17 UNIQUE restaurants and cafes that totally don't feel like Singapore

Coastes

1/17

Bask in the sun while you dine at Coastes, situated along the golden stretch of Sentosa’s Siloso Beach. The restaurant offers stunning seafront views of Singapore and a laidback beach vibe, right up to the water’s edge. Tuck into generous servings of burgers, pizzas, pastas and fresh seafood dishes, then wash it all down with premium beers and house pour spirits.

50 Siloso Beach Walk, #01-06, 099000, Sentosa
www.coastes.com

Kombi Rocks

2/17

Old school is the new cool, and this diner knows best. Cute Volkswagen Kombis (which are also available for hire) are parked at its doorstep; step inside where retro floor tiles and whimsical touches like rotary dial telephones, memorabilia, and even vintage barber chairs carry on the theme.

Even the food, mostly Thai and Chinese fare, are prepared with recipes passed down for three generations. Have we mentioned it’s old school?

68 Yio Chu Kang Rd, 545569
http://kombirocks.com/

Sushi Airways

3/17

This casual Japanese restaurant doesn’t feel like Singapore – unless, that is, you happen to be on a plane above Singapore land. Boarding passes, airplane windows and waitresses dressed as airline stewardesses add to your unique dining experience at this aircraft-themed restaurant.

Don’t worry, there’s no sub-par airline food here, only the freshest sashimi and sushi flown in straight from Japan four times a week. We’re all aboard!

20a Baghdad St, 199659
www.sushiairways.com

Knots Cafe & Living

4/17

What would a cafe opened by a florist look like?

Like this: woody furniture accented by plants, with terrariums and bunches of roses, orchids and sunflowers adorning the space.

The cafe even doubles as a furniture shop – you can even buy the very chair you’re sitting on!

#01-07, 160 Paya Lebar Rd, 409022
http://knotscafeandliving.com/cafe

Antoinette

5/17

Elevated by an elegant Parisian boudoir look, this French-inspired cafe is certainly worthy of its reference to Marie-Antoinette, the last Queen of France.

Food fit for royalty: regional French savoury specialties as well as luxurious pastries and confectionery. C’est délicieux!

#02-33/34 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Rd, 238897
www.antoinette.com.sg

Punggol East Container Park

6/17

Love the hipster food scene of Los Angeles or London? Then, you’ll dig these off-the-beaten-track container bistros. Take your pick of local-and-Asian-inspired grub like sambal (hot chilli paste) stingray and Korean fried chicken; Western comfort foods like fish and chips; and cheap craft beers, here.

50 Punggol East, 828826

Central Perk

7/17

This isn’t the set of the hit TV sitcom F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Ok, it kind of is – it’s a cafe that’s designed exactly like so, from the iconic orange sofa to the brick walls, and even Chandler and Joey’s foosball table.

Even the menu is inspired by representative food items on the show as well, from Chandler’s Thanksgiving Chicken to Phoebe’s “I Can’t Eat Meat” Steak.

#01-01 Central Mall, 1 Magazine Rd, 059567
http://centralperk.sg

Brasserie Les Saveurs

8/17

Stepping into the plush Brasserie Les Saveurs, you’d expect an epicurean experience of refined French cuisine, and that’s exactly what you’re given.

Free your afternoon and tuck into a lavish spread of scones, sandwiches, desserts and more at Afternoon Tea, while the resident pianist serenades you with a live performance.

The St Regis Singapore, 29 Tanglin Rd, 247911
www.brasserielessaveurs.com

Overeasy

9/17

The resto looks like a cute Williamsburg, Brooklyn, cafe – cinematic fixtures and iconic diner booths transport you straight to NYC. The only giveaway: the splendid view of Marina Bay at this riverside hotspot. Here, spend your cheat day on classic diner fare like its crowd favourite Truffled Lobster Mac & Cheese ($48).

#01-06 One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Rd, 049213
www.overeasy.com.sg

Nox - Dine In The Dark

10/17

Abandon all concern about your surroundings on this mysterious sensory journey – stripped of your sight, savour a 3-course dinner as your personal guide brings you on a gourmet journey of discovery in a completely dark dining room.

With your amplified sense of taste and smell, discover the subtleties of flavour and the art of cuisine, along with signature cocktails customised to your palate.

269 Beach Rd, 199546
www.noxdineinthedark.com

Kafe Utu

11/17

Get a taste of Africa right here just off Keong Saik Road. Besides delicious and diverse dishes from the continent, you can also dig in to some breakfast, brunch and tapas from around the world.

When the sun sets, head up to their lounge bar for an exciting cocktail experience to start your memorable night out.
12 Jiak Chuan Rd, 089265
https://kafeutu.com

The White Rabbit

12/17

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Housed in a restored old chapel along Dempsey Hill, The White Rabbit transports you to the magical world of Alice in Wonderland.

Its white walls, animal-shaped shrubs and an outdoor bar with a “Drink Me” motif will delight fans of Lewis Carroll’s enduring novel. Meanwhile, the impeccable service and mouthwatering European cuisine will keep you coming back, ahem, through the looking glass.

39C Harding Rd, 249541
www.thewhiterabbit.com.sg

Sum Yi Tai

13/17

Sum Yi Tai translates to “third wife” in Cantonese, and this Chinese-Cantonese tapas bar pays tribute to the 1980s glamour of old Hong Kong.

Expect lots of vintage Canto-pop music floating through the speakers, dim red lantern lights and even a mahjong wall. The tapas bar is on the ground floor; a back-room cocktail lounge and private room karaoke on the second floor; and a rooftop bar on the third floor.

25 Boon Tat Street, 069622
www.sumyitai.com

Lawry's The Prime Rib Singapore

14/17

Perfect for special occasions, Lawry’s The Prime Rib Singapore serves up some of the best prime rib of beef in town and gets you feeling special each time you drop by. Its
Signature USDA Roasted Prime Rib of Beef, aged 28 days, is slow-roasted on beds of rock salt to bring out its juicy flavours.

333A Orchard Rd, Mandarin Gallery, #04-01, 238897
www.lawrys.com.sg

Lime House

15/17

Inspired by all things Caribbean, Lime House will put you at ease as you tuck into the authentic menu ranging from slipper lobster cocktail and Caribbean fish cakes to baby back ribs and the famous Jamaican jerk chicken.

And oh, don’t miss out on the quality rum and great music on weekends too!

2 Jiak Chuan Rd, 089260
https://limehouse.asia

Everest Kitchen

16/17

If you’re looking for the best of Himalayan cuisine in Singapore, head over to Little India for beloved Nepalese classics such as sukuti and momo dumplings.

Once you’ve had your fill, end off your meal with with the signature mustang coffee.

55 Chander Rd, 219550
www.facebook.com/everestkitchensg

My Melody Café

17/17

Get a dose of Sanrio characters over at Suntec City on your next family day out. The My Melody Café is just overloaded with cuteness meant for the ‘gram. Pink pancakes, anyone?

3 Temasek Boulevard, Suntec City Mall, #01-363, 038983
www.facebook.com/mymelodycafesg

This article was first published in The Finder.