126 Dim Sum

It gets no prizes for atmosphere, but late-night revelers swear by this Hong Kong-style dim sum restaurant for its delish midnight munchies like pork belly buns and locally-inspired mantou with chilli crab sauce. Located in Geylang, land of late-night eateries, among glaring neon lights and plastic chairs, 126 Dim Sum is a solid option.

126 Sims Ave., 6746-4757.

Cherry Garden

Easily one of the best Chinese restaurants in town, this elegant fine dining establishment serves Cantonese cuisine presented with an artistic touch. Noteworthy dishes from their weekend dim sum buffet lunches include the steamed custard buns with yam and juicy xiao long bao.

5/F Marina Square Mandarin Oriental Singapore 5 Raffles Ave., 6885-3550.

Hai Tien Lo

It’s an all-you-can-eat affair during the buffet on weekends. There are tons of classics like the steamed barbecue pork buns, stir-fried carrot cake in XO chilli sauce and the deep-fried whitebait with oat flakes.

3/F Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Blvd., 6826-8240.

Jade

This sophisticated restaurant often has a month-long waitlist—but it’s worth it, with over 50 dishes including liu sha bao (custard bun) and other favorites.

G/F The Fullerton Hotel, 1 Fullerton Sq., 6877-8188.

Min Jiang

Contemporary interior, attractive furnishings and poolside dining option aside, it’s the consistently good food that makes Min Jiang worth a visit. The delectable dim sum is a steady draw with favorites like the char siew soh, ried spring rolls with mango and cheong fun.

G/F Goodwood Park Hotel 22 Scotts Rd., 6730-1704.

Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant

The cheap and cheerful (and rather expansive) eatery carries both Hong Kong- and Shanghai-style dim sum, with an extensive menu of siew mai, har kow and the famous Swee Choon big pau. On the Shanghainese front, there’s chive pork dumplings and xiao long bao. It’s always mobbed, but their surprisingly organized queuing system makes it all quite manageable. We love getting a table in the concrete backyard.

191 Jalan Besar, 6225-7788.

Tim Ho Wan

Housed in a relaxed 100-seat space is the first overseas outpost of this famed eatery, care of chef Mak Kwai Pui. Highlights not to be missed include pan-fried carrot cake, vermicelli roll with pig’s liver and Mak’s signature baked buns with BBQ pork—a delicious crispy-topped boluo (pineapple) bun stuffed with char siew. For those with a sweet tooth, the fluffy steamed egg cake and tonic medlar and osmanthus jelly should do the trick.

#01-29A Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Rd., 6251-2000. 

Yan Ting

It's no wonder that the dining hall at Yan Ting, replete with stained glass panels, chandeliers and plush booths (perfect for canoodling), is as luxurious it gets. Aside from the famed weekend dim sum brunch, the food is as pretty as the decor, so expect excellent Cantonese cuisine and attentive, well-trained wait staff. 

1/F The St Regis Singapore, 29 Tanglin Rd., 6506-6887.

It's more than just dough and cheese at Singapore's top gourmet pizza joints: expect lovingly hand-crafted pizzas with an imaginative array of toppings and perfectly blistered crust. And watch out for the new contenders.

Alt. Pizza

This contemporary pizza bar has a maverick, multiple-flour recipe for the crust and a DIY customizable concept with toppings like Manchego cheese, chipotle chicken, chorizo, white truffle oil and more. They also stock craft beers from California’s Lost Coast Brewery. Their original branch still stands at Suntec City. #01-06 60 Robertson Quay, 6836-9207, www.facebook.com/altpizza. Open Wed-Thu 5pm-10pm; Fri 5pm-11pm; Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-10pm.

Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar

This Aussie import has proven itself with the quick takeaway concept and solid pizzas. Not only do they do a dizzying array of nine sauces like hoisin, satay and sweet chilli, they do delicious thin-crust rectangular pizzas with progressive options like roast duck complete with bok choy, spring onions and sesame seeds; salmon benedict drizzled with Hollandaise sauce; and classic reinventions like smoked ham and pineapple, and a new version of a Hawaiian made with brie cheese and basil. 34B Lorong Mambong, 6467-2224, www.crustpizza.com.sg. Open Mon-Thu noon-11pm; Fri-Sat noon-1am; Sun noon-midnight.

Spizza

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Spizza

This casual but classy Italian restaurant at the very pretty Capitol Piazza has the full breadth of stuff: antipasti, pastas, panini and more, but particularly exciting is their selection of over two dozen thin-crust pizzas, all cutely named after women. Seafood lovers, get the Sofia, which comes with shrimp, mussels, scallops and calamari, and vegetarians won't feel forgotten with options like the Quinta, with egg and black truffle paste. There are five branches around town, including a great one on Club Street. Full list here.

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Da Paolo Pizza Bar

A mainstay with the Holland Village crowd, this casual pizza joint decked out in cowhide and lots of wood has a huge wine selection and good pizza options. There are sandwiches, meat balls, and salads, as well as desserts like sinful profiteroles. We love the thin-crusted tomato, mozzarella, pink peppercorn, avocado and rosemary chicken, but kudos goes to their simple ricotta, parmesan and salami calzone (folded pizza) that cuts open with steamy deliciousness. #01-46 44 Jalan Merah Saga, 6479-6059, www.dapaolo.com.sg. Open Mon-Fri Noon-2.30pm, 5.30pm-10.30pm; Sat-Sun 11am-10.30pm

Etna Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

If there's something you must get at this Sicilian eatery, it's their pizza or pizza-related dishes, starting from their pizza crust-like bread (schiacciata), with mascarpone and truffle, to their thin-crust Neapolitan-style white pizza with mozzarella, porcini mushrooms, truffle paste and homemade pork sausage, to their signature Etna pizza with mozzarella, porcini mushrooms, Parma ham, cream cheese and pistachio. 49/50 Duxton Road, 6220-5513, www.etnaitalianrestaurant.com.sg. Open daily noon-2.30pm, 6pm-10.30pm.

Motorino 

A New York-style pizza joint that originated in Brooklyn, this no-frills, tile-walled place is new to this list and has an oven right in the middle of the dining room and pushes out Neapolitan-style gourmet pies with toppings like brocolli rabe, pancetta and mozzarella. The tangy tomato sauce is definitely something to write home about. #01-01A Merchant's Court 3A River Valley Rd, 6334-4968, www.motorinopizza.com/singapore. Open Sun-Thu 11.30am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11.30am-midnight.

La Nonna

This affordable Italian eatery does thin-crust pizza justice. The plate-sized wheels of goodness come in mouth-watering variations like their signature La Nonna, a tomato-based concoction of mozzarella, Parmesan, asparagus, black truffle and a sunny-side up egg in the middle. For something more adventurous, the Nera has squid ink, tomato, mozzarella, scallops, prawns and calamari. 26 Lor Mambong, 6468-1982, www.lanonna.sg. Open daily noon-2pm, 6pm-10pm.

Pizzeria Mozza

When it comes to making pizzas, few do it better than Mario Batali. His famed pizza bar (however divisive) puts out some good plates. Although we may skip the appetizers, don't miss pizzas like fennel sausage with cream, red onion and scallions; a hearty egg, guanciale, greens and bagna cuada (a garlic-anchovy butter sauce); and a creamy buricotta (a hybrid of burrata and ricotta), peperonata, oregano and olives. #B1-42/46 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue, www.singapore.pizzeriamozza.com. Open daily noon-11pm.

PS. Café Petit

Tranquil surroundings and show-stopping floral arrangements aside, the second outlet of this takeaway concept has a larger eat-in space. We hem and haw at all that cardboard and plastic, but fall victim to creations like the tomato-based Kurobuta pork fennel sausage, capsicum and mozzarella creation, as well as the carbonara, a white pizza topped with pancetta, sage, Parmesan cream, bacon, mozzarella and pecorino. Vegetarians should go for the decadent Green Goddess, with broccoli, peas, French beans, spinach, capsicum, sugar snaps, mozzarella and goat cheese. 38 Martin Rd., 8188-6191, www.pscafe.com. Open daily 9.30am-11pm.

Pig's ears, Peking duck, and decadent dim sum with custard oozing out once you bite into it. There's nothing quite like a good, hearty Chinese meal, so we've rounded up some of our favorites in this list.

Cherry Garden Cantonese Chinese restaurant, Singapore

Cherry Garden

Book a table at Cherry Garden with Chope

Expect only the best at this elegant fine dining Chinese restaurant, with a wide selection of Cantonese cuisine presented with an artistic touch. Noteworthy dishes include the BBQ meat platter, wasabi prawns and double-boiled soup. The weekend dim sum buffet brunches, serve steamed custard buns with yam and juicy xiao long bao. There are two seatings from 11am-1pm and 1:30pm-330pm respectively.

Crystal Jade Golden Palace Teochew Chinese restaurant, Singapore

Crystal Jade Golden Palace

This fine dining outlet of the Crystal Jade Group is super luxurious, and serves up Cantonese and Teochew food. Aside from the exceptional service, the menu features authentic dishes with a decidedly modern twist that are healthier than most Chinese food options but still delicious, with a notable wine list to boot.

Imperial Treasure Shanghai Cuisine, Singapore

Imperial Treasure Shanghai Cuisine

This restaurant serves traditional Shanghainese cuisine and has been packed since it opened. We love the wide array of starters including chilled thousand layer pig’s ears. And you shouldn’t miss the rich glutinous rice and cream crab. It can feel a little stuffy but you’re guaranteed good food.

Hai Di Lao Chinese hot pot restaurant, Singapore

Hai Di Lao

The first overseas branch of the popular Sichuan hotpot chain offers good service, affordable grub and even free manicures. The food also doesn't disappoint with seven savory soup options and a comprehensive list of items, including their justifiably famous mashed shrimp and home-made tofu.

Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant, Singapore

Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant

There's something to be said for a good ole reliable standby, like this classy Cantonese stalwart that has recently enjoyed a facelift. It now sports a more modern look, with unexpected details like cloud decorations on the pillars, and a revamped menu with additions such as the pillowy baked custard bun and their latest signature appetizer, deep-fried century egg wrapped with minced shrimp.

Cassia Cantonese Chinese restaurant, Singapore

Cassia

Book a table at Cassia with Chope

When it comes to the glam stakes, it’s hard to beat Cassia at the ultra chic Capella Singapore. The extensive menu at this classy fine-dining Chinese restaurant certainly measures up to its tasteful and warm decor; with ornamental lamps, gorgeous screens carved with flower like motifs, stately windows and lush sofas, all dressed in delicate shades of gray and lilac. Well-executed modern Chinese cuisine (with Western, local and Sichuan influences), top that off with discreet and attentive service.

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant

This stalwart Cantonese restaurant has been dishing out scrumptious Chinese plates since 1995. The main dining room is swanky, featuring a dramatic gold and black color scheme, artistic calligraphy on the walls and antique displays. With the new chef, Bryan Wong Shiuh Yean at the helm, there are new signature dishes like cordyceps flower ouble-boiled soup, wok-fried beef cube with black garlic sauce and pork ribs with Mandarin orange.

Yan Ting Chinese restaurant, Singapore

Yan Ting

It's no wonder that the dining hall at Yan Ting, replete with stained glass panels, chandeliers and plush booths (perfect for canoodling), is as luxurious it gets. The food’s as pretty as the decor, so expect excellent Cantonese cuisine and attentive, well-trained wait staff. Also worth a try is the weekend dim sum brunch.

Chopsuey Cafe Chinese restaurant, Singapore

Chopsuey Cafe

This chic yet relaxed establishment from the PS. Cafe folks is in a corner black-and-white colonial house with a charming alfresco area. It dishes out interpretations of westernized Chinese classics such as General Tso’s Chicken Drumlets, as well as contemporary items including twice-cooked citrus and spice beef short rib. There’s also a handsome cocktail menu organized by style— shaken, muddled or stirred.

Min Jiang Chinese restaurant, Singapore

Min Jiang

Its contemporary interior, attractive furnishings and poolside dining option (the first for a Chinese restaurant) aside, it’s the consistently good food that makes Min Jiang worth a visit. The staff are efficient and well-trained too, so you’d be just as comfortable having a business lunch as you would a family get together. The delectable dim sum is a steady draw.

Craving for more of Singapore's best restaurants? Check out our 2015 Top Tables guide.

Butchers Club Burger  

Decked out in cozy, vinyl booths and wood interiors, this Hong Kong-based burger chain is big on dry-aged beef patties. For burgers with distinct Asian influences try the Wu Tang that comes with a patty fried in Sriracha topped with tempura sweet potato and kimchi. For something more sinful, get the Red Eye Reduction—a dry-aged beef patty topped with maple-glazed bacon, easy fried egg and hashbrown smothered with a maple hollandaise sauce. 

De Burg

This no-frills burger joint is serious about what's in the bun. You’ll find American diner grub like burgers as well as a range of starters, desserts and even a small craft beer menu.  The Showdown Challenge involving five 200g patty burgers and 500g of chips in twenty minutes, gets you a free meal along with your name on their Wall Of Fame

Hard Rock Cafe

A perennial favorite among live music fans, this boisterous joint is also great for its lad food, including its signature burger, the Original Legendary 10 oz. Burger. It’s a robust bite, topped with smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, fried onion ring, lettuce and vine ripened tomatoes.

The Market Grill

This diner-like grill is always a hot ticket with their burgers like the Bleu Cheese with burnt onion marmalade and bacon. Other fan favorites include the CW Cod Fish burger and the CW Burger Breakfast with sunny side egg. They also offer charcuterie platters, whole lobsters and premium steaks.

Overeasy

This casual, 1940s American-style diner gets especially busy on weekends. We highly recommend the To Die For and The Truffle, decadent in both taste and size. It also has a cocktail joint serving twists on classics alongside alcoholic slushies and American-centric shots. Oh, they also do some mean milkshakes if case you’re not feeling too boozy.

Potato Head Folk

Housed in an old four-storey Chinese shop house, this vintage inspired whimsical party place does mean burgers named after pop culture phenomena like the Smokin' B-Boy—a beef patty topped with double smoked cheese, Dingley Dell beer, treacle-cured bacon, and loads of BBQ sauce. Another must-try here is the Rambo featuring a spicy lamb patty topped over with feta, aubergine pickle & cumin aioli. We know the bun tends to distintegrate before you have a chance to finish, but we like the patties and sauces a fair bit.

Relish by Wild Rocket

Willin Low's casual bistro burger joint does quirky, over-the-top burgers like the soft bone pork BBQ Charsiew burger, Ram-Lee burger, and the Hae Bee Hiam Spaghettini  with spicy dried shrimp and scallops. If you’d like to go easy on the beef, there’s also a selection of pastas and salads to choose from.

Wildfire

A sleeper hit from last year, this cozy corner by the Botanic Gardens is all about the meat. Sure to hit the spot is The Works with spinach, a bacon weave, rosti, parmesan, onion rings, a fried egg, beer caramelized onions and guac. Also worth the try are their Asian-inspired renditions like the Sriracha Chicken or Umami burger. Don't miss their wonderful selection of affordable bottled craft beers.