Singapore is globally known as a garden city, but it’s also one of the most densely populated cities. Perhaps this is why many of our dining establishments are limited to the confines of four walls: malls, food courts and nooks worked into the framework of our offices and homes. Restaurants that provide an expansive sense of space are few and far between. We track down the five of the best restaurants located in luscious gardens.
1 Cluny Rd., Singapore Botanic Gardens, EJH Corner House, Nassim Gate, 6469-1000
Corner House, the modern European restaurant located in the same two storey black and white bungalow that Les Amis’ Au Jardin used to inhabit, is barely a month into its operations. This fine dining restaurant is where chef Jason Tan (also co-owner) celebrates vegetation at its best by artfully plating vegetable-focused cuisine. Tan has worked in kitchens at Mandarin Oriental Singapore and the now defunct Julien Bompard and is fresh off a stint as Executive Chef at Marina Bay Sand’s Sky on 57. Wine-wise, with more than 600 wines to choose from, your cup truly spilleth over.
Order: Set lunches range from $38-58 and set dinners range from $98-248
3 Rochester Dr., 6774-5537
Rochester Parks’ age-old giant trees, sprawling colonial houses and refreshing sense of space and quiet create a sense of history and leisure. Da Paolo’s casual eatery, BistroBar, is located in one of the 40 historic black and white houses in the area. Young Singaporean-Italian, chef Andrea Scarpa, cooks up amazing, hearty Italian food just the way it should be – simple flavours created with the finest produce. Bring your boozy buddies here on Sundays, when there’s a free-flow Prosecco or Champagne filled brunch.
Order: Parma Ham and Buffalo Mozzarella Pizza ($28), Crab Tagliatelle ($27) and Signature Homemade Tiramisu ($15)
Deli in the Park (top photo)
1382 Ang Mo Kio Ave. 1, Bishan Park 2, 9113-4666
Deli in the Park is a little-known cluster of three dining concepts set in the middle of the beautifully landscaped Bishan Park. Deli in the Park provides a much needed respite from the crowded and busy city. There’s much to choose from: Canopy Garden Dining offers modern western dinning, The Greenroom Cafe caters to vegetarians and vegans and Middle Rock Bar if ideal for those who wish to dine and drink in the open air.
Order: From Canopy…Grilled seafood platter for two ($68), Eggs Benedict Le Grand ($19) and Limoncello Flute ($10)
The Halia at the Singapore Botanic Gardens
1 Cluny Rd., Ginger Garden at Singapore Botanic Garden, 8444-1148
The Halia was built 13 years ago, in unison with the development of Singapore Botanic Gardens’ Ginger Garden. The restaurant is a popular daytime spot for ladies who lunch and an idyllic dinner setting for romancing couples. We recommend a table at the patio, which is set against a backdrop of dense tropical flowering plants and meditative ponds and waterfalls. The menu isn’t focused on any particular cuisine, but it’s modern and heavily influenced by European techniques. There seems to be a fondness for fusion creations, seen in the chirashizushi with satay glaze ($32) and the tagliatelle aglio olio with Japanese mushrooms and Chinese dehydrated mushrooms ($22).
Order: Halia Chilli Crab Spaghettini ($26), Halia Infusion ($10) and Carrot Cake ($10)
28B Harding Rd., 9070-8782
The food at PS.Cafe may be simple, and for some its simplicity doesn’t justify the price, but it’s hard to deny that the environment of PS.Cafe’s restaurants are charming, gorgeous and inspired. The Dempsey outpost, PS.Cafe at Harding Road, is the most beautiful. The cozy bungalow creates an atmosphere that’s so very unique: unfinished wooden floors, oversized vases spilling with luscious aromatic blooms and views of a small patch of untouched wilderness. The menu is concise, and the kitchen cooks up different items for lunch, brunch and dinner. While the desserts easily get our stamp of approval, stick to the house specials (denoted with “PS.”) when it comes to savouries.
Order: PS. Truffle Shoestring Fries ($15), PS. Bolognese ($26) and Sticky Date Pudding ($14.90)
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