14 best Chijmes restaurants to wine, dine and unwind

By Shana Tan September 26, 2024
14 best Chijmes restaurants to wine, dine and unwind
Photos (clockwise from left): New Ubin Seafood/Instagram, The Modern Izakaya/Facebook, Anglo Indian Cafe & Bar/Instagram, Lei Garden Restaurant/Instagram

You’re probably here because you’ve been searching for somewhere to eat at, among all the Chijmes restaurants.

Popular for its architecture, Chijmes has a rich history spanning over 175 years. Formerly known as the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ), this spot has now become a premier dining destination located centrally within Singapore’s bustling civic district. Today, Chijmes stands as a testament to its storied past, while embracing its modern role as a vibrant dining and entertainment destination.

From Michelin-starred ramen to vegetarian delights, and craft beer to fine-dining, Chijmes is home to various renowned establishments that promise a truly spectacular wine and dine session, no matter the time of day.

Before you plan your next outing, check out our list of the 14 best Chijmes restaurants to discover all the culinary delights that this historic destination has to offer.

1. Dew by Whitegrass

Chijmes, 01-27A, 30 Victoria Street
Open: Tuesday to Saturday (12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 11pm)

Chijmes restaurants
Photo: Dew by Whitegrass/Instagram

Why visit? Dew by Whitegrass is a casual spinoff of the esteemed Whitegrass restaurant, serving Asian and European fine cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. While Whitegrass offers curated course menus starting at S$138 per pax, Dew by Whitegrass provides a more budget-friendly option with European small plates infused with Asian flair.

What makes Dew by Whitegrass even more enticing is the Dew set lunch (from S$28), which includes your choice of main course, an otoshi (appetiser), and a salad of the day. This affordable set menu allows you to enjoy a variety of flavours while experiencing the unique European and Asian fusion cuisine that Dew by Whitegrass is known for.

Crowd favourites: For mains, try its yuzu kosho seaweed pasta (S$20), a unique dish that combines the tangy touch of yuzu citrus with the salty bursts of salmon caviar.

If you’re looking for something substantial, opt for the IGA wagyu don (S$30), which features tender slices of A4 ribeye. The premium quality of the meat is evident in each bite as it melts in your mouth, leaving a lasting impression on your palate.

2. Lei Garden Restaurant

Chijmes, 01-24, 30 Victoria Street
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm)

Chijmes restaurants
Lei Garden’s popular xiao long baos. Photo: Lei Garden Restaurant/Instagram

Why visit? When we think about a Chinese restaurant at Chijmes, Lei Garden Restaurant immediately comes to mind. Celebrated for its masterfully crafted Cantonese-style dishes, Lei Garden has consistently been listed in the Michelin Guide for Singapore since 2016.

Lei Garden Restaurant keeps its menu fresh and exciting, with new dishes and seasonal dim sum offerings introduced every few weeks. Among the standout dishes is the mouthwatering crispy roasted chicken with pepper paste (S$32 for a half-chicken), which features tender chicken with perfectly crisp skin that sets it apart from the rest. 

To ensure a table at this popular spot, make reservations via WhatsApp to avoid disappointment. There’s also a turnaround period for tables, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.

Crowd favourites: If you enjoy Cantonese-style soups, then the double-boiled deluxe clear soup (S$32) is a great option that’s concentrated and full of herbal flavours. Additionally, regulars love the Peking duck (S$15.90) for its perfect balance of crispiness and just the right amount of fat, making it an irresistible delicacy.

Pair these with arguably the best Chijmes dim sum duo — classic har gow (S$9.50) and siew mai (S$9.50) — and you’ll have a scrumptious feast.

3. Duomo Ristorante

Chijmes, 01-32, 30 Victoria Street
Open: Monday (5.30pm to 11pm), Tuesday to Sunday (12pm to 2.30pm, 5.30pm to 11pm)

Chijmes restaurants
Grilled sirloin steak. Photo: Duomo Ristorante/Instagram

Why visit? Duomo Ristorante offers a slice of Italy amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. Helmed by a chef from Emilia-Romagna, its diverse menu creates a bridge from the northern Alps to the sun-bathed shores of the south.

Duomo Ristorante is a celebration of Italy’s old-world charm, both in its elegant decor and its meticulously crafted dishes. The interior embodies la dolce vita — “the sweet life” — a central theme in Italian culture, providing a perfect backdrop for a leisurely meal.

Crowd favourites: The salsiccia and burrata pizza (Italian sausage and burrata pizza, S$36) — has a golden, airy crust with a slight tang that pairs well with the flavourful Italian sausage toppings. 

For pasta fans, its tagliolini gamberi and limone (S$38) is the perfect combination of seafood and pasta — strands of tanglioni pasta come coated in a lucious lemon-butter sauce, topped with juicy, grilled prawns. We ordered this to share but ended up devouring the whole plate, and we think you would, too!

You can make a reservation at Duomo Ristorante via Chope.

4. Lumbre 

Chijmes, 01-20, 30 Victoria Street
Open: Monday to Sunday (12pm to 3pm, 5pm to 11pm)

Chijmes restaurants
Grilled octopus with pork belly and finger-licking good chorizo foam. Photo: Lumbre/Instagram

Why visit? Ignite your taste buds at Lumbre (Spanish for fire), a Spanish gem in Chijmes where open-fire grilling meets contemporary techniques. Lumbre’s wood-fire grill and Josper charcoal oven imbue farm-fresh ingredients with a distinct smoky flavour that keeps its customers coming back for more. 

Don’t forget to enjoy your meal with a selection from over 60 exclusive Spanish wines housed in Lumbre’s impressive cellar.

Crowd favourites: The grilled octopus (S$32) is a must-try, offering tender bites finished with a charred, slightly smoky exterior. In addition, regulars love the premium Iberico pork chop (S$38) prized for its juicier texture and unique nutty-sweet flavour.

Pair it with a glass of robust Rioja wine (S$16) — light and fruity, to balance the heat.

You can make a reservation at Lumbre via Chope.

5. New Ubin Seafood

Chijmes, 02-01B C, 30 Victoria Street
Open: Monday to Sunday (11am to 3pm, 5.30pm to 1am)

Chijmes restaurants
Platters of seafood wonder! Photo: New Ubin Seafood/Instagram

Why visit? From its rustic roots in Pulau Ubin to its current locale as a popular Chijmes restaurant, New Ubin Seafood continues to charm diners with its authentic, kampong-style seafood dishes. The Pang family founders have one goal: To redefine the Singaporean zi char cuisine.

Savour a range of traditional zi char dishes served family-style — in homage to the restaurant’s roots — with portions ideal for sharing with friends and family. While prices can run steep, the exceptional food and quality are worth every penny.

Crowd favourites: Don’t miss the sweet and spicy classic chilli crab (from S$95 for a 800g mud crab), best enjoyed with fluffy mantou buns (S$4) for dipping. 

The USDA black Angus ribeye (from S$54 for a 250g steak) is also done amazingly well if you prefer red meat. The price may be high, but when you consider that it comes with caramelised onions, potato wedges and its famous “Heart Attack” fried rice, fried with beef drippings, you’ll see why.

6. Coriander Leaf — Chijmes

Chijmes, 02-01, 30 Victoria Street 
Open: Monday to Saturday (12 to 2.30pm, 6pm to 10.30pm)

Chijmes restaurants
Creamy curry noodles. Photo: Coriander Leaf/Instagram

Why visit? Coriander Leaf, led by chef Samia, is a renowned pan-Asian restaurant in Singapore, offering a diverse menu that takes you on a culinary journey across Asia. There’s something for everyone at Coriander Leaf, with options for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets, as well as for those who don’t consume pork and lard.

The menu features a unique categorisation of flavours — fresh, familiar, spicy, umami, and sweet — encouraging guests to share small plates and explore both traditional tastes and innovative recipes. 

Crowd favourites: Its miso marinated silver cod (S$38) is the perfectly soft, tender and fresh — what’s there not to love. The charcoal-grilled baby lamb chops (S$32) are also a popular choice for being incredibly juicy with a hint of smokiness. 

For those looking for value, its lunch sets which start from S$38 are a great deal — just pick your country or region (Thailand, South Asia, China and Persia) and sit back as the dishes flow out from the kitchen. Every set comes with a substantial selection of dishes, rice and a coffee or tea to finish.

You can make a reservation at Coriander Leaf via Chope.

7. Hakata Ikkousha Ramen

Chijmes, F1-07, 30 Victoria Street
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 9.30pm)

Chijmes restaurants
Ikkousha’s tonkotsu black special. Photo: @mikpaymineat/Instagram

Why visit? Founded in 2004 by a two-time Ultimate Ramen Champion winner, Hakata Ikkousha brings the authentic taste of Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen — a creamier take on traditional ramen from Fukuoka’s Hakata district — worldwide. At Chijmes, Hakata Ikkousha offers an affordable world-class ramen experience starting at S$14.50.

Hakata Ikkousha’s ramen is all about its amazing long-boiled pork bone broth, which is rich, silky, and packed with flavour. Throw in some thin, firm noodles and classic toppings such as chashu, spring onions, and nori (seaweed), and you’ve got a bowl that totally hits the spot. It’s so good that you might end up slurping every last drop and licking the bowl clean.

Crowd favourites: We highly recommend the tonkotsu special ramen (S$19.50), featuring four slices of chashu and a half-boiled egg for a burst of umami flavour. Those with a light appetite can opt for the tonkotsu standard (S$14.50), which offers the same flavourful base with one slice of chashu, minus the half-boiled egg. 

Additionally, its God fire spicy ramen (S$16) is a must-try for those who can take the heat.

8. The Modern Izakaya

Chijmes, 01-18, 30 Victoria Street
Open: Monday to Sunday (12pm to 10.30pm)

Chijmes restaurants
Skewered meat over an open fire. Photo: The Modern Izakaya/Facebook

Why visit? The Modern Izakaya is a Chijmes restaurant that offers a unique, casual dining experience inspired by Tokyo’s vibrant izakaya scene. This laid-back eatery combines a relaxed atmosphere with an inviting grill and bar, providing the perfect spot to unwind after a long day.

Dive into a tasty lineup of authentic Japanese eats such as juicy yakitori skewers (from S$7) with options of chicken, pork, beef, and ox. Make it a true izakaya experience by pairing your meal with sake or Japanese beer — just like you’d find at a chill, traditional Japanese bar. 

Crowd favourites: Regulars love the signature bincho charcoal-grilled premium platter (from S$36), which comes with enoki bacon, beef, pork belly, and ox tongue — a satisfying treat with a wide variety of grilled delights to choose from. 

Top it off with some hotate miso maki (scallop miso rolls, S$18) and a pint of Japanese beer (from S$16) while you’re at it.

9. Anglo Indian Cafe & Bar — Chijmes

Chijmes, 01-13, 30 Victoria Street
Open: Monday to Sunday (12pm to 10.30pm)

Chijmes restaurants
Chicken dum biryani. Photo: Anglo Indian Cafe & Bar/Instagram

Why visit? Anglo Indian Cafe & Bar is a distinguished Indian-Western fusion restaurant, whose Shenton Way outlet was honoured with a Michelin Bib Gourmand in the recent 2024 iteration. Its Chijmes location follows closely in its footsteps, offering a similarly high-quality experience that attracts many regular patrons.

The menu reflects a unique blend of Indian and Western flavours, exemplified by the signature chicken dum biryani (S$24). Slow-cooked with fragrant spices, the dish features tender chicken and aromatic basmati rice, embodying the restaurant’s cultural fusion journey from Birmingham to Goa, only at this fine Chijmes restaurant.

Crowd favourites: A meal at Anglo Indian isn’t complete without its aromatic chicken tikka masala (S$22) and creamy fish masala (S$24), both featuring robust flavours. 

The balti paneer (S$22), known for its rich, tangy sauce, is another must-try, perfect for pairing with a side of fresh naan (S$6) or its made-in-house saffron rice (S$14).

You can make a reservation at Anglo Indian Cafe & Bar via Chope.

10. Honbo

Chijmes, 01-17, 30 Victoria Street
Open: Monday to Sunday (12pm to 3.30pm, 5pm to 9.30pm)

Chijmes restaurants
Honbo (left) and The Gold Standard burgers. Photo: Ryon Leung/HungryGoWhere

Why visit? The vibrant blue and playful orange colour palette at the entryway to Honbo at Chijmes is tough to miss. This famous burger sensation from Hong Kong has made waves for its delicious, made-from-scratch burgers tailored to the Asian palate.

Honbo takes pride in using premium beef, ground in-house daily, from a blend of chuck, brisket and short rib — all imported from Wisconsin, USA. Besides its use of quality ingredients, its American diner-themed interior also draws in the crowds, all keen to try its signatures such as its Honbo burger (S$18), a simple smashed burger.

Crowd favourites: For a satisfying meal, try the Honbo 1.5 (S$23) which includes two layers of crispy beef patties. The Gold Standard (S$28) offers a well-rounded experience with all of its ingredients in one burger, while the Impossible burger (S$22) is an excellent meat-free alternative.

Read our full review of our visit to Honbo here.

11. Prive — Chijmes

Chijmes, 01-33, 30 Victoria Street
Open: Monday to Thursday (11.30am to 10.30pm), Friday (11.30am to 11pm), Saturday (10.30am to 11pm), Sunday (10.30am to 10.30pm)

Chijmes restaurants
Classic sandwiches. Photo: Prive Group/Instagram

Why visit? Since its inception in 2007, Prive has made a mark on Singapore’s dining scene with numerous concepts around the island. Over the years, its become a beloved spot for brunch, with its extensive menu offering dishes that run the gamut from sumptuous breakfast specials to scrumptious smoothies.

Beyond its delicious fare and refreshing beverages, the carefully curated interiors and charming alfresco space at its Chijmes location set Prive apart, providing a warm and inviting ambience for diners to enjoy.

Crowd favourites: We hear the nasi lemak burger (S$20), featuring marinated turmeric fried chicken and otak-otak, is a delicious fusion of local flavours and a real crowd-puller. 

Additionally, its Middle Eastern avocado toast (S$21) is well-loved for its cumin-spiced chickpeas or poached egg options.

You can make a reservation at Prive via Chope.

12. Renga-Ya House of Japanese Charcoal BBQ

Chijmes, 01-11/12, 30 Victoria Street
Open: Tuesday to Sunday (12.30pm to 10.30pm)

Chijmes restaurants
Gorgeous marbling of the meat. Photo: Renga-Ya/Instagram

Why visit? Renga-Ya House of Japanese Charcoal BBQ is a popular yakiniku Chijmes restaurant. Specialising in A4 Kagoshima wagyu and Hokkaido prime beef, Renga-Ya prides itself on importing high-quality, carefully sourced ingredients directly from Japan — leaving a lasting impression on those who get a try of its exquisite meats.

Even on weekdays, Renga-Ya House of Japanese Charcoal BBQ attracts a bustling crowd, so anticipate a short wait. Trust us, the delicious food is definitely worth your patience.

Crowd favourites: Renga-Ya’s Kagoshima pork belly (S$12) has earned its reputation for its outstanding miso flavour, while the Iberico pork jowl (S$15) is highly praised for its silky texture. As a yakiniku speciality, consider pairing these dishes with refreshing Yebisu premium draft beer (S$13).

You can make a reservation at Renga-Ya House of Japanese Charcoal BBQ via Chope.

13. Pemenco

Chijmes, 01-15/16, 30 Victoria Street
Open: Monday to Sunday (5.30pm to 6am)

Chijmes restaurants
Slow-roast pork tomahawk. Photo: @yvonnemsw/Instagram

Why visit? Pemenco is a Chijmes restaurant with a modern take on the traditional supper club, where people come together for great food, drinks and entertainment.

It has an open bar concept and plenty of space for mingling and dancing, encouraging connections between guests. So, come for the food and stay for the vibes!

Crowd favourites: The fragrant Pemenco fried rice (S$21) is a great main course, featuring tasty, tender chicken skewers. If you’re looking for something substantial, choose the deceptively named petite steak (S$45) — tender meat with a simple, yet, delicious mushroom sauce.

14. Tatsu

Chijmes, 01-08, 30 Victoria Street
Open: Monday to Sunday (12pm to 2.30pm, 6pm to 10.30pm)

Chijmes restaurants
Tatsu’s salmon mentaiyaki donburi. Photo: Tatsu/Instagram

Why visit? Operating at Chijmes since 1996, Tatsu boasts a unique concept: By day, it serves delectable sushi and by night, it transforms into a dynamic teppanyaki battlefield.

Tatsu’s recent renovation offers a stylish, modern atmosphere with comfortable seating. The restaurant’s teppanyaki concept offers diners an up-close view of skilled chefs in action, creating a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Crowd favourites: Tatsu’s diner course (S$68) offers fantastic value, featuring succulent king prawns, flavourful salmon and aromatic garlic fried rice. 

Additionally, order the slipper lobster (S$26) cooked teppanyaki-style, and pair it with the aromatic seafood fried rice (S$13) for a satisfying seafood feast.

Hungry for more? Check out these Michelin Bib Gourmand spots that you can order to be delivered right to your doorstep, or check out our top recommendations for Japanese food in Singapore.

New Ubin Seafood, Coriander Leaf, Hakata Ikkousha Ramen, The Modern Izakaya, Anglo Indian Cafe & Bar, Honbo, and Prive are on the GrabFood Delivery Service and offer free delivery (up to S$3 off) with GrabUnlimited.

Do explore the GrabFood Dine Out service for awesome deals.  

Alternatively, book a ride to these Chijmes restaurants.


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Shana Tan

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A programmer by day, Shana lives for tasty food and unusual adventures. Never seen far from her laptop, she somehow manages to sneak in the exploration of hidden spots and eats in between all that coding.

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