16 restaurants & cafes in Esplanade Mall for a gathering with family & friends

When you think of Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Perhaps you associate this iconic durian-shaped building with the local arts scene and live performances— after all, the Esplanade is a world-class destination for performing arts. 

However, did you know that the Esplanade is also a food haven? Esplanade Mall boasts a huge variety of restaurants and cafes, wow-ing visitors with its diverse gastronomical offerings. With an enticing selection of F&B spots, captivating views and exciting cultural experiences, the Esplanade is truly a wonderful place to get together with your loved ones.

Plus, in the month of December, the Esplanade will be having free concerts by local artists every Friday to Sunday at the DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre, adding to the festive mood of year-end feasting and celebrations.

Here are 16 fantastic restaurants & cafes in Esplanade Mall to indulge with family & friends after a day of appreciating art.

1. The Malayan Council (#02-14)

The Malayan Council (TMC) is a high-end Muslim-owned restaurant in Esplanade Mall that marries Malay-Asian and Western cuisines. This establishment’s exquisite dishes are made using traditional recipes and utilise only the finest ingredients. There is no better place for diners to get together, eat and relax together.

The Malayan Council’s signature Beef Wellington (S$49) is a must-try dish, made with juicy Wagyu flank wrapped in golden puff pastry and mushroom, and served with sauteed vegetables and beef gravy. The Cone Trios Rillette (S$21) is another popular creation, which serves smoked duck, crab and smoked salmon in a pastry cone before being topped with microcress and ikura caviar.

The extensive menu also includes enticing fusion dishes, like Curry Seafood Risotto (S$43) and Tom Yam Paella (S$49). How about digging into desserts like the Durian Penget Cake (S$12.50) and Goreng Pisang Split (S$19)? With their wide range of menu items, The Malayan Council has something for everyone to enjoy.

+65 90097345
Daily: 11am – 11pm
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2. Red House Seafood (#01-14/16)

Red House Seafood isn’t just any ordinary seafood restaurant. Established in 1976, this eatery is one of Singapore’s oldest seafood restaurants! The 47-year-old establishment is focused on Singapore Nanyang-style Seafood cuisine and uses ingredients, flavours and techniques from Southern China and Southeast Asia.

Red House Seafood’s shellfish are undoubtedly their stand-out menu items. You must try their Sri Lankan Mud Crab and Alaskan King Crab, with a choice of 10 whopping cooking styles, including Red House Chilli Crab, Wok-Fried and Tossed in Black Pepper and Steamed in Chinese Wine and Egg White. The live Alaskan King Crab is now available at a special price of $188++ per kg (U.P. $268++), perfect for an indulgent meal with your family and friends.

An outlet-exclusive here are the BBQ specialties, of which the Chicken Satay ($3.80++ per skewer, minimum order of 2 skewers)— a tribute to the local street food in Singapore—is packed with flavour from its housemade marinade, which features a blend of over 10 types of herbs and spices.

+65 6336 6080
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm & 5.30pm – 10pm
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3. ExciseMan Wine & Whisky Bar (#02-27)

Craving a good drink while in Esplanade Mall? Be sure to check out ExciseMan Wine & Whisky Bar. This sophisticated bar is a haven for connoisseurs and alcohol lovers, as it focuses heavily on fine wines, whiskies and brandies. It also has cocktails, to cater to those who enjoy creative flavours.

Sip on your drink in comfort as you relax to classic tunes from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. For a more personal experience, ExciseMan Wine & Whisky Bar offers private rooms for you to hold meetings, host parties and events, or to simply grab a drink with your loved ones in the comfort of your own exclusive space.

The variety of alcohol available at ExciseMan Wine & Whisky Bar is practically endless— you’ll be spoiled for choice when you peruse their selections of champagne, red wines, white wines, liqueurs, cocktails and more.

+65 6963 1192
Mon to Sat: 4pm – 11pm
Closed on Sun
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4. Supply & Demand Italian Bistro & Rooftop Bar
    / ARKTOS Artisanal Gelato & Handcrafted Desserts  (#01-13)

Mamma mia! For hearty Italian meals, handcrafted desserts and house roasted coffee, you can head to multi-concept, two-storied restaurant Supply & Demand Italian Bistro & Rooftop Bar with ARKTOS Artisanal Gelatos & Handcrafted Desserts to satisfy your cravings for good Italian food, craft beers on tap and slushie cocktails. This modern Italian bistro boasts an open-concept kitchen spanning 12 metres across, allowing diners to watch in awe as the culinary team works to prepare masterfully-curated fresh pastas, risottos, grill and hand-opened thin crust pizzas. Spot the edible herbs and edible flowers on your dining plates, as these are freshly harvested daily from their roof terrace herb garden. 

On Level 1, there are options of cosy indoor seats or al fresco seats, while the Level 2 roof terrace seats have stunning views of the Marina Bay waterfront and city skyline. This restaurant is great for gatherings, big group dining or events. 

This flagship is popular for their sharing plates, classic Italian pastas and signatures: the Truffle Mushroom Arancini (S$26), Crab & Scallop Tagliatelle (S$37), Uni Risotto (S$47) and Miso Cod (market price). The restaurant also now features a newly opened dessert cold kitchen, offering artisanal gelatos and handcrafted desserts. 

Their hand-opened 12” Italian thin crust pizzas are not to be missed either. Grab their signature Lobster Pizza (S$69), topped with a whole Boston lobster, or opt for their classic S$29 pizzas, including Four Cheese, Spicy Pork Salami and Truffle & Egg.

Drink up some curated craft beer selections from Italy or fresh on tap, and go for the popular slushie cocktails Yuzu Beer Slushie (S$18) and seasonal flavours. Other favourites are Aperol Spritz (S$22), Strawberry Lemon Spritz (S$22) and Pocket Full Of Sunshine (S$22). The wine selection is huge with house pour options and curated labels from boutique vineyards.

+65 9488 2958 (WhatsApp) / +65 6336 0588
Tue to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm & 5pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 10.30pm
Closed on Mon
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5. Old School Delights (#02-25)

True to its name, Old School Delights takes you back in time with its tuckshop-style interior and homely local menu. This family-run cafe in Esplanade Mall serves up familiar Singaporean treats like Beef Rendang, laksa, and nasi lemak, making it a fantastic place to indulge in some good ol’ comfort food.

The signatures at Old School Delights include the Beef Cheek Rendang Set (S$16.90), consisting of a grass-fed beef cheek that is slow-cooked for 3 hours in their special rendang sauce, and the Assam Salmon Rice Set (S$16.50), a succulent salmon fillet simmered in sweet & spicy assam gravy.

Aside from Asian dishes, you can look forward to digging into Western specials like Fish & Chips (S$14.90) and Grilled Chicken Chop (S$13.90). 

+65 6909 3507
Wed to Mon: 12pm – 9pm
Closed on Tue
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6. Straits Chinese Signatures (#02-21)

Straits Chinese Nonya Restaurant is Singapore’s oldest Nonya restaurant— you’ll be guaranteed the real deal when you dine here. The establishment uses secret recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation, ensuring that its dishes are authentic and preserve the original taste from the olden days.

Savour unforgettable Nonya dishes, starting with the signature Ayam Buak Keluak (S$23.80) and Founder’s Otah (S$12.80), which were Singapore’s Founding Father, Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s favourite take-out choices.

 The Ikan Assam Nanas Pedas (Whole Fish) (S$41.80) is an explosive blend of flavours that will impress those who enjoy fish. If fish isn’t your top pick when it comes to seafood, why not explore other options like Sotong Sambal (S$23.80) and Udang Assam Goreng (S$23.80)? 

Straits Chinese Signatures is also a great spot for groups to visit as it has value sets suitable for multiple people. The Family Value Set, which starts at S$88.80, consists of Ikan Assam Nanas Pedas (Whole Fish), Ayam Buah Keluak, Babi Pong Tay, Nonya Chap Chye and Blue Pea Rice.

Order Delivery: Oddle foodpanda
 Deliveroo
+65 6339 3683 / +65 6377 6681
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm & 5.30pm – 9pm
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7. Tomo Izakaya (#01-09)

Craving a taste of Japan? Visit Tomo Izakaya the next time you’re in the Esplanade Mall! This modern izakaya restaurant provides customers with a sophisticated dining experience complete with the finest food and freshest ingredients for you to enjoy a relaxing night out with your friends and family.

The Chef’s recommended Sashimi Moriwase (S$32) comes with 4 types of sashimi, perfect for those looking to sample different fishes. You can also opt for various kinds of sushi, including Toro Salmon Aburi (S$12), Hon Maguro Akami (S$10) and Ikura Sushi (S$13). For something a bit more filling, perhaps the Zenbu-Happy Chirashi (S$29) will be to your liking— this rice bowl is topped with sashimi, grilled eel, beef steak and salmon roe. 

I’m personally interested in trying the variety of Makimono Roll Sushi, including the Salmon Unagi Mentai Mayo (S$22) and Softshell Crab Salmon (S$22) options.

Order Delivery: Deliveroo
+65 6333 0012
Mon to Sun: 12pm – 3pm & 5pm – 11pm
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8. Alter Ego (#01-13D, Annexe)

Alter Ego is a restaurant that truly lives up to its name. By day, it dishes out healthy Hawaiian poke bowls, and by night, it unveils its selection of craft beers and indulgent mains, ensuring  you’ll have something to look forward to regardless of what time you visit. Alter Ego’s location by the Esplanade waterfront also provides you with a stunning view of Marina Bay, allowing you to take in the gorgeous skyline while knocking back a drink or two.

Indulge in irresistible Western creations like their famous Pizza Fries (S$21), topped with beef pepperoni and cheese sauce, or get some Mexican Nachos (S$17) to share. How about a bowl of pasta to satisfy your carb-y cravings? Dishes you can enjoy include Arrabiata Chicken (S$22), Creamy Pesto Pasta with Chicken & Broccoli (S$21) and Frutti Di Mare (S$23).

For a more balanced meal that includes a good mix of protein, carbs and veggies, try the Beef Rice Bowl (S$29), topped consisting of grilled ribeye, mixed salad, corn on the cob, a lemon wedge and your choice of butter or coconut rice. There are also Salmon (S$30) and Lamb Chop (S$32) variations of the rice bowl.

+65 6327 9301
Daily: 12pm – 10.30pm
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9. Dopo Teatro (#01-11) 

Take your tastebuds on a trip to Italy when you dine at Dopo Teatro. This contemporary Italian restaurant in the Esplanade Mall is inspired by vibrant piazzas found in Italy. Its menu combines both traditional and modern Italian cuisine, and uses premium Japanese ingredients to ensure that the quality of their dishes is top notch. 

Don’t expect the typical pizza and pasta dishes when you dine at Dopo Teatro— its menu offers so much more! Begin your meal with the Stracciatella Truffle (S$14), a heart of burrata cheese served with black truffle sauce, or indulge in the flavourful Fried Halloumi Cheese (S$16).

The menu at Dopo Teatro is rife with fantastic traditional Italian mains, ranging from well-known dishes like Gnocchi (S$28) and Quattro Formaggi Pizza (S$32) to less recognised gems, such as Amatriciana (S$26), made with casarecce pasta, bacon, red onions, spicy pomodoro and pecorino cheese, and Maiale (S$42), an oven roasted bone-in pork rack crusted with white pepper and Brandy mushroom cream sauce.

+65 6534 5188
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm & 5pm -10pm
Sat to Sun: 12pm – 10pm
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10. Harry’s (#01-05/07)

Harry’s is no stranger to most Singaporeans— established in 1992, this restaurant is one of the most long standing F&B brands in the country. A large part of Harry’s appeal is the fact that it offers a mix of Asian and Western dishes, perfect to cater to different tastes and cravings.

Take your tastebuds to the West with Harry’s burgers, such as Harry’s Jazz Burger (S$25), containing a Wagyu beef patty, and the Spicy Chicken Burger (S$24), filled with a marinated chicken leg. The Flatbread Pizzas are a great choice for those seeking a lighter version of traditional thick-crust pizza. Mushroom & Truffle (S$25) is their most popular flavour, topped with button mushrooms, aioli and truffle oil.

Other mains to anticipate are the Dry-Rubbed Baby Back Ribs (S$32), Beer Battered Fish & Chips (S$28) and Prawn & Seaweed Aglio Olio (S$27). Cater to the Asian palate with Harry’s Beef Rendang with Basmati Rice (S$26) or Chicken Tikka Masala (S$26). There’s even a unique fusion Seafood Spaghettini ‘Mee Goreng’ (S$25), a dish of Singapore style fried noodles containing fried octopus, tiger prawns and white fish fillet!

During this festive season, enjoy a Festive Platter for 2 at S$56++. The platter consists of Beef Au Poivre, Half Roasted Rosemary Chicken, Pigs in a Blanket and Roasted Vegetables, making your holiday celebrations even more delicious.

Order Delivery: Deliveroo
+65 8268 8251
Sun to Thu: 11am – 12am
Fri & Sat: 11am – 1am
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11. Mischief (#01-10/12)

Look forward to enjoying an unforgettable indulgent meal when you visit Mischief. This Western restaurant combines age-old techniques with modern ingredient combinations, and has a focus on celebrating the communal nature of food. Be in awe of their innovative menu that highlights both familiar dishes and creative mains that you may not find elsewhere.

Aside from classics like Buffalo Wings (S$17) and Mentaiko Fries (S$19), Mischief challenges its diners tastebuds with unique sides like the Ghost Pepper Wings (S$18), which are crispy chicken wings coated in super spicy ghost pepper sauce and crunchy chilli padi. Other interesting sides include GG Clams (S$18), Korean flower clams sauteed with garlic, chilli padi and lime leaf, and Crackling Pork Belly (S$25), only available on Fridays and Saturdays.

Mischief’s mains aren’t to be missed, with burgers, pastas and proteins to quell your hunger. I’d love to try the super unique Gula Melaka Char Siu (S$27), a grilled pork belly slathered in gula melaka glaze. The Slow Cooked Angus Beef Short Ribs (S$50) sound absolutely divine too— these tender ribs are slow-cooked for 24 hours!

The 5 burgers offered at Mischief will surely satisfy you. Each burger, priced from S$23 to S$25, comes with a side of fries and homemade onion rings, with fillings like premium Aussie beef patties, deep fried chicken thighs and crispy battered Haddock fillets.

+65 6532 0481
Daily: 4pm – 10.30pm
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12. The Boiler Seafood Bar & Beer (#01-13A, Annexe)

The Boiler Seafood Bar & Beer is a seafood lover’s paradise. This multi-award-winning restaurant serves the freshest seafood that is infused with both local and Western spices, igniting your senses with its boldness. Expect to find the best crabs, prawns, lobsters, mussels and clams at this humble and vibrant establishment.

Gather all your amigos and enjoy the Seafood Bag Combos, with options like the Bombdiggity Bag (S$179), suitable for 4 pax. This bag contained a dungeness or seasonal crab weighing around 900g to 950g, prawns, mussels, clams, smoked sausages, sweet pearl corns and buns. If you prefer something lighter, you can get à la carte seafood— a whole Boston Lobster, weighing 600g to 650g, comes in at S$75, while a Sri Lanka Crab of the same weight costs S$49.

If you’re dining solo, don’t fret, for The Boiler Seafood Bar & Beer also has plenty of dishes perfect for one person! Choose from a variety of dishes like Signature Haddock Fish & Chips (S$18.90), Miso-Dijon Salmon (S$18.90), Linguine Crispy Prawns with Tobiko (S$16.90) and Crispy Squid Salad (S$16.90), just to name a few. The options are practically endless!

+65 6909 3435
Sun to Thu: 11.30am – 2.30pm & 5pm – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 5pm – 10.30pm
Closed on Mon
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13. Noosh Halal Noodle Bar and Grill (#01-13B, Annexe)

Creativity shines front and centre at Noosh Halal Noodle Bar and Grill, located on the first floor of Esplanade Mall. This halal-certified family restaurant dazzles with its unique fusion fare, blending Asian and Western flavours in a way that I’ve never seen before. 

Dive into innovations like the Succulent Duck Breast Meat with Lemak Chilli Padi Spaghetti (S$27.90) and Kung Pao Fish & Chips (S$28.90), a tantalising deep-fried baby snapper fillet drizzled with Chinese-style kung pao sauce. Ever tried a fried cutlet topped with sambal? The Sambal Bali Chicken Cutlet (S$27.90) combines Balinese sambal with mozzarella cheese, curly fries and salad, making it an iconic dish to try.

Dining with friends? Consider getting The Bonafide Sharing Platter at Noosh Halal Noodle Bar and Grill. This hefty platter, which comes in at S$79.90, offers you a sampler of an assortment of dishes, like grilled tiger prawns, Noosh style grilled scallop, deep fried wings, sliced sirloin steak, and squid cekodok, plus a medley of side dips.

Order Delivery: foodpanda
+65 6327 9396
Mon to Sun: 12pm – 10pm
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14. Restaurant Labyrinth (#02-23)

It’s time to treat yourself with a visit to Restaurant Labyrinth, an exceptional fine-dining restaurant with One Michelin Star. Labyrinth is helmed by Chef LG Han, who represents his memories of growing up in Singapore through his dishes. Enjoy a gastronomical adventure like no other when you explore the familiar yet exciting menu, comprising 90% locally sourced ingredients.

A meal at Labyrinth takes you through an unforgettable gustatory experience that spans 2.5 hours for lunch and 3 hours for dinner. Their ever-changing menu isn’t available online, making each visit a unique culinary experience.

The Lunch Tasting Menu costs S$208++ per pax while the Dinner Tasting Menu is a little pricier at S$298++ per pax. Take note that Labyrinth’s menus are largely seafood-centric— while the restaurant can accommodate no shellfish diets, it is unable to cater to diets with completely no seafood. The restaurant also isn’t suitable for those following vegan, vegetarian, celiac, non-dairy, non-gluten and non-allium diets.

+65 6223 4098
Wed: 6.30 pm – 10.30 pm
Friday to Sun: 12 pm – 2.30 pm & 6.30 pm – 10.30 pm
Closed on Mon & Tue
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15. Aniplus Café (#01-13C, Annexe)

Otakus unite! The anime-themed Aniplus Café brings the “collaboration café” concept from Japan to Esplanade Mall, where it integrates dining with anime, comics and games. This is the perfect place for anime fans to congregate and bond over their favourite Japanese works while enjoying adorable themed dishes.

“The café’s menu undergoes regular changes, featuring special anime-themed menus that rotate periodically.”In the past, Aniplus Café has had menus based on Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen and BanG Dream! Girls Band Party!— its most recent collaboration is with the wildly popular series Spy x Family, where you can dig into charming dishes inspired by characters in the anime.

In addition to its food offerings, Aniplus Café also retails a wide range of merchandise, ranging from can badges to T-shirts and tumblers. New arrivals come in quite often, so be sure to check their Facebook page for updates.

Daily: 11.45am – 9.15pm
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16. respecT by Fort Sanctuary (#02-01/03)

Passionate about your tea? You’ll definitely want to check out respecT by Fort Sanctuary, a relaxing space specialising in exceptional, high-quality tea. Their flagship outlet within Esplanade Mall houses 2 arms: a showroom and a new concept tea house.

In the showroom portion of the store, you’ll be blown away by immersive projections of mountains while enjoying demonstrations of their specialty teas, featuring phenomenal effects of tea rested and aged in Singapore. The showroom is designed to inspire visitors to connect to nature,  fostering a profound appreciation and care for the land and tea plants.

The teahouse, on the other hand, is where you can sit and enjoy the finest and most complex specialty teas, all of which are made in Singapore. Your outlook on tea will never be the same again.

The Classic Series introduces you to Wuyi rock-essence specialty teas, which bear intense and rich flavours, while the Rhapsody Series features unprecedented avant-garde teas. Take your pick of what kind of tea experience you’d like to enjoy.

+65 6254 8048
Daily: 1pm – 9pm
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*This post was brought to you in partnership with Esplanade Mall.

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