From The Straits Times    |

5 great restaurants for large gatherings with family and friends

Photo: Captain K/ Instagram, Wheeler’s Yard/ Instagram

There are plenty of considerations when it comes to organising a gathering for a large group of family or friends. Are there any dietary requirements among the diners in the group? How much space is needed for everyone to feel comfortable? Is the restaurant or café’s menu large enough to satisfy every tastebud and craving?

Knowing your diners well is definitely key to organising a successful event, and here’s a list of restaurants that, we feel, will make the job easier:

1. Wheeler’s Yard

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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This is the place to kill at least two birds with one stone: Snap that fab #OOTD shot in front of the eatery’s famous entrance, and have a feast in comfortable surroundings with your family or pals. Housed within a massive space that used to be an industrial warehouse, the luxury of space – and the amazing light that comes with it – effects almost instant relaxation. Its large wooden tables and chairs can comfortably accommodate big groups. Cyclists and bicycle-lovers will have an added bonus of ogling at the bike-centric décor. Food-wise, signature items include the Ultimate Beef Yard Burger and the Chilli Crab Pasta.

Wheeler’s Yard is at 28 Lorong Ampas, Singapore 328781, tel: 6254 9128.

2. Captain K Seafood Tower

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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If your family and friends love seafood and healthy eating, this is the place to indulge. The draw at Captain K are the seafood towers. Available in several tiers (the tallest one being the Pacific Tower, which costs close to $330 and can feed eight people or more), these comprise a variety of premium seafood steamed layer-by-layer in front of you. We’re not merely talking about fish and prawns, but lobsters, king crab and scallops as well. It’s truly a feast for the stomach and the eyes. Reservations are available and recommended!

Captain K Seafood Tower is at 112 Middle Road, #01-00 Midland House, Singapore 188970, tel: 6255 5744.

3. Fika Swedish Café and Bistro

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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This halal-certified spot offers authentic Swedish cuisine – from the popular meatballs to the lesser known Raksmorgas (shrimp and egg sandwich) and Pytt I Panna (sautéed diced beef, potatoes and onion with egg and pickled red beets). The Beach Road outlet has a second floor space – call to reserve – that’s great for big groups. And if you’re celebrating a special occasion that calls for cake, do note that while you can’t bring in your own cake (likely because of the halal requirement), Fika’s sister bakery, Konditori, does pretty delicious – and decadent – cakes and desserts. You’ll just have to order with the restaurant in advance.

Fika Swedish Café and Bistro is at 257 Beach Road, Singapore 199539, tel: 6396 9096.

4. Marche

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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With its wide selection of European fare, individual order cards that allow for separate payments (no more split-bill hassles!), and comfy and casual table seating of various sizes, Marche has always been a great spot for large gatherings. Our pick is the centrally located Suntec City branch, which has an awesome indoor children’s play area fashioned like a tree house. Traditional European favourites, which Marche does well, include Swiss rosti, French crepes, and German pork knuckle and sausages.

Marche is at #01-612 to 614, Suntec City (Tower 3 East wing), Temasek Blvd 3, Singapore 038983, tel: 6337 3134, and various other locations. 

5. Chong Qing Grilled Fish

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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This is one mala hotpot offering that’s unique and will definitely appeal to almost everyone in the family – even for non-spice lovers and vegetarians! Fish – which you can select from decent range, including patin, sea bass and snapper – is bathed in your choice of savoury broth, in which additional hotpot items, such as crabstick, pork balls and Enoki mushroom, can be added. Diners can choose to have their dish non-spicy or on the other end of the scale, “extreme” spicy. Pair the unique hotpot with side dishes such as salted egg calamari, black fungus salad, century egg tofu and others. We like the Mosque Street branch as its long tables, as well as a really good value buffet offering, make it an ideal place for family gatherings.

Chong Qing Grilled Fish is at #01-01, 18 Mosque Street, Singapore 059498, tel: 6225 0087 and two other outlets.

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