Tatler 100 Best Restaurants Asia 2024

Three culinary visionaries: Chef Hirofumi Imamura (left), Chef Jitin Joshi (centre) and Chef Kevin Wong (right) (Credit: Imamura; Revolver; Seroja)

Tatler Asia has unveiled its prestigious Best 100 Restaurants Asia 2024, celebrating exceptional dining establishments across the region. This coveted list is meticulously curated by a panel from Tatler's expansive Asia-wide network, including dining editors and seasoned critics. Among the honorees are three Singaporean restaurants on The Culinaire’s List, curated for DBS Insignia Cardmembers.

Imamura, by Chef Hirofumi Imamura, offers an authentic Japanese dining experience where precision and artistry are emphasised. At its intimate 13-seat counter, diners can view Chef Hirofumi’s creations using the finest ingredients such as Kagoshima wagyu sourced directly from Mizusako farm in Japan. Each course is thoughtfully designed and celebrates the best of seasonal ingredients to bring diners through a harmonious omakase experience.

Revolver delivers an immersive modern Indian dining experience under group executive Chef-partner Jitin Joshi. Fusing traditional techniques with global influences, the menu dazzles with dishes like Kulchette (flatbread) with smoked eggplant and Naga chilli Roscoff onion rock lobster stir-fry. Diners are treated to a culinary spectacle at the open kitchen, where Chef Jitin’s team skillfully wields a custom-built wood-fired grill, smoker, and tandoor.

Under the guidance of Chef Kevin Wong, Seroja is a celebration of the Malay Archipelago's vibrant flavours and culinary traditions. Each dish is a bold homage to the produce of the region, like scallops kissed by mangrove wood smoke and laksa sauce. Chef Kevin’s imaginative non-alcoholic pairings add another dimension to celebrate his heritage while embracing innovation.

Reserve your table at these establishments through The Culinaire’s List. Contact us via email at [email protected] or call 1800 327 8088 (within Singapore) or +65 6327 8088 (from overseas).

Carlitos

A selection of tapas from Carlitos (Credit: Carlitos)

Carlitos, a vibrant tapas bar in Joo Chiat, is the brainchild of long-time friends and celebrated chefs Carlos Montobbio of Esquina and Antonio Miscellaneo of La Bottega, with the backing of Ebb & Flow Group and Unlisted Collection. Drawing from Chef Carlos’ Catalan roots and over 20 years of culinary expertise, he showcases timeless Spanish flavours in a warm, neighbourhood setting reminiscent of Barcelona’s no-frills tapas bars.

The menu spans over 30 types of tapas crafted from premium, seasonal ingredients. Highlights include the Buñuelos de Pamplona, a bold combination of codfish fritters and ajoarriero sofrito laced with saffron aioli. For a taste of Spanish Conservas - cured or cooked canned bites, try the Mejillones, mussels in piquillo mayo, showcasing the delicate art of tinned seafood. For dessert, the Spanish caramel pudding or Flan y Cafe is perfect with Cortado Coffee or complement your meal with a glass of artisanal Spanish wine for the perfect tapas pairing.

Venue:
350 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427598

Opening Hours:
Wednesday and Thursday, 5.30pm to 11pm
Friday and Saturday, 11.30am to 3.30pm, 5.30pm to 11pm
Sunday, 11.30am to 3.30pm, 5.30pm to 10.30pm

Reservations:
Carlitos/reservations

C.O.T.U (Centre of the Universe)

F&B industry veterans come together to as Executive Directors of C.O.T.U (Credit: C.O.T.U)

A universe of indulgence awaits. C.O.T.U (Centre of the Universe) is Singapore’s newest multi-concept destination, blending luxury, creativity, and indulgence across five distinct spaces. Begin your journey at Little Birdie, where award-winning mixologist Elliot Pascoe crafts theatrical cocktails, or indulge in premium, aged cuts at modern Japanese grill, Enso Steakhouse, helmed by Chef Alex Craciun.

As day turns to night, The Whisper Room transforms into a lively jazz club, while Dashi Go-Go immerses guests in a Neo-Tokyo Bladerunner-inspired ultra-lounge. Top it all off at the Dashi Sky Pool, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline. Prepare to be transported into a universe of indulgence like no other, where culinary artistry meets unparalleled luxury.

Venue:
CapitaGreen, Levels 38 and 39, 138 Market St, Singapore 048946

Opening Hours:

Little Birdie
Sunday to Tuesday, 5pm to 1am
Wednesday to Saturday, 5pm to 3am

The Whisper Room
Monday to Friday, 11am to 3am
Saturday, 5pm to 4am
Sunday, 5pm to 3am

Enso Steakhouse
Monday to Friday, 11:30am to 2:30pm, 5:30pm to 11pm
Saturday and Sunday, 5pm to 11pm

Dashi Go-Go:
Thursday, 9pm to 3am
Friday and Saturday, 9pm to 4am

Dashi Sky Pool:
Daily from 11am

The Culinaire’s List Chefs Shine at The Best Chef Awards 2024

(Credit: The Best Chef)

Hot off the press this November, the 8th edition of The Best Chef Awards 2024 has bestowed the honour upon 550 chefs from 61 countries. Held in Dubai at its glamorous Atlantis The Palm, three chefs from our partner restaurants on The Culinaire’s List received the prestigious Knife ratings.

Chef Mano of Thevar achieved the highest 3 Knives mark, adding to accolades such as the two Michelin stars his restaurant has earned. Known for inventive Indian-inspired creations, Chef Mano uses bold spice combinations and premium ingredients like Lumina Spring Lamb and Brittany lobster to elevate his ethnic explorations.

Chef Kevin Wong’s Seroja was awarded 2 Knives, standing out for its world-class sustainability approach in addition to refined cooking. Its Kuntum (lunch) and Nusantara (dinner) menus showcase artisanal produce from the Malay Archipelago prepared with cross-cultural influences. Seroja’s dedication to sustainability has also been recognised with a Michelin Green Star honour.

With 1 Knife for excellence, Chef Zor’s BORN captivates diners with a poetic nine-course seasonal menu inspired by the circle of life. Highlights like foie gras custard and maple. buckwheat-crusted brioche pay homage to seasonal produce, executed with modern artistry.

Make your reservations to experience these Best Chefs’ creations via email at [email protected] or call 1800 327 8088 (within Singapore) or +65 6327 8088 (from overseas).

Le Pristine Singapore

Le Pristine Signature Seafood Orecchiette (Credit: Chantal Arnts)

Marking celebrated Dutch chef Sergio Herman’s debut in Southeast Asia, Le Pristine brings luxury seafood dining to the refurbished Grand Hyatt Singapore. Showcasing his famous boundary-crossing culinary experiences, it reflects Chef Sergio’s passion for food, fashion, art, music and design, while the specially curated menu of New Italian cuisine is adapted for the local palate.

Guests can choose from à la carte or prix-fixe menus, featuring dishes like their Signature Seafood Orecchiette; and Pizzette King Chilli Crab, an exclusive to Le Pristine Singapore featuring Alaskan King Crab.

The immersive dining experience is elevated with its sleek, moody interior designed by NAO Taniyama & Associates. Guests are greeted by a striking wine tunnel and can take in the carefully curated art by Dutch artists Sabine Marcelis, Maarten Baas and Rotganzen. Tantalising both the palate and senses, it leaves a lasting impression of modern artistry in different fields.

Venue:
Level 1M, Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10 Scotts Rd, Singapore 228211

Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Thursday, 6pm to 9pm (last seating)
Friday and Saturday, 12pm to 2pm (last seating), 6pm to 9pm

Reservations:
www.lepristinesingapore.com/reservation

ASU

The nourishing Oyster Bao by Asu (Credit: ASU)

ASU, the latest venture by Singaporean Chef Ace Tan, offers a bold take on Progressive Asian cuisine. Nestled within Labrador Nature Reserve, it is designed with well-being in mind—each of its seasonal menu draws from Chinese health practices and ingredients at their peak.

ASU’s launch menu, Origins, reflects Chef Ace’s classic family recipes interpreted with Japanese and Korean influences. Standout dishes include the re-invented Crystal Dumpling filled with lobster, with white fungus to promote hydration; and the Oyster  Bao, inspired by Chef Ace’s favourite deep-fried snack from Maxwell Market, but steamed to a light, fluffy texture; while his umami oyster sauce flavours its oyster and pork jowl filling. Within its interior, a custom-made Chinese apothecary medicine cabinet pays homage to the traditional Chinese medicine shop his extended family used to own, telling a personal story that underlies his belief in crafting delicious food that are also nourishing.

Venue:
30 Labrador Villa Rd, Singapore 119189

Opening Hours:
Wednesday to Sunday, 6pm to 11pm (Seatings at 6pm and 8.30pm)

Reservations:
wly.sg

Baia

Baia, a sleek rooftop dining lounge bar (Credit: Baia)

Baia, ILido’s latest offering perched atop Esplanade Mall, effortlessly combines the classic Roman charm of stone, wood and bronze with vibrant nightlife vibes. Offering panoramic views of the Marina Bay skyline and a curated lineup of live entertainment and top DJs, the 5,000 sq-ft space creates the perfect setting for both laid-back evenings and high-energy nights out.

The menu features Mediterranean-inspired dishes, with highlights like the Seared Bluefin Tuna accompanied by Oscietra Caviar and Colatura Crema and the Salmon Trout with Ikura pizza. The cocktail offerings, in partnership with Proof & Co., are just as impressive. They are divided into three categories: SOL for bright, refreshing aperitivos, NOX for cocktails with stronger kicks, and MOSAIC for concoctions designed for group enjoyment. An impressive cocktail under NOX offers a Barrel-Aged Ferrand 1840 Cognac warmed with freshly brewed espresso, topped with Vanilla Choco Espuma. Together, the food, drinks and ambience make BAIA a must-visit for a stylish rooftop experience.

Venue:
Esplanade Mall, 8 Raffles Avenue, Level 4, Singapore 039802

Opening Hours:
Sunday to Thursday, 5pm to 12am
Friday to Saturday, 5pm to 1am

Reservations:  
linktr.ee/baia.sg

Huize van Wely

Huize van Wely’s signature Champagne cake (Credit: Huize van Wely)

Huize van Wely, the acclaimed Dutch patisserie with a century-long legacy and deep ties with the Dutch Royal family, is set to open its doors at Raffles Singapore. Celebrated for its refined desserts, the patisserie offers pastries, chocolates as well as ice cream. Highlights include the Champagnecake, featuring luxurious layers of Moët & Chandon champagne cream ganache, white chocolate and an airy almond sponge; and the Bouchées, decadent chocolate bonbons filled with ganache, gianduja, or marzipan.

At its Singapore location, Huize van Wely will uphold the same high standards of artistry and expertise that have earned its pastry chefs numerous prestigious awards. Set in a beautifully designed tea room and bar, its elegant dining experience allow guests to enjoy high tea with carefully crafted desserts, complemented by cocktails and fine wines.

Venue:
Raffles Hotel, 3 Seah Street, #01-02, Singapore 188379

Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Saturday, 11.30am to 9.30pm
Sunday, 11.30am to 6.30pm

Reservations:  
www.tablecheck.com/en/huize-van-wely/reserve

Casa Vostra

Building on the success of La Bottega, Chef Antonio Miscellaneo introduces Casa Vostra to Raffles City, offering the warmth of home-cooked Italian meals in a cozy yet vibrant setting. The menu showcases his passion for authentic dishes made with high-quality, natural ingredients, featuring a range of pizzas categorised as ‘Newpolitan Red’ (red sauce base), ‘Newpolitan White’ (cream based) and the airy and crispy ‘DoubleCrunch’. Highlights include the Gamberi pizza with Argentinian prawns and the Mortadella pizza with parmigiano reggiano fondue and pistachio. Guests can enjoy these alongside curated Italian wines and freshly made pastas for a true Italian dining experience.

Venue: 252 North Bridge Rd, #01 - 49 / 50 / 51 Raffles City Shopping Centre, Singapore 179103

Opening Hours: Mon to Sun, 11.30am to 10pm

Reservations: www.casavostra.sg

(Left) Casa Vostra’s signature Gamberi pizza from the ‘Newpolitan Red’ menu (Credit: Casa Vostra)
(Right) Chef Antonio at Casa Vostra crafts homestyle Italian pizza and pasta with passion (Credit: Casa Vostra)

LUCINE by LUNA

Lucine by LUNA, a sister café to the popular patisserie, LUNA, adds a savoury twist to complement the brand’s exquisite desserts. Signature items include its Grilled Cheese and Tofu Katsu sandwiches. Lucine also continues LUNA’s dessert legacy with items like the Blossom, a strawberry yogurt mousse entremet tinged with elderflower, and the Classic Cheesecake. The café’s name, meaning "light," is reflected in its bright, welcoming atmosphere, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a paper flower installation by local artist Pei Li. Lucine offers a vibrant yet cozy dining experience, perfect for both meals and sweet indulgences in the heart of Singapore.

Venue: 111 Somerset Rd, #01-06, TripleOneSomerset, Singapore 238164

Opening Hours: Mon–Thu, 9.30AM–6.30PM; Fri–Sat, 9.30AM–9PM; Sun, 9.30AM–7.30PM

Waitlist: www.instagram.com/lucine.singapore

(Left) Lucine by LUNA’s new menu features a delectable selection of sweet and savoury items (Credit: Lucine by LUNA)
(Right) The sun-lit interior and floor-to-ceiling windows frames the elegant cake display at Lucine by LUNA (Credit: Lucine by LUNA)

Pastaro

Chef Willin Low, a pioneer of Modern Singaporean (Mod-Sin) cuisine and the talent behind Wild Rocket, showcases his passion for pasta and noodles at Pastaro. Known for its handmade pasta, the bistro features signature dishes like Buah Keluak spaghetti and Carbonara Fettuccine with Sarawak pepper and pancetta, blending Italian and local flavours. Tucked away on the second level of Chancery Court, Pastaro offers a cozy, intimate dining experience that rewards diners with expertly crafted pasta and a welcoming atmosphere.

Venue: Chancery Court, 36H Dunearn Road, #02-45 Singapore 309433

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 11.30AM-3PM, 5.30PM-10PM. Weekends, 10.30AM-3PM, 5.30PM-10PM

Reservations: 88240245, pastaro.resos.com/booking

(Left): Pastaro’s signature Carbonara with crunchy pork lard (Credit: Pastaro)
(Right): Cozy dining area at Pastaro Singapore (Credit: Pastaro)

Ministry of Crab

Co-founded by the celebrated Chef Dharshan Munidasa, Ministry of Crab is one of the only two Sri Lankan restaurants to make its mark on the revered Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Incidentally, the other awarded restaurant, Nihonbashi, is also by Chef Dharshan.

The new Singapore venue offers only fresh seafood, never frozen, and headlining these will be the wild-caught Sri Lankan mud crabs. They are best served chilled as “Pure Crab” (to be pre-ordered at least 6 hours ahead) for its firm texture and fresh sweetness to be enhanced only by warm butter, calamansi ponzu and chilli vinegar. Those looking for a more robust flavour will enjoy the Sri Lankan Curry Crab that is the amalgamation of numerous spices, sprigs of moringa and pandan leaves, among other bombastic flavours.

Venue: 6 Dempsey Road, Singapore 249683

Opening Hours:
Closed on Tues

Wed to Mon
Dinner 5.30pm to 10.30pm

Reservations: www.sevenrooms.com/explore/ministryofcrabsg/reservations/create/search/
Tel: +65 8389 0948

Website: www.ministryofcrab.com

 
estiatorio Milos

Renowned for his pioneering role in elevating Greek cuisine globally, Chef-Owner Costas Spiliadis is set to make the Asian debut of his restaurant at Marina Bay Sands this summer. Blending Greek sophistication with vibrant hospitality, diners will be escorted through an open fish market display to select their freshest catch–around 15 varieties of wild-caught fish are air-flown daily from the Mediterranean, prepared sashimi, grilled or sea-salt-baked, with its raw bar accompanied by seasonal vegetables.

The restaurant’s design mirrors Greek architecture with its monumental marble entrance leading to a light wood interior, creating island-home-inspired ambience.

Start with the Milos Special – a tower of lightly fried zucchini and eggplant layered into a tower of tzatziki dip and surrounded by Saganaki Kefalograviera cheese, as you imbibe estiatorio Milos’ wide variety of Greek wines. One of the largest lists in SIngapore, its indigenous grape varieties include the Assyrtiko, Xinomavro and Agiorgitiko, sourced from the volcanic terroir of Santorini to the mountainous slopes of the Peloponnese.

Venue: The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 8 Bayfront Avenue, #B1-48, Singapore 018955 (Nearest carpark: North, Green zone)

Opening Hours:
Lunch
Mon to Fri, 11.30am to 2.30pm
Saturday and Sunday, 11.30am to 3pm

Dinner
Sun to Thurs, 5pm to 10.30pm
Fri to Sat, 5pm to 11pm

Reservations: www.marinabaysands.com/restaurants/estiatorio-milos/search.html
Tel: +65 6688 9977

 Website: www.marinabaysands.com/Milos

Raffles Courtyard - Regional Hawker Showcase

Curated in collaboration with local food company Makansutra and its founder, KF Seetoh, Raffles Courtyard presents the final two instalments of its first-ever Regional Hawker Showcase - each regional hawker serves their specialty dishes exclusively for one week only.

From 4 to 10 September, Raaghavendra Arivalagan from Penang, Malaysia will serve the famous dish by his dad, a Putu Mayong master. His father’s stall has stood beside Times Square along Dato Keramat Road in Penang for over 30 years. His Putu Mayong, with its soft, vermicelli-like rice flour noodle dish steamed with pandan-infused water, is accompanied by freshly grated coconut and brown sugar.

From 2 to 8 October 2024, the last instalment will see Jeffry Sie from the Gudeg Yu Nap stall of Bandung, Indonesia serving up his Gudeg, a Javanese slow-cooked stew prepared with young unripe jackfruit. His Gudeg is simmered for hours with over 20 spices and a slew of aromatics including blue ginger, lemongrass, shallots, candlenut, coriander seeds, Indonesian bay leaves, and coconut milk. Served with twice-cooked chicken (braised and fried), hard-boiled egg, beef skin puffs that have been cooked in soto, a traditional Indonesian soup, tofu and rice, an authentic experience awaits.

Venue: Raffles Courtyard, 328 North Bridge Road, Singapore 189673

Opening Hours:

Mon to Sun, 2pm to 10.30pm (available 3pm to 9pm only)

Reservations: [email protected]
Tel: +65 6412 1816  

Website: www.rafflessingapore.com/restaurant/raffles-courtyard/

Locanda

Fans of the Michelin-starred Buona Terra will be happy to discover its new cosy Italian trattoria, Locanda, in the colourful heritage district of Little India at the city fringe. Set up to feel like a homely Italian inn, the menu is crafted by none other than Buona Terra’s Italian Resident Chef Denis Lucchi, and the men taking care of your meals, Head Chef William Bai and Sous Chef Anthony Chang, who have stepped up from their posts at Locanda. House-baked bread, bruschetta and Gnocco Fritto with cold cuts will kickstart your meal, while signature classic pastas that established Buona Terra will come in their own iterations here. Families and large groups should go for the large communal platters: Meat lovers can go for the Beef OP Ribs while seafood aficionados will savour the Spaghetti ai Frutti di Mare. Imbibe from an interesting selection of 150 premium wines coming from small-scale and lesser-known producers around the world, including natural, biodynamic wines.

Venue: 109 Rowell Road, Singapore 208033

Opening Hours:
Mon and Tues: Closed

Wed to Fri:
Dinner 6pm to 12am (last order at 11pm)

Sat and Sun:
Lunch 12pm to 3pm (last order: 2.30pm)
Dinner 6pm to 12am (last order: 11pm)

Reservations: [email protected]
Tel:  +65 9619 2691

Website: www.locanda.sg

Hideaway by Nae:um

One-Michelin-starred Nae:um was born out of Chef Louis Han’s deep connection to his Korean roots and his global culinary journey. For its third anniversary in 2024, it unveiled Hideaway, its private experience space nestled on the second level of the shophouse where Nae:um sits.

Decked out to feel just like home with a living area to lounge in pre- or post-meal, Hideaway serves Nae:um’s latest episodic menu, the first of which is Episode 7: Jeju Blossoms. This space caters to a single party of up to 14 seated guests, or up to 25 guests for standing canapes-style receptions.

A dish to note in this 7th episode is the ‘oi naengguk’, where Chef Han elevates the originally humble chilled cucumber soup that offers cool refreshment in Summer with generous helpings of seafood, lending it a flavourful depth. Look out also for the luscious Uni & Crab Bibimbap with multigrain rice in a Korean cast iron ‘sot’ pot, topped with fresh lobes of uni and King Crab meat.

Venue: 161 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068615

Opening Hours:

Tuesday to Friday:
Dinner 6pm to 10:30pm

Saturday:
Lunch 12pm to 3pm
Dinner 6pm to 10.30pm

Reservations: [email protected]
Tel: +65 8830 5016

Website: www.naeum.sg