Au Jardin

Served here is excellent French fare from the people behind Les Amis. Set in a gorgeous 1920s restored bungalow in Botanic Gardens, this restaurant is a long-standing bastion of fine dining in Singapore. The menus are nothing short of decadent, populated by creations featuring foie gras, Wagyu ribeye, guinea fowl and even rabbit. They’ve more recently introduced brunch as a regular Sunday fixture, the perfect excuse if you’ve yet to venture out to this neck of the woods. Dine in style with a stellar three-course meal for $72, accompanied by a list of organic and biodynamic wines (from $15/glass, $55/bottle). Savor plates like Boston lobster pasta with sweet basil, or red wine-glazed oven-roasted U.S angus striploin, and for a sweet treat savor their mille-feuille of fine apple tart with vanilla cream.
Sun 11am-1pm (first seating), 1pm-3pm (second seating)

Cassia

Others might whine and moan about the extra effort it takes to get out to Sentosa, but a trip to Cassia makes it worth the while. It really does feel like a different world out here. Brunch ($148 with Ruinart, both Blanc de Blancs and Rosé) at this elegant establishment is comprised of about 20 yum cha items, in addition to over 40 dishes including Cantonese standards like double-boiled soup, char siew and siew yoke. Service could do to be a little more attentive, but it’s still a good choice for a civilized do or family get-together; although we don’t suggest taking anyone whose knees creak, the long flight of stairs up might prove too much.
Sat-Sun noon-2:30pm.

Clifford

Clifford boasts exceptional food, inspired architecture and impressive service, and yet has been almost empty on more than one of our brunch visits (Saturday Hangover Brunch is $88 with unlimited fresh juices, house wines and Bloody Marys; Sunday Brunch includes one main course at $128 with free-flow Champagne, $88 without Champagne). The standard brunch offerings are executed especially well (truffle omelet anyone?), but the good stuff is all around—hors d’oeuvres like porcini-jabugo quiche and foie gras terrine, a carefully curated cheeseboard, and a standout salted caramel chocolate tart among the many desserts.
Sat-Sun noon-3pm.

*BEST CHEESE SELECTION* Greenhouse

The “hotel brunch” might not be the byword for lavish excess it once was, but it doesn’t get much better than this. The regular Sunday affair ($158 with free flowing Moët & Chandon; includes both 2003 vintage and NV rosé) at the Ritz is anything but. There’s a sense of occasion beneath the vaulted glass dome with ladies dressed to the nines, and a queue at the free-flow Moët bar. It’s not cheap, but the food (eight varieties of oyster, a la minute lobster and foie gras; on our visit an entire roasted Wagyu beef leg) really is exceptional. Also, there are 50 varieties of cheese.
Sun 11:30am-3pm.

Jiang-Nan Chun

You’ll need to dress better than shorts and T-shirt to fit in with the elegant décor and friendly but serious five-star service in the dining room (no sloppy Sundays, sorry). If there’s a misstep on the menu here ($108), good luck finding it. Treat mom or grandmom to all-she-can-drink Veuve Clicquot ($158 including Brut, $178 with Rosé), and let her choose from over 130 items, each time on a fresh plate with, if needed, new utensils. Highlights include a superb shark fin soup, shrimp and crabmeat dumplings, baby octopus, pan-fried beef and, for dessert, the mango pudding.
Sat 11:30am-2:30pm; Sun 10:30am-12:30pm, 1-2:30pm.

Senso Ristorante

This place is a Club Street institution and for good reason. The service is impeccable, the staff is always attentive and willing to serve. They've instituted their own version of the Sunday brunch, serving up hot mains and pastas prepared a la minute and a buffet of appetizers and desserts. It's $98 with free-flow Prosecco and $118 with Italian bubbly, wine and beer.
Sun 11:30am-3pm.

The White Rabbit

The restaurant-bar calls a beautifully-restored old chapel home. From panels of stained glass, down to the wooden-tiled floor, this Dempsey darling exudes old school charm. The brunch menu crafted by head chef Benjamin Tan doesn't disappoint. Whether you're chowing down a wagyu quarter pounder with sauteed mushrooms ($28) or a maine lobster and cheese omelette ($38), or simply dropping by for some raisin bread and butter pudding ($16), this place will sweep you off your feet.
Sat-Sun 10.30am-3pm.

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10 at Claymore

This spot’s something of an institution, and that works both for and against it. While we can’t get too excited by the dim lighting and rather dated decor, it draws an easygoing crowd, and is very fairly priced ($55 with free flow of fresh juices; $85 plus house pour wine and beer; $125 with Champagne). Avoid the so-so buffet (on our recent visit, a nicely fiery Thai beef salad but a weak sushi selection), in favor of the seafood counter. And though the carving station is good, it has nothing on the a la carte options (meats, maybe some prawns and even eggs benny under the heading “Thrill of the Grill”).
Sun noon-3pm.

Basilico

Brunch at Basilico is so popular that it spills into the restaurant’s various rooms, including private dining rooms and the adjacent atrium-like bar. No matter where you sit, the experience is lively but not too loud; we prefer the main area by the windows overlooking the pool. If you love Italian food then this is the brunch for you (Sat: $98 includes Zardeto Prosecco, booze-free’s $56; Sun: $139 includes Mumm’s, wine, fruit juices and various martinis, buffet only is $69); from drool-worthy mounds of sliced meats to dozens of cheeses you won’t find anywhere else to cooked-to-order hot dishes like lamb chops as bloody as you like ‘em to a rotating selection of pastas and gelato, the quality and selection here at brunch is far superior to what the majority of Singapore Italian restaurants serve at dinner. Better service, too. Look out for the focaccia mascarpone with Parma ham and rocket, black truffle risotto, and pan-fried foie gras delivered to your table.
Sat noon-2:30pm; Sun noon-3pm.

Outpost 903

Set in a historic shophouse in posh neighborhood Bukit Timah, this gastrobar is anything but uppity or pompous. Dine to the tunes of country western music at this quaint restaurant that has fast become a comfortable hangout for those staying nearby. Apart from the music and its cosy laid-back vibe, their brunch menu boasts affordable quality grub. Chow down on dishes like the Great Sunrise($17)—eggs, pork bratwurst, bacon, rosti, herbed tomato, sautéed mushroom, and baked beans—and corned beef hash, topped with a sunny side-up ($15). Accompany it with a drink (or more!) from the wide selection of beers and wine.
Sun 10am-11pm.

Relish by Wild Rocket

In a neat space that takes full advantage of its high-ceilinged Cluny Court architecture, Relish offers a solid package of above-average atmosphere, food and service at above average prices. The brunch menu is more lunch than breakfast, with burgers and pastas featured as prominently as eggs. Great for larger parties in search of a venue that can accommodate them (but you MUST book); not so hot if you’re looking for a peaceful morning (when the tables are full it has the look and sound of an expat daycare center) or value for money. Expect to pay at least $50 for two; our eggs benedict set us back $18.80, the breakfast platter’s $19 and a “fresh” strawberry shake goes for $9.80.
Sat-Sun 10:30am-4pm.

Spruce

There's something about dining at Spruce that makes us feel stylish and chic. The food spot is a hot favorite with the trendy and affluent crowd. Dining alfresco amidst the lush greenery on an idyllic weekend is pretty perfect. Be charmed by their brunch dishes such as soft scrambled eggs with avruga caviar and smoked salmon ($18), brioche french toast with mascarpone and peach jam ($14), and Spruce's signature ahi tuna tartar with toasted ciabatta and avocado ($22). We recommend ending your meal with their baked ginger date pudding ($15) or their famed cheescake ($12).
Sat-Sun 9am-3.45pm.

Violet Oon's Kitchen

The black-and-white tiled floor of this homely bistro is reminiscent of a Peranakan matriarch's kitchen. It's definitely a place you would take your family for some scrumptious comfort food. Other than her signature Nyonya fare, Violet Oon also marries local delights with western classics to create unique innovations. There's a mean brunch (served up in generous portions), with specials like nutella quesadilla and otah panini that are big enough to tide you through dinner. Quench your thirst with refreshing passion fruit-citrus juice ($7).
Sat-Sun 9:30am-3pm.

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*BEST DIM SUM* Cherry Garden

While it is possible to brunch here for as little as $48 (free-flow dim sum, one order of soup, appetizer, main course and dessert), we suggest you celebrate your success in landing a table here (it isn’t easy) with what is arguably the best all-you-can-drink bubbly selection in the city: Ruinart R de Ruinart Brut NV ($118), Ruinart Blanc de Blancs ($248) or Dom Pérignon ($348). Opt for the second seating so you won’t feel rushed, and dig into awesome renditions of classics, often with an unexpected twist: Fluffy bao stuffed with Kurobuta char siew, floral drunken chicken, juicy xiao long bao and ginger beef dumplings. Service is similarly exceptional. All Champagne brunches include select cocktails, wine and beer, not that you’ll need it.
Sat-Sun 11am-3pm.

Cherry Garden

The Dempsey Brasserie

Great for (relatively) early risers, this warehouse gallery-like space opens at 10:30. By 1pm, its 20 or so tables will be understandably full with pretty PMEBs, show business celebs, and expat families enjoying the hipster music, smart service and tasty cuisine made with gourmet ingredients. The menu at this new venue is constantly developing, but expect a handful of breakfast items, plus dishes that are available at dinner such as burgers and truffle fries. The Big Hangover ($35) is a huge plate of food accompanied by a Bloody Mary (great cocktails here, by the way) and a Berocca; or look for specials on oysters and Champagne.
Sat-Sun 10:30am-3:30pm.

The Dempsey Brasserie

The Dining Room at Tanjong Beach Club

Hard to beat if you’re looking for somewhere to shake off the excesses of the night before. It pays to come early though, especially on a Sunday, as it gets loud and lively (in the best possible way). The menu is broad without being overwhelming (eggs, seafood, soups, sandwiches, a sprinkling of desserts), and impressively consistent. Our favorites include the Weekender Fry-Up ($21)—specifically the chipolata sausages and beefy tomatoes—and the raw oysters ($7/min. of 3), perhaps proof that seafood really does taste better when you can see the sea. They mix a mean Mimosa ($23), too.
Sat-Sun 10am-4:30pm.

The Dining Room at Tanjong Beach Club

*BEST VIEW* Equinox Restaurant
A swanky joint this, so you might want to put on your Sunday best. The brunch ($128 with Moët & Chandon Brut NV, selected cocktails, house spirits, wines, draught beer and juices; the virgin rendition’s $110; on the last Sunday of every month, they even do a Pink Brunch ($148, inclusive of Moët & Chandon Rosé; non-alcoholic is $128) is dominated by Western dishes. Offerings like fresh-made blinis with different types of caviar and seafood on ice are some of the highlights, while the roast beef with Yorkshire pudding is particularly delish (after all, chef de cuisine Lee Bennett is a Yorkshire man). Perched on the 70th floor, the view truly is exceptional. Add on the fact that cocktail architect Richard Gillam’s on hand to shake up some potent concoctions, and an afternoon spent here is a winning one indeed.
Sun 11am-2:30pm.

Equinox Restaurant

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Antoinette

We’ll be honest, we much prefer the original location in Lavender (it’s roomier and brighter), however this second outlet has the former beat on accessibility. Food-wise, it’s pretty much the same deal: French-inspired fare that spans savory blinis (pancakes) with smoked salmon ($15), half a dozen egg options (from $10.50), hearty mains and enough pastries and desserts to feed a kingdom of hungry ladies-in-waiting (it’s owner and pastry maestro Pang Kok Keong’s baby after all). We suggest heading down with a bunch of girlfriends or your significant other, the swish velvet seats accommodate groups of two to four perfectly. They don’t take bookings here, so either get up early or brace yourself for a 15-20 minute wait, if you’re lucky.
Daily 9am-10pm.

Group Therapy 

Tucked away on the second floor of a non-descript shophouse along the Duxton Road is Group Therapy, home to a café with a trim food and drinks menu. This cozy spot is certainly ideal for a few friends to relax and catch up over a meal. Expect to find bites like homemade wholemeal bagel with cream cheese ($4.50) and turkey breast panini stuffed with spicy guacamole and red cabbage, accompanied by salad and crisps ($15), as well as beverages including macchiato ($4.50), and Trappistes Rochefort and Coedo beers (from $12). Tues-Thurs 11am-6pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 9am-6pm.

HOUSE

Easily one of the most appealing spots in jam-packed Dempsey, with its alfresco terrace overlooking some lush greenery, a bright airy space (pack the sunnies if you’re hungover) and great laidback vibe. Ideal for a catch-up sesh with a bunch of good friends, not just for the company but more because you can safely order up a storm of well-poached free range eggs ($15), seven-layer pancake with Nutella and maple syrup ($15) and their famed skinny pizzas to share. Be warned though, it gets crowded and boisterous at about noon (with a mostly 20-something, early 30s crowd), so make sure you have a reservation.
Sat 11am-4pm; Sun 9am-4pm.

Jones The Grocer

Even if an outside seat at Jones can mean looking into the carpark, there’s a wholesome and reassuring vibe here that (just about) makes it worth the half-hour or longer wait. The traditional English breakfast ($20) might be first on the menu, but it’s not the best thing on it. The spanish eggs ‘on cocotte’ ($19.50) are far better, the coconut pancakes ($13.50) a worthy indulgence, and the iced long black ($5.50) is one of the best in town (despite increasingly stiff competition). Being in Jones is like being in a rich friend’s kitchen.
Mon-Fri 9am-noon; Sat-Sun 9am-3pm.

Symmetry

With its raw brick walls, distressed metal elements, and a bar counter that proudly displays its fire engine red Slayer, walking into Symmetry feels very much like stumbling upon a rustic Australian bar. Set up by Le Cordon Bleu grad Abby Lim, this eating spot whips up a delightful brunch with bacon and cheese rissoles, truffle eggs with mushroom, and smoked salmon croissants. They go great with a good cuppa.
Sat-Sun 11am-3.30pm.

Skyve

Brought to you by the folks behind Table66, this mod bistro located in a quiet corner nearby Newton Circus is a great hideout to catch up with friends. Choose from a delectable range of mains such as sous-vide lamb shank with tomato salsa ($26), kurobuta pork cheek burger ($18) or their Skyving' Breakfast, two eggs served with wild mushroom fricassee, bockwurst pork sausage and roasted baby potatoes ($22). Be sure to try their earl grey creme brulee ($8) as well. Enjoy a mellow vibe as you eat, the place is all about vintage furnishings and laid-back jazz tracks.
Sat-Sun 10am-4pm.

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Alkaff Mansion

Perched atop Telok Blangah is the historic Alkaff Mansion, home to a fine-dining Italian restaurant by the same folks behind Spruce. With the luxe colonial-style interiors and romantic gazebos, dining here is a grand affair. We suggest dining alfresco, where you can immerse yourself in nostalgia of the mansion's former glory while dining against the backdrop of lush greenery. Their brunch menu changes every few weeks, but be sure not to miss their regulars such as fresh pacific oysters, wagyu beef carpaccio with parmesan cheese and rocket salad, and pan-fried atlantic cod with vegetables caponata ($88 with free flow Prosecco).
Sun 11.30am-3.30pm.

Au Jardin

If you’ve yet to step into this gorgeous restored 1920s black-and-white bungalow tucked away in the Botanic Gardens, their semi-buffet Sunday brunch ($88, $148 with free flowing Bruno Paillard Premiere Cuvée Brut MV) is as good an occasion as any. What this charming, serene establishment lacks in variety (hard to beat hotel buffets for sheer assortment), the well-crafted fare, elegant setting and sensible service make up for it in spades. Aside from the spread of classic French appetizers like duck rillettes and foie gras terrine, you can also choose an egg dish, a main and a dessert. Our tip? Ask (nicely) for a table by the window, just so you can fully appreciate the handsome surrounds while you dine with that special someone.
Sun 11:30am-3pm.

Balzac Brasserie

This French bistro exudes laid-back Parisian charm with its rustic decor and French classics. Executive chef Jean-Charles Dubois draws inspiration from his family recipes to create home-style, no-fuss French fare. Head here with your significant other for a romantic meal with their delectable weekend brunch (from $68; $128 with free-flowing Moutard Champagne). Expect a variety of entrees (croque monsieur, house-smoked salmon and oeuf cocotte with baby Qwehli prawns), mains such as roasted wagyu steak (with endless refills of fries), pan-seared cod with fennel salad, or lamb shoulder confit with truffle mash. You even get an unlimited dessert platter to finish.
Sat-Sun 11am-3pm.

Bistro Soori

A fabulous 30-seater of a gem that occupies an unassuming shophouse in the heart of Chinatown that’s simply stunning; and we’re only talking about the décor (that’s to be expected when the boss is architecture firm SCDA’s principal). Not to be outshone, chef Ben McBride’s newly launched brunch menu puts up a particularly strong showing, in spite of the streamlined selection of about 20 items. Almost hard to pick favorites really, but if we must, the short rib hash ($14) and French toast with coconut cream and caramelized pineapple ($16) come quickly to mind; attentive and earnest wait staff doesn’t hurt either. We especially appreciate the open-concept kitchen, too.
Sun 11:30am-3:30pm.

Dolce Vita

Except for perhaps the name, there are so many things to like about Dolce Vita. Casual yet classy atmosphere, with tables poolside indoors and outdoors. Food only is $108, but we strongly suggest the Champagne options: $148 (Ruinart R de Ruinart Brut NV), $248 (Ruinart Blanc de Blancs), $348 (Dom Pérignon). Expect perfectly executed dinner-worthy dishes and freshly shucked oysters. All of this expertly delivered to your table save dessert, which is buffet-style. In addition to the oysters, our most memorable items include cannelloni stuffed with oxtail and foie gras, Angus tenderloin tartar, pan-fried sea bream, braised short rib with gratin potatoes, and a chocolate-salted caramel tart.
Sat-Sun Noon-3pm.

Yan Ting

Just pulling up to The St. Regis’ driveway feels like a special occasion; few hotels scream luxe like it does. As can be expected, the weekend dim sum brunch ($98, $148 with free-flow of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut) at Yan Ting is a quiet classy event. The restaurant isn’t just a pretty face (think stained glass, chandeliers and plush booths built for canoodling), it also serves up excellent Cantonese cuisine in a sophisticated all-you-can-eat affair; simply order off their 80 item-strong brunch menu. Sample offerings include standards such as har kao (steamed shrimp dumpling) and char siew bao (steamed barbecued pork bun), plus more substantial dishes like Cointreau glazed-pork ribs, and prawns sautéed with XO sauce.
Sat-Sun 11:45am-3:30pm.

Waterfall Café

Nestled amongst tropical greenery, with grand and eclectic interiors, the ambiance of this place alone provides a good enough reason to visit. Helmed by chef de cuisine Stephane Cocu, expect nothing short of a fine culinary meal with their weekend brunch special. Their elegant à la carte brunch buffet allows each patron one hot breakfast item (think eggs benedict with smoked trout), and one main dish (like oven-baked lamb leg with thyme). Dessert is served on a shared platter and the whole affair is priced at $78 or $116 with free-flow wine.
Sun Noon-4pm.

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1. Prep really should start at least a full 18 hours before the big event, it helps if you think of it as a food/booze marathon. Make sure you have a light dinner the previous night, or better yet, skip it altogether.

2. Sleep and wake up early. If the brunch starts at noon, you’ll want to arrive pretty much on the dot as most places only have the buffet going for two to three hours. That gives you a headstart on the rest of the other punters and maximizes the available time to gorge yourself silly. Remember, you pay the same amount whether you get there at noon or an hour later.

3. Wear forgiving attire, preferably in dark monotones, to accommodate your post-indulgence buddha belly. That means no form-fitting, tailored outfits, no sexy little numbers and absolutely no lycra (or anything sheer). Think loose tops (fortunately that’s in at the mo) or empire-waisted dresses for the ladies, and tucked out shirts sans belts for the men.

4. If you’re lucky enough to be given a choice about the location of your table, make sure to choose wisely. You want to be closest to your favorite station, whether it’s the cocktail bar or the a la minute foie gras station. Failing that, make sure you’re either facing a) the kitchen or b) outwards, so you can keep an eye on what’s coming out and how long lines are at any station.

5. Be focused and kiasu. The truth is, and all of the best industry insiders know this, most people really don’t eat all that much (even though many think they do). You’ve got a limited amount of space (and time), so you need to be smart about what you put in. Prioritize the most expensive items like truffles, caviar, foie gras, oysters and lobsters, Wagyu, even cheeses, and take as much as you like. Wait, and you run the risk of it not being there when you do decide to go back, if at all. Also, skip the fizzy stuff, unless it’s champers, and go easy on your liquid consumption. However large your appetite, the law of diminishing marginal utility is bound to kick in at some point.