It's hard not to give in to a platter of smoky, seared meat, and thanks to a slew of new openings, the barbecue trend is bigger than ever in Singapore. Here are some of our top spots that do it right.

Burnt Ends

After snagging bragging rights as one of San Pellegrino's Asia Best Restaurants 2015, this industrial-style grill has gone from strength to strength, most recently winning a place on the World's 100 Best Restaurants list, too, thanks in no small part to dishes like the Burnt End Sanger, a brioche bun with pulled pork, and rump cap with burnt onion and bone marrow. Just be prepared to wait as the space doesn't take reservations. 20 Teck Lim Rd., 6224-3933. Open Tue-Sat 11.45am-2pm, 6pm-midnight.

Decker

This tucked-away spot behind Aussie grill restaurant Boomerang, all decked (oops) out in string lights, picnic tables, an open kitchen and a giant smoker, is an indie barbecue haven for those who like feeling like they're in-the-know. Besides soaking up smokey-cool vibes, you'll want to fill your plate with Texan-style highlights like beef brisket, burnt ends, tender pulled pork and all-American sides like brisket beans, mac & cheese and kale salad. Seriously among the best we’ve had in recent memory. Wash it all down with their short but delightful list of bottled craft beers, or better yet, order their spiked Southern sweet tea. 01-17 The Quayside, 60 Robertson Quay, 6635-8565. Open Tue-Sat 6pm-10pm.

Camp Kilo Charcoal Club

Kilo's Kampong Bugis lounge may be no more, but in its place is a hot new barbecue joint. Camp Kilo has the vibes of a perpetual evening barbecue party—imagine kicking back with an ice cold beer, and getting down and dirty with juicy chunks of roasts slapped on paper-lined trays, all in the great outdoors with giant fans to keep you cool. Meaty choices include roast chicken ($10 half, $18 whole), roasted pig ($12/100g), crispy pork belly ($10/100g), pork ribs ($15/half rack, $30/full rack) and a variety of breads and carb-loaded sides. #01-01 66 Kampong Bugis. Open Fri 5:30-11pm, Sat-Sun 11am-11pm. 

The Chop House (Katong)

The restaurant's newer outlet at Katong doesn't stray too far from its flagship at Vivocity but at least it features a slightly more chilled-out vibe. There are the usual mixed grill platters, grilled meats served off the broiler, lamb and pork chops, hearty burgers and sandwiches, and also a selection of pasta and seafood dishes if you're not up for a steak. #01-13 I12 Katong, 112 East Coast Rd. 6443-1011. Open daily noon-midnight.

Iskina Cebu

Meat Smith

An American smokehouse by the Unlisted Collection restaurant group, this cozy brick-and-concrete place on the party bit of Telok Ayer Street specializes in meats smoked on premises, bourbon and picklebacks (that is, shots of whisky chased by shots of pickle brine). Just steer clear of the deep-fried stuff. Their forte is the smoker. 167 Telok Ayer St., 6221-2262. Open Mon-Sat 11:45am-2pm, 5:30-11pm.

Prime Gyu-Kaku

This is a fun place to hit with friends. Gyu-Kaku (“horn of the bull” in Japanese) was one of the first few places in Singapore to bring in yakiniku (Japanese barbeque). Options include the prime Wagyu beef and prime Wagyu plate, the latter being a fair bit pricier. #01-01/02 Chijmes, 30 Victoria St., 6333-4001. Open daily noon-2.30pm, 5.30pm-11pm.

Red Eye Smokehouse

Located at Jalan Besar and housed in a cavernous, restored warehouse, this American-style grill restaurant has a fuss-free buffet style approach, so diners here pay only how much they can eat. We prefer the fatty, oozing brisket at Decker, but Red Eye’s strength is stuff like the spicy Sriracha chicken wings. 1 Cavan Rd., 6291-0218. Open Wed-Sun 5pm-10pm; Sat-Sun noon-10pm.

Sugarhall

Part grill and part rum bar, this restaurant serves up legit modern American food. With lots of wood, red beams, exposed light fixtures and large communal tables, it’s got a come-and-let-loose vibe to it. On the menu are simple but hearty mains like the pork chop and whole spring chicken, while the bar has a rum list and cocktails like the rum Negroni. 102 Amoy St., 9732-5607. Open Mon-Sat 5.30pm-midnight.