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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.  

Like what you see? For regular updates on Japanese food and drink in Singapore, follow Bite! Japan on Facebook.

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.