Wouldn't it be great to live in River Valley? You'd be a stone's throw away from Orchard Road and the arts district, and not to mention the amazing bars, cafes and restaurants that just seem to dot this neighborhood. Here are six restaurants that serve some classic offerings, from char-grilled bone steak to Japanese grilled meats. 

Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse

Dim lighting, earth tone furnishings and croc print-inspired chocolate chairs give this Italian steakhouse a distinctly sexy feel; a great date venue. In case the name wasn’t a dead giveaway, it’s all about the meat here, specifically wagyu, so forgo their pastas in favor of their signature Fiorentina—a deliciously smoky char-grilled 1-1.2kg T-bone steak of marble score six Aussie wagyu, big enough to be shared by three or four people. 25 Mohamed Sultan Rd. Make a reservation via Chope here.

Ellenborough Market Cafe

With a bright and airy revamp just a few months ago, this sun-drenched riverside restaurant does buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as an international and Asian a la carte menu. But the big draw is their selection of local and Peranakan fare, such as Nyonya laksa, ayam buah keluak, black bean slipper lobster and babi pongteh. There are good vegetarian options, too. 20 Merchant Rd. Make a reservation via Chope here.

FOC

It opened a couple of years ago, but this boisterous yet elegant Spanish tapas and cocktail joint, by Michelin-starred Nandu Jubany in collaboration with Jordi Noguera and Dario Nocentini, is still perpetually packed most nights of the week, thanks to its affordable cocktails and gently tweaked versions of classic dishes. Expect modern takes on dishes like black Mediterranean paellawith seafood and garlic mayo. Jubany has also added in some Asian flair with progressive plates of onion soup ramen noodles with smoked quail eggs, pork belly and shiitake mushroom. 40 HongKong St. Make a reservation via Chope here.

Japanese Bbq Yakiniku Yazawa

You can’t swing a bat without knocking into a Japanese eatery in the Robertson Quay area, but this BBQ establishment is a standout, despite the pretty ordinary setup (think black booth seats, dim lighting and wood accents). Grilled everything is the order of the day, from seasonal fish to Kurobuta to Saga beef. The Yazawa meats on offer are reason enough to warrant a return visit, as are the set menus at lunch and dinner. #01-01 Robertson Walk, 11 Unity St.

The Kitchen at Bacchanalia

The mood and the menu lightened considerably after Bacchanalia moved from the Masonic Building in City Hall to HongKong Street a while ago—no more heavy velvet drapes and black-out brunch parties. Former head chef of London’s renowned restaurant Maze, Chef Luke Armstrong, all about big and bold flavors has crafted a five or eight-course menu that features signatures like roasted monkfish with Zeeland mussels and saffron sauce, grass-fed tenderloin with aubergine compote and garlic veloute and a Pavé chocolate dessert with mint ice cream, yogurt, passionfruit and citrus. 39 HongKong St. Make a reservation via Chope here.  

Tamashi Robataya

Run by chef-owner Patrick Tan, his wife Nicole and chef-co-owner Max See, this joint specializes in Japanese grills or robatayaki. Snag a seat at the long chef’s counter: they serve food up on long wooden paddles, making for a fun interactive experience. Recently, they’ve introduced the new shabu shabu/sukiyaki menu which includes two specialties—Sake Nabe, which uses 100% sake in hot pot and Whisky Sukiyaki for whisky lovers. If you don’t want to blow the budget, affordable lunch sets are available too. #02-01 12 North Canal Rd. Make a reservation via Chope here.  

Even though the retail scene in Singapore has been at an all time low, we all know (and remember) Orchard Road to be vibrant and bursting with life and shoppers at every corner. But even the most gungho shopper will have to take a break. Whether you've called it a day or stopped for a breather, here are a couple of restaurants to replenish your energy, with offerings like prime-dry aged ribeye and Atlantic lobster.

Bedrock Bar & Grill

This is a longtime stalwart when it comes to New York-style steaks. They’ve got a real slick Mad Men vibe with semi-circular, leather booths, wood-paneled walls and some serious mood lighting. Also serious is their fantastic list of choice cuts like USDA Prime dry-aged ribeye and Aussie grassfed porterhouse. Don’t miss the indulgent mac and cheese. #01-05 Pan Pacific Serviced Suites, 96 Somerset Rd.

Hard Rock Cafe

Orchard’s classic American rock n’ roll-themed bar and restaurant re-opened this year after a four-month renovation. The refreshed look also comes with some new pieces of memorabilia that are sure to excite classic rock fans, but the rest of you should order up their hearty American bar fare, like hickory-smoked brisket and beef and their famous selection of burgers. #02-01/03-01 HPL House, 50 Cuscaden Rd.

Iggy’s

This is undoubtedly one of Singapore’s most well-known and highly regarded restaurants, a darling of most regional and international top lists. European food with Japanese touches and refinement is no longer new, but is executed perfectly here and enhanced by professional service. The wine list by owner and sommelier Ignatius Chan, is half the draw. 3/F Hilton Singapore, 581 Orchard Rd.

Indocafe - The White House

Peranakan restaurants in Singapore tend to be cozy and set in shop houses. Not this one. This longstanding favorite is situated in a massive black and white house with big compound offering alfresco seating to boot. Setting aside, they serve up authentic Nyonya cuisine with punchy flavors that don’t skimp on the spice blends: get the ayam buah keluak, five-spice ngoh hiang and babi pongteh. 35/35A Scotts Rd. Make a reservation via Chope here.

Jamie’s Italian

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s Italian food is both comforting and peppered with fun surprises, continuing to win hearts at this branch on Orchard Road. Don’t miss the signature prawn linguine, which they do with some exciting additions like saffron, rocket and fennel. Also good is the penne carbonara which here also gets buttery leeks. On the antipasti front, try the crab and avocado bruschetta and the umami-packed porcini arancini. Check out their other branch at VivoCity, too. #01-04 Forum The Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Rd. Make a reservation via Chope here.

Ki-Sho

Another black and white heritage house turned into a fine dining establishment on Scotts Road, the two-story Ki-sho is divided into a sushi bar, private dining rooms and a sake bar that serves up from a collection of 50-strong nihonshu. On the food front, you have the option of just six sets, including Kyoto chef Hamamoto’s omakase, comprising the best seasonal seafood flown in twice a week from Japan. Chateau Tcc, 29 Scotts Rd.

Lawry’s The Prime Rib

A stately and sprawling space with a distinctly Old World feel—chandeliers, beveled panels on the walls, service trolleys and bonnets on the waitstaff—Lawry’s is something of a familyfriendly institution on Orchard Road. Steaks aside, there are at least four different cuts of the USDA prime rib to choose from, along with traditional sides like Idaho mashed potatoes and Yorkshire pudding. The Atlantic lobster is a delicious alternative for those who don’t do red meat. #04-01/31 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Rd. Make a reservation via Chope here.

Min Jiang

This fancy hotel Chinese restaurant has been around since the 80s, offering up that classic combination of Peking duck, an impeccable dim sum selection, the kind of ambience that would please your parents and pitch-perfect service. But that doesn’t mean Min Jiang is stuffy. It’s probably one of the most sun-drenched restaurants of its kind, and those poolside patio seats are a rare thrill for upscale banquets with the fam. G/F Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Rd.

Shinji by Kanesaka

The eponymous chef’s famous Ginza sushi restaurant has not one but two branches in Singapore, one of them at The St Regis. It’s a serious place for serious lovers of Japanese seafood and culinary craftsmanship. Book a spot to sit around at this black-and-beige, minimalist sushi counter (there’s a pebbled path leading you in) and be dazzled by the omakase selection. Don’t forget to save some time for the dedicated sake bar in the next room. The other branch is at Raffles Hotel. The St Regis Singapore, 29 Tanglin Rd.

Shisen Hanten

The popular, freshly Michelin-starred Sichuan chain’s first Singapore outpost features creations by head chef Chen Kentaro, scion of the famous Iron Chef Chen Kenichi. The space is flamboyant, with high ceilings and plush furnishings set against a scenic view. Not sure what to have? For starters, try classics such as the mapo tofu, and dan dan mian or try new additions to their menu such as the wok-fried fish with shisito peppers. 35/F, Orchard Wing Mandarin Orchard Singapore. Make a reservation via Chope here.

Tandoor

Lavish and relatively affordable, this Indian stalwart’s forte is North Indian and tandoori staples, but they do a good job on regional and coastal dishes, too, such as the Malabari fish curry and the crab masala, made with coconut milk, curry leaves and mustard seeds. Changing with the times—but not too much—they also do a funky paneer-pea tikka, where they stuff cottage cheese with spiced peas, Philly cream cheese and all kinds of herbs and spices. #B1/F Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre, 11 Cavenagh Rd. Make a reservation via Chope here.

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant

One of Orchard’s oldest and most beloved fancy Cantonese restaurants has recently undergone a major overhaul, reopening with the super ornate decor theme of “home of the Chinese scholar” and some exciting new signatures by chef Brian Wong like the steamed shrimp dumpling with black truffle and cordyceps flower in the dim sum lunch menu, and spicy HK-style deep-fried spicy Iberico pork with garlic. If you haven’t been in a while, this is a great excuse to visit. 3/F Singapore Marriott Hotel, 320 Orchard Rd. Make a reservation via Chope here.

There's no doubt that the touristy precinct of Marina Bay and the bustling Raffles Place area are both replete with delicious restaurants, which can make it kinda tough to decide on where to go for a quick lunch or a nice evening of winding down over dinner and drinks. To get you started, here are 21 restaurants in the area serving up well-executed French classics, fresh Greek sea bass, extravagant takes on Singaporean dishes and of course, Asian-inspired cocktail classics.  

Artemis Grill

A newcomer to the hood, this place is all about sustainable Mediterranean food, with grassfed and hormone-free meats, and plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options, too. You can’t forgo the raw bar, which is stocked with fresh seafood like halibut crudo and the Sturia caviar, with straciatella cream, dill cucumber and potato celery blini. Hot off the grill are the Greek sea bass, with Mediterranean spiced rub, and the milk-fed Dutch veal chop with roasted leeks and blackberries. A real highlight is the list of organic and biodynamic wines from the Mediterranean region, best enjoyed their terrace. 40/F CapitaGreen, 138 Market St. Make a reservation via Chope here.

The Black Swan

It’s not the most innovative menu in these pages, but the chophouse-style dishes at The Black Swan are well-executed and consistently delicious. Add to that the appeal of dining in a 1920s-style heritage building, the affable but professional service, the intriguing cocktail list, a new selection of carefully sourced steak options and, now, their new garden patio, and it’s easy to see why it is one of the best (and best-loved) restaurants in town. The Quadrant, 19 Cecil St. Make a reservation via Chope here.

Cherry Garden

Easily among the best fine dining Chinese restaurants in town, the opulent and elegant Cherry Garden offers a wide selection of Cantonese cuisine presented with an artistic touch. Not too much has been shaken up here, but we can’t complain when the BBQ meat platter, wasabi prawns and double‑boiled soups are so good. The weekend dim sum brunches are also unmissable, featuring faultless food and service. 5/F Marina Square, Mandarin Oriental. Make a reservation via Chope here.

The Clifford Pier

Clifford Pier is a lot like many other superpretty hotel restaurants with a colonial heritage aesthetic. But start things out with a drink in a rattan armchair at their outdoor terrace overlooking the water, and things get a bit magical. On the menu are upscale versions of familiar favorites and hawker reinterpretations with Western touches, such as wagyu beef rendang and classics like prawn laksa with quail eggs and beancurd puff. The Fullerton Bay Hotel, 80 Collyer Quay. Make a reservation via Chope here.

DB Bistro & Oyster Bar

Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud’s restaurant is awash with soft lighting, dark wood accents, and a beige marble bar dedicated to oysters. The menu is dominated by well-executed French classics including bouillabaisse and traditional coq au vin, as well as delectables like the quintessential original db burger. There’s a dizzying amount of luscious seafood, too, covering the oyster bar, selection of tartares and ceviches and a handful of seafood cocktails. #B1-48 Galleria Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave. Make a reservation via Chope here.

Edge

Many hotel buffets feel same-y, but that is not the case here. For sure, they cover all the bases, but there is something to be said for the sheer variety this crowd favorite offers, and at such impressive prices. We’re talking seven different open concept kitchens, Japanese sushi and Thai salads, Indian curries and chargrilled satay, not to mention oysters, prawns, mussels and scallops made a la minute at the seafood station, as well as pastas, pizzas, steaks and of course, a dessert spread. This is the big hotel buffet blowout you’re looking for. 3/F Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Blvd. Make a reservation via Chope here.

Kinki Restaurant + Bar

One of the most vibrant places to get dinner and drinks in the Raffles Place area, this modern Japanese bar and restaurant at Customs House boasts a funky space with bright-colored murals by Miami Ink’s Chris Garver, exposed pipes and a hip hop soundtrack. Dig into dishes like the signature sea bream carpaccio and the salmon ceviche with crispy friend gyoza skin. The food is a great match for their Asian-inspired cocktails such as the Peach Blossom Margarita and the passionfruit-heavy Geisha Sake-rita. Head up to their third-floor rooftop bar when you’re done for a nightcap. #02-02 Customs House, 70 Collyer Quay. Make a reservation via Chope here.

Lime

With floor-to-ceiling windows, a big focus on Southeast Asian flavors and a fun open kitchen, the sun-drenched lobby restaurant at ParkRoyal on Pickering is especially ideal for a weekday lunch or weekend buffet, where our favorites include their selection of Singaporean fare such as ayam buah keluak and kueh pi tie. There are a la carte options, too. Go for the Singapore “luxe-sa” which comes with Maine lobster. 1/F ParkRoyal on Pickering, 3 Upper Pickering St. Make a reservation via Chope here.

Me@OUE

They have recently changed-up their menu, but the key pillars of a special night out here still remain the same: amazing views of Marina Bay from atop the OUE Bayfront Building, prettily plated classics made with premium ingredients coming out of three separate kitchens—French, Japanese and Chinese—and a gorgeous lounge bar with floor-to-ceiling windows. 19/F OUE Bayfront, 50 Collyer Quay.  Make a reservation via Chope here.

Morton’s of Chicago, The Steakhouse

It has been the year of casual barbecue in Singapore, but when it comes to classic, carnivorous glamour, this American steakhouse stalwart is still a sure bet, especially since it lightened things up after its recent-ish renovation. Have a “Mortini” or two at their brass-colored island bar before heading in for a big, fat juicy slab of steak the size of a baseball mitt. The stars are the onion bread and the USDA prime ribeye, as well as desserts like the hot chocolate cake. 4/F Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, 5 Raffles Ave. Make a reservation via Chope here.

Ola Cocina Del Mar

Helmed by Peruvian Chef Daniel Chavez, this is a homey spot with friendly service and simple, well‑executed food. Don’t miss the gazpacho, a cold tomato and cucumber soup with raspberry vinegar; ceviche, marinated fish with lime, chili and red onions as well as the roasted suckling pig with orange caramel and sweet and sour sauce. #01-06 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3. Make a reservation via Chope here.

Osteria Art

The big hit of the il Lido Group this year has been Aura at the National Gallery, but we still adore this older one, which takes cues from traditional osterias and bars found in Italy. The menu is all about classics with dishes like beef agnolotti pasta with truffles, pappardelle with pork cheek in red wine and beef sirloin tagliata with asparagus and Parmigiano. The sexy and dimly-lit space is awash with lots of dark wood, marble top counters and a storied library-like vibe. 55 Market St. Make a reservation via Chope here.

Osteria Mozza

Celebrity chef Mario Batali’s Singapore outpost is a sleek space with marble counters and dark wood. Italian comfort classics are created with refinement and premium ingredients, as in the orecchiette with fennel sausage and Swiss chard, and the sea trout with Umbrian lentils. Don’t miss the creamy burrata cheese with beets, horseradish, walnuts and rocket—and other combos—from the dedicated mozzarella bar. #B1-42/46 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave.

The Pelican Seafood Bar & Grill

Pollen

Gardens by the Bay may be touristy, but sitting back in a gorgeous, greenhouse-like space, surrounded by exotic flora while dining on chef Steve Allen's (who have worked in Gordan Ramsay's Claridge) modern French cuisine inspired by Mediterranean coasts like poached roasted French duck marinated in Chinese herbs and spices, prawn tartar that consists of red prawns with pickled tomatoes and prawn crumbs, and the light dessert with pumpkin, yogurt, white chocolate and blueberries; is more than worth the visit. Be sure to spare a few minutes for the action happening behind the nine meter-long dessert bar. #01-09 Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Dr. Make a reservation via Chope here.

Rang Mahal

Breaking with the heavy, Mughal-inspired decor commonly found in many fine dining Indian places, this stalwart, around since 1971, is all about high ceilings, clean lines and minimalist decor. Even the presentation of the regional (North, South, coastal and other) dishes is delicate rather than hearty. Try the tandoori lamb chops, served on a hot stone, and tandoori salmon tikka. Vegetarians won’t feel left out with balanced, but flavor-packed dishes like the smoked eggplant bharta, paneer tikka and the palak paneer. There’s a brief list of mostly French wines, too, curated specifically for Indian flavours. 3/F Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Blvd. Make a reservation via Chope here.

Restaurant Labyrinth

Han Li Guang has been quietly making some of the most exciting, molecular “Neo-Sin” food we have seen, first at his 20-seater space on Neil Road and now a much-bigger retaurant at Esplanade Mall. With unexpected combos, the degustation menus deliver plenty of surprises, like smoked bacon Hokkien mee and soft-boiled eggs that end up containing mango “yolks” eaten with sugary soya sauce and pepper made from ground almond. There’s a pre-theater menu, too. #02-23 Esplanade Mall, 8 Raffles Ave. Make a reservation via Chope here.

Saint Pierre

Veteran chef Emmanuel Stroobant moved his beloved Saint Pierre from Sentosa to One Fullerton this year, with a lighter touch and more of a market-to-table concept. The six and 10-course degustations involve seasonal ingredients and change often, divided into Earth (meat and seafood) and Nature (vegetarian). Expect upscale dishes with exciting touches like the langoustine puffed wild rice with winter melon, celeriac and green apple, and the purple artichoke with tumeric sauce, pine nuts and a herb crust. There’s also the option to go a la carte. #02-02B One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Rd. Make a reservation via Chope here.

Shahi Maharani

Around for years and with a steady following for both lunch and dinner, Shahi Maharani is a regal and reliable North Indian experience tucked in a quiet corner of Raffles City Shopping Centre.  Doting service, lavish Mughal-style decor and live Indian band aside, the menu does solid tikkas and curries, some coastal and Bengali staples, fresh and warm naans and some exciting signatures like the spicy Soft Shell Crab Mirchiwalla. And even carnivores should try their vegetarian selection, including the kamal kakri (lotus root) kofta. #03-21B Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Rd. Make a reservation via Chope here.

Sky on 57

Perched atop Marina Bay Sands, the crazy view at this six year-old restaurant and its adjoining bar lounge alone makes a meal here worthwhile. But add to that the culinary fireworks by Singaporean celebrity chef Justin Quek, and you’re not likely to forget your meal here for a while. WIth a solid French training, Quek recasts Asian dishes with fancy touches and premium ingredients. Try signatures like the foie gras xiao long bao and roasted crackling suckling pig. 57/F Sands SkyPark, Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Ave. 

Stellar at 1-Altitude

If you've gone to 1-Altitude for sunset drinks but never stayed for the gorgeous dinner at sister restaurant Stellar, on the 62nd floor, you're really missing out. The six- or eight-course degustation from the new Constellations Gastronomic menu is all about seasonal ingredients, like the Carabineros prawn carbonara and the live Jade abalone with foie gras and morel. Save space for the desserts dramatically prepared tableside—part of their Dessert Art Experience. 62/F One Raffles Place, 1 Raffles Place.