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Top 8 Casual Restaurants in Singapore for Every Occasion
Recently, I decided to explore Singapore’s casual dining scene and embarked on a little adventure. Armed with recommendations from friends, hours of scrolling through food blogs, and spontaneous detours, I found some fantastic spots that deserve a shoutout.
Singapore, being a foodie paradise, adds its own twist to casual dining. One evening, I stumbled upon a hawker stall serving an unforgettable plate of chili crab, paired with fried mantou that I couldn’t stop dipping into the sauce.
Another day, I found myself in a cozy café indulging in French pastries that rival anything you’d find in Paris. The charm here is in the variety—Singapore’s casual dining effortlessly combines hawker traditions with flavors from across the globe.
Each spot had its own story to tell, and I loved diving into these little culinary worlds. So here’s a list of some casual dining joints that made my food journey in Singapore truly memorable.
1. Keng Eng Kee Seafood
Media credit: @kengengkee
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kengengkee/?hl=en
Website: http://www.kek.com.sg/
Address: 124 Bukit Merah Lane 1, #01-136
Phone: +6562721038
Hours: Daily – 11AM to 2PM; 5PM to 10PM
Must-have: Chilli Crab
Walking into Keng Eng Kee Seafood felt like stepping into a warm family gathering. This third-generation eatery in Bukit Merah is all about home-style cooking that hits you with nostalgia, even if it’s your first visit.
Sharing a big round table with friends, I knew I was in for a treat when the iconic Chilli Crab (chilli crab singapore) arrived. Let me tell you, this dish is everything people rave about.
The sweet, eggy gravy is perfect for dipping fried mantou, and I shamelessly went back for seconds (and thirds). The crab itself was incredibly fresh, with meat that practically fell off the shell—by the end, we were all wiping our plates clean.
Another dish that stole the show for me was the Moonlight Hor Fun. The sizzling plate of wok-fried noodles came topped with a raw egg, which slowly cooked as we dug in.
The noodles were smoky from the wok, and the mix of prawns, lup cheong, and fish gave it layers of flavor. It was comfort food at its finest.
Dining here feels like Singapore’s culinary heart. You can be seated outdoors under the night sky or inside the air-conditioned space across the courtyard, and it’s the kind of place that makes you linger, swapping stories over more bites of crab and noodles.
| Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on the Coffee Pork Ribs. The rich, caramelized coffee glaze paired with tender meat is an unexpectedly delightful combination that’s worth adding to your table. |
2. J.B. Ah Meng
Media credit: @jbahmeng
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbahmeng/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/JB-Ah-Meng-Restaurant-100063471493927/
Address: 534 Geylang Road
Phone: +6567412418
Hours: Daily – 5PM to 2AM
Must-have: Fried Bee Hoon
JB Ah Meng Restaurant has earned its reputation as a go-to spot for those seeking an authentic taste of Singapore’s culinary heritage with a hint of Malaysian influence.
Established in the 1980s by a passionate chef, this Geylang-based eatery delivers a casual dining experience packed with flavor and tradition. It’s where food speaks louder than décor, and every dish carries the essence of its roots.
Their White Pepper Crab was the meal I couldn’t stop thinking about even days after my visit. The sharp heat of the white pepper paired with the natural sweetness of the crab meat was a revelation.
The seasoning enhances the succulent meat without overpowering it, creating memorable flavors. It was messy, finger-licking eating, and absolutely worth every moment.
I also recommend the Fried Bee Hoon—the first bite transported me with its smoky depth, thanks to the magic of high-heat wok cooking. Its rice vermicelli had a slightly caramelized texture that gave it so much character.
And it was easily one of the most satisfying plates of noodles I’ve ever had.
| Pro Tip: Try the prawn-paste chicken for a crunchy treat! |
3. Barossa Steak & Grill
Media credit: @barossa.sg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barossa.sg/
Website: https://www.barossa.com.sg/
Address: 1 HarbourFront Walk, #01-161/162 Vivocity
Phone: +6531258837; +6583031863
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:30AM to 3PM; 5PM to 10:30PM
- Friday – 11:30AM to 3PM; 5PM to 11:30PM
- Saturday – 11:30AM to 11:30PM
- Sunday – 11:30AM to 10:30PM
Must-have: Rock Lobster Tagliatelle
Barossa Steak & Grill brings a slice of Australia to Singapore, combining expertly grilled meats and live music. Located in VivoCity, this restaurant serves a wide selection of dishes prepared with premium ingredients sourced directly from Australian farms.
I immediately felt the laid-back charm of the place. The inviting smell of sizzling meat on the Josper grill was enough to get my mouth watering, and the sound of live music set the perfect tone for the evening.
The Australian Black Angus Tomahawk stole the show—I’ll admit, I wasn’t prepared for the sheer size of this 1.2kg beauty, but once it hit the table, all bets were off. Grilled to perfection, the golden crust sealed in the juices, creating tender bites with every cut.
The Rock Lobster Tagliatelle was another hit. The lobster tail was sweet and succulent, and the buttery sauce coated the pasta in just the right way. I found myself alternating between bites of steak and pasta, because why not?
| Pro Tip: If you’re commuting, you can get off at Harbourfront MRT which is just steps away from VivoCity Mall. |
4. Wine RVLT
Media credit: @winervlt
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winervlt/?hl=en
Website: https://winervlt.sg/
Address: 38 Carpenter St, #01-01
Phone: +6569095709
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 4PM to 12AM
- Sunday – Closed
Must-have: Lobster “XO” Pasta
Wine RVLT felt like being welcomed into a friend’s place—if that friend had amazing taste in wine and a knack for throwing great dinner parties. They had this grungy edge, and the focus was all about good wine, good food, and good company.
They’re renowned for its ever-changing menu and extensive selection of natural wines. Since its inception seven years ago, RVLT has gained a loyal following for its innovative dishes that make wine drinking an enjoyable experience for everyone.
The Lobster “XO” Pasta was my first pick, and it didn’t disappoint. The hand-cut noodles and confit lobster tail had just the right bite. Tossed in their signature XO sauce, it was flavorful and the type of dish you can’t help but keep going back to.
Then came the Crystal Bread, which was unlike anything I’d tried before. This delicate, crispy creation topped with uni butternut squash, caviar, and a shiso flower was the perfect balance of richness and brightness.
The wines were just as exciting. Their ever-changing by-the-glass menu kept things fresh, and the sommeliers were incredibly approachable. I loved chatting with them about my preferences and watching them light up as they brought over a crisp white.
| Pro Tip: Check out their homemade Chicken Nuggets, crafted from real chicken meat and soft bones, served with a punchy house-fermented sriracha. |
5. Tajimaya Yakiniku
Media credit: @whatisdieting
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tajimaya.sg/?hl=en
Website: http://www.tajimaya.com.sg/
Address: 1 HarbourFront Walk, #01-102/103, Floor 1
Phone: +6531258831
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:30AM to 3PM; 5:30PM to 10PM
- Friday to Sunday – 11:30AM to 10PM
Must-have: A5 Kagoshima Karubi Set
There’s something uniquely satisfying about cooking your food right at the table—it feels like a mix of a meal and an activity. At Tajimaya Yakiniku, located in VivoCity, you get exactly that: an interactive and delicious Japanese BBQ adventure.
The first thing I noticed was the smokeless charcoal grill, which let me enjoy the aroma of sizzling meat without the usual smoky haze.
I couldn’t resist diving into the Premium Wagyu Buffet. Every slice of beef practically melted on the grill, releasing its rich, buttery juices.
The A5 Kagoshima Karubi was my personal favorite—this set serves up an array of beautifully marbled cuts, complemented by sides like garlic fried rice and fresh sashimi.
Seafood lovers aren’t left out either. The grilled scallops and prawns were fresh and sweet, and the ponzu sauce added a citrusy tang that had me reaching for seconds. Paired with a side of garlic fried rice, every mouthful was satisfying and comforting.
| Pro Tip: Order some of the Garlic Fried Rice as a sidekick to your grilled meat! |
6. New Ubin Seafood
Media credit: @newubinseafood
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newubinseafood/?hl=en
Website: https://newubinseafood.com/
Address: 30 Victoria Street, #02-01B C
Phone: +6597406870
Hours:
- Sunday to Friday – 11AM to 1AM
- Saturday – 11AM to 12AM
Must-have: Cereal Tiger Prawns
New Ubin Seafood at CHIJMES brings the flavors of traditional Singaporean seafood and zi char to a welcoming, family-friendly setting. They have a history rooted in Pulau Ubin’s kampong-style cooking.
Their seafood takes center stage, with dishes like Garlic Baked Crab drawing consistent praise. This dish has become a favorite due to its aromatic seasoning and tender meat.
Then came the Cereal Tiger Prawns, a dish that’s truly meant for sharing. It was a delightful mix of textures, with the crispy cereal adding a slightly sweet crunch to the juicy prawns—everyone at the table kept reaching for just one more piece.
As a meat lover, I couldn’t pass up the USDA Black Angus Rib-eye. Cooked just right, the steak was incredibly juicy, with a buttery finish that paired wonderfully with the seafood dishes on the table.
| Pro Tip: Don’t miss the Herbal Prawn Soup for a comforting start to your meal. It’s a delightful way to warm up before diving into the array of seafood and zi char dishes. |
7. Suki-Ya
Media credit: @sukiyasg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sukiyasg/?hl=en
Website: https://www.suki-ya.com.sg/
Address: 205 Hougang St 21, #02-09, Floor 2 Heartland Mall Kovan
Phone: +6531255297
Hours: Daily – 11:30AM to 10PM
Must-have: Truffle Mushroom Soup
Hot pot has always been one of my favorite ways to gather with friends and family, and Suki-Ya at Heartland Mall takes the experience to another level. They are fondly known as the “House of Hot Pot,” and their popularity has risen through the roof.
The all-you-can-eat menu was the first thing to catch my eye. Watching the thin slices of beef and chicken bubble in the Sukiyaki broth was oddly satisfying.
The Truffle Mushroom Soup was another favorite—it added an earthy feel that made the meat and vegetables feel indulgent.
Speaking of veggies, the vegetable bar was a feast in itself. From mushrooms to lotus root, there was no shortage of colorful additions. For a bit of variety, I grabbed takoyaki and tempura from the ready-to-eat items while waiting for my hotpot to simmer.
Their Premium Menu also introduces ingredients like Wagyu beef, Iberico pork, and fresh seafood, including tiger prawns and scallops, served upon order for extra freshness.
For dessert, I couldn’t resist finishing with a sweet, icy cup of ice cream. It was the perfect way to end a meal that felt more like an event than just dinner.
| Pro Tip: Upgrade to the Premium Menu for access to Wagyu beef and specialty soups like Chicken Collagen—worth it for an even more indulgent experience! |
8. Vineyard at Hortpark
Media credit: @vineyardhortpark
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vineyardhortpark/?hl=en
Website: https://www.vineyardhortpark.com.sg/
Address: 33 Hyderabad Road, #02-02 Hort Park
Phone: +6531251860
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30AM to 3PM; 6PM to 10PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 10:30AM to 10PM
Must-have: Irish Duck Leg Confit
Found within the lush greenery of Singapore’s HortPark, Vineyard feels like stepping into a countryside retreat. They’re seen as a tranquil place with their floor-to-ceiling glass windows, abundant natural light, and verdant surroundings.
The menu at Vineyard is rooted in a garden-to-table philosophy, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to craft French-inspired dishes.
I started with their Burrata Salad, and I’m still thinking about it. The creamy burrata paired beautifully with the seasonal vegetables—it was refreshing and light, exactly how I like to begin a meal.
But the real showstopper for me was the Spiced 20-Hour Irish Duck Leg Confit. The duck was tender, with crispy skin and just the right amount of seasoning.
And as for the seafood fans, you’ll love the Homemade Squid Ink Tagliatelle. The briny, rich flavor of the pasta paired with the delicate seafood was a winning combination.
By the time dessert came around, I was already full, but I couldn’t resist the Aquafaba Pavlova. Light and airy with a good crunch, it was the perfect sweet finish to a meal that felt like a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients.
| Pro Tip: Plan your visit around sunset to enjoy the garden views at their most stunning, with soft natural light enhancing the serene atmosphere during your meal. |
