35 of the best Tanjong Pagar food places to try

When you think of Tanjong Pagar food options, you’ll probably think of its array of Korean fried chicken and barbecue restaurants, but the city-centre district is much more than that. 

Weave through its streets and you’ll discover a myriad of captivating gems that cut across cultures and cuisines. 

Spoilt for choice? Here are 35 Tanjong Pagar food places to try around the neighbourhood!  

1. Levant

ST Signature Hotel, Level 4, 32 Tras Street
Open: Daily (5pm to 12am)

Why visit? Mediterranean-inspired restaurant-bar Levant is located on the fourth storey of conservation building ST Signature Hotel and offers a bird’s-eye view of the area’s shophouses and the iconic Pinnacle@Duxton housing development. 

The menu at Levant is in two sections — warm and cold mezze (small sharing plates) and also comprises cocktails, which draw inspiration from countries in the Mediterranean. 

The highlights include Greek’s Forest (S$22), made with Greek vermouth, tsipouro (a potent distilled spirit commonly drunk in Greece), honeycomb, pine liqueur and lemon, and One Night in Tangeri (S$22), a ginger-infused vodka with mastiha (a liquor made from resin native to the region), anise bitters and lemon.

Price range: $$$

Crowd favourites: Avocado hummus with pita (S$16), baked cheese with pomegranate molasses, pumpkin seed dukkah and pita (S$22), Greek’s Forest (S$22)

Keen on more rooftop bars? Here’s 8 for the best views and drinks.

2. Rappu

52 Duxton Road
Open: Monday (6pm to 10.30pm); Tuesday and Sunday (11.45am to 2.30pm, 6pm to 10.30pm); Wednesday to Saturday (11.45am to 2.30pm, 6pm to 12am)

Why visit? Started by the folks behind steakhouse and cocktail bar The Feather Blade, Rappu prides itself on serving up fresh Japanese handrolls accompanied by a tipple or two. Diners get to see their handrolls being prepared from bar stools around a central open kitchen; the handrolls are then served immediately on a marble plate. 

Many go for a set of six handrolls (S$42), with the option of adding a curated flight of six sakes (S$23). If you’re looking for more, there’s also a high-roller hand roll (S$28) comprising wagyu or toro (tuna), uni (sea urchin), ikura (squid) and caviar, paired with sake with gold flakes.

Price range: $$$

Crowd favourites: Salmon belly crudo — grilled yellowtail, yakiniku and ito togarashi (S$14), set of six handrolls — with hotate (scallops), salmon, shime saba (Japanese marinated mackerel), toro, engawa (flounder fish), and crab (S$42)

3. Cou Cou

9 Craig Road
Open: Sunday to Thursday (12pm to 2.30pm, 6pm to 11pm); Friday and Saturday (12pm to 2.30pm, 6pm to 12am)

Why visit? Coucou is a French word that’s pronounced and has the same meaning as “cuckoo”; it is also a restaurant at Craig Road that serves up iconic Swiss dishes such as rosti and fondue moitie-moitie (Swiss cheese fondue). 

The restaurant is charmingly inviting, with images of the Swiss Alps and a wall of cuckoo clocks — you’ll feel as though you’ve been invited into someone’s home in the Alps for a cosy dinner. 

There’s a lot of cheese in Coucou (cheese domes, raclette and fondue, to name a few). For those who prefer other non-cheesy mains, there’s a robust selection of rosti, pasta and mains. 

Price range: $$$

Crowd favourites: Fondue moitie-moitie (S$38 per person), rosti and saucisse de Saint-Gall — rosti with veal sausage and onion confit (S$28)

4. Marcy’s 

39 to 40 Duxton Road
Open: Sunday, and Tuesday to Thursday (5.30pm to 11pm); Friday and Saturday (5.30pm to 12am)

Why visit? Marcy’s is a modern seafood bistro-bar with retro European drawing-room vibes. You can’t quite pin an era or style to the eclectic mix of furniture, but the combination somehow works for this dinner spot. 

The restaurant does an excellent job of serving up various renditions of seafood, inspired by Peruvian, Japanese, Mexican, Chinese and Italian cooking. If dinner and drinks are on your agenda, Marcy’s also has a bar section where you can kick back and enjoy a few classic cocktails. And order the Marcy’s pecan pie sundae (S$19) before you leave.

Crowd favourites: Octopus rigatoni pasta (S$35), Marcy’s crab toast (S$26)

5. The Bank 

46 Craig Road
Open: Monday to Thursday (11.30am to 11pm), Friday and Saturday (11.30am to 11.59pm), Sunday (11.30am to 8pm)

Why visit? If you’re a burger fan that’s all about that retro-diner vibes, you’ll feel right at home at The Bank, a new hidden diner along Craig Road. The place, done up in an 80s-style, complete with a disco ball and vintage film posters, sits behind a pseudo ATM. 

Aside from serving up New York-style cheeseburgers, the spot has 12 craft beers on tap and decadent milkshakes, including your basic chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ones (S$12.50), or even a boozy Baileys version (S$17), for the thirsty ones. 

Price range: $$

Crowd favourites: Beef burger (single for S$18.80 or double for S$26.80), chicken burger — fried buttermilk chicken and melted American cheese (single for S$18, double for S$26) 

Find out more about this unique hidden spot or read about other hidden bars in Singapore. 

6. Xiao Ya Tou 

6 Duxton Hill, 01-01
Open: Monday to Thursday (11.30am to 11pm), Friday and Saturday (11.30am to 11.30pm), Sunday (11.30am to 10pm)

Why visit? Like its name, which means “little imp” or “rebel” in Chinese, Xiao Ya Tou stands out for daring to be different in its take on Asian cuisine. The restaurant is unapologetically Asian-inspired, but look closer and you’ll see a cheeky poster or two among the kitschy paraphernalia that fills the restaurant’s walls. 

With its eclectic is-it-retro-or-not vibes, it’s a good place to hang out with your pals when you crave Chinese food with an extra zing. Think truffle roast duck (S$32), Hokkien mee (S$32) with pancetta or salt-cured pork belly, octopus and scallops, and lobster kueh pie tee (S$24). 

It also has fairly extensive vegetarian alternatives to its star dishes, and is open to requests and customisations. 

Price range: $$$

Crowd favourites: Lobster kueh pie tee (S$24), Hokkien mee (S$32)

7. Restaurant Espoir 

70 Amoy Street
Open: Monday to Fridays (11:30am to 10pm) and Saturday (8:30am to 11pm). Brunch served instead of lunch on Saturdays

Why visit? Restaurant Espoir is a halal modern European restaurant with influences from Southeast Asia to the Middle East and even New Orleans, though its main concept is ‘modern European, Malayan influence’. Beyond its menu, its decor also encapsulates elements from around the world. 

As a halal restaurant, the place also has alcohol-free cocktails. Diners with a sweet tooth will appreciate its robust patisserie selection with pastries, cakes and entremets. 

Price range: $$$

Crowd favourites: Compressed watermelon (S$14), pan-seared salmon with coconut cream sauce (S$34) 

Read our full critics’ review on Restaurant Espoir.

8. Blue Label Pizza & Wine 

28 Ann Siang Road
Open: Daily (12pm to 10pm)

Why visit? With its entrance concealed within an alley beside the main street, it’s easy to miss Blue Label Pizza & Wine if you’re visiting for the first time. But you won’t go wrong if you keep an eye out for the blue wall and its neon signage. 

Blue Label is great for groups, and its stone-fired pizzas and sides — including its extremely addictive spinach and artichoke dip — hit the spot. True to its name, the place also has an extensive wine menu. It tends to get crowded, though, so snag a reservation if you can. 

Price range: $$$

Crowd favourites: Chicago-style spinach and artichoke dip (S$24), umami bomb pizza — with shiitake, spinach, lemon, anchovy, goat cheese, and a cornmeal crust (S$33)  

Want more pizza options? Here’s 21 for you to choose from.

9. Cumi Bali 

50 Tras Street
Open: Daily (11.30am to 3pm, 6pm to 9.30pm)

Why visit? Cumi Bali is a longstanding fixture of Tanjong Pagar, which it has called home since 1989. Originally situated along the main Tanjong Pagar Road, it moved to the quieter adjacent Tras Street last year. Step inside and you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to Bali, with its intricate Balinese decor, music and warm hospitality. 

The restaurant is named after its signature item, a grilled squid dish doused in a spicy homemade sauce. While a meal at Cumi Bali can be costly, the price you pay is worth the tag with its authentic and robust flavours. Do rustle up more people for a visit so you’ll be able to try more of its dishes. 

Price range: $$$

Crowd favourites: Cumi Bali — grilled squid (S$35), ayam sate madura — Javanese-style chicken satay (S$18)

Thinking of going to the actual Bali? Here’s our top 10 picks of cafes there to explore.

10. Enishi

International Plaza, 02-85A, 10 Anson Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (11am to 3pm, 6pm to 9pm) 

Why visit? Step into Enishi and you’ll feel like you’ve just been transported into a hole-in-the-wall ramen eatery in Tokyo. But this Japanese restaurant in Tanjong Pagar is anything but obscure — it has a Michelin Bib Gourmand to its name back in Kobe, Japan — and has attracted a fan following thanks to its simple but flavourful dan dan noodles (S$19.80). 

Inspired by the Chinese noodle classic, Enishi’s version comes with chashu, minced pork, raw and fried onions, pickles and mizuna, topped off with an onsen egg and doused with a savoury, peanut sauce. 

Those who prefer their ramen in a broth needn’t fret — there’s also its equally popular dashi ramen (S$18.80) dish, which is simple, comforting and brimming with flavour and ingredients. 

Crowd favourites: Dan dan noodles (S$19.80), dashi ramen (S$18.80)

11. Tambi

47 Amoy Street
Open: Tuesday to Saturday (6pm to 11pm) 

Why visit? Tambi is the brainchild of two well-known Michelin-starred chefs — Sun Kim of Meta and Mano Thevar of Thevar — and one of the most-booked out spots in the Telok Ayer area in recent months. 

The Korean-Indian casual restaurant opens its reservations 75 days ahead and at last check you’ll need to wait till October to get a table, but you can always try to walk-in (though you’ll likely be seated outside without a reservation). 

You’ll find many Korean and Indian eateries in the area, but none would have melded the best of each culture’s flavours the way Tambi does — evident from its fusion dishes such as the pork belly kimchi nasi goreng (S$18) and prawn tosai pajeon (pancake, S$28).

Price range: $$$

Crowd favourites: Tambi’s bibimmyeon (spicy Korean cold noodles, S$18), pork belly kimchi nasi goreng (S$18) 

12. Whole Earth

76 Peck Seah Street
Open: Tuesday to Sunday (11.30am to 3pm, 5.30pm to 10pm) 

Why visit? If you’re on the lookout for vegetarian restaurants in Tanjong Pagar, Whole Earth does meatless with a difference, specialising in Peranakan-Thai vegetarian cuisine. The restaurant even earned a spot on Michelin’s Bib Gourmand list for six years running, from 2016 till 2022. 

It’s a great go-between spot for anyone dining with vegetarian and non-vegetarian company, given its extensive menu with unique flavours. 

Price range: $$

Crowd favourites: Fragrant chestnut rice (S$14 for small, S$20 for medium), Penang rendang — shiitake mushroom marinated with Peranakan herbs and spices (S$23) 

13. Fat Prince

48 Peck Seah Street
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 3pm, 5.30pm to 12am) 

Why visit? Fat Prince, located a few doors down from Whole Earth, is a Middle Eastern restaurant that focuses on kebabs and koktails (the restaurant’s spin on cocktails). 

More than just its food, Fat Prince promises to take you on a journey every time you’re there with its creative dishes, carefully curated ambience reminiscent of the vibrant Middle East, and undoubtedly warm hospitality. 

Price range: $$$

Crowd favourites: Pit-smoked pork rib eye (S$28 per 100g), roasted cashew hummus (S$15)

14. Kok Sen

2 to 4 Keong Saik Road
Open: Tuesday to Sunday (12pm to 2.15pm, 5pm to 9.30pm)

Why visit? Kok Sen is a traditional Cantonese restaurant that is almost top-of-mind when it comes to places to dine at Chinatown. The restaurant, which recently made it to the Michelin Bib Gourmand list, relocated along Keong Saik and now has comfortable indoor seating with air conditioning, elevating your zi char experience. 

Despite the shift, it still remains a quality spot for cheap food at Tanjong Pagar with its generous portions and old-school-style dishes. 

Price range: $$

Crowd favourites: Big prawns hor fun (from S$19), prawn paste chicken (from S$13.30)

Explore other Chinatown eats near Kok Sen if you’re a fan of traditional dishes.

15. Yellow Pot 

83 Duxton Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (12pm to 2.30pm, 5.30pm to 10.30pm)

Why visit? Yellow Pot at Duxton is a stylish and elegant restaurant located along Duxton Road. With a focus on modern Chinese cuisine, the menu features a blend of traditional flavours and contemporary techniques, all made without MSG, additives or artificial flavouring. 

From its signature roasted duck (S$51) to its signature work braised Hong Kong ee fu noodles (S$34), each dish is carefully prepared using the freshest and most sustainably sourced ingredients. 

Price range: $$$

Crowd favourites: Signature roasted duck (S$51), diced unagi with spicy dried scallop sauce (S$39)

16. Blue Ginger

97 Tanjong Pagar Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (12pm to 3pm, 6.30pm to 10.30pm)

Why visit? Blue Ginger is a renowned heritage restaurant that has been serving up Peranakan fare along Tanjong Pagar since 1995. The restaurant’s interior, filled with Peranakan tiles and vintage accents, is charmingly inviting and teeming with nostalgia. 

Blue Ginger’s menu showcases authentic Peranakan classics such as ayam buah keluak — braised chicken flavoured with turmeric, galangal and lemongrass cooked with Indonesian black nuts (S$30) and babi pong tay — braised pork stew (S$20), all made using time-tested recipes. 

Its beautiful and intimate shophouse setting also makes it a great place to host special events such as weddings. 

Price range: $$

Crowd favourites: Beef rendang (S$32), ayam buah keluak (S$30)

17. Sabio Tapas Bar

5 Duxton Hill
Open: Monday to Thursday (12 pm to 2.30pm, 4pm to 10.30pm), Friday (12pm to 2.30pm, 4pm to 11pm), Saturday (11.30am to 11pm), and Sunday (11.30am to 10pm) 

Why visit? Sabio Tapas Bar at Duxton is a vibrant and lively establishment that has recently reopened right in the heart of Singapore’s Duxton Hill. With its Spanish-inspired atmosphere and delectable tapas, it offers a unique culinary experience within a cosy and welcoming ambience. 

Complementing the delightful Spanish small plates is an extensive selection of Spanish wines, sangrias and signature cocktails. 

Whether you’re looking for a casual night out or a lively gathering with friends, Sabio Tapas Bar is sure to satisfy your desire for authentic Spanish flavours.

Price range: $$$

Crowd favourites: Chorizo al vino — spicy sausages pan-fried in red wine (S$20), paella de pescado — squid, seabass, mussels and shrimp (S$36)

18. Unatoto 

Guoco Tower, B1-03, 7 Wallich Street
Open: Monday to Sunday (11am to 3pm, 5pm to 10pm)

Why visit? Unatoto in Tanjong Pagar is the first Singapore outlet of the popular unagi fast food chain Nadai Unatoto in Japan. It first opened at Guoco Tower in January 2023 and has been attracting unagi fans for its affordable unagi dishes, with meals starting as low as S$9.50.  

Anyone who’s an unagi fan ought to visit — you can get a simple unagi bowl, the unadon (S$9.50), or dishes incorporated with unagi such as the unagi tempura don (S$15), and umaki (unagi omelette, S$$3 for half, S$5.50 for a regular portion). 

Your non-unagi-loving dining companions can also choose from other dishes such as teriyaki chicken don (S$8.50) or plain udon (S$8). 

Price range: $$

Crowd favourites: Unadon (S$9.50), unagi tempura don (S$15)

Read about our take on Unatoto here.

19. Kafe Utu

12 Jiak Chuan Road
Open: Tuesday to Friday (10am to 4pm, 6pm to 9.30pm), Saturday and Sunday (9am to 4pm, 6pm to 9.30pm)

Why visit? Kafe Utu is an African space nestled in the Keong Saik neighbourhood. The cafe, which opened in 2019, is Singapore’s first original African cafe. 

Its owner Kurt Wagner had lived in several different African countries growing up — Liberia, South Sudan and Kenya — and wanted to bring these experiences to Singapore. 

Aside from serving up African cuisine, Kafe Utu also has specialty coffee (roasted in-house), cocktails and unique Instagrammable decor, making it an ideal spot to visit if you’re looking for a dining spot with a difference in downtown Singapore. 

Price range: $$$

Crowd favourites: Swahili fish curry — red Snapper, tamarind, coconut milk, house curry paste and habanero served with coconut rice (S$29), Nigerian fiery peppered pork stew — black angus pork belly, charred peppers, habanero and smoked fish served with coconut rice and mango salsa (S$30)

20. Kazbar 

Capital Square 2, 01-03, 25 Church Street
Open: Monday to Wednesday (12pm to 10pm), Thursday and Friday (12pm to 10.30pm), Saturday (6pm to 10.30pm) 

Why visit? Kazbar, situated on Church Street in Singapore, is a lively and vibrant destination for those seeking a taste of the Middle East. The bar and restaurant offers a unique and immersive experience with its enchanting decor and warm ambiance. 

The menu boasts an array of Middle Eastern delights, including aromatic tagines, delectable mezze platters, and succulent grilled meats. 

Price range: $$$

Crowd favourites: Hummus (S$9.50 for small, S$16 for large), lamb chops (S$40.90)

21. Chico Loco

102 Amoy Street
Open: Monday to Wednesday (11.30am to 10.30pm), Thursday and Friday (11.30am to 11pm), Saturday (5pm to 11pm) 

Why visit? If you’re a fan of Mexican food, but want more than just tacos, head to Chico Loco for some Mexican roast chicken and a couple of frozen margaritas. 

Chico Loco’s vibe is casual and fun, great for a quick weekday lunch or a leisurely post-work dinner. Its menu is unapologetically chicken-focused and you’ll find a good selection of snacks and sides to complement all that protein. 

Price range: $$

Crowd favourites: Half chicken (S$22 with one side, S$24 with two sides), Not Your Average Nacho — corn chips, jalapenos, chipotle cheese sauce, sour cream, guacamole, coriander, green onion, and pulled roast chicken (S$16) 

22. Lapin 

173 Telok Ayer Street
Open: Monday to Saturday (11.30am to 10.30pm) 

Why visit? If you’re craving Thai and are working right in the heart of the CBD, Lapin’s got you covered with its relatively extensive menu for a small-ish restaurant. 

At first glance, the place’s modern furnishings and cool lighting don’t immediately scream Thai food, but you’ll be sure to catch whiffs of its signature items, such as its Massaman beef curry (S$15.90), as you walk past. 

With its dishes being authentically Thai, it could veer on the spicy side — request for a less spicy option if you must. Or, you know, just order more Thai iced milk tea to quell the heat. 

Price range: $$

Crowd favourites: Chicken fritts — chicken ngoh hiang with Thai glass noodles (S$14.90), crab fried rice (S$14.90)

Read our critics’ take on Lapin. 

23. Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe 

5 Craig Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (7.30am to 9pm) 

Why visit? With the recent trend veering towards all things retro, Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe’s old-school kopitiam vibes fit right into the theme. Everything at Great Nanyang, from its storefront to its memorabilia around the shop, is meticulously curated, with some of it from owner Keith Kang’s own collection. 

It’s not just the decor — its dishes are also familiar kopitiam classics. Think Hainanese chicken cutlet (S$15.90), dry mee siam (S$8.90) and moonlight hor fun — stir-fried flat rice noodles topped with a raw egg (S$7.90). You might think, why pay elevated prices when you can just buy these at the next-door kopitiam? Vibes and ’gram worthy aesthetic, that’s why. 

Price range: $$

Crowd favourites: Hainanese chicken cutlet (S$15.90), nasi lemak kukus with chicken berempah leg (S$8.90) 

Read our full feature on Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe. 

24. Miznon 

6 Stanley Street
Open: Sunday to Wednesday (11am to 10.30pm), Thursday to Saturday (11am to 11pm) 

Why visit? For the uninitiated, Miznon is an Israeli casual restaurant chain that was first founded in Tel Aviv, Israel in 2010, by a leading Israeli chef Eyal Shani. The brand then expanded into key satellite cities such as New York, Paris, Vienna and Melbourne before it finally opened in Singapore in 2020 — the first outlet in Asia.

It’s known for its fluffy, generously stuffed pitas and its seasonal cauliflower dishes. Miznon is a popular Tanjong Pagar lunch spot but it also opens well into dinner, so pick your (queuing) battles and stick to it, because we can tell you those flavourful pitas will be worth the wait. 

Price range: $$

Crowd favourites: Falafel burger pita (S$16), tatami biscuit cake — Israeli tiramisu (S$15)

25. Gyutan-Tan

41 Tras Street
Open: Mondays to Saturdays (11.30am to 3.30pm, 5.30pm to 10pm)

Why visit? If you love beef and are feeling a tad adventurous, then give Gyutan-Tan, a Japanese ox-tongue restaurant along Tras Street, a go. ‘Gyutan’ is the Japanese word describing the cut of the meat, while the additional ‘tan’ refers to charcoal. 

Beef tongue is said to be stronger in flavour and chewier, and the restaurant balances this out with its mugimeshi (barley and rice), healthy sides and clear broth.

Interesting cuts aside, the brightly lit, minimalist restaurant is adorned with anime-inspired illustrations on its walls, which give it a somewhat whimsical feel. 

Price range: $$$

Crowd favourites: Sumiyaki gyutan combo set — thick and thin beef tongue slices, shoyu pickles, salad, mugimeshi (barley and rice), Japanese yam and oxtail soup (S$25), pork kakuni stew — four-hour braised pork belly stew (S$18) 

Learn more about Gyutan-Tan here. 

26. Wagatomo

Guoco Tower, 01-12, 5 Wallich Street
Open: Monday to Saturday (11.30am to 2.30pm, 5.30pm to 10.30pm) 

Why visit? Tanjong Pagar may be home to many fine dining and upscale establishments, but there are a small select few that are starting to offer fine-dining-style dishes at more wallet-friendly rates. Wagatomo is one of them — its donburi lunch sets start from a reasonable S$25 for a yasai (vegetable) don. 

While it’s a Japanese restaurant, its dishes are an inventive take on Japanese and western favourites — such as an A5 wagyu pizza (S$32) made of thinly sliced wagyu on a thin crust.

Price range: $$$

Crowd favourites: A5 wagyu pizza — thinly sliced wagyu with pickled Japanese ginger flower, ponzu mayo and yuzu kosho cream (S$32), Duroc pork chop (S$42)

Learn more about Wagatomo’s menu. 

27. Daejim Korean

4 Craig Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (12pm to 3pm, 5pm to 2am)

Why visit? Korean barbecue shops are a dime a dozen along Tanjong Pagar Road, which runs adjacent to Craig Road, but Daejim stands out for its seafood offerings on top of the regular meat sets. Choose from Korean oysters (S$28), scallops (S$28) or even live abalone (S$48) to go with your grilled meats.

Fans of Korean raw marinated seafood and meats will be glad to know that Daejim also serves not just the standard ganjang gejang (soy-marinated raw crab, S$40), but also ganjang saewoo or raw prawns (S$35) and even raw beef, or beef yukhoe (S$35). 

Crowd favourites: Ganjang gejang — soy-marinated raw crab (S$40), black pork set for two to three persons — pork belly, pork jowl, soy-marinated chicken, steamed egg, and soup (S$88)

Hungry for more Korean options? How about checking out authentic Korean spots in the south of Singapore. 

28. Pastaria Abate 

86 Neil Road
Open: Sunday to Wednesday (11.30am to 11pm), Thursday to Saturday (11.30am to 11.30pm)

Why visit? Love handmade pasta? Pastaria Abate is an authentic, cosy little Italian restaurant situated along Neil Road that makes everything from scratch. 

Everything about the spot, from its warm hospitality to its decor, makes you feel like you’re dining in a family-owned restaurant in Italy — all that’s really missing is a nonna (Italian grandmother) in the kitchen.

While it used to be known for more wallet-friendly prices sans GST and service charge, prices have gone up since. But you can still get a generous plate of marinara pasta at S$23.80, and considering how everything’s made from scratch, we think it’s still a great deal. 

Price range: $$$

Crowd favourites: Oxtail tagliatelle (S$29.80), calamari frito (S$27.80)

29. Etna Italian

49/50 Duxton Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (12pm to 2.30pm, 6pm to 10.30pm)

Why visit? Want more options for Italian restaurants at Tanjong Pagar? Etna Italian has quietly been serving up authentic Italian dishes along Duxton Road since 2006. Named after Italy’s most iconic volcano in Sicily, Etna prides itself on serving up some of the finest and freshest ingredients from the same region. 

It had its beginnings as a trattoria (casual dining spot) but has since evolved into a more sophisticated ristorante-style (more elegant and formal) place offering more dishes and personalised hospitality, but at affordable trattoria prices. 

Price range: $$$

Crowd favourites: Tonnarelli al nero di seppia con ricci — black ink tonnarelli pasta with sea urchin and grated bottarga (S$32), burrata pizza (S$32) 

30. Santi’s Pizza & Produce 

138 Telok Ayer Street
Open: Monday to Friday (11am to 10pm), Saturday (12pm to 9pm)

Why visit? Want to have some pizza in Tanjong Pagar? Santi’s Pizza is your go to. A newly opened spot along Telok Ayer Street, Santi’s is a casual pizza and pasta dining spot that is perfect for a chill after-work dinner in the CBD. It’s got small plates, bigger sharing ones such as steaks and octopus and the quintessential pizzas and pastas.

Its pizza flavours veer a little from the classics, such as its Not So Classic Marg (S$24), which comes with stracciatella, basil oil, fior di latte, basil and pecorino romano, and its Almost Hawaiian (S$30) that comes with Spanish chorizo, pickled grilled pineapple, fior di latte and chilli oil. The pizzas may look small, but trust us — it’s good for two. 

Price range: $$$

Crowd favourites: Butter chicken pizza (S$28), vodka sugo and Italian sausage — tomato sugo, vodka, chilli, norcina sausage, pecorino romano, stracciatella and pappardelle (S$24)

31. Restaurant Aisyah 

176 Telok Ayer Street
Open: Tuesday to Thursday (11.30am to 2.30pm, 5.30pm to 9pm), Friday to Sunday (11.30am to 9pm)

Why visit? If you’re a fan of mutton-based dishes, then Restaurant Aisyah, a Muslim-owned Xinjiang restaurant, should be on your list. 

Xinjiang cuisine features mutton heavily and predominantly uses seasonings such as cumin, chilli powder, cinnamon, garlic and saffron. Restaurant Aisyah’s menu is an accurate and authentic reflection of these inclinations, with dishes such as cumin mutton noodles (S$13.80). 

Prefer other meats? Its spicy beef noodles (S$15.80) are also quite popular and come with a spice rating of three fire icons. Don’t say they didn’t warn you. 

Crowd favourites: Cumin mutton noodles (S$13.80), braised mutton platter (S$36) 

Read our full review of Restaurant Aisyah. 

32. Fotia 

28 Duxton Hill
Open: Tuesday (5pm to 11pm), Wednesday to Saturday (12pm to 11pm), Sunday (12pm to 9pm)

Why visit? If you’re a fan of Greek food, Tanjong Pagar definitely has options for you. But we particularly liked Fotia, tucked away on Duxton Hill, complete with an alfresco area — something its previous outlet at Club Street didn’t have. 

Founded by Greek chef Sofia Beleri, the spot serves up authentic Greek and Mediterranean-style dishes from the heart. 

While its Duxton space is a lot bigger, you’ll feel right at home once you enter, thanks to its warm and attentive service staff. Its dishes are definitely made for sharing and are portioned as such, so go with a bigger group to try more and get greater bang for your buck. 

Price range: $$$

Crowd favourites: Mix combo platter — beef skewers, chicken skewers, lamb and chicken kebabs with fried potatoes, tzatziki, feta dip and pita bread (S$78.80), dolmadakia — stuffed vine leaves (S$18.80)

33. Noodle Star K

58 Tanjong Pagar Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 3.30pm, 5.30pm to 9.30pm) 

Why visit? An offshoot of the popular Korean barbecue restaurant Super Star K, Noodle Star K specialises in Korean noodles. You’ll find many shops selling Jjajangmyeon (or black bean noodles) along the stretch, but Noodle Star K also serves up naengmyeon (cold noodles), kalguksu (knife-cut noodles) and jjolmyeon (chewy noodles). 

It’s a one-stop shop for anyone who loves Korean food and their noodles. We particularly liked that its kalguksu came in many variations that you don’t really see in other Korean restaurants locally — kimchi, seafood, spicy beef, and chicken — perfect for fueling up on a cool, rainy day. 

Price range: $$ 

Crowd favourites: Jjajangmyeon — black bean noodles (S$14), naengmyeon — cold noodle soup (S$16.80) 

34. Kapitan

Maxwell Chambers, 01-05, 32 Maxwell Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 3pm, 5.30pm to 11pm) 

Why visit? You may have come across the name Kapitan on your TikTok For You page, due to a recent publicity push by the owner’s 21-year-old son Mark Zubovskyy. Zubovskyy dropped out of school to help his family out with the eatery after poor business, in spite of the fact that his father had poured the family’s life savings into opening the eastern European restaurant. 

You’ll probably also find the location familiar — it’s where the former Russian restaurant Dumplings.ru once stood. Kapitan is a rebranded version of its former occupant and now specialises in Slavic-styled boiled dumplings known as pelmeni and vereniki, instead of its previous Russian-style dumplings, which are more meat-focused.

Crowd favourites: Dumplings ragout — meat pelmeni or dumpling mix, chargrilled vegetables, cheddar, mozzarella (S$24.90), Medovik — multi-layered Slavic honey cake (S$12.90)

35. Thachang Noodle Bar

171 Telok Ayer Street
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 10pm) 

Why visit? If you found the name Thachang familiar, it’s because it’s been a Golden Mile Complex mainstay for boat noodles. Ever since the complex announced its closure, several stores have either closed or relocated. The popular Thachang opted for the latter, moving to the swankier Telok Ayer neighbourhood.

Its new shop is quaint and retro-themed with Thai memorabilia, and serves up several other Thai favourites such as omelette crab bomb (S$24.90) and moo ping — grilled pork skewers (S$8 for three pieces). 

It’s still relatively new, so don’t be surprised to find a long queue whether at lunch or dinner. Reservations are possible, so reserve ahead where you can. 

Price range: $$

Crowd favourites: Special beef boat noodle (S$8.90), creamy omelette basil crab meat rice (S$16.90)

For more ideas on what to eat around Singapore, explore our guide on the local must-eats or check out the HDB-themed cafe-bar that’s the latest viral sensation. 

Most of these Tanjong Pagar restaurants are on the GrabFood delivery service and offer free delivery (up to S$3 off) with GrabUnlimited.  

You can also book a ride to these Tanjong Pagar food spots.

Do explore the new GrabFood Dine-in service for awesome deals.