Ultimate top 10 places to dine along Orchard Road & people watch
Despite the sheer number of eateries along Orchard Road, I often hear many complain there is ‘nothing to eat’ in the city.
With this listicle, I intend to focus on restaurants found along the stretch connecting Orchard and Somerset MRT stations. They offer the best spots for those who enjoy people watching while digging into their meal.
Before further ado, here are the top 10 Orchard Road food spots that deliver both quality meals and scenic views.
1. Merci Marcel
Merci Marcel is one of my top date spots for sure. With a tropical-inspired interior, the stylish restaurant sets a comfortable but luxurious mood to dine in. The eatery uses inviting colours of yellow and baby blue to draw the attention of passers-by.
Not to mention the presence of a large circular window that allows diners to peer outside and people watch!
I always insist on getting their Homemade Fries (S$13) served with truffle mayonnaise. As one who prefers potato wedges over thin shoestring fries, I find their thick chunky fries lovely. Of course, I would be happy to eat them just as they are but a hint of truffle flavour can never be faulted.
A wide variety of perfectly cooked main dishes are also available. I would recommend the Grilled Gambas (S$27), Ravioles de Royans (S$25) and Duck Confit Salad (S$24).
Do not leave without trying a portion of their thick and luscious Crème Brûlée (S$12). Taste the fusion of sweet and salty by pairing their creamy custard with homemade salted caramel. Yums.
Order delivery: foodpanda Deliveroo
390 Orchard Road, 01-03 Palais Renaissance, #01 – 03/04, Singapore 238871
+65 6735 2608
Tue to Sat: 8am – 12am
Mon & Sun: 8am – 11.30pm
Facebook | Instagram | Website
2. Suju Japanese Restaurant
Located in the posh Mandarin Gallery, Suju Japanese Restaurant holds a special place in my heart. I still recall my excitement when I first dined at this beautiful restaurant. Request for window seats to make the most out of your dining experience.
The quality of food here is immaculate. I love their focus on delivering exceptional food with humble intentions. The team recommends the Suju Plate Set (S$28) which contains 6 assorted side dishes served with rice and dessert.
The price point is a steal considering the amount of food included in the set!
Come at sundown to splurge on their Premium Course (S$118). An endless variety of well-prepared Japanese dishes from this dinner menu are put in the spotlight. Begin your meal with 5 kinds of appetisers and assorted sashimi before indulging in the heavier mains.
Sauteed chicken and stewed mackerel are the 2 main items included in the set. However, those with larger appetites may top up for the New Zealand Tenderloin Steak (S$25) or Gindara Misozuke Yaki (S$20). The latter features a charcoal-grilled black cod. Simply delicious!
Order delivery: foodpanda
333A Orchard Rd, Mandarin Gallery, #04 – 05, Singapore 238897
+65 6737 7764
Daily: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Facebook | Instagram | Website
3. Alchemist
Known for one of the best coffee beverages around Singapore, Alchemist has recently launched their latest outlet at The Heeren. They take their coffee business pretty seriously and are always trying to perfect their brew.
The open air cafe features large windows that allow a strong airflow. I also love the colour of the shades — brown and green — which assimilate the space into its surrounding nature.
Their menu is kept simple but delivers effectively. Simply choose from Black, White or Mocha. A personal favourite would be their Iced White (S$6.50).
I usually order hot drinks at cafes as cold renditions are often diluted or not adequately cold. None of those problems are found in Alchemist’s versions. The perfect ratio of espresso and milk is delivered with sufficient ice cubes, ensuring money is well spent and cravings are satisfied!
With a book in the other hand, that is my coffee break settled.
260 Orchard Rd, The Heeren, #01-ORA, Singapore 238855
Daily: 9am – 9pm
Facebook | Instagram | Website
4. No.5 Emerald Hill
No introduction is needed for No.5 Emerald Hill. As one of the pioneers in the cocktail bar industry, No.5 Emerald Hill specialises in a huge selection of martinis. Be stunned by their Peranakan-style building and glorious display of red lanterns hung behind those wooden doors.
There are martini variations that you never thought could have existed. Under the Marvellous Martinis (2 glasses for S$20) section, choose from the classic No.5 Lychee Martini or try something more creative. One option would be the No.5 Jello Martini.
I thoroughly enjoyed their No.5 Earl Grey Martini which carried floral notes with a stiff mouthfeel that is simply too hard to resist!
Pair your cocktails with Chicken Wings (S$12) which are marinated with shrimp sauce and Chinese wine. Otherwise, heavy eaters should go for the Mini Beef Burgers (S$22) to fully satiate their hunger.
5 Emerald Hill Rd, Singapore 229289
+65 6732 0818
Daily: 12pm – 10.15pm
Facebook | Instagram | Website
5. Xiao Long Kan Hotpot
As a hardcore fan of hotpot, I find the need to feature one hotpot spot in every listicle I write. Xiao Long Kan Hotpot specialises in traditional Chinese cuisine with one of the most mouth-numbing mala broths I have ever eaten.
I usually eat medium or high spicy levels at stir fry mala joints. However, I was already sweating from the heat of the small spicy level in the restaurant’s Traditional Spicy Broth (S$18). I mean, just look at the colour and sheer amount of fresh chillies thrown in.
As if the spicy broth isn’t enough, one of the most popular items sold here is their Hot and Spicy Beef (S$7 for half portion). Liberally coated in dried chilli flakes, the tender beef slices are flavoured with a deep and robust spicy flavour.
The business takes pride in the quality of sesame oil used as a dipping sauce. It was only from my experience here that I started to appreciate using sesame oil as my go-to hot pot dipping sauce. Naturally, the fragrant oil comes at a price — S$2.50 per pax.
Order delivery: foodpanda
321 Orchard Rd, Orchard Shopping Centre, #02-08, Singapore 238866
+65 6366 8885
Daily: 11am – 6am
Facebook | Instagram
6. Hard Rock Cafe
A legendary spot in the heart of Orchard, Hard Rock Cafe boasts some of the best live music and entertainment since forever. A spot that should only be reserved for the best moments in your life, set aside an entire evening (and night) here for endless fun!
Regardless of your food choices, a couple of alcoholic drinks are a must when dining here. Signature cocktails include the most popular Hurricane (S$25.95) and Bahama Mama (S$25.95).
Both cocktails consist of fruity notes from the inclusion of orange and pineapple juice. For those who prefer creamy textures, I will recommend the latter since Malibu coconut is added to the concoction.
Dig into All-American Sliders (S$29.95). It features a thick cut of onion ring topped onto a hefty beef patty and coleslaw stack and sandwiched between 2 toasted buns. Otherwise, stick with the fan favourite Wings (S$19.95).
Order delivery: foodpanda Deliveroo
50 Cuscaden Road, Hpl House, #02-01, Singapore 249724
+65 6235 5232
Sun to Thu: 11.30am – 11pm
Fri: 11.30am – 8pm
Sat: 11.30am – 6pm
Facebook | Instagram | Website
7. White Marble
Situated in boujee Orchard Rendezvous Hotel, White Marble is the definition of posh and elegant dining. They have focused their menu on Mediterranean steak and grilled items. The interior is kept sleek with minimal colours used, and the palette limited largely to black and white.
Start off with some bar snacks, including the Prawn & Chorizo ‘Pil Pil’ (S$19) and Jamon Iberico Ham (S$28). The refreshing seafood dish and smoky salted meat slices will surely whet you appetite.
For something out of the ordinary, I would recommend the chilled Yellowtail Amberjack Carpaccio (S$22). The dish features fruity notes from the use of grapefruit and orange juices.
On every visit to the White Marble, diners should order their grilled items. In particular, the Sakura Pork Tomahawk (S$88), Lamb Merguez Kebab (S$32) and Australia Wagyu Hanging Tender (S$68) will surely please taste buds.
Otherwise, indulge in the wide range of skewers such as Seafood (S$40) which feature prawns, butterfish and octopus.
1 Tanglin Road, Orchard Rendezvous Hotel, #01-09, Singapore 247905
Daily: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Facebook | Instagram | Website
8. Sushiro
As the leading chain of conveyor belt sushi in Japan, Sushiro is rapidly expanding across Singapore. There are 2 reasons why it is my favourite conveyor belt sushi of all time at Orchard Road. First, huge portions. Second, super low prices.
My ultimate favourite item from Sushiro is their Prawn Carpaccio (S$2.30 for 1 piece). A large butterflied prawn is placed onto vinegared sushi rice and dressed with raw onions and light dressing. They are super refreshing and I can eat 5 of these in 1 sitting!
I also enjoy the Tuna with Soy Sauce (S$2.30 for 2 pieces) which is lightly salted and has a grassy flavour from the spring onions present.
Their meat sushi was unique to me as well, especially their Galbi Beef (S$2.30 for 1 piece) and Dongpo Pork Belly (S$2.30 for 1 piece).
I usually love to add on the Scallop Chawanmushi (S$3.50) and Asari Miso Soup (S$2.80) to complete my meal!
Order delivery: foodpanda
350 Orchard Road, #03-K1/K2 Shaw House, Singapore 238868
+65 6514 0390
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Facebook | Instagram | Website
9. Shake Shack
I am saying this with caution but Shake Shack is my favourite eatery for American handheld fare, that is, burgers. The popularity of this eatery can be proved by its insanely rapid expansion across Singapore in the span of just months.
The burgers are done superbly here. My favourite has to be the SmokeShack Single (S$11.80). Bacon in burgers is a must-have. Those apple-wood smoked versions found at Shake Shack introduce just the right amount of meatiness and saltiness to the construction.
Not to mention, those soft and heavily buttered potato buns make the perfect shells to encase and soak up all that beefy juice.
It would be a crime to leave the burger joint without a serving of their milkshakes. I’d go for the Peanut Butter any time of the day but after they removed the flavour from the menu, Salted Caramel (S$7.60) is the next best option.
Order delivery: foodpanda Deliveroo
541 Orchard Road, Liat Towers, #01-01, Singapore 238881
Sun to Thu: 10am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 10am – 10.30pm
Facebook | Instagram | Website
10. KPO Cafe Bar
Dine in an alfresco setting with huge vibes. Make reservations at KPO Cafe Bar along Orchard Road as soon as plans are made to avoid battling with others for a table. An entity on its own, the two-storeyed refurbished post office building sets a lively mood for the evening.
A mix of cuisines are served here — think local to Japanese and Western delights. Sharing plates are an essential component of a night of drinks here. Sweet and Sour Pork (S$20), Wasabi Prawns (S$19) and Pork Cubes (S$18) sound like a decent platter.
Liberally dressed in the brand’s ‘sworn to secrecy’ marinade, then charbroiled till charred, Premium Pork Ribs (S$33) are a show stopper for sure. Nothing beats the fragrance and aroma of grilled goods fresh off the rack.
Wipe up all that dressing (choose between original or spicy) and wash everything down with a pint or two!
Order delivery: foodpanda
1 Killiney Road, Singapore 239518
+65 6733 3648
Mon to Fri: 2pm – 12am
Sat: 4pm – 12am
Closed on Sun
Facebook | Instagram | Website
The post Ultimate top 10 places to dine along Orchard Road & people watch appeared first on SETHLUI.com.
