Now synonymous with cool concepts, hipster bars and great food, here's where to go when you're in the Keong Saik, Jiak Chuan and Teck Lim streets.

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 with 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.

Candlenut

Chef Malcom Lee fuses creativity with the robust and complex flavors of Peranakan cuisine passed down through his family to create dishes like buah keluak beef rib, assam sotong and buah keluak ice cream that tastes like an update of your grandmother's hearty cooking. The airy and light-filled restaurant with the modern wooden kampong decor really feels like a throwback to the simpler times.

Cure

Chef Andrew Walsh, formerly of Spanish restaurant Esquina (which is also down the road), has finally struck it out on his own with this bistronomy degustation-based restaurant. While dinners function on a three-, four-, five- and seven-course basis, lunch has a la carte options. The menu is ever-changing but dishes might include plates of hamachi tartare with heirloom tomato, roast scallop with chicken wing and Scottish salmon with crab porridge and oat crumble. 

The Daily Roundup

Amazing crepe and galette places are few and far between in Singapore, but luckily this cheery and pastel-flanked cafe has it nailed. With direction from famed chef Bruno Menard, there are sweet crepe and savory galette options that are based on traditional Brittany-style French recipes. Don't skip the burrata and heirloom tomato or chorizo and egg galettes, but leave room for dessert with a dizzying array of delectable sweet treats like yuzu butter and salted caramel crepes.

Esquina

Started by hotelier-restaurateur Loh Lik Peng and Michelin-starred Jason Atherton, Esquina is a cool and intimate space that focuses on tapas. With the recent addition of Chef Carlos Montobbio, formerly of Antidote, there are new dishes on the menu such as the Spanish nigiri, a bacalao brandade topped with roasted capsicum, as well as the grilled Spanish octopus with burnt onions, oyster leaf and Jerusalem artichoke puree. Plus, the restaurant now takes reservations.

Lime House

One of the first Caribbean restaurants in Singapore, this two-story space is homey and rustic, with unfinished walls and mismatched vintage tables and chairs. It's a great place to chow down on well-spiced and filling Caribbean recipes like jerk chicken and goat curry served in generous portions. Don't forget the variety of sweet and easy-drinking rum-based cocktails.

Lollapalooza

Ann Siang Hill's Lolla's new sister has more sexy small plates. The Scandi-chic light wood and white-washed space has a vibrant open kitchen that overlooks the main dining room. The focus is still on off-cuts and offal-centric dishes that change daily. While some plates manage to stay on the menu for a few weeks, don't be surprised when favorites like roasted lamb hearts, chargrilled wagyu ribeye cap and veal tongue in salsa verde disappear forever. The space has a strong wine list, with at least 20 options by the glass.

Neon Pigeon

Colorful floor-to-ceiling pigeon murals, loud music and grungy-industrial vibe aside, this fun gastrobar is always packed with the most beautiful crowd. It's all about izakaya-inspired small plates with creations like a miso-roasted pumpkin risotto, a moreish roasted bone marrow with fried garlic and fall-off-the-bone smoked baby back ribs. Leave room for Japanese-inspired cocktails, all of which are a steal at no more than $20 a glass.

Nicolas le Restaurant

Cult favorite chef Nicolas Joanny's loyal regulars return again and again for his seasonal French fare at this minimally decorated restaurant. Since 2007, he's offered three- and five-course lunch sets and four- and a rotating six-course degustation set for dinner with dishes like Iberico pluma pork with mushroom bouillon and confit pigeon. Head here for a convivial atmosphere in a warm and fuss-free space.

Restaurant Ember

Even after a decade and a major overhaul, this restaurant still gets really busy here thanks to the approachable but playful modern European food. Helmed by chef Sufian Zain, formerly of Waku Ghin and Iggy's, the kitchen plays with seasonal ingredients to craft dishes like slow-cooked Angus short rib and a duo of duck with braised red cabbage and carrot puree. The space is still airy, just with updated blue-tinged interiors.

Usually synonymous with nightclubs or breezy Sunday brunches, this riverside district has more good food than you may think.

Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse

Dim lighting, earth tone furnishings and croc print-inspired chocolate chairs give this Italian steakhouse a distinctly sexy feel; it's a great date venue. In case the name wasn't a dead giveaway, it's all about the meat here, 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.

Bochinche

Noted Argentinean chef Diego Jacquet, whose London eateries Zoilo and Casa Malevo draw rave reviews, helms this restuarant with the same bold design. The restaurant has recently given way to a more casual concept that still retains its convivial atmosphere and now has an Argentiean-inspired gourmet market selling beef, condiments, oils and even sweet treats to take home.

Cho Omakase

Tucked in a small alley behind Boat Quay, this Japanese omakase restaurant is easy to miss. While the minimalist and light wood zen decor is nothing to rave about, the small 30-seater has course-by-course plates of sashimi, sushi and cooked dishes including the melt-in-your-mouth Hida wagyu and oysters. Plus, for an omakase restaurant, it's one of the more affordable options in town.

Cuisine Master Hotpot

The high-end hotpot establishment (think black and tan wooden decor and granite-topped tables) serves premium sets, including multiple courses of top-notch ingredients like baby lobster, grouper and Australian ribeye. There are also affordable noodle bowls, with toppings such as Kurobuta pork, slipper lobster or grouper, for lunch.

Hai Di Lao

The first overseas branch of the popular Sichuan hotpot chain offers good service, affordable grub and even free manicures. The food doesn't disappoint either, with seven savory soup options and a comprehensive list of items, including their justifiably famous mashed shrimp and homemade tofu. Doesn't hurt after a night of drinking to tuck into some hearty broths.

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) and somewhat brash service. The superb meats on offer are reasons enough to warrant a return visit—just ask any one of the many Japanese patrons who frequent it on a nightly basis. They're also open till late.

Pind Balluchi Bar & Grill

At Singapore's first outlet of this popular restaurant chain from India, dig into fine incarnations of Punjabi classics in a plush, rock-wall-and-dark-wood setting. Order dishes such as galouti kebab, minced lamb patties, bhatti chicken, chicken marinated in yogurt and rose petals, and tandoori broccoli.

Tamashii Robataya

Run by chef-owner Patrick Tan—formerly of noted sushi restaurant Yoyogi—his wife Nicole and their business partner 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 full of dishes like grilled kurobuta pork belly roll, grilled cod with teriyaki sauce and grilled turbo clams with mushroom. And if you don't want to blow the budget, affordable lunch sets are available too.

We all need a treat from time to time and if you find yourself parked at Orchard Road after an exhausting day of shopping, here's where to go for the best fancy food in the area.

Aoki

There's a reason why Japanese seafood lovers flock to this space by Les Amis. They've got an amazing bara chirashi set (that's sadly only available at lunch) and other Japanese classics, both cooked and raw. The zen, if a little dated, space has got it all down to pat from sublime chawanmushi to sushi sets and grilled dishes. 

Bedrock Bar & Grill

You can't go wrong at this dimly lit space that does New York-style steaks. They've got a fantastic list of choice cuts like USDA Prime dry-aged ribeye and Aussie grass-fed porterhouse, but as far as sides go, don't miss the indulgent mac & cheese. It's great for both lunch and dinner, as the decor is all about mood lighting, brown leather and circular booths—reminiscent of a slick downtown NYC steakhouse.

Buona Terra

Housed in a refurbished colonial house a few doors down from Song of India, this Northern Italian establishment offers delicate but hearty fare. The ever-changing menu only showcases the best seasonal ingredients and Chef Dennis Lucchi always manages to coax out the best flavors of each dish. If available, don't miss the oxtail tortelli with potato cream and the lamb loin with pistachio crust.

Hashida Sushi

Once you get your head around how much the bill can run, this is hands-down one of the best Japanese omakase restaurants in Singapore. From the delicate course-by-course sushi you get to the entire zen experience, very few have ever left Hashida Sushi unsatisfied. It doesn't stop at sublime sushi either: Chef Hatch cooks up some mean hot dishes, too.

Hashida Garo

Chef Hatch does it again with this restaurant that's located one floor above the famed sushi joint. The focus is more on cooked food with bento sets full of fresh unagi and perfectly medium-rare beef. Just don't leave without trying the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, complete with whisks and pomp, that's paired with the fluffiest Hokkaido cheesecake you'll get in Singapore.

Iggy's

Undoubtedly one of Singapore's most well-known restaurants, and a San Pellegrino list regular, it's also a reliable option for quality fare that's a unique blend of Japanese ingredients with European concepts, enhanced by professional service. Although there's always a seasonal menu change, expect conceptual dishes like scallop carpaccio with burnt oyster, the addictive sakura ebi capellini and a prime rib cote de boeuf.

Imperial Treasure Shanghai Cuisine

This restaurant serving traditional Shanghainese cuisine has been packed since it opened. If you're willing to brave the crowd, you'll be rewarded with good food and attentive service. We love the wide array of starters including chilled thousand layered pig's ears, but you shouldn't miss the rich glutinous rice and cream crab.

Indocafe-The White House

As far as Peranakan restaurants go, you'll be hard-pressed to find a place as classy as this one, housed in a heritage black-and-white building that's flecked with historical relics. Setting aside, they serve up authentic Nyonya cuisine with punchy flavors that don't skimp on the spice blends. There are classics like ayam buah keluak, five-spice ngoh hiang and ikan masak merah, a pan-roasted cod fillet in red chili sauce.

Ippudo SG

Okay, so this one is faaar from fine dining but it's certainly home to some of the best ramen noodles in town. After all, which self-respecting noodle fan hasn't heard of Shigemi Kawahar's acclaimed ramen emporium? A long line of hungry patrons are always queueing here as the ramen is incredibly satisfying with its rich tonkotsu broth. There are also equally good appetizers like beef tataki with finely sliced raw white onions.

Ito-Kacho

This minimalist and wood-heavy Japanese yakiniku chain's first overseas outlet serves Japanese karubi wagyu, including cuts like flank steak, skirt steak and short rib. There are also kurobuta offerings like pork jowl and pork belly. We love the fact that the grills are smoke-free: you won't leave smelling of charred meat.

Jade Palace

This Chinese restaurant is a little hidden but has a loyal following. It's all pretty traditional with sharing dishes like sauteed scallop with XO sauce, Peking duck and steamed soon hock fish. But everyone swears by their food and, more interestingly, their wine selection and service. There's no corkage and all the waiters are trained to know which glass goes with what types of wine.

Ki-Sho

Located in a black-and-white colonial house, this fine dining Japanese eatery offers only three omakase set menus focused on seasonal ingredients: there are all types of sashimi, sushi and fish dishes here.The two-story restaurant is also elegant, decked out in pale wood and gold leaf wallpaper. Plus, there's a sake room where you can choose from a 50-strong collection of nihonshu.

La Taperia

Finding Spanish food in Orchard Road is almost a lost cause, but luckily this hidden gem serves up delicious tapas dishes that are perfect for sharing. From the well-decorated space full of artisan touches to the classic menu, you'll find everything you crave here. The suckling pig croquetas are smooth and creamy, and the classic gambas al ajillo perfectly garlicky. One thing you shouldn't skip here is the dessert with options like the decadent chocolate marquise.

Les Amis

This place has got to be one of Singapore's best-known fine dining restaurants and its fame is well-deserved. The decor is contemporary-classic, the wine list exquiste and the waitstaff well-informed. Let's not even get started on the stellar French food courtesy of Chef Sebastian Lepinoy. He dishes out thought-out and laboriously plated dishes like cold angel hair pasta with caviar, blue lobster royale on a bed of foie gras custard and Japanese omi beef with asparagus and poivrade sauce. A meal here doesn't come cheap but it's worth every penny.

Min Jiang

Its contemporary interior, attractive furnishings and poolside dining option (gotta be a first for a Chinese restaurant) aside, it's the consistently good food that makes a visit here worth it. The well-trained and efficient staff don't hurt either, 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, too.

Mitzo

Modern Chinese food is a dime a dozen in classically-dominated Singapore. While this place has a few faults, the Cantonese food is pretty spot on with plates like lobster and shrimp dumplings with black truffle, prawn in salted egg yolk and great char siew. There's also a menu of themed Asian-inspired cocktails that make the experience worthwhile, too.

Opus Bar & Grill

Checkers Brasserie has been traded in for this swanky steakhouse in Hilton Hotel. With an Aussie chef in the kitchen, you know you're in good hands when it comes to anything meat-related. The impressive mahogany-lined dining room is an apt setting for eating Kobe wagyu ribeye steaks, juicy burgers stuffed with wagyu beef and 36-hour pork belly with lychee and coffee. It's also one of the first places to have a Himalayan salt tile dry aging cabinet.

Salt Grill & Sky Bar

Australian chef-restaurateur Luke Mangan offers Asian-accented plates at this restaurant atop ION Orchard. There's a striking view of the Orchard Road shopping belt, and the food is refined and satisfying. They've got savory dishes like scallops with cauliflowers and salmon caviar, as well as as signatures like Sydney crab omelet with miso-mustard.

Saveur Art

The fine dining incarnation of affordable eatery Saveur, this place is by no means expensive. A full meal runs you about $50 and you get decadent dishes topped with truffles and the likes. While the setting still retains a mall feel, the space is bright and airy, which makes it perfect for a quick business lunch or a semi-casual dinner with friends.

Shisen Hanten

Formerly a Sichuan-Japanese restaurant, it's now been converted to only focus on Sichuan cuisine. For the most part, the menu remains intact with favorites like mapo tofu, stir-fried prawn and scallop in chili sauce and stewed fish fillet in super-hot Sichuan sauce. The space is still as opulent with high ceilings, plush furnishings and clusters of chandeliers—all overlooking Orchard Road.

The Song of India

Set in a restored black-and-white colonial-style house, this palatial establishment boasts designer flatware and cutlery, chandeliers and silk curtains. The North Indian menu is equally striking, with inventive dishes like star anise-perfumed foie gras and classics like nalli gosht, a herbed lamb shank in Lucknavi jus. Top that off with warm and efficient service, and it's no mystery why regulars keep coming back for more.

Sopra Cucina & Bar

Tucked away at the back fo five-star hotel Pan Pacific Orchard, this Sardinian restaurant more than makes up for its unusual location with its retro glam decor. The name is in big lights out front, and the interior features lots of black leather and luxe marble. The food is unique and peasant-chic (including dishes like fregola pasta and carasu bread) and there's also a solid list of mostly Italian wines and beefs.

Tandoor

This stalwart Indian restaurant—founded in 1985— was renovated recently and is now an airy space with banquettes and subtle Indian motifs. It serves an expansive menu of not only North Indian cuisine, but also regional dishes such as Goan fish curry and mango curry, as well as contemporary recipes like jalapeno corn kebab.

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant

This Cantonese establishment 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. Though best known for their Peking duck, the dim sum (juicy siew mai, golden barbecue pork pastries and deep-fried shrimp rolls) crafted by Hong Kong native Chan Lam Pang, is also not to be missed.

There aren't that places serving authentic Indonesian food in Singapore. But if you're ever in the mood for some spicy and tasty dishes, here's where to go get some.

Ayam Penyet Ria

Easy, roadside food, ayam penyet is arguably the most well-known export of Indonesian food in Singapore. The no-frills restaurant at Lucky Plaza serves up crispy chicken, which has been marinated in spices like turmeric, spicy chilli sauce, steaming hot rice and fried tofu and tempeh. If you're not craving chicken, they've also got udang (prawn) penyet, empal (marinated beef) penyet and even lele (fried catfish) penyet.

Es Teler 77

The closest thing to authentic Indonesian-style chicken noodles you'll get in Singapore, this franchise has significantly scaled down through the years. The one outlet you can easily get to still serves up delicious umami-rich egg noodles with minced chicken, dumplings and bakso, or beefballs. They also serve fried rice and fried turmeric chicken, in case you're not in the mood for noodles. Also don't skip the es campur, an icy dessert filled with coconut milk, avocado, jackfruit and jelly.
#B1-02 Cathay Cineleisure Orchard, 8 Grange Rd., 6736-4439.

Pagi Sore Indonesian Restaurant

This Indonesian restaurant has recently expanded with new outlets located at 100AM mall in Tanjong Pagar. The rustic-minimalist restaurant serves Chinese-style Indonesian food like udang mentega (prawns fried in butter), cah kangkong, rendang, ayam bali and their award-winning ikan otah kukus, fish steamed in banana leaves.

Resto Surabaya

Another reliable hole-in-the-wall serving fuss-free Indonesian food, this one takes cues from the east Javanese city. While it's got its fair share of "penyet" dishes (including chicken, beef balls and beef short rib), their specialty lies in Eastern Javanese dishes like sop buntut, or oxtail soup; tahu telor, fried tofu with eggs; soto ayam Lamongan; a turmeric-spiced chicken soup and rawon, the famous black beef soup flavored with buah keluak.
#02-63 Lucky Plaza, 304 Orchard Rd., 6732-1803.

The Rice Table

A traditional Indonesian dining experience, rijsttafel (literally translated as rice table) is the lavish feast way of presenting Indonesian food. It's also a great option for those who want to sample a wide variety of Indonesian food. The table is filled with a smorgasbord of meat, poultry, seafood and vegetable dishes—not forgetting the sambal. Sample at least 20 dishes like sayur lodeh, ayam kalio (spicy chicken curry) and sotong asam (squid in a sour sauce) for a flat price of $28.49. 

Sari Ratu

Arguably the best Indonesian Nasi Padang restaurant in Singapore, this one's got a die-hard following among the Indonesian community and expat wives. People come here for the extra fragrant gulai ayam, an Indonesian chicken curry; beef rendang; perkedel, potato patties, known in Singapore, as bergidil and sambal goreng udang. But, people really stay here for the chilli that comes in red and green varieties.

Tambuah Mas

For a restaurant located in a mall, this place sure serves great Padang, Sulawesi and Javanese food. For a complete taster of regional Indonesian food, get items like gado-gado, the famous Indonesian salad drenched in peanut sauce; all sorts of satay; opor ayam, a chicken curry; ikan pepes, seabass wrapped in banana leaves and the must-try yellow rice.