X-Men: First Class (Now Showing)

Stars James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender

Like all great legends, there’s always a backstory; the place where it all began with the people who made it all happen. So this time around, we learn about Professor X (James McAvoy) and Magneto (Michael Fassbender) before they became archenemies and before the world knew about mutants.

Bottom line: First class in name, but whether it's first class in nature depends on whether Fassbender can top McKellen's turn in the earlier films.

Super 8 (Opens June 9)

Stars Kyle Chandler and Elle Fanning

It’s the 1970s, and in a small town in Ohio, a group of friends witness a mysterious train crash while filming a movie in Super 8. When people begin disappearing, it soon becomes apparent that whatever stalks the town isn’t human.

Bottom line: Even when he misses the mark (the latter fifty-five seasons of Lost) J.J. Abrams never fails to surprise audiences.

Green Lantern (Opens June 17)

Stars Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively

This summer superhero flick stars Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan, a man who gains superpowers from a ring and becomes a member of the Green Lantern corps—known as protectors of peace and justice in the universe. The fate of the world lies in the hands of Hal, the first human ever selected to be a Green Lantern.

Bottom line: It's superhero season. Whether there's room for all of them, remains to be seen.

Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon (Opens June 29)

Stars Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Tyrese Gibson

The power packed director/producer team of Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg present another high-octane summer adventure as the battle between Autobots and Decepticons continues. This time, a Cybertronian spacecraft has been discovered on the moon, leading to the possible annihilation of Earth. Join Sam Witwicky (Shia LeBeouf) and his new love interest in their quest to save the world.

Bottom line: A Megan Fox replacement? Don’t know if that’s the best move.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows II (Opens July 14)

Stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson

It all comes down to this much-anticipated finale, where Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) faces a final battle against Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes). After a decade, this is the curtain call of Harry Potter film franchise, so fans, be prepared to hold on to your seats for the concluding ride.

Bottom line: Someone’s going to die. And we already know who.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (August 3)

Stars James Franco, Tom Felton and Freida Pinto

What was supposed to be an experiment to cure Alzheimer’s disease leads to a breakthrough development in intelligence—for apes. Scientist James Franco and his team have to hold it together before a war breaks between humans and genetically-altered monkeys.

Bottom line: With visual effects said to be inspired by Avatar, this should be worth catching.

Captain America: The First Avenger (August 4)

Stars Chris Evans, Sebastian Stan and Hayley Atwell

Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) transforms from a weak human to a superhero after taking an experimental serum. With the power he possesses, he becomes the ultimate soldier in the U.S armed forces, battling against the Nazis during World War II. Marvel Studios and Paramount Pictures bring yet another exciting film, full of suspense and thrills.

Bottom line: Chris Evans loves to play superheroes (see Fantastic Four and Push)—and we know quite a few folk who love watching him.

Cowboys & Aliens (August 18)

Stars Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford and Sam Rockwell

From the directors of Iron Man, comes a wild-west blockbuster about a battle between Arizona cowboys and aliens. It’s 1873, and spaceships attack the town Absolution. A wanted criminal, Jake Lonergan (Daniel Craig), and the man who runs Absolution, Colonel Dolarhyde (Harrison Ford), join forces to fight them.

Bottom line: E.T vs. Gunslingers – you can’t say that isn’t original.

Cars 2 (August 25)

Stars Owen Wilson and Larry the Cable Guy

Time to start your engines. Again. Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) goes head to head with Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) to compete in the World Grand Prix to stake his claim for the title of the world’s fastest car. A fast-paced journey of friendship, difficult decisions and unfamiliar destinations with a colorful cast.

Bottom line: We just hope this means Wilson will be doing a Wedding Crashers sequel too.

Final Destination 5 (August 25)

Stars Emma Bell and Nicholas D’Agosto

A decade after the air crash in the first Final Destination, Sam Lawton (Nicholas D’Agosto) has a premonition about a bridge collapse. Once again, this nightmare becomes reality, and we get to see a bunch of people trying to cheat death…again.

Bottom line: After 5 films in the franchise, we just hope this really will be the FINAL Final Destination.

For Indian food: Zaffran Restaurant and Tea Room

Injected with an energetic yet casual vibe, Zaffran specializes in palatable Indian fusion cuisine prepared with the freshest of ingredients. Order the Javan chicken masala and squid curry.

For Italian food: Senso Ristorante & Bar

After 10 years, Senso still delivers a pleasant dining experience. They’ve got their own version of the Sunday brunch, and on weekends for dinner they’re still packed both inside and in the courtyard. The service is impeccable and the food is also a joy.

For French food: Restaurant Andre

Expect an intimate space in a three-storey shophouse that seats 30 in chef André Chiang’s highly-anticipated restaurant. With two prix fixe menus for both lunch and dinner, chef Chiang’s focus on fresh artisanal produce is showcased in exquisite dishes that reflect his roots in Southern French nouvelle cuisine.

For Korean food: Manbok Korean Seafood Restaurant

A great little Korean restaurant with friendly service (all too rare here). We fancy their seafood soup and their seafood pancake with leeks, prawns and octopus. This is one of the best and most interesting options for Korean food in the city.

For Spanish food: Sabio Tapas Bar & Restaurant

Open since April, this Spanish restaurant is fast becoming one of Duxton’s busiest. Striking décor aside, Sabio is an ideal spot for some sangrias and a mix of delicious tapas (be sure to have some jamón ibérico de bellota).

For American food: Luke's Oyster Bar & Chop House

Luke's Oyster Bar & Chop House is classy yet relaxed, with the ambiance channeling a chic brasserie, while the food is inspired by comforting American classics. Don't miss the clam chowder.

For Russian food: Buyan Russian Haute Cuisine & Caviar Bar

There aren’t many Russian establishments in town, and this is a stellar example. While the food isn’t for everyone, the bar is impressive and armed with over 50 different types of vodka.

For Peranakan food: The Blue Ginger

Around for 15 years, this is undisputedly one of Singapore’s best Peranakan restaurants. While the menu here is reworked every six months, popular standards such as beef rending, ikan assam gulai (fish tamarind curry), ngo hiang (spring rolls) and kueh pie tee (popiah vol-au-vents) keep the crowds coming back.

For German food: Magma German Wine Bistro

Decorated in red and white, this casual open-kitchen restaurant serves up traditional hearty German food and is one of the few places in town where you can get authentic Berlin-style pork knuckles, not to mention hand minced beef tartare, and flammkuchen (crispy German pizza with sour cream and various toppings). There’s also an attached deli and shop selling German goodies.

For Thai food: Thanying Restaurant

This excellent dining institution might not be the cheapest for Thai food but it’s certainly one of the best. The décor is charmingly dated and the service is quick. We recommend the sweet and spicy mango salad, panang chicken curry, pad Thai and kangkong with chili paste.

More restaurants in Chinatown

More restaurants in Club Street

More restaurants in Tanjong Pagar

More restaurants in Raffles Place

Bar Bar Black Sheep
Enjoy the cool riverfront breeze at this second outlet of Bar Bar Black Sheep. A casual restaurant with full bar, Bar Bar Black Sheep serves a mix of Thai, Western and Indian food.

Brewerkz Riverside Point
What better way than to celebrate an all-American night with great food, great beer and a great view? Here, you’ll find a full range of handcrafted or premium beers, delicious patties and a view of the Singapore River.

Harry’s (Boat Quay)
A hit among the professionals slogging nearby, this brass-rail style bar is recognized as one of the key pioneers of the Boat Quay area. Guzzle beer, chat with your mates, listen to live music, and forget about work.

IndoChine Waterfront
Amid a magnificent view of Boat Quay and Empress Place, and a slightly OTT setting with trimmings like crystal chandeliers, Sukhothai Buddhas and Shan antiques, Cambodian, Laotian and Vietnamese food get a glamorous spin with the famous IndoChine group.

Kinki Restaurant & Bar
Kinki’s funky floral interior is loud as the hip-hop music that blares in the bar. Enjoy fabulous food (blowfish, snow crabs and foie gras) while relishing in the glittering view of the Marina Bar waterfront and Marina Bay Sands.

Overeasy Bar & Diner
Designed by Takenouchi Webb, this office-crowd favorite has an industrial feel—take its cast concrete bar and the red diner booth seating—and puts a funky twist on the classic American diner. We particularly like its alfresco area, the perfect setting for an after work binge on its Seaside Sangria.

Pre.Lude 
Cool summer cocktails are the order of the day at this bar on the roof of the Fullerton Boathouse. Arrive early for the choicest seating. 

Privé Waterfront
Located at Singapore’s only privately-owned island Keppel Bay, Privé is a multi-concept joint comprising a restaurant, gastrobar and bakery on the waterfront. Its sleek gastrobar stocks a wide array of drinks and cocktails, with nu-jazz, house and funk tunes pumped out by resident DJs.

RedDot BrewHouse (Boat Quay)
RedDot Brewhouse is the first bar and restaurant along the river bank with a steelstructured glass roof, allowing you to savor the unique craft beers like RedDot Lime Wheat and Monster Green Lager under the stars.

Scruffy Murphys
This Irish drinking den is nestled humbly in the heart of East Coast Park. The indoor area is cozy and laidback, and set like a cottage; fit for families and friends wishing to dine in a welcoming ambiance. Chill out at the outdoor beer garden where the beach breeze will keep you cool. A perfect escape from city life.