Singaporeans are known for our penchant for good food. We are always on a quest to find the best food or the next new place to eat. We pride ourselves in knowing where all the best eateries are, from fancy restaurants to our local chicken rice stalls. It is no wonder that Singapore plays hosts to some of the best restaurants from all over the world, including those that have been awarded the coveted Michelin star.
Restaurants that are awarded the Michelin star are known worldwide as some of the best places to dine in. It is the most coveted award that can be given to a chef and his restaurant. How does a chef and his restaurant get awarded this accolade?
The Michelin star process is still very much a secretive one. While there is a series of criteria that is required of a restaurant, its actual process and determination is thorough and meticulous and can take several years. Generally, the criteria that the process undergoes covers quality of the products, mastery of flavour and cooking techniques, the personality of the chef in his cuisine, value for money, and consistency between visits.
Restaurants are reviewed anonymously by “Inspectors” and chefs are not aware when and by whom they are being reviewed. They are all employees of the Michelin group and always pay for their meals. This is to ensure that there is no special treatment during their visit and reviews are unbiased.
The coveted stars are only awarded to an excellent few and can mark the turning point for a restaurant. What does it mean then to receive the Michelin star(s)? According the Michelin Guide SG site, one star means that the restaurant is very good in its category, two stars for excellent cooking and worth a detour, and three stars are only awarded to those that are of exceptional cuisine and worth a special journey.
As published in the 2017 Michelin Guide SG, Singapore houses 38 starred restaurants, with a wide array of cuisines from French, Japanese and Indian. Not to mention, some of Singapore top local street food have been awarded a Michelin star as well.
And if you’re wondering what non-inspectors think about the restaurants, we’ve consolidated reviews of all the Michelin-starred restaurants in Singapore so you can make a discerning decision about your visit.
Unfortunately none of the restaurants and eateries in Singapore has been awarded three Michelin stars this year since Joel Robuchon restaurant, the only three-star recipient last year, closed. Here are some two-starred Michelin restaurants:
1. Les Amis
Address: 1 Scotts Road, #01-16 Shaw Centre, S(228208)
Established in 1994, Les Amis is affectionately known as one of Singapore’s first fine dining restaurants. Located in the heart of Orchard Road, Les Amis has been the cornerstone of fine dining in Singapore.
Their signature cold angel hair pasta with kombu, caviar and truffles is a must-have, and not to mention the pan-seared foie gras and omi beef, which comes a close second. Reviewers and patrons alike can agree on two things at Les Amis, that is the exceptional food and the exceptional service.
2. Odette
Address: 1 Saint Andrew’s Road, #01-04, National Gallery, S(178957)
Since its inception, Odette has been associated with its raving reviews. Every dish is elegantly prepared and the attention to detail is meticulous, and surpassed everyone’s expectation.
The smoked organic egg and heirloom beetroot variation appear to be the two most outstanding dishes, that reviewers enjoy most. There is a long wait-list, so plan ahead to reserve your seats. As one blogger remarked, Odette is a wonderful place to impress someone, and if no one else, then why not yourself?
3. Shisen Hanten
Address: Level 35, Orchard Wing, Mandarin Orchard Singapore, 333 Orchard Road, S(238867)
To have a Szechuan restaurant being awarded two Michelin stars is a refreshing break from the French cuisines that dominate the space. Described as modern Chinese fine dining with Japanese infusion, Shisen Hanten comes at great reviews from patrons and bloggers alike and is deserving of its stars.
The mapo tofu, chawanmushi foie gras with crab roe soup, and roast duck feature very highly among reviews and are not to be missed at Shisen Hanten.
4. Shoukouwa
Address: 1 Fullerton Road, #02-02A One Fullerton, S(049213)
This exclusive restaurant is one of the youngest restaurants on the list to be awarded the Michelin stars. The restaurant seats eight diners, which makes for a pretty exclusive setting. Shoukouwa prides itself in the freshness of their food, with ingredients flown in daily from the Tsukiji Market in Tokyo. Patrons are pretty unanimous in their favourite, which is the Omakase, with some going as far to say one of the best Omakase in Singapore.
Notable dishes featured are Monkfish liver with uni, crabmeat croquette, and the crab rice with uni and ikura. Each dish meticulously prepared and plated, there is no wonder this young restaurant has already garnered two Michelin stars.
5. Waku Ghin
Address: Level 2 Dining, L2-01, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue, S(018956)
Having been upgraded from one to two stars in 2017, the restaurant is well-loved by netizens who have visited. Most people who are familiar with the restaurant know that they serve up a mean uni dish, in particular: uni served in a sea urchin shell with Botan shrimp sashimi and caviar.
It’s possibly among the priciest fine dining restaurants in Singapore, but everyone who has been there claims that the experience is worth the price tag!
Now, here are the restaurants that have been awarded one Michelin star.
6. Alma
Address: Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Road, S(228221)
Alma features modern European cuisine with Asian influences and among the favourite dishes include the crispy tofu, Hokkaido scallop, and Boston lobster with angel hair pasta.
Alma fares well among patrons, scoring well in reviews and ratings but not quite the same among bloggers’ reviews. The dishes are inventive and priced modestly, particularly the lunch set. However, the lack of flexibility to add on to the three course lunch may have been a slight disservice to them. All in all, for a Michelin-starred restaurant, the lunch set does offer good value for money and overall the food does live up to its star.
7. Béni
Address: 333A Orchard Road, #02-37 Mandarin Gallery, S(238897)
A Japanese-French fusion restaurant, Béni has been designed for an intimate setting. Particularly special is the chef’s table, where patrons may watch the talented chefs perform their craft. Scoring well among bloggers and patrons alike, Béni will not disappoint.
Their standout dishes include Ozaki A5 wagyu beef from Miyazaki prefecture and Kobe beef with potato and madeira. Even their breads deserve special mention, served in a pouch with heated pebbles to keep them warm.
8. Braci
Address: 52 Boat Quay, #05-01/ #06-01, S(049841)
Braci is located in an unassuming shophouse along Boat Quay, serving up authentic Italian cuisine. Braci has an open kitchen concept which calls for an intimate setting.
In addition to that, patrons and bloggers rave over the scallops, king crab tagliolini with uni and caviar. The pork cheek is also a must-have but tends to be sold out, so ordering in advance will be a good idea. Unique to Braci is the traditional bread made from 100 year old yeast.
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9. Candlenut
Address: 17A Dempsey Rd, S(249676)
Candlenut may be the world’s first (and only!) Peranakan restaurant with a Michelin Star. A modern take on Peranakan food, Candlenut redesigns the traditional classics to the modern palate while still steeped in tradition. It fares well among bloggers and patrons, particularly tourists and foreigners, but Peranakan purists may find that there is not enough “kick”.
Noteworthy dishes include yellow coconut curry of crab, ayam buah keluak, and if you are up for a challenge, the buah keluak ice cream.
10. Cheek by Jowl
Address: 21 Boon Tat St, S(069620)
Described as modern Australian cuisine with multi-cultural influences, Cheek by Jowl has won itself the Michelin star despite being relatively new in the scene. Reading through reviews of patrons, Cheek by Jowl fares relatively well among its patrons, but bloggers are not as wowed over.
The restaurant is designed with an open kitchen concept which makes it exciting to watch and dine there. Some noteworthy dishes are the roasted quail and the salt baked beetroot (from the vegetarian set), and above all, the Coconut, Laksa Leaf Ice Cream, Pomelo and Green Chilli has been the real showstopper at Cheek by Jowl.
11. Chef Kang’s
Address: 25 Mackenzie Rd, S(228681)
Chef Kang’s serves up authentic Cantonese cuisine in his private kitchen concept restaurant of the same name. In Chef Kang’s, Chef Kang himself cooks every dish, in this five-table restaurant, which ensures that each dish is consistently good.
The restaurant is well-loved by bloggers and enjoys outstanding reviews from the community, but other netizens were less enthusiastic.
Nonetheless, Chef Kang has truly earned his stars with these noteworthy dishes: Soon Hock fish soup, rice noodle in superior stock and prawn paste friend chicken or pork belly. Be prepared to book months in advance to secure your table here, as there is a two month wait-list.
12. Corner House
Address: 1 Cluny Road, E J H Corner House Singapore Botanic Gardens, S(259569)
Situated in a colonial house in the Botanical Gardens, Corner House is one of the few restaurants that has the privilege of being nestled in a naturally beautiful setting.. Described as sophisticated and elegant, Corner House serves up dishes worthy of its one Michelin Star.
Patrons and bloggers both speak highly of Corner House and name the scallop and oyster starter and the New Zealand Blue Cod “crispy scales” among its standout dishes. Perfect for a wonderful dinner with friends and loved ones.
13. Crystal Jade Golden Palace
Address: 290 Orchard Rd, #05-22 Paragon Shopping Centre, S(238859)
While Crystal Jade is generally known as a restaurant chain, Crystal Jade Golden Palace has been described to be among its “grander” outfits in the chain. Offering an extensive menu, there are a few notable dishes that are a must-try such as the suckling pig with foie gras or the chilled yellow cream crab in Teochew style.
14. Cut by Wolfgang Puck
Address: 2 Bayfront Avenue, B1-71, Galleria Level The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, S(018972)
Think American steakhouse but elevated to fine dining standards (and prices!), that is Cut by celebrated chef, Wolfgang Puck. It goes without saying that the dish of the day will be the steak, which is highly regarded by all patrons and bloggers.
Special mention was made to the New York Cut Idaho Wagyu steak as a standout dish. For starters, Hokkaido scallop carpaccio and maple glazed pork belly were also worthy mentions to try, according to reviewers. Cut was certainly named, “a cut above the rest”, pun intended.
15. Garibaldi
Address: 36 Purvis St, S(188613)
Garibaldi has already made a name for itself here in Singapore among its patrons and have now garnered themselves the coveted Michelin star. They were already popular even before the star and will continue to do so. Their braised beef ragout in red wine is a standout and you have to try it should you get a chance for a visit. Garibaldi will certainly continue to be a mainstay here in Singapore.
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16. Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodles
Address: 466 Crawford Lane, #01-12, S(190465)
One of the two street food stalls that have been awarded the coveted Michelin star in 2016, Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodles has outdid itself and retained its star in 2017. There is only one dish to be ordered, and since it has been awarded the Michelin star, lines have been insanely long. With tourists and locals alike flocking to the stall, netizens complain a two- to three-hour wait.
Is this worth the star? Some comments noted that with exorbitant waiting time, it is not really worth it as your expectations are now higher. General consensus, though, still show that this Singapore favourite will continue to be a crowd-pleaser, and that its pork noodles are indeed one-of-a-kind.
17. Iggy’s
Address: 581 Orchard Rd, Hilton Singapore, Level 3, S(238883)
Iggy’s is not a new face in the Singapore fine dining scene. The restaurant went through a revamp of menu and interior, and has earned their deserved Michelin star in 2017. The Chlorophyll Carnoroli is a noteworthy dish that many patrons love. Many reviewers are returning patrons who can’t get enough of the exquisite food and service at the restaurant, but there are also reviewers who say that their standard of food hasn’t been as good as before they were awarded the star and others who said they are overrated.
18. Imperial Treasure Fine Teochew Cuisine
Address: 2 Orchard Turn, #03-05 ION Orchard, S(238801)
Imperial Treasure Fine Teochew Cuisine serves up good food with uncompromising quality. However, visitors noted there is a slightly underwhelming variety of Teochew dishes despite its name. Nonetheless, this restaurant has been a favourite for family gathering, even before it was awarded the star. Recommended on the menu is the braised sea cucumber with minced pork, deep friend minced prawn and black moss, and of course, the marinated sliced duck.
19. Jaan
Address: 2 Stamford Road, Swissotel the Stanford, Level 70, Equinox Complex, S(178882)
Located at the 70th floor of Swissotel the Stamford, Jaan offers an amazing view of the CBD and Marina Bay area. Following in the footsteps of the previous chefs, Jaan continues to wow with every plate for a truly visual experience. Based on online reviews and blog posts, Jaan is where reviewers will pick, especially to celebrate a special occasion.
20. Labyrinth
Labyrinth is described as an Asian fine-dining restaurant with a Singaporean twist. Each dish pays homage to a local delicacy of Singapore. Every dish is plated creatively and an innovative presentation of the local cuisine.
Ranking well online among reviewers, Labyrinth has proven that it lives up to its star. Standout dishes that are loved by patrons include chilli crab and two-cut char siew.
21. Lei Garden
Address: 30 Victoria St, CHIJMES, S(187996)
Originating from the Lei Garden in Hong Kong, the Singapore Lei Garden is nestled in CHIJMES, which promises a beautiful setting. This Cantonese restaurant can be said to be among Singapore’s top 10 Cantonese restaurants. Noteworthy dishes include Peking duck and dim sum. Reviewers rave about the food, but it can get a little pricey. The set lunch is recommended for a great alternative to enjoy the good food at value-for-money prices.
22. Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle
Address: 78 Smith Street, S(058972)
The other famous street food entry to be awarded a Michelin star is Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle. It is also known as the cheapest Michelin star food you can find. After being awarded the star in 2016, this humble hawker expanded to a few restaurants to cater for the boom in business. While netizens had mixed reviews, from very good to not-so-impressed, the general consensus is that the food is still above average, all around tasty and, worth a visit.
23. Meta
Address: 9 Keong Saik Road, S(089117)
Serving up French-inspired fine dining with an Asian twist, Meta is worthy of their Michelin star based on the many reviews and feedback by patrons and bloggers alike. Meta offers a world-class dining experience and will wow you with their menu – go for the seven-course menu if you want to have the ultimate experience. Noteworthy dishes include the tenderloin, ocean trout, and the golden ball of cheesecake.
24. Osia
Address: 26 Sentosa Gateway, Festive Walk, #02-140 & 141, S(098138)
Resorts World boasts a number of Michelin Star restaurants, and in that list includes Osia. Serving up Australian cuisine with some Asian influence, Osia is touted to be one of the best places to eat in Resorts World.
The tenderloin, lamb steak and trout are favourites across many patrons. A standout dish is of course, the hot chocolate soup, which is in fact a dessert that reviewers can’t help but rave about.
25. Putien (Kitchener Road)
Address: 127 Kitchener Rd, S(208514)
Putien has many outlets in Singapore and overseas, but only its Kitchener Road outlet has been awarded the Michelin star. The original Putien, as some call it, offers a pleasant dining experience for everyone.
Bestselling dishes as recommended by long-time patrons are the stir fried yam, crispy oyster and sweet and sour pork.
26. Rhubarb
Address: 3 Duxton Hill, S(089589)
French fine dining with a relaxed atmosphere pretty much summarises Rhubarb. Located along Duxton Road, Rhubarb is a cozy restaurant of seven tables, with an open kitchen concept. Each dish is well-plated and beautifully presented and hits the mark of a Michelin star restaurant. The mushroom soup, quail and lamb were noteworthy dishes of Rhubarb. They offer set lunch, which reviewers say is a great way to try Rhubarb at a good value for money.
27. Saint Pierre
Address: 1 Fullerton Road, #02-02B One Fullerton, S(049213)
Saint Pierre is one of Singapore’s longest standing French restaurants and has been around for almost two decades. They have now made a home at One Fullerton and many patrons have raved over the food and the wonderful view of Marina Bay Sands. Describing themselves as contemporary French cuisine with Asian influences, each dish subtly combines French techniques with Asian flavours. It is also one of the few Michelin star restaurants that has planned a vegetarian set. Netizens agree that Saint Pierre has truly earned its Michelin Star.
28. Shinji (Bras Basah Road) / Shinji (Tanglin Road)
Address: 76 Bras Basah Rd, Lobby Floor, Carlton Hotel, S(189558) | 29 Tanglin Rd, The St. Regis Singapore, S(247911)
Shinji by Kanesaka is already quite popular as one of the best sushi places in Singapore, touting a very impressive Omakase that is not to be missed. Standout dishes include the sea urchin in both sashimi and sushi and the baby tuna sashimi.
The plating is notably simple and understated which allows the high quality and, fresh ingredients stand out and speak for itself. Shinji (Bras Basah Road) had retained their star from 2016, while Shinji (Tanglin Road) has earned itself a star in 2017.
29. Summer Palace
Address: 1 Cuscaden Road, Regent Singapore, A Four Seasons Hotel, Level 3, S(249715)
Located at the Regent Hotel, Summer Palace has been a family favourite among locals for many years. Serving up popular Chinese food, Summer Palace boasts an extensive menu, from roast pork with Peking duck, braised eight treasures soup in stone pot, and not to mention their dim sum.
Summer Palace has also set itself apart from its competitors by introducing a complete set of gluten-free options. Recently, however, they were plagued with some bad press over food poisoning. (For details read here)
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30. Summer Pavilion
Address: 7 Raffles Ave, The Ritz-Carlton, S(039799)
Not to be confused with Summer Palace, Summer Pavilion located at the Ritz-Carlton is a crowd-pleaser with netizens claiming this to be possibly the “best Chinese restaurant” around.
Among the top favourites are the smoked duck with tea leaves, bamboo clams, and poached rice with lobster. They recently revamped their Dim Sum menu, which offers more than your usual har gao.
31. Sushi Ichi
Address: 320 Orchard Road, #01-04 Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, S(238865)
Ginza Sushi Ichi is one of the new additions to the Singapore Michelin Guide, being awarded their Michelin star in 2017.
They are famous for their tuna and sea urchin and they are one of the few places that offers a traditional style of sushi-making, Edomae Sushi. Sushi Ichi ensures that everything is of the freshest quality with the ingredients flown in four to five times a week from Japan.
32. The Kitchen at Bacchanalia
Address: 39 Hongkong Street, S(059678)
After a major revamp, the Kitchen at Bacchanalia opened its doors to a new open kitchen concept. With the kitchen as the centre of focus, patrons are able to experience their food as they watch the kitchen dynamics in full view. Scoring well with patrons and reviewers alike, each dish is well-crafted, simple yet elegant.
Dishes to look out for are the beef, foie gras and scallops.
33. The Song of India
Address: 33 Scotts Road, S(228226)
The only Indian restaurant featured here is the Song of India, a refreshing break from the usual European or Japanese fare. Set in a colonial-style bungalow in the heart of Orchard Road, Song of India is touted to be the high-end Indian restaurant of Singapore. Serving authentic Indian fare, noteworthy dishes include the venison curry, tomato coriander soup and Goan fish curry. If undecided, then go for the buffet which serves up a wide spread of dhal, curries and rotis to try.
34. Whitegrass
Address: 30 Victoria Street, #01-26/27 CHIJMES, S(187996)
Located in Chijmes, Whitegrass serves up modern Australian cuisine with strong Asian influence that threads through each dish. Netizens are gushing over their dining experience at Whitegrass, speaking highly of the food and exceptional service. Standout dishes to look out for the roasted Iberico pork and Australian Angus beef.
35. Burnt Ends
Address: 20 Teck Lim Road, Singapore 088391
This modern Australian barbecue restaurant is known for its open-concept kitchen with custom-made grills, serving up contemporary char-grilled style dishes that is sure to get your mouths watering. Think perfectly seared steaks served with sliced bone marrow and a rich burnt onion sauce.
36. Jiang-Nan Chun
Address: 190 Orchard Boulevard, Four Seasons Hotel, Singapore 248646
Located in Four Seasons Hotel, Jiang-Nan Chun has only recently obtained a Michelin star, with their one-of-a-kind Peking duck (roasted in a mesquite wood-fired oven, if you can believe it) and exquisitely crafted dim sum.
37. Ma Cuisine
Address: 38 Craig Rd, Singapore 089676
French cuisine gastro-bar Ma Cuisine is all about that wine life. Offering over 600 labels, they also have a constantly changing menu to ensure that their food complements the wines they have on hand. Netizens so far have been raving about the tete de veau and cocotte du jour!
38. Nouri
Address: 72 Amoy Street, Singapore 069891
Derived from the Latin word for nourishment, Nouri is helmed by Chef Ivan Brehm, whose accolades include working at restaurants with 3 Michelin stars such as Per Se in New York and The Fat Duck. Their food is described as ‘crossroads cooking’, where they are influenced by numerous cultures across the globe. Try out their signature dishes such as the Acaraje— an Afro-Brazilian fritter— or their Vatapa, which is, essentially, black pepper fish.
39. Sushi Kimura
Address: 390 Orchard Rd #01-07 Palais Renaissance Singapore 238871
A private and intimate 22-seat only sushi joint, Sushi Kimura serves up Edomae-style delicacies that are made with fresh ingredients from the legendary Tsukiji Market. Every element to each dish is thoughtfully crafted out, from organic soya sauce to the spring water used to cook the rice.
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