We are no strangers to the romantic Venice setting, where you sip on a glass of expensive wine and feast on juicy steaks and sausages. Although it’s impossible to always fly to Europe to get that first hand experience, you can always count on these 14 European restaurants serving food like smoked pancetta and Balkan sausages, and of course cocktails to go along. 

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. 

The Black Swan

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. 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. 

Chef's Table

Chef Stephan Zoisl’s space looks more like a high-end wine bar, with its high tables and stools, but sign up for one of the multi-course dinners, and he and his team whip up dish after exciting dish in their open kitchen, with subtle gastronomy touches. There’s no menu, only a daily list of about 28 ingredients the kitchen will be working with, and the Austria-heavy wine list is a great accompaniment. We recently had a glorious hamachi with cauliflower, samphire and Bouchot mussels, and a quinoa with olive oil caviar, basil oil and a burrata foam. 61 Tras St. Make a reservation via Chope here. 

Cure

A partnership between chef Andrew Walsh (formerly of Esquina and The Study) and Joel Fraser (of The Cufflink Club), the minimalist and moody Cure recently did a menu overhaul, adding an a la carte option to their previous degustation-only set-up. You can still do set lunches and dinners. Just don’t miss delightful dishes like the crab salad with coconut rice, little dots of green curry, lime and pear, and the pretty exciting Iberico pork loin which comes with the lesser-seen pairing of smoked mussels and cauliflower done four ways. 21 Keong Saik Rd. Make a reservation via Chope here. 

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 refinment 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.

Kaiserhaus

Fashioning itself a bit after an elegant Viennese coffee house, Kaiserhaus is inspired by the flavors and cultures of the former Habsburg Empire, covering places like Bohemia, Northern Italy and Switzerland in its menu. Try the classic slow-cooked beef rump, tafelspitz, and the cevapcici, Balkan sausages with goat cheese. The restaurant has also recently partnered with old royal confectioners Zauner for its pastries and desserts. #02-06 Capitol Piazza, 17 Stamford Rd. Make a reservation via Chope here. 

Lolla

The warm space—especially the basement communal table—is one of our favorite respites from the throngs of Ann Siang. Lolla’s portions may be modest, but the simple, Mediterranean style dishes deliver plenty of fireworks, limited not just to their legendary sea urchin pudding. Their egg dishes are a triumph—try the Spanish tortilla with eel—as is their exciting, well-chosen wine list. Come by on Sundays, too, for their brunch menu that includes grilled avocado and charcoal grilled grass-fed ribeye steak. 22 Ann Siang Rd. Make a reservation via Chope here. 

Open Door Policy

After a bold concept overhaul, our beloved ODP only serves gluten- and dairy-free fare. But worry not. It still delivers both the comfort food, inventive flair and casual-glam vibes we’ve grown to expect from chefs Ryan Clift and Daniele Sperindio. Don’t miss the meaty King Paiche fish, sourced from the Amazon and served with a subtle green curry sauce. The gluten-free pastas are especially exciting, as is the all-raw date and walnut “cheese” cake. 19 Yong Siak St. Make a reservation via Chope here. 

Open Farm Community

Bringing some trendiness to the lovely but staid Dempsey Hill, Spa Esprit’s Open Farm Community has chef Ryan Clift teaming up with urban farmers Edible Gardens City for this farm-to-table inspired concept. The expansive 3,250 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, smoked pancetta, Stilton, balsamic reduction, as well as the braised lamb shank with homemade couscous. The place also encourages people to picnic in the garden while playing a game of lawn bowling or ping pong, too, and their monthly Social Market is now a weekend staple. 130 Minden Rd. Make a reservation via Chope here. 

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. 

Restaurant Ember

We were pretty sad when the cozy and chef-driven Sorrel closed, but now there is a big reason to be happy: Sorrel’s rising star chef Alex Phan, who also sharpened his knives at Tippling Club and Open Door Policy, is now running a market-to-table concept at Restaurant Ember, working with local wet markets and kelongs (the meats are still the fancy, imported kind). Get the local sea bass with tomato butter and wild fungus, and the scallops with cauliflower and preserved lemon. G/F Hotel 1929, 50 Keong Saik Rd. Make a reservation via Chope here. 

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 sixor 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 One Raffles Place, 1 Raffles Place. Make a reservation via Chope here. 

Tippling Club

It’s hard not to love Chef Ryan Clift’s molecular degustation restaurant, with an ever-changing menu that consistently impresses. In the deft hands of Paul Gajewski, you’ll find a slew of amuse bouche and palate cleansers before even embarking on the Classic six-course or Gourmand 12-course tasting menu. Everything is conceptual and presented in kooky vessels, but the food is always a rave. Don’t forget about the equally interesting cocktails, too. 38 Tanjong Pagar Rd. Make a reservation via Chope here. 

The White Rabbit

Destination dining spot for those special occasions, this high-ceilinged chapel-turned-date night hot spot churns out gloriously executed classics alongside amiable and competent service. Once you stop admiring the stained glass windows, white-washed space and tiled floors, the food is the focus. The dishes aren’t big on innovation, but rather on good ingredients prepared well. At dinner time, we’re fans of the Dover sole meuniere, a two-person affair filleted tableside. Or try their oft-changing, affordable set lunches, with items like the asparagus veloute with truffle and the 36-hour Brandt short ribs. Meander over to The Rabbit Hole to try their 18 different types of gin and tonic. 39C Harding Rd. Make a reservation via Chope here. 

Whether you're planning on having a nice tete-a-tete with a date, or a lavish meal with some friends, there's something alluring about doing it over some great French dishes. Whether you're going for just the classics like escargots de bourgogne or haute cuisine ones like a deconstructed version of foie gras, you'll find something you want at one of these 14 restaurants.

Bar-roque Grill

This cave-like and convivial restaurant and grill by chef Stephane Istel (formerly of the Daniel Boulud Group) serves up classic and solid French fare, from the rillettes, escargots and terrines at the beginning to the Tomahawk ribeye with Bordelaise sauce for mains to the baba au rhum for dessert. Dig into it all in a cavernous space with long communal tables, and finish up at their alfresco space with a digestif. #01-00 Amara Hotel, 165 Tanjong Pagar Rd. Make a reservation via Chope here.

Brasserie Gavroche

A facsimile of an old school Parisian brasserie right on Tras Street, this pretty, skylit dining room fosters a bit of nostalgia with black and white photos on the wall and a 1930s wooden bar-counter said to have been rescued from the original Parisian Café de la Paix. It’s all about hearty and rustic here, and aside from the usual suspects like escargots de Bourgogne, you can also look forward to forgotten classics, made using recipes passed down from chef Frederic Colin’s grandpa Henri, like baked pork terrine pie. The food and service are excellent, but it’s the charming ambiance that you’ll find particularly hard to resist. 66 Tras St. Make a reservation via Chope here.

Cocotte

One of the prettiest restaurants in Little India, located at the design-forward Wanderlust hotel, Cocotte serves up hearty, homey French fare without any pretension. The ambiance is bright and playful (with mismatched metallic chairs), the kitchen, under the care of Anthony Yeoh, pushes a communal dining concept, so bring along company to share stu  like the homemade charcuterie, the free-range poulet roti and the beef shortrib Bourguignon. Most of all, we loved the brunch trolley that comes heaping with roasted meats, quiche, salads and  flambeed desserts. 1/F Wanderlust, 2 Dickson Rd. Make a reservation via Chope here.

Corner House

We’ve known chef Jason Tan is a culinary mastermind ever since Corner House first opened, so we are thrilled global bodies like Asia’s 50 Best and the Michelin Guide caught one this year. This fine dining “gastro-botanic” restaurant amid the lush greenery in the Botanic Gardens impresses with its seasonal menu and beautifully plated dishes. The elegant and airy space matches the re ned menu and seasonal ingredients. Don’t miss Tan’s signature dish: Cevennes onion done four ways, where one of the renditions comes in the form of a tea. E J H Corner House, Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Rd. Make a reservation via Chope here.

Fleur de Sel

A cozy space featuring an open-concept kitchen, this restaurant is helmed by French chef-owner Alexandre Lozachmeur, who has worked at the Spoon restaurants and Alain Ducasse Au Plaza Athenee. The menu includes classic French dishes such as slow-cooked duck breast with apple, figs and cherry, as well as a five-course Fleur de Sel dinner and three-course set lunches. #01-01 64 Tras St. Make a reservation via Chope here.

Gunther’s

It’s not new and shiny, but chef-owner Gunther Hubrechsen’s consistently great contemporary, simple-yet-re ned French food has a loyal following. While the interiors here tend to the minimalist, conservative even, perhaps that’s so as not to distract you from the fabulous fare. The cold angel’s hair pasta with Oscietra caviar is legendary, and the meat mains are also excellent. #01-03 Talib Centre, 36 Purvis St. Make a reservation via Chope here.

Jaan

We held our breaths when Julien Royer left and Kirk Westaway took up the mantle. But not only does Jaan remain one of the best blowout French meals in town, the Westaway touch has made the seasonal menu here more exciting than ever, thanks to dishes like the scallop with cabbage and pine dashi and the Mangalica pork collar with coco de paimpol beans and Pommery mustard. Even the humble dishes on the degustation menus, like the Farmer’s Harvest, will have you curling your toes. 70/F Equinox Complex, Swissôtel The Stamford, Singapore, 2 Stamford Rd.

L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon

The more “casual” of his two Singapore outposts, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon has the same distinctive red and black decor as the others around the world. Opt for the eight-course Discovery menu, which brings a seemingly endless procession of dishes, including highlights like the signature amuse bouche of foie gras custard with red port wine and Parmesan foam, the decadent Imperial caviar and sea urchin, tender jelly of dashi topped with broccoli cream, and the unimaginably smooth and creamy mash potato. Or opt for a smaller four-course Menu Appetit that you can create out of a list of dishes. Resorts World Sentosa, Hotel Michael, 8 Sentosa Gateway.

Les Amis

This homegrown establishment has been our pride and joy for years. From the impeccable service to the wonderful French ingredients and homemade breads to the  reworks-causing dishes like the Parmesan souf e on Brittany artichoke and of course the sublime desserts by the award-winning Cheryl Koh, this is easily one of our favorite French restaurants in town. In the good hands of executive chef Sebastien Lepinoy, hunker down for a seasonal or signature set menu fully worth the price tag. #01-16 Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Rd. Make a reservation via Chope here.

Lewin Terrace

Located in a black-and-white house in the leafy heart of Fort Canning, Lewin Terrace is a serious date night spot. Fancy vibes aside, there is an equally fancy food menu featuring changing seasonal offerings that highlight Japanese ingredients with French and Japanese cooking techniques like the Amadai  sh, served with black truffle over a Koshihikari rice cake, as well as the reputable wagyu steak, cooked in Nippon-Rossini style. Fort Canning Park, 21 Lewin Terrace. Make a reservation via Chope here.

Odette

The most exciting opening of 2015 (and 2016, thus far), this bright modern French restaurant at the stately National Gallery has caused a stir, with foodies waiting for weeks to snag a table for one of its lunch or dinner degustations. Chef Julien Royer, who found fame whilst at Jaan, brings bucolic sentimentality and gastronomic touches to his dishes, most of which undergo constant changes, depending on the season. There’s a dizzying wine list, too, but don’t forget to  ag down the fancy Champagne cart and try a few glasses. #01-04 National Gallery Singapore, 1 St. Andrew’s Rd.

Restaurant Andre

Hot from a recent renovation and two Michelin stars, celebrity chef Andre Chiang’s three- story shop house is now six years old and even has a sister restaurant in Paris. With prix fixe menus for both lunch and dinner, Chiang’s focus on fresh artisanal produce is showcased in exquisite dishes that reflect his roots in Southern French nouvelle cuisine. There are no choices whatsoever, so come with an open mind, a fat pocket and be prepared for whatever Chiang decides to craft based on his “octophilosophy” whose key tenets include “terroir” and “memory”. The service is beyond reproach, the clientele well-heeled and the food very good. 41 Bukit Pasoh Rd.

Rhubarb Le Restaurant

It’s not particularly trendy, but Rhubarb Le Restaurant has had a loyal following ever since it  first threw open its doors over a year ago. It’s easy to see why: the lovechild of French dining temply Au Petit Salut alums Chef Paul Longworth and manager Jerome Desfonds, this classy dove gray and white space serves up refined and seasonal French food in its open-plan kitchen. No gimmicks here, just solid food and some interesting ingredients. The a la carte menu has dishes like Obsiblue prawn tartare with seaweed, pomelo and Oscietra caviar, and their signature pigeon breast and leg confit with rhubarb and rose puree. There are lunch and dinner degustations, too. 3 Duxton Hill.

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.

With the influx of Japanese restaurants in Singapore over the years, we certainly don't have a lack of choices when it comes to Japanese food. But with the increase in variety, we are also looking for good quality and delicious Japanese food. These 12 restaurants serve some of our favorite Japanese dishes—wagyu beef, sushi, seafood and you can't miss out sake. 

Bincho

This hip and hidden Japanese restaurant and bar in Tiong Bahru oozes coolness, all mee pok shop in the front (featured in Eric Khoo’s Mee Pok Man) and all low-ceilinged and copper-furnished in the back. The premium lunch and dinner menus revolve around their binchotan grill, and while there is a lot of excellent, juicy yakitori, Chef Asai Masashi’s food delivers lots more. Try the grilled chicken with seasonal white truffle when it’s available, and don’t forget to wash it down with their brief but balanced list of cocktails. #01-19 78 Moh Guan Terrace. Make a reservation via Chope here.

Fat Cow

The brief and high-quality lunch and dinner menus at this “meat atelier” are a joy for carnivores. Walk in through the shoji doors, grab a seat at the centerpiece U-shaped counter and prepare to be delighted by a selection of premium wagyu from several Japanese prefectures. To go with are equally delightful starters like the seafood-stuffed fried zucchini blossoms and the crab cakes with pickles. At lunchtime, there are affordable sets covering sushi, sashimi and donburi, too. #01-01/02 Camden Medical Centre, 1 Orchard Blvd.

Hashida Sushi

We couldn’t possibly leave out the amazing Hashida Sushi, the first overseas offshoot of the famed Tokyo establishment, which has moved upstairs to a bigger space. Chef Hatch Hashida, who apprenticed under his master chef father Tokio, brings an artistic touch to all his seasonal sushi, such as the sea bream, sea eel and botan shrimp, as well as bowls like the ikura and uni version. Don’t miss their premium otoro, involving maestro-levels of cutting skills. There are also fine sakes, including Chef Hatch’s private label, to sip. #04-16 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Rd. 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.

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.

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.

Mikuni

Fairmont’s Japanese restaurant is a big, well-dressed space that elevates, not just covers, its bases with the teppanyaki counter, a sake/sushi bar, an intimate live robatayaki station (our pick), in addition to the main dining room. At its helm is Korean executive chef Moon Kyung Soo whose kaiseki dishes are innovative yet restrained, with highlights including a signature mushroom soup served in a siphon. Whatever you’re sampling here, it’ll be money well spent. 3/F Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Rd. Make a reservation via Chope here.

Neon Pigeon

This packed, modern izakaya sports a street-inspired facade with grafitti murals, a sexy crowd and a trendy menu. They serve Japanese small plates with an edgier twist like chilled cucumber with crushed chili roasted peanuts and goma and crab cakes with wasabi and avocado. For mains, try the smoked baby back ribs in sake barbecue sauce and the tare-roasted chicken thigh with Japanese curry. A special mention goes to their pocket-friendly cocktails and special in-house junmai daiginjo sake. 1A Keong Saik Rd. Make a reservation via Chope here.

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 craftmanship. 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. 

Sushi Mitsuya

Singapore is full of fancy sushi restaurants, but this one, a rare standalone, has been reliably excellent. Helmed by chef Ryosuke Harada, formerly the sous chef of Sora Sushi at Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, the typically private and zen restaurant has an 18-seat counter for course-by-course sushi. As expected, it works on an omakase basis where you’ll get a mix of fresh sushi and sashimi, as well as appetizers and an assortment of cooked dishes. It’s a popular spot for local sushi fanatics, native Japanese and of course many of our panelists. 60 Tras St.

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.

Waku Ghin

It may have dropped off the World’s 100 Best list this year, but we don’t care. Top‑notch, personalized service makes the hefty $450 price tag for this 10‑course degustation menu worth the splurge. Expect a sublime European/Japanese feast with exquisite creations using premium ingredients, such as grade nine wagyu and Hokkaido uni, in an understated, elegant space. Hold your breath for signatures like the botan shrimp with sea urchin and caviar, and the wagyu with wasabi and citrus soy. There are over 100 options for premium sake, including two developed specifically for the restaurant.  #02-01 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Ave.