Burpple - Best Places for Dates Under $70 in Singapore
Planning a special meal doesn't always have to hurt your wallet or be in a fancy restaurant. We've compiled a guide to places where you can have fun with good food and "date vibes" — specifically catered to a budget of $70 and under per couple.Whether it's digging into a huge paella while sipping wine in Robertson Quay or sharing stellar Western fare in Kembangan, bring your sweetheart (and appetite) for a date that is set to impress! *Note that dishes may vary on Valentine's Day. This article was originally published on burpple.com. Download the app for iPhone and Android now at burpple.com/getapp!
1. Humpback
For Oysters with Your Sunday Brunch For Oysters with Your Sunday Brunch
Treat yourselves to Humpback's amazing Sunday brunch, where their famed oysters (Hama Hama, Blue Pool and Eld Inlet) are at Happy Hour prices ($3) all day! Take your time to enjoy half a dozen oysters while you contemplate the rest of the menu. You'll want to feast on the oozy Fried Egg ($14) served on a bed of octopus, orzo and cheese. While it sounds humble, be sure to get a single serving of Eggs Benedict ($12) — the perfectly poached egg is smothered in sweet crab meat, hollandaise and guacamole. For something with a kick, the Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Sriracha ($10) will satisfy. Should you feel like splurging, there's always the tempting Lobster Roll ($39) and their Brunch Cocktails ($17). Pro tip: Prices quoted are for the small plate size option, ideal for two people to try a variety of dishes. Avg Price: $65 per couple Photo by Burppler Sam Chua2. Birds of a Feather
For a Chic and Fun Meal in the CBD For a Chic and Fun Meal in the CBD
Neighbours to Ding Dong and Bochinche, Birds of a Feather is the perfect date spot for those working in the CBD. The snazzy place on Amoy Street hits the sweet spot in our books — memorable Sichuan-inspired dishes, excellent cocktails and an overall relaxed vibe in a gorgeous setting. Splurge on the spicy Find the Chicken in the Chillies ($16), a cheeky appetizer that features little morsels of chicken fried hidden in an abundance of dried chillies. Otherwise, its best to put your money towards the Spicy Oriental Bolognaise ($22), their rendition of zha jiang mian made with angel hair pasta, pork ragout, kale and sakura ebi — incredibly tasty. End the meal with their deceivingly humble-looking Glutinous Rice Cake ($12), where flat chewy rice cakes are topped with soy powder and Okinawan black sugar. Pro tip: Squeeze in a little lunch date here — get the Spicy Oriental Bolognaise along with the lunch exclusive of Grilled Cheese Panini ($20) with braised pork belly and pickled cabbage. Avg Price: $60 per couple Photo by Burppler Jonathan Wong3. Ginza Kuroson (Takashimaya)
For Impressive Japanese Lunch Sets For Impressive Japanese Lunch Sets
Come to this upscale, refined Japanese restaurant on the third floor of Takashimaya for their impeccable service and truly value-for-money lunch donburi sets. Prices start at $22 and go upward to $88, and each meal comes with an appetizer, salad, pickles, miso soup and dessert. Get the Ryoshi-Gokai Nagekomi Don ($22) — a stunning bowl of fresh sashimi that includes lesser known fish like silverfish. Burpple Tastemaker Ice Blossom highly recommends it, describing the don as one of the more delicious ones in town that "fares very well in all aspects — texture and taste of the rice, freshness and sweetness of sashimi, assortment and variety of sashimi, and price". Otherwise, the reliable Barachirashi Don ($22) is bound to satisfy any fish lover's cravings. Willing to spend a little more? Get the Australian Beef Steak ($35) — limited to only 10 sets a day, the beef cubes are perfectly cooked. Pro tip: Call ahead to request to sit by the impressive sushi bar so you can watch the chefs work their magic! Avg Price: $45 per couple Photo by Burppler V T4. Wine Connection Tapas Bar & Bistro (Robertson Walk)
For Affordable Wines and Paella For Affordable Wines and Paella
Wine Connection is one of the largest wine importers in Singapore, which explains their impressive collection of wine labels and the affordable price tags. A glass of red starts from $7 while premium labels start from $11 per glass. The food won't change your life, but it's hearty, solid fare that will keep your tummies satisfied. Go for the Seafood Paella ($32) that comes with a generous portion of mussels, prawns, spicy chorizo and huge pieces of chicken — great for filling two very hungry stomachs. If not, share the Parma Ham and Rocket Pizza ($16) — a thin crusted tomato-based pizza topped with slices of parma ham, rocket and mozzarella. The buzzy atmosphere and good vibes at the Robertson Quay outlet will instantly put you at ease, making for a relaxed date night that won't break the bank. Pro tip: They do not take reservations after 7pm, so come early to snag a seat or be prepared to wait. Avg Price: $60 per couple (with drinks) Photo by Burppler Raine Liu5. Lolla
For an Indulgent Sunday Brunch For an Indulgent Sunday Brunch
Lolla is the place we point our friends to for good food — which is why we think every couple should make a pilgrimage here at least once in their relationship. Expect hearty and downright delicious small plates that are great for sharing with your beau. Apart from some of the best-selling dinner items like the Sourdough ($4) with Kombu Butter ($7) that are also available at brunch, there are a few new additions like the Stuffed Squid ($26) and the Crab Lasagna ($29) that you must order. The latter is packed full of luscious crabmeat and paired with a delectable bechamel sauce, a dish Burpple Tastemaker Michelle Kayla Tey says is "bound to leave you sighing with contentment". If the wallet is willing, order the Doughnuts with Lemon Curd ($12) or the Steamed Dark Chocolate Pudding ($15) for a luxurious ending. Avg Price: $70 per couple Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Michelle Kayla Tey6. iO Italian Osteria
For a Laidback Italian Dinner Date For a Laidback Italian Dinner Date
Run by the same team behind Etna, iO serves up heartier but no less authentic Italian food in a laidback, rustic setting within HillV2. This place is perfect for longtime couples looking to enjoy the food and each others' company. Decked out in wood and copper to resemble a traditional Italian tavern, the food, too, is comforting. Get the Porchetta ($16) to share — the crackling on the pork belly is spot-on, and we love the aromatic wild fennel stuffing. For mains, you won't go wrong with their pastas or risotto — the Homemade Raviolacci with Beef and Marsala Sauce ($16) and Slow-Braised Lamb Ragout Garganelli ($19) are favourites. Wines start from a reasonable $10/glass. You must end off with the Pistachio Tiramisu in a Jar ($10), a truly delightful spin on the dessert classic. Avg Price: $45 per couple (without drinks) Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Julius Lim7. Royz et Vous (Chai Chee)
For a Halal-Friendly Date For a Halal-Friendly Date
Easties looking for a Halal-friendly date spot will love Royz et Vous in Chai Chee (around the corner from sporting store Decathlon). The spacious cafe oozes industrial hip vibes with its cement floor, wood-paneled walls and high ceilings, making this suitable for a casual-chic date. The food is strong on flavour and spice. Try the Signature Prawn and Crayfish ($19.90), a pasta dish generously topped with seafood and peppered with chilli padi that cuts through the cream sauce, as well as the Buffalo Wings ($14.90) slicked in chilli padi buffalo sauce. There are non-spicy options like the Wagyu Beef Burger ($28.90), which was well executed and worth the price tag if you're into beef. The Muslim-owned establishment serves dealcoholised Halal wine (from $8.90/glass of red or white), which is great if you're celebrating an occasion, but otherwise a needless splurge (it tastes like watered down grape juice). We recommend going for the potent Thai Milk Tea ($6) or Cold Brew Nitro Black ($9) coffee instead. Pro tip: Make a reservation in advance. Avg Price: $40 per couple Photo by Burppler Leigh Khoo8. South Union Park
For Fantastic Food on a Budget For Fantastic Food on a Budget
Tight on cash but bent on impressing your date? Head to this cosy restaurant near Kembangan MRT for quality Western fare at very affordable prices. In general, the pastas are more competitively priced than their meat mains yet equally tasty — try the Duck Confit Tagliatelle ($16) or Gnocchi ($17) with roasted corn and corn puree. If you have a larger budget, go straight for the Flat Iron Steak ($28), a seasonal dish served only from Fridays to Sundays. While lean, the beef is incredibly tender, and comes topped with zingy chimichurri. For dessert, have the Popcorn Flan ($13) to share. It's like popcorn, but made so much better with trimmings like hazelnut brittle and caramel foam. Avg Price: $50 per couple Photo by Burppler Jayson Yeo9. Xiao Ya Tou
For a Fun, Cheeky Brunch For a Fun, Cheeky Brunch
This cosy, Chinese-inspired restaurant bar on Duxton is cheeky and in-your-face (check out the red lanterns and pictures of vintage Chinese pin-up girls), and so much fun because of that — so bring a brunch date with a sense of humour. Like the dinner menu, the brunch selection is adventurous and creative. Sit down to raved about plates like the Unagi Benedict ($23), which Burppler Alison Ho describes as "a fantastic fusion dish that combines fried mantou with that umami from the unagi and a whole dollop of an amazing yuzu hollandaise". Also try the popular Mentaiko Mac & Cheese ($16) and Mung Bean Frittata ($17). For dessert, get Coconut Tau Huay ($6) or the Mantou French Toast Ice Cream Sandwich ($7). Avg Price: $50 per couple Photo by Burppler Titus Phoon10. HOUSE at Dempsey
For a Casually Stylish Meal For a Casually Stylish Meal
We like that HOUSE at Dempsey is close enough to the city, yet feels like it is worlds away from the buzz. Tucked amidst lush greenery, the relaxed ambience and excellent service makes it suitable for a first date. The setting is casually stylish, and this is reflected in the menu which is smart but not at all stuffy. The Burpple community has great things to say about the Elegant Black Pepper Prawn Linguine ($33) — the sauce is tasty, the plump prawns are char-grilled to smoky deliciousness, and it's finished with a sprinkling of salmon caviar. It's a splurge, but well worth the money. For a super satisfying vegetarian main, you must have the Macadamia-Crusted Pumpkin Salad ($18). Alternatively, dig into the sinful Bone Marrow And Steak Burger With Bacon Jam ($29) that will please any meat-lover. If the date is going well, spend a little more and linger over a slice of moist Marilah Onde-Onde! ($8.50), which sees pandan sponge cake layered with pandan-coconut cream and gula Melaka. Avg Price: $65 per couple Photo by Burppler Tammy Wee11. Fynn's
For Comforting Grub in a Classy Cafe For Comforting Grub in a Classy Cafe
Marble table tops, white rattan chairs and big potted pants — Fynn's is a gorgeous showstopper in South Beach Tower, be it day or night. If you're looking to have a more intimate conversation, opt to sit behind the glass panels — it's quieter and more comfortable with the long padded bench than the main sitting area. You won't go wrong ordering the signature items that are bolded on the menu. Burger lovers can find comfort in the All-Beef Burger ($22) — a juicy beef patty topped with gruyere cheese, slathered with the house sauce and sandwiched between house made buns. The flawless Grilled Chicken with Fried Wild Rice ($19.50) that comes with edamame, snow peas, egg and pickled vegetables is a wholesome one-dish meal. Indulge in the hearty Heirloom Tomato Salad ($23) served with basil granita only if your wallet can afford it. Be sure to save space for their Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie ($12.50) — an upsized version of a Mrs Field's cookie served in a hot skillet pan, topped with vanilla ice cream and Guinness syrup! Avg Price: $55 per couple Photo by Burppler Raine Liu12. Little Island Brewing Co
For Alfresco Craft Beers and Hearty Food For Alfresco Craft Beers and Hearty Food
If you and your partner's idea of a perfect date is relaxing over beers and good food in fresh air, then this is the spot for you. This local, laidback, spacious craft microbrewery, smokehouse and restaurant in Changi Village lets you pour your own draft beers — an element of fun to the meal. Start with the pleasant Oh Yeah Singapore Pale Ale ($10) as you watch the sun set. Then, dig into the irresistible 15-hour Smoked Wagyu Beef Brisket ($18 per 100g) and get your hands dirty with the Pork Ribs Balinese Style ($26 per 200g) for a truly meaty affair. Also have the tasty Roasted Chilli Pumpkin ($10) on the side. Pro tip: Come by on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday to enjoy live music, and make a reservation on Burpple via Chope! Avg Price: $70 per couple (with drinks) Photo by Burppler Dex Neo13. SPRMRKT Kitchen & Bar (Robertson Quay)
For Lunch Overlooking the River For Lunch Overlooking the River
Set out on a brunch date to this picture-perfect restaurant overlooking the riverside. While its sister outlet on the first floor, SPRMRKT Daily, has a more casual vibe, SPRMRKT Kitchen and Bar on the second floor is boasts a gorgeous, more upscale interior with plush teal lounge chairs and gold hardware fixtures. Come here for the crowd-pleasing Huevos Tostados ($26) — flank steak topped with two poached eggs. The fusion Pork Buns ($25), a take on the kong bak bao, features open-faced fluffy buns with thick slabs of pork belly topped with poached eggs. Instead of the usual braise, the pork belly is roasted to produce an delightfully crackling skin. If budget permits, come at night instead to enjoy freshly shucked Oysters ($4 per shell), the Ranger Valley T Bone ($15 per 100g) that sports a glorious char, and the grilled Spanish Octopus ($49) served with burnt kiwi, bulgur and kale to impress your date. Pro tip: There is a Brunch Set Menu ($38) that allows you one main and one cocktail. Avg Price: $60 per couple (without drinks) Photo by Burppler Hilary See
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