Singapore’s culinary prowess is nothing short of extraordinary. For an island that spans just over 700 square kilometres, it boasts a staggering 51 Michelin-starred restaurants—a testament to the nation’s insatiable appetite for gastronomy.
From the first South American fine dining restaurant to elevated Penang cuisine, these restaurants go beyond just serving food. They create a sensory journey that elevates dining to an art form. Each bite reflects Singapore’s deep-rooted love for flavour, paired with world-class craftsmanship—perfect for those seeking a sophisticated evening out. After all, in a city of food lovers, what better way to celebrate than through exceptional cuisine?
Here are the restaurants we’ve shortlisted out of all of the Michelin-starred restaurants in the city:
1. Odette
Image: Odette
The words “fine dining” and “art” are not often associated with one another, but Odette is just that. The 3-Michelin-starred restaurant is located in the National Gallery Singapore, which houses the world’s largest collection of Southeast Asian art.
Helmed by Chef Julien Royer, the restaurant is a tribute to his grandmother, whose culinary philosophy of honouring ingredients with respect and simplicity lies at the heart of every dish. Chef Royer’s French culinary approach seamlessly weaves in the essence of Southeast Asia, with carefully selected ingredients from passionate local farmers and producers.
The interiors are a study in elegant minimalism, blending soft pastels with natural oak, pink marble, and brass accents to create a serene and inviting space. The refined aesthetic complements the restaurant’s airy, luminous atmosphere, setting the stage for the gastronomic experience that awaits.
Image: Odette
Odette offers two indulgent tasting menus for lunch and dinner: a plant-based option at $348 for lunch or $398 for dinner, and a seasonal seven-course menu priced at $498. The dishes showcase the chef’s refined mastery, such as the Mazan white asparagus, elevated by Hokkaido sea urchin, Kristal caviar, and a zesty touch of Menton lemon.
Equally sublime is the Scottish blue lobster, enhanced by the depth of Kyoto miso and the delicately bitter undertones of endive, all brought together by a velvety sake beurre blanc. Each plate is a testament to Chef Royer’s passion for craftsmanship and a true celebration of culinary artistry.
2. Zén
Image: Zén
Tucked away in a discreet white colonial townhouse on Bukit Pasoh Road, Zén unveils a multi-sensory journey that feels like a well-kept secret. Step beyond the wooden doors, and an orchestrated dining experience awaits you, unfolding over three levels of a meticulously restored shophouse. Your gastronomic adventure begins with appetisers on the ground floor, before ascending to the second for mains, and finally reaching the top floor where dessert is the grand finale.
A5 Sendai wagyu, Périgourdine jus, wasabi, kabu.
Image: Zén
Inside, the 24-seater restaurant is reminiscent of an intimate Swedish home, adorned with framed art, eclectic ceramics, and cosy couches. Since opening in 2018 as a sibling to Stockholm’s three-Michelin-starred Frantzén, Zén has maintained its own trio of Michelin stars for four consecutive years. Chef Björn Frantzén’s mastery of Scandinavian cuisine, infused with Japanese influences, shines through each meticulously crafted dish.
Image: Zén
Not for the faint of wallet, Zén is one of Singapore’s most luxurious dining spots, with lunch starting at $395 and dinner at $580. Recently, executive chefs Toraik ‘TC’ Chua and Martin Öfner unveiled a new summer menu, staying true to Zén’s Nordic roots. Expect delights like traditional Swedish Råraka with Vendace roe, the signature French toast, and perfectly grilled A5 wagyu. The journey culminates in indulgent desserts, such as bright Amelia tomato sorbet and rich salted carrot ice cream—each bite more whimsical than the last.
3. Meta
Image: Meta
When one thinks of Korean cuisine, smoky K-BBQ spots in Tanjong Pagar may be the first to come to mind. But Chef Sun Kim of Meta is redefining those expectations, offering something far more refined. Nestled behind sleek black awnings and gleaming glass panels, this 2-Michelin-starred gem blends Chef Sun’s Korean roots with his European culinary training. The result? A harmonious symphony of flavours, where top-tier produce from Japan is elevated by French techniques, then infused with the bold, unmistakable essence of Korea.
Having earned its second star in 2024, Meta’s menu evolves every 3 months, dictated by the seasons. But the heart of the experience is Chef Sun’s nod to a classic Korean BBQ dish – a reinterpretation of his heritage. Expect grilled marinated meats served over earthy burdock root rice, accompanied by a crisp, refreshing white kimchi – a family recipe passed down by his grandmother. It’s an homage to the warmth and communal spirit that BBQ represents in Korean culture, but in an elevated, artful presentation.
Image: Meta
Dessert at Meta is just as indulgent. End the meal with a malty mousse paired with buckwheat ice cream, crowned with a luscious doenjang caramel. The play on textures and flavours is both unexpected and delightful, a perfect finale to a truly unique dining experience.
4. Araya
Image credit: Araya Singapore
Araya is the first fine-dining South American restaurant to grace Singapore’s culinary scene, artfully weaving the flavours of Chilean South Pacific cuisine with a touch of Japanese finesse. A rising star in 2024, this brainchild of chefs Francisco Araya and Fernanda Guerrero captured the city’s attention, earning its Michelin star within a mere eight months of opening.
Housed within the Mondrian Singapore Duxton, the restaurant’s interiors are as enchanting as the dishes it serves – a visual ode to Chile’s dramatic landscapes. The restaurant’s warm hues mimic sunsets while bold textures evoke the rugged southern mountains that have stayed in the chef-couple’s hearts long after moving to Asia.
This edible art of sardines and escabeche, in a vinegary emulsion scented with bay leaf, thyme, and black pepper, evokes Chilean lapis lazuli.
Image: Araya Singapore
The menu is a bold exploration of flavour. Highlights include a Brazilian-inspired moqueca featuring Japanese kinki fish, a tender wagyu picanha accented with shallot and raspberry vinegar chimichurri, and an inventive ceviche layered with shio koji-cured scallops, leche de tigre sorbet, and crisp green apples – all enlivened by a cava espuma that hints at the complex artistry of this duo’s culinary vision.
5. Thevar
Image: Thevar
Thevar takes Singapore’s love for Penang’s rich culinary heritage and elevates it to new heights, packing the essence of traditional flavours into a sleek, 2-Michelin-star dining experience. Under the masterful guidance of Chef Mano Thevar, the restaurant reimagines Indian cuisine with modern flair—blending the soulful spices of India with contemporary techniques that honour the chef’s childhood in Penang.
The menu, constantly evolving with Chef Thevar’s inspirations, showcases sharing plates that are a true celebration of the grill’s smoky intensity. Picture perfectly seared mackerel on a delicate dosai or a Mysore spiced lamb rack that’s smoky, tender, and bursting with bold flavours.
Mysore spiced lamb rack.
Image: Thevar
Securing a reservation here is no small feat, but for those in the know, the best seats in the house are at the counter—where you can watch the chef in action, weaving his culinary magic.
Must-try dishes? Start with the Irish oysters draped in a tangy rasam vinaigrette, a nod to Chef Thevar’s grandmother’s soulful rasam soup. Or dive into the crispy Iberico pork, its rich marbling delivering unparalleled succulence, perfectly balanced by a sambal aioli that adds just the right amount of heat. The betelnut leaf’s herbal bitterness is a refreshing palate cleanser, tying everything together in one harmonious bite. Round off the meal with one of the restaurant’s inventive, Asian-inspired cocktails or a glass from their eclectic wine list.
6. Pangium
Image: Pangium
Nestled within the lush embrace of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Pangium brings the vibrant flavours of Peranakan cuisine into harmony with nature’s beauty. This new Michelin-starred restaurant can be found at The Orangery in the Gallop Extension, inviting diners to immerse themselves in an elegant, green sanctuary while indulging in the nation’s favourite pastime: eating.
Epicureans will recognise the name Chef Malcolm Lee. Known for his culinary prowess behind the Michelin-starred Candlenut, Lee brings his same visionary approach to Pangium. This new venture honours the depth of tradition while breathing fresh life into Peranakan cuisine. Its very name, Pangium, is a nod to the pangium tree, revered for producing the cherished buah keluak, a key component in authentic Peranakan cooking.
Image: Pangium
At Pangium, Lee fuses age-old heritage with modern sensibilities, reimagining classic flavours for the contemporary palate. The Bakwan Kepiting is an opulent reinterpretation of a timeless soup, featuring Kabocha pumpkin, Alaskan crab, Japanese snow crab, and a delicate broth of chicken and fish maw. For a heartier option, the S.O.S (Same Old Stew) Buah Keluak Beef Stew brings a comforting touch, with slow-cooked Westholme wagyu short rib paired with fragrant basmati rice and sambal belachan, a true homage to Chef Malcolm’s family traditions.
7. Shoukouwa
Image: Shoukouwa
Shoukouwa, Singapore’s only two Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant, offers an extraordinary deep dive into the world of traditional edomae sushi. This refined Tokyo-style cuisine is characterised by artfully hand-pressed rice topped with delicately marinated seafood, showcasing the simplicity that comes with perfect execution. And here, the seafood couldn’t be fresher – ingredients are flown in four times a week straight from Tokyo’s iconic Toyosu Market, ensuring each bite captures the essence of the ocean.
Image: Shoukouwa
The dining experience at Shoukouwa is intimate and exclusive, with only 14 seats encircling the counter, giving guests front-row access to the masterful precision of Chef Kazumine Nishida. Chef Nishida curates two carefully considered omakase menus, designed to balance time and taste.
The KAI menu, an elegant 60-minute affair, features 13 pieces of sushi, appetisers, maki, and tamago – a sophisticated nod to those with a gentler appetite. Meanwhile, the more robust MIYABI menu, served over 90 minutes, elevates the dining experience with an extra layer of refinement and a heartier array of offerings, including 14 sushi pieces.
Indulge in gourmet experiences at Singapore’s Michelin-starred restaurants
In a city with some of the best food in the world, Singapore’s Michelin-starred restaurants offer more than just a meal–they present a gastronomic journey. From the meticulous artistry of each dish to the seamless fusion of flavours and cultures, dining at these establishments will give you a glimpse of the city’s passion for innovation and heritage. And once you’ve ticked off all 7 places on this list, know that 44 more await.
Cover image: Zén
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