15 restaurants to check out for your next power lunch

Closing a business deal over a power lunch? Impress at these restaurants – each one offering just the right amount swank and privacy.

By Aaron Kok - 17 Jul 2023

Credit: @quayhousesg, @wakanuisg/Instagram

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As with many things that have resumed post-pandemic – the return to the office place, after-hour drinks, corporate attire – the one thing that has returned is the power lunch. Once a staple of the Downtown Core crowd, the power lunch was considered six feet under when restaurants had to shutter during the height of COVID-19, and people traded in set menu cards for Zoom meeting cocktail hours at 3 in the afternoon.

But perhaps we were all premature to declare the power lunch dead. According to the Singapore Department of Statistics April 2023 report, restaurants saw a 15.1 percent year-on-year increase in business, as compared to 2019's 2.7 percent.

Perhaps you're one of those looking to bring your client out for a meal so that you can go back with a signed deal. We've gathered some of our favourite places that you should definitely bookmark (or call ahead for a table) when planning your next power lunch.

Somewhere swanky to leave a good impression, but private enough that you could talk business in peace. A good menu that's just pricey enough to impress, and should ideally have a decent alcohol and cocktail menu even at 1pm. Preferably, the perfect power lunch spot would also be able to stay open through the late lunch hour in case your lunch overruns.

With that, here are our top 15 picks.

Raffles Place

Credit: Stacey Koenitz/Pexels

1/19

Think of the Downtown Core and Raffles Place immediately comes to mind. Amidst the glistening glass towers, plenty of offices and workers call this their corporate home. From drinks at 12pm to our fave go-to Asian restaurant, here are some places worth checking out.

Jade

2/19

Nestled in the iconic Fullerton Hotel is Jade, a Cantonese-style restaurant that swaps the kitsch of old-school Asian dining interiors for a more upscale and elegant look. The food doesn't disappoint either. Under the direction of Chef Leong Chee Yeng tuck into modern interpretations of Asian favourites such as Black Truffle Wild Mushroom Dumplings, Simmered Egg Noodles served with a heaping Steamed Lobster on the side, or Champagne Jelly for a sweet finish.

Opening hours: 11.30am–3pm, and 6.30–10.30pm on weekdays; 11.30 am–1 pm, 1.30–3 pm, and 6.30–10.300 pm on weekends

Address: 1 Fullerton Square, Singapore 049178

Contact: 3129 8330

Website

Wakanui

3/19

Marrying the best meat cuts from New Zealand with the refinement of Japanese cooking techniques, Wakanui is the go-to if your lunch invitee is looking for a heavy protein hit. Start with the Char-grilled Octopus and a dozen of freshly-shucked Oysters, before adjourning to the grillhouse's list of binchotan-fired mains. Signatures here include the Canterbury Grass-fed Fillet – served with their in-house sauce and your choice of sides – or the Premium Steak Sandwich if you're in the mood for something a little less fussy.

Opening hours: 11.30am–3pm, and 5.30–10.30pm on Mondays to Saturdays; closed on Sundays

Address: 5 Straits View, Marina One West Tower, #04-02, The Heart, 018935

Contact: 6384 2665

Website

Lumo

4/19

For more modern fare, Lumo is the place to visit. Settled on the first floor of an old shophouse building, the speakeasy exterior welcomes you into a cosy bar and restaurant. Dim lights and dark wood provide you with a quieter and more private setting, as you order off their ala carte lunch menu. Go for the Japanese Leek, which is served with salted kelp and trout roe for a burst of umami flavour. The Ribeye Steak is a fail-safe dish for lunch, and the Sea Bream offers a lighter but no less delicious option. Be sure to check out their cocktail menu, where the likes of mezcal-based Manakin or Jazzy will perk you up post-nosh.

Opening hours: 12–3pm, 5pm–12am on weekdays; 6pm–1am on Saturdays; 6pm–10.30pm on Sundays; closed on Mondays

Address: 50 South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058682

Contact: 8921 3818

Website

Quay House

5/19

Recently opened along Circular Road is Quay House, where the menu takes its inspiration from the spice traders of Boat Quay's history. With a 2- or 3-course executive set lunch – priced at $38 and $48 – respectively, this restaurant offers a budget-friendly spot for a delicious working lunch. Try the Grilled Indian White Prawns, which are grilled over open fire and served with a turmeric and ginger gravy, or their iteration of Hakka-style Yam Abacus done with wild mushrooms and butter.

Opening hours: 12–3pm, 5.30–11pm on weekdays; 5.30–11pm on Saturdays; closed on Sundays

Address: 51 Circular Road, Singapore 049406

Contact: 8223 0925

Website

Tanjong Pagar

Credit: Ethan P/Pexels

6/19

Colloquially recognised as the hip little sister to the Raffles Place area, Tanjong Pagar offers up plenty of buzzy and trendy spots for a good business lunch.

Rhubarb Le Restaurant

7/19

Tucked away in the quiet Duxton Hill area, 1-Michelin star Rhubarb Le Restaurant offers diners a serene and calm space for a working luncheon. The lunch menu is done omakase-style with prices starting at $68++, with past dishes including Hungarian Duck, Cured Ocean Trout or Pigeon Breast. It's upscale, without burning a hole in your pocket.

Opening hours: 12pm–2.15pm, 6.30–9.30pm daily; closed on Wednesdays and Sundays

Address: 3 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089589

Contact: 8127 5001

Website

Pasta Bar

8/19

Since you're looking to impress, why not bring your lunch guest out for a spot of freshly-made pasta? The Executive Lunch Menu at Pasta Bar offers a small but concise selection of their greatest hits. The meal starts with a Grilled Endive & Romaine Ceasar Salad, and you get to pick a choice of pasta – can't go wrong with the Crab Pappardelle or Garganelli Cacio e Pepe – before a Cannolo wraps up your meal. Complete with a selection of cocktails or wines to toast that successful business deal.

Opening hours: 6–11pm on Mondays to Wednesdays; 12–3pm, 6–11pm on Thursdays to Sundays.

Address: 55 Keong Saik Road, #01-05, Singapore 089158

Website

California Republic

9/19

The uber-hip California Repubulic is where you should head for a more laidback lunch meeting. Take a seat in the mid-century modern dining room where warm woods and groovy fabrics contrast leather seats and exposed cement walls. On the menu, it's a So-Cal Italian affair with loud and lively flavours. Snow Crab Cakes, Meatballs Al Angeleno and the Smoked Burratina to start, before moving on to the Crispy Duck Leg or the Iberico Pork Milanese.

Opening hours: 12pm–3pm, 5.30pm–12am on weekdays; 5.30pm–12am on Saturdays; closed on Sundays

Address: 88 Amoy Street, Singapore 069907

Contact: 3129 7556

Website

Fat Prince

10/19

Fancy a spot of Middle Eastern nosh? Fat Prince is place to go then. Find respite from the heat and bustle of the city by stepping into Fat Prince's art deco-meets Arabian-influenced interiors. At $29, the set lunch menu affords you a choice of dip, a mezze or appetiser, and two types of kebabs. Wines are available by the glass as well, as are non-alcoholic tipple and beers.

Opening hours: 11.30am–3pm, 5.30pm–12am daily

Address: 48 Peck Seah St, Singapore 079317

Contact: 3129 7547

Website

Lerouy

11/19

Our final entry for the Tanjong Pagar spots is Lerouy – a French restaurant with 1 Michelin star. It's a meal that's bound to offer plenty of drama, as you take your seat at the bar in front of the open kitchen. Dazzle your lunch company with a 5-course lunch that's priced at $168++. While the actual dishes are a revolving palette of different flavours, peruse their Instagram to get a better sense of what you can expect.

Opening hours: 12–1.30pm, 6–10pm daily, closed Sundays to Tuesdays

Address: 104 Amoy St, Singapore 069924

Contact: 6221 3639

Website

Bugis/ City Hall

12/19

Though more removed from the CBD, this area hosts plenty of offices, and there are great restaurants for working lunches if you know where to look.

Famous Treasure

13/19

Maybe your lunch guest is a lover of classic Chinese food. In that case, bring them to Famous Treasure, located in the historic Capitol Singapore building. Hits here include the Deep-Fried Pork Belly with Fermented Beancurd, Salt-Baked Flower Crab and the Roasted Irish Duck. They've also got an impressive wine list that will come in handy when you want to toast to your successful partnership.

Opening hours: 11.30am–3pm, 6–10.30pm daily

Address: 13 Stamford Rd, #02-28 Capitol Singapore, Singapore 178905

Contact: 9730 7548

Website

Ashino

14/19

This isn't just another upscale sushi restaurant. Ashino's rice is cooked in the traditional manner with water from Mount Fuji water flown in. The 8-seater omakase restaurant has a long waiting list, so be sure to plan ahead, because they are also known for their aged sushi. Lunch options begin at $120, and if you're lucky, you'll get served by Chef Taku Ashino himself.

Opening hours: 12–2pm, 6–10pm on Tuesdays to Saturdays; 6–10pm on Sundays; closed on Mondays

Address: 30 Victoria St, #01-23 Chijmes, Singapore 187996

Contact: 6684 4567

Website

Chiceti

15/19

Chiceti needs no introduction, and thankfully, they've just reopened after a facelift. While they may have a fresh new look, the menu still retains plenty of charm that people love them for. Wood-fired pizzas – we love Bismarck and the 'Nduja Di Spilinga – and handmade pastas are joined by heavier mains including Cioppino and the Maiale tomahawk.

Opening hours: 12–2.30pm, 6–10pm on Sundays to Thursdays; 12–2.30pm, 6–10.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays

Address: 52 Kandahar St, Singapore 198901

Contact: 9725 6255

Website

Orchard Road

16/19

The shopping belt of Singapore may be known for chain restaurants and thronging shopping crowds, but there are great gems to catch a bite with a colleague or client too.

Merci Marcel

17/19

Everyone's favourite French cafe remains a hot spot for good reason – between the laidback casual vibes and the great bites, what's not to love? The Sea Bass Ceviche is a crowd favourite (and so refreshing for a hot day), and the Duck Confit Salad is equal parts guilt-free and indulgent. Needless to say, Ravioles de Royan should be on your order list as well – those cloudlike puffs of cheese are irresistible!

Opening hours: 8am–12am on Mondays to Saturdays; 8am–11pm on Sundays

Address: 390 Orchard Road, #01-03 Palais Renaissance, Singapore 238871

Contact: 6735 2608

Website

Tenjin

18/19

Another budget-friendly option is Tenjin. Situated in Shaw Centre, this Japanese restaurant serves up hearty tempura fare served in rice bowls, or with noodles on the side. Inside, light wood surfaces and a light-filled room feels inviting whilst offering you a quiet spot to eat and chat.

Opening hours: 11.30am–3pm, 5.30–9.30pm on Mondays to Sundays

Address: 1 Scotts Rd, #03-08, Singapore 228208

Contact: 6235 3312

Website

Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro

19/19

Located within Hilton Orchard, Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro has a fantastic set menu that will impress your lunch company. The Japanese-meets-Chinese restaurant has a Indulgence Set Menu at $198++ per diner, and includes stellar dishes like Braised Alaska Crabmeat with Premium Bird’s Nest, and Sautéed Sliced Miyazaki Wagyu Beef and Pan-seared Foie Gras with Black Truffle Sauce.

Opening hours: 12–3pm, 6–10pm on Mondays to Thursdays; 11am–2.45pm, 6–10pm on Fridays to Sundays

Address: 333 Orchard Rd, Level 35 Hilton Singapore Orchard, Singapore 238867

Contact: 6831 6262

Website