HomeBest Restaurants SingaporeThe Ultimate Guide to Robertson Quay

The Ultimate Guide to Robertson Quay

by URBAN JOURNEY

There are tons of places in Singapore to grab bevvies and bites next to the water, but Robertson Quay and the neighbouring River Valley ‘hood are at the top of our list for the laid-back vibes and fab food and drink offerings. Over the years, we’ve hit up Rob Quay for everything from easy-goingbrunchesto healthy lunches, after-work vinos, andlate night eats, and this is our definitive list of the coolest cafes, tastiest restaurants, and buzziest bars in the area.

DRINK

Lobby Bar at The Warehouse Hotel

The Warehouse Hotel has gone through a number of incarnations, and these are reflected in the cocktail menu at the very cool Lobby Bar. Step back in time to the spice trade era with exotic cocktails infused with nutmeg, pandan, and demerara. Give a nod to the time of illicit distilleries with harder hitting concoctions, or get into the disco spirit with a selection of fun fruit-forward tipples. The Asian-inspired bar snacks are also worth a sample.

The Warehouse Hotel, 320 Havelock Road, Singapore 169628. p. +65 6828 0000. Open Sun – Thurs 7am -11:30pm, Fri – Sat 7:30am – 12:30am

Publico

Publico is part deli, part ristorante, and part Italian cocktail bar set next to the river in the InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay. If you’re looking for laid-back easy bites like pizzas to share, this is your place. We recommend sitting on the terrace and starting with a refreshing Aperol Spritz. Once the bar at Publico closes, head behind the restaurant to Marcello for a nightcap.

Publico, 1 Nansen Road, InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay, Singapore 238909. p. +65 6826 5040. Open Mon – Thurs 4pm – 11pm, Fri 4pm – 12am, Sat 1pm – 12am, Sun 11am – 11pm

13% Gastro Wine

The wine list at this chic spot in River Valley is a labour of love put together by oenophile owners Bruno Vaillant and Geoffrey Weckx, who have meticulously sought out top bottles from their favourite vineyards in places as diverse as France, Australia, Portugal, and Italy. Glasses start at just $10++, which is reason enough to visit alone. Adding to the appeal is a counter set aside specifically for Iberico ham and cheese and an array of modern European comfort food dishes.

13% Gastro Wine, 117A Killiney Road, Singapore 239554. p. +65 6291 6816. Open Mon – Sat 5pm – late

La Maison Du Whisky

Bone up on your whisky knowledge over a dram or two at this classy bar and retail shop where you will find over 700 labels of fine spirits from around the world. Settle in at the square bar in the centre of the shop and let the experts here hook you up with a smoky scotch, spiced rum, or a custom cocktail tailored to your mood or taste. If you like what you’re sipping, purchase your own personal bottle to keep behind the bar.

La Maison Du Whisky,80 Mohamed Sultan Rd, p.+65 6733 0059

Orihara Shoten

Step into this cosy Japanese sake den and peruse the extensive menu of over 400 labels including rare bottles. They offer single cups, bottles, or sampler sets based on the categories of refreshing, rich, sweet and dry. The bartenders will tell you all you need to know about your selection, and you can soak up all that sake with tasty bar snacks like yakitori, smoked stingray and edamame.

Orihara Shoten,11 Unity Street, #01-02 Robertson Walk, p.+65 6836 5710

DINE

Aburiya

Cook your own Japanese yakiniku dinner at this popular BBQ restaurant where each table has its own sunken charcoal grill. The menu offers a plethora of à la carte options including chicken, beef, lamb, pork, seafood, and veggies, although the sets are the best value as they come with different cuts of meats like melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu or various types of seafood. Sides include soup, salad, rice or kimchi, and you can wash it all down with sake or an ice cold Asahi.

Find Aburiya on Facebook,#01-03 The Quayside, 60 Robertson Quay, p. +65 6735 4862

Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse

Set in a century-old shophouse on Mohamed Sultan Road, Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse is a temple of style paying homage to succulent steaks. Dark wood, exposed brick, and leather booths give it a rustic chic vibe, while the menu boasts enticing antipasti, punchy pastas, and premium cuts of grain-fed beef. Thepièce de résistance is the thick-cut Fiorentina 1.1kg T-bone steak chargrilled over a wood fire to give it a lovely crust and a luscious centre. Be sure to bring a friend though, because this bad boy is made for sharing.

Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse, 26 Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 238970. p. +65 6735 6739. Open Tues – Sun 12pm – 2:30pm, daily 6pm – 10:30pm

Butahage

The menu may be limited at Butahage, but the few dishes it focuses on are done to perfection. The speciality here is Hokkaido-style butadon bowls topped with tender marinated and grilled pork doused with a secret sauce that has been passed down through the generations for over 80 years. It also does starters like Hokkaido crab croquettes, plus rice bowl and udon sets, but we suggest enjoying the star of the menu on its own and in all its glory.

Butahage, 177 River Valley Road #02-32/33, Singapore 179030. p. +65 6268 4821. Open daily 11:30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm

Dabbawalla

The ambience at Dabbawalla is not what we’d call spectacular, but the food is the reason to visit. Think delicious modern takes on Mumbai street food and classic Indian dishes. Start with an Indian-inspired tipple like The Kashmiri with prosecco and rose syrup, then whet your appetite with some small plates like the onion bhajis and Punjabi samosas. Standouts for mains include the Malabar fish curry and the cardamom-spiced keema matar curry with minced lamb and peas.

Dabbawalla, 60 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238252. p. +65 6235 6134. Open Mon – Thurs 5pm – 10:30pm, Fri – Sun 12pm – 2:30pm, 5pm – 11:30pm

D.O.P

D.O.P owner Luca Iannone hails from the Campania region of Italy where the world-famous Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP is made, so he knows a thing or two about this silky smooth Italian cheese. At D.O.P he showcases mozzarella sourced from the very best farms in his hometown, and he serves it up alongside other regional Italian dishes. Try the deep-fried Mozzarella Ball stuffed with Parma ham, sundried tomatoes and basil or the Stewed Italian Octopus in a light tomato sauce paired with a glass of fine Italian wine.

D.O.P,60 Robertson Quay #01-04A , p. +65 6908 0830

Himono-ya

Located on the second floor at Robertson Quay, Himono-ya focuses on fresh fish flown in from Japan and prepared using traditional Japanese cooking techniques. Their signature dish is the Himono Hokke, a mackerel filet grilled until crispy and golden on the outside, and rich and chewy on the inside. They also offer a variety of other grilled meats, seafood and veggies which are fresh and delicious. Order up a bucket of cold Asahi’s to cleanse the palate between bites.

Himono-ya,1 Unity Street, #02-14 Robertson Walk, p. +65 6235 9110

Limoncello

If you’re looking for a chill place for an easy pizza or pasta on a Sunday night, head to Limoncello at Robertson Quay. The interior here is warm and homey, while the terrace offers al fresco seating next to the water. The menu may be a tad pricey, but they have got solid stone-baked wood-fired pizzas in a great setting.

Visit Limoncello’s website,95 Robertson Quay, #01-19/20, p. +65 6634 5117

Ishi

Intimate Japanese dining awaits at Ishi, a zen-like spot offering up 12 seats at the bar and 16 more seats spread out over three private dining rooms. Chefs behind the open kitchen and bar slice and dice seasonal ingredients flown in from Japan to create delicately seasoned sushi and sashimi spreads, tender grilled wagyu with freshly grated wasabi, and vibrant chirashi rice bowls packed with colourful ingredients like thick slabs of tuna, sea urchin, and salmon roe.

Ishi, 1 Nanson Road, InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay #02-06/07, Singapore 238909. p. +65 9829 8239. Open daily 12pm – 2:30pm, 6:30pm – 10:30pm

Ippudo Ramen

When you’re craving an awesome bowl of ramen, Ippudo should be your go-to spot. We highly recommend the Ippudo Original Ramen, Tao Aka with Chashu, which includes a heady mix of savoury Tonkotsu soup blended with Ippudo’s miso paste, springy ramen noodles, thick slices of Chashu (pork belly) and a sprinkling of spring onions, all accented with fragrant garlic oil. And if that doesn’t fill you up, add a side of Pork Buns or Pan-Fried Gyoza to round off your meal.

Ippudo Ramen,207 River Valley Rd, #01-55/56 UE Square, Entrance on Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 238275, Open Mon – Thurs: 11:30am – 3pm and 5:30pm – 12am and Fri – Sat: 11:30am – 3pm and 5:30pm – 11pm and Sun: 11:30 am – 11pm

Les Bouchons Rive Gauche

It’s easy to imagine you’re at a quaint cafe somewhere in France at Les Bouchons Rive Gauche with its pretty patio overlooking the Singapore River and rustic French bistro fare. Starters include classics like escargot dripping in garlic butter, assorted charcuterie, and bone marrow on toast. For mains, you can’t go wrong with the signature entrecote steak with free-flow homemade French fries (FYI: the potatoes are imported from France) and a bottle of very affordable house wine.

Les Bouchons Rive Gauche, 60 Robertson Quay #01-02, Singapore 238252. p. +65 6733 4144. Open Mon – Thurs 12pm – 2pm, 7pm – 10pm, Fri 12pm – 2pm, 6pm – 10:30pm, Sat 6pm – 10:30pm

Masa Steak and Hamburg

With a sleek looking exterior, an enticing softly-lit interior and a menu boasting primo cuts of Wagyu beef flown in directly from Japan, how could you go wrong, If you’re a steak lover, you definitely need to get in on this. There are so many ways to get your meat fix here from the beef carpaccio and foie gras starters to the hamburg steaks (basically hamburger patties without the bun), and the various cuts of Wagyu A5 grade steaks charcoal grilled to perfection.

Masa Steak and Hamburg,11 Unity Street #01-03, Robertson Walk, Singapore 237995, p. +65 6836 2529, Open daily: 6pm – 11:30pm

Pizza Art

You’ve got to love easy-going spots where the owner mingles with customers and makes them feel right at home. At Pizza Art chef-owner Donato Mazzola brings his Roman personality and culinary heritage to the tables withauthentic pizzasand pasta made to order. Opt for signature creations from the menu or get Donato to whip up custom eats according to your particular tastes. As you wait for your antipasti, pizza, or pasta, settle in with a cold Peroni beer and soak up the views of the river from the breezy terrace.

Pizza Art, 7 Rodyk Street, Watermark @ Robertson Quay #01-33, Singapore 238215. p. +65 6238 8380. Open Mon – Fri 5pm – 12am, Sat – Sun 11:30am – 12am

PS Cafe

There are PS. Cafes all over Singapore, but we particularly like the Martin Road location for its cosy ambience with comfy black sofas and its lovely patio awash in greenery. They doall-day dininghere, so you can swing by in the morning for fluffy pancakes and egg and bacon bunwiches, pop in at lunch for a fresh superfood salad, or come by in the evening for thin-crust pizzas, pasta, and burgers. It also has a great selection of wines, craft beers, and spirits.

  1. Cafe, 38 Martin Road, Singapore 239072. p. +65 8818 6191. Open daily 9:30am – 11pm

Rosso Vino

A very easy and approachable go to for Italian in Robertson Quay, Rosso Vino will have what you’re looking for. We especially love the fresh pasta they offer and they even cater to gluten-free eaters. There is ample amount of seating outdoors, making it a great spot for a relaxed dinner. Best of all, they are open until 1am daily.

Rosso Vino, 15 Merbau Road, Singapore 239032, p. +65 6733 7735, Open daily 3pm – 1am

Shirokane Tori-Tama

A combination sake bar and yakitori joint, Shirokane Tori-Tama garners rave reviews for their delicious chicken skewers that include the usual morsels of chicken breast, thigh, and minced chicken balls, chicken liver and more. Besides chicken yakitori, they also offer grilled pork belly, leeks, shitake mushrooms, and ox tongue, as well as primo hot and chilled sake.

11 Unity Street, #01-02 Robertson Walk, +65 6836 5680

Tamoya Udon

Perfect for rainy days or those times when nothing but a steaming bowl of noodle soup will do, Tamoya Udon specialises in seriously good sanuki udon from Kagawa prefecture in Japan. Created by master udon maker Tamotsu Kurokawa in 1994, the restaurant now has branches all over Asia that consistently win accolades for their smooth and springy noodles in ultra-flavourful broth. Variations include beef sukiyaki, spicy pork, triple egg, and even a coriander pesto version.

Tamoya Udon, 177 River Valley Road, Liang Court 1F #01-32, Singapore 179030. p. +65 6337 0301. Open daily 11am – 9:30pm

Yakiniku Yazawa

If you got a craving for great quality beef and Japanese cuisine, get yourself down to Yakiniku Yazawa where you can sample delicious Kuroge Wagyu beef grilled just the way you like it because you actually cook it yourself. Of course, the staff will suggest cooking times for the meats so it turns out just right. Chicken, pork and vegetarian options are also available.

11 Unity Street, #01-01 Robertson Walk / +65 6235 2941 / Japanese Cuisine

BRUNCH & FUEL UP

Carrotsticks & Cravings

You can look forward to delicious coffee, Aussie brekkie and riverside vibes at this new spot . Check out their instagram feedfor healthy and delicious inspiration on what to eat. We don’t know about you but we can’t wait to try those desserts.

Carrotsticks & Cravings, 7 Rodyk Street, #01-34

Common Man Coffee Roasters

This hip Robertson Quay cafe is brought to us by Harry Grover of 40 Hands, 5 Senses Coffee and the Spa Esprit Group, and it features a speciality eight-meter coffee bar, an in-house coffee roaster and seasoned baristas who serve up high-quality unconventional blends. Breakfast is served all day long, so you can brunch any time on dishes like the Organic Eggs Benedict, Croissant Croque Monsieur, or Common Man Churros.

Common Man Coffee Roasters,22 Martin Road #01-00, +65 6836 4695, Daily: 8am – 7pm

Dutch Colony Coffee

Here’s another roastery and cafe that all coffee fanatics need to head to. Dutch Colony Coffee now has opened their third outlet in UE Square. Pop in here for pastries, smooth coffee in a relaxing and laid back atmosphere.

Dutch Colony Coffee, UE Square, 81 Clemenceau Ave, #01-21 Singapore 239917, Open Mon – Fri 7:30am – 5:30pm and Sat – Sun: 8am – 4pm

Grounded by Common Man

What do you get when you combine Singapore’s best coffee roasters with a stylish yoga studio? The answer is Grounded by Common Man, a cool cafe on top of Common Man Coffee Roasters that shares a space with Yoga Movement. The menu here features excellent cuppas made with freshly roasted beans, cold-pressed juices, and wholesome organic fare. In our opinion, this sunny space makes for the perfect spot to refuel and get your caffeine fix after a body-moving asana session.

Grounded by Common Man, 22 Martin Road 02-00, Singapore 239058. p. +65 6836 4695. Open daily 7:30am – 6pm

Summerlong

It’s all about easy-going beachy vibes and Mediterranean cuisine at Summerlong, a new riverside spot at Robertson Quay. The decor features lots of blonde wood and neutral tones, and the comfy canvas-backed chairs invite you to come in and chill for a while. Order up some plates to share with the table like creamy dips with housemade flatbread, avocado toast, fried chicken with harissa and delicious dips. They also serve up some great coffee and have a great selection of summery drinks.

Summerlong, 60 Robertson Quay #01-04, Singapore 238252, p. +65 6235 1225, Open Mon – Fri 5:30pm – midnight and Sat – Sun 10:30 am – 3pm and 6pm – midnight

Super Loco

If you already know of Lucha Loco, a fun and funky taqueria serving vibrant Mexican street food, then you know what to expect at their sister restaurant Super Loco. You will find the same authentic dishes here like ceviche with tender octopus, tacos with chipotle beef cheek, fresh cactus salad, and stuffed Poblano chiles, plus icy cold cervezas and quality tequilas. Ole!

Super Loco,The Quayside, 60 Robertson Quay #01-13, +65 6235 8900

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