10 romantic restaurants in Singapore perfect for a first date

Have a hot date planned and in desperate need of last-minute inspiration? While we all love a good hawker meal (along with the very affordable prices, natch). Sometimes, you just need to up the ante a little.

Dinner dates are a great first date option because it forces both parties to spend quality time together — to talk, eat, look directly into each other’s eyes and either create a spark (yay) or realise it’s not what you’re after (boo).

For those looking for a perfect venue to help them along in their romantic rendezvous, here’s a selection of some of Singapore’s nicest restaurants.

1. Casa Cicheti

Tucked away in a quiet neighbourhood on Guan Chuan Street, Casa Cicheti offers a peaceful space where you can enjoy intimate conversations within a relaxed atmosphere. Its minimalist interior, soft lighting, and homely ambiance create the perfect backdrop for meaningful connections, free from distractions.

The food here is anything but ordinary. Ideal for sharing, the Pizza Bella Napoli ($42++) promises to fill your stomachs, while the rich brown butter ravioli ($29++) offers a savoury bite. For seafood lovers, the Gambero – grilled prawns with black garlic butter ($29.50++) is a must-try. With delicious dishes paired with great company, Casa Cicheti’s inviting atmosphere encourages endless conversations that run from fun to deep.

At 78 Guan Chuan St, #01-41, Singapore 160078, Tel: 8479 0060.

For more information, visit their website here.

2. Dusk @ Mount Faber Peak

Dusk @ Faber Peak offers the most epic sunset views over Harbourfront and Sentosa island. Surrounded by a lush green forest too, it’s picture-perfect for a first date — something you’d expect to see as a romantic movie setting.

The food has a European flair, so you can enjoy tapas or sharing platters, which often are a great way to create conversation and build bonds. There’s a healthy choice of fish and meat dishes too, to cater to all palates. Don’t forget the cocktails — the signature must-try is their Singapore Sling ($22++). A concoction of gin, orange and cherry liqueur, herbal liqueur, pineapple, and lemon, the taste is heavenly but is deadly in abundance.

At 109 Mount Faber Road, Faber Peak, Singapore 099203, Tel: 6361 0088.

For more information, visit their website here.

3. Bistecca Steakhouse

If your date likes meat, Bistecca Steakhouse should hit the perfect spot. A darkened interior creates an intimate and cosy atmosphere, so you’d still feel like you’re in your own world, even if the venue’s packed. This steakhouse, which boasts strong Italian roots, cooks their meat to mouthwatering perfection. Prepared in traditional Tuscan style over a high-temperature wood-fired grill, this produces a charred crust yet a tender and juicy centre. No wonder many deem Bistecca as the best spot for steak in Singapore.

In traditional Italian fashion, you’re welcomed with antipasti followed by the pasta course before you get to the good stuff, the meat, such as their signature 200g Tenderloin Filet Mignon ($76++). If you can eat your way through all of that, then there is a plethora of desserts too, like their Bistecca Tiramisu ($17++).

At 26 Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 238970, Tel: 6735 6739.

For more information, visit their website here.

4. Canopy Garden Dining

If you want your first date to feel a little lighter, a little brighter and with a little more of a ‘casual lunch date’ vibe, then Canopy Garden Dining is a stellar choice. With most of their branches nestled outdoors, the fresh air and chill vibe is the perfect atmosphere to get to know your company.

The food is superb, with a really great price range too. With an extensive egg section on the menu, it’s a fab option if the date is a weekend brunch. The Salmon Curado salad ($16++) comes highly recommended, as does the Canopy Angus Cheese Burger ($19++) and Salmon in Broth ($21++).

At 8 Raffles Ave, #01-10, Esplanade Mall, Singapore 039802, Tel: 6556 1533.

For more locations and information, visit their website here.

5. Artemis

Talk about a location to impress: This rooftop bar has panoramic views over the whole of Singapore and the CBD area. Especially beautiful as the sun sets and the lights begin to come on, Artemis Grill is truly a show-stopper of a venue.

The menu is inspired by a Mediterranean palate that typically includes vegetables, grains and legumes, fresh seafood and grilled meats. To ensure the food is always served at its best, the menu is seasonal — changing with whatever vegetables are flourishing at the time. The current summer menu, for example, boasts Mediterranean Sea Beam ($42++), Spinach & Feta Pie($32++), Smoked Hamachi ($32++) and Burratina ($30++), among many more delightful offerings.

At 138 Market Street, CapitaGreen Rooftop (Level 40), Tel: 6635 8677.

For more information, visit their website here.

6. Cultivate Cafe

With the classic interior design and luxe furnishings, it’s casual, relaxed and cosy — the perfect spot for an intimate meal. Serving only plant-based and gluten-free vegan food, the Cultivate Cafe is perfect for calm and genuine conversations over a platter of healthy food. Try their Classic Hummus with Za’atar & Orange Oil ($25++), combination of roasted garlic & spice served with pita bread that serves a nutty flavour. Indulge in their artisanal breads, smoothies, coffees if you’re here for tea time as well.

Open throughout the day till 9pm, the restaurant is far from being adorned like a minimalistic cafe, being decorated in antique chairs and tables with the surrounding of a peaceful library. Heart-to-heart conversations come easy within this intimate space, which might push you to invite your date for a second trip.

2 Cook St, Maxwell Reserve, Singapore 078857, Tel: 8866 0159.

 For more information, visit their website here.

7. Colony, The Ritz Carlton

The name Colony is derived from the Gregorian era of the late 18th Century, when British travellers headed to the East Indies for trade and discovered Eastern delicious delights. Hence the restaurant, found on the third level of The Ritz Carlton, Millenia Singapore, showcases local, Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, Malaysian and Western dishes (a testament to Singapore’s diverse food culture) through seven open kitchens and breakfast, lunch ($74++ per adult) and dinner buffets ($96++ per adult). Distinct experiences include a Sunday champagne brunch (from $228++ per adult), table-side cocktails and a bakery offering fresh items each day.

Bright and intimate in setting, the restaurant would make for a great venue for a first date. Particularly if you’re both seafood lovers. Every Friday and Saturday, Colony serves a dedicated seafood dinner that includes unlimited servings of oysters, crabs, scallops, sushi, sashimi and squid, to name but a few ($118++ per adult).

At Level 3, The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, 7 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039799, Tel: 6434 5288.

 For more information, visit their website here.

8. Greenwood Fish Market

With a scenic waterfront view that comes with a gentle breeze, Greenwood Fish Market’s branch at Quayside Isle in Sentosa Cove serves as a fantastic date restaurant. Although it is quite a distance to get to, it’s absolutely worth it. Opt to sit outside during the dinner date to enjoy the fairy lights, boats and water lapping against the walkway next to the restaurant as you wine and dine. Go for a stroll around the harbour after the meal to end the date on a sweet note.

But onto the best bit — the food. Any seafood lover will absolutely adore the offerings by Greenwood Fish Market. From soup to pasta, sashimi, sushi, oysters, sharing platters and fresh catch of the day, you’ll want to sample everything from their menu. Recommendations include KYS Super Special No.1 Oysters ($12.95++ each), Seafood Basket inclusive of fried octopus, calamari, mussels and more ($44.95++) and last but not least, the GFM Signature Cold Seafood Platter ($349.95++). They are experts in the fish and seafood kitchen, so you know you’re in good hands. Just always ensure you book in advance as they get very busy, very quickly.

At 34 & 38 Greenwood Ave, Singapore 289236, Tel: 6467 4950.

For more information, visit their website here.

9. Good Old Days

There’s no need to head towards super expensive, luxurious dining options just because it’s a first date. If you both enjoy Singapore’s iconic local dishes, then why not head to Sentosa and eat at Good Old Days?

Whether it’s to enjoy the smoky wok hei of your stir-fried Beef Hor Fun ($9.80++), or to indulge in a plate of flavourful Chicken Rice ($9.80++) and spicy Nasi Briyani ($12.80++), Good Old Days offers a range of tantalising local flavours that are delicious and comforting. There are a la carte and buffet options available, and the food’s halal too. The restaurant is a casual dining experience – just a chill atmosphere, good food and hopefully… good company.

At 60 Siloso Beach Walk, Singapore 098997, Tel: 6361 0088.

For more information, visit their website here.

10. Braseiro Singapore

Indulge in a delicious steak, endless fries, and great company at Braseiro – the perfect spot for a cozy, intimate date night. Choose to sit inside, where the wooden, vintage cottage-style interior creates a warm and homely ambiance, or enjoy the cool atmosphere outside, perfect for a breath of fresh air.

Widely regarded as one of Singapore’s top French steakhouses, Braseiro offers affordable yet flavorful steaks, along with their signature unlimited fries to keep the conversation flowing. Start your meal with their renowned Camembert rôti ($27.90++) – melted French Camembert cheese served with fresh baguette – before diving into the classic Entrecôte Flame-grilled 200g ribeye steak ($29.90++).

If your date is going well, sweeten the evening with their Café Gourmand: a delightful platter featuring Tiramisu, a half chocolate lava cake, vanilla ice cream, and your choice of coffee. Let the evening drift into the night, accompanied by good food, great conversation, and the charming atmosphere of Braseiro.

At 333 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427588, Tel: 9116 3304.

For more information, visit their website here.

Additional reporting by Mandy Tan