daily Roundup

126 Dim Sum

It gets no prizes for atmosphere, but late-night revelers swear by this Hong Kong-style dim sum restaurant for its delish midnight munchies like pork belly buns and locally-inspired mantou with chilli crab sauce. Located in Geylang, land of late-night eateries, among glaring neon lights and plastic chairs, 126 Dim Sum is a solid option.

126 Sims Ave., 6746-4757.

Cherry Garden

Easily one of the best Chinese restaurants in town, this elegant fine dining establishment serves Cantonese cuisine presented with an artistic touch. Noteworthy dishes from their weekend dim sum buffet lunches include the steamed custard buns with yam and juicy xiao long bao.

5/F Marina Square Mandarin Oriental Singapore 5 Raffles Ave., 6885-3550.

Hai Tien Lo

It’s an all-you-can-eat affair during the buffet on weekends. There are tons of classics like the steamed barbecue pork buns, stir-fried carrot cake in XO chilli sauce and the deep-fried whitebait with oat flakes.

3/F Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Blvd., 6826-8240.

Jade

This sophisticated restaurant often has a month-long waitlist—but it’s worth it, with over 50 dishes including liu sha bao (custard bun) and other favorites.

G/F The Fullerton Hotel, 1 Fullerton Sq., 6877-8188.

Min Jiang

Contemporary interior, attractive furnishings and poolside dining option aside, it’s the consistently good food that makes Min Jiang worth a visit. The delectable dim sum is a steady draw with favorites like the char siew soh, ried spring rolls with mango and cheong fun.

G/F Goodwood Park Hotel 22 Scotts Rd., 6730-1704.

Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant

The cheap and cheerful (and rather expansive) eatery carries both Hong Kong- and Shanghai-style dim sum, with an extensive menu of siew mai, har kow and the famous Swee Choon big pau. On the Shanghainese front, there’s chive pork dumplings and xiao long bao. It’s always mobbed, but their surprisingly organized queuing system makes it all quite manageable. We love getting a table in the concrete backyard.

191 Jalan Besar, 6225-7788.

Tim Ho Wan

Housed in a relaxed 100-seat space is the first overseas outpost of this famed eatery, care of chef Mak Kwai Pui. Highlights not to be missed include pan-fried carrot cake, vermicelli roll with pig’s liver and Mak’s signature baked buns with BBQ pork—a delicious crispy-topped boluo (pineapple) bun stuffed with char siew. For those with a sweet tooth, the fluffy steamed egg cake and tonic medlar and osmanthus jelly should do the trick.

#01-29A Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Rd., 6251-2000. 

Yan Ting

It's no wonder that the dining hall at Yan Ting, replete with stained glass panels, chandeliers and plush booths (perfect for canoodling), is as luxurious it gets. Aside from the famed weekend dim sum brunch, the food is as pretty as the decor, so expect excellent Cantonese cuisine and attentive, well-trained wait staff. 

1/F The St Regis Singapore, 29 Tanglin Rd., 6506-6887.