Rooftop restaurants in Singapore: Where to wine and dine with the best views of the city

Where there’s a skyscraper in Singapore, there’s bound to be a restaurant perched right at the top. Together, panoramic views and dining create some of the most romantic dining experiences in town.

That’s just icing on the cake though. The country’s penchant for firework shows and racing cars have pinned down these restaurants as comfortable vantage points for tourists and locals alike. However, these restaurants here don’t just drive on pretty environs. Good food is still a priority.

JAAN by Kirk Westaway

The classic fine-dining establishment, at the top of Swissotel The Stamford, offers a sophisticated space amped up with stunning free-form crystal chandelier across the ceiling and breathtaking views of Singapore’s CBD. The menu here is an exploration of chef Kirk Westaway’s childhood in England, favouring natural flavours and seasonality and offers some beautifully plated dishes. Think a mini garden of over 30 different types of vegetables, flowers and herbs.

JAAN by Kirk Westaway, Level 70 Swissotel the Stamford, 2 Stamford Road, Singapore 178882, +65 6431 5670

LAVO

This rooftop destination at Marina Bay Sands is a popular spot for casual Italian-American fare and drinks. The 150-seater restaurant spots an alfresco terrace bar overlooking the Marina Bay area which offers a perfect spot to catch MBS’ late-night light and water show. Stay on after 10pm every Saturday to get in on LAVO’s weekly Saturday Soirees which sees the restaurant transform into a nightclub.

LAVO, Tower 1 Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956, +65 688 8591

CÉ LA VI

The swanky CÉ LA VI promises the ultimate 360-degree view of Singapore, 200 metres up in the sky. It’s the kind of place you’ll linger for a while: dinner at the restaurant is contemporary Asian (think wagyu beef rendang, pork satay and Thai-inspired steamed seabass), solid, classic cocktails at the Skybar, and international DJs at the Club Lounge (for when the nightclubs reopen).

CÉ LA VI, Level 57, Tower 3 Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, 1 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018971, +65 6508 2188

Level 33

Level 33 is proof that rooftop dining doesn’t have to be all fancy-schmancy business. The urban brewery has an outdoor area for casual bar bites with craft beers while it spots a dedicated dining area indoors. Here, chef Archan Chan presents a European menu which also takes inspiration from ingredients in beer-making such as kingfish sashimi cured in soya sauce and lager or a beer malt risotto.

Level 33, #33-01 Tower 1, Marina Bay Financial Centre, 8 Marina Blvd, Singapore 018981, +65 6834 3133

Skai

Besides Jaan, Swissotel also has another rooftop restaurant dining concept for more casual affairs. Skai is a grill restaurant informed by chef Paul Hallett’s love for Japanese cuisine. As such, Japanese produce takes precedence on the menu prepared with European techniques.

Skai, Level 70 Swissotel the Stamford, 2 Stamford Road, Singapore 178882, +65 6837 3322

Spago

The first international outpost of Wolfgang Puck’s Spago enjoys close-up views of MBS’ famous Infinity Pool and the city skyline. Spago offers a more relaxed environment than its one-Michelin-star sister CUT, but still sees some quality bites from its Californian cuisine with Japanese and Asian influences.

Spago, Level 57, Tower 2 Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956, +65 6688 9955

Stellar at 1-Altitude

Stellar at 1-Altitude is Singapore’s highest restaurant to date. The restaurant serves an innovative take on Australian cuisine with seasonal ingredients personally sourced by chef Christopher Millar from farms around the world. The restaurant’s dedication to sourcing the best produce is on another level, from having its own indoor edible garden to rearing its own Tajima Wagyu in New South Wales. A more luxurious experience can be had at the Dom Perignon Plenitude Suite which has its private suite for diners, personal butler service and a list of Dom Perignon vintages.

Stellar at 1-Altitude, Level 62, 1 Raffles Place, Singapore 048616, +65 6438 0410

Zafferano

Situated on the 43rd floor of Ocean Financial Centre, Zafferano offers sweeping views of the CBD and Marina Bay waterfront. Head chef Andrea De Paolo brings a contemporary spin to traditional Italian cuisine through innovative flavours and modern techniques, as seen in the Fegato D’oca (orange-cured foie gras, variations of beetroot and raspberry vincotto) and the Spaghetti with veloute and smoked razor clams, Russian oscietra cavia, and scented with bergamot. There’s also a sheltered terrace lounge for diners to revel in happy house drinks and bar bites.

Zafferano, Level 43 Ocean Financial Centre, 10 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049315, +65 6509 1488

This story first appeared in Lifestyle Asia Singapore. 

(Main and featured image: Ce La Vi/Facebook)