9 Best Places for Waterfront Drinking and Dining in Singapore
Dining with a view of the sun (or moon, depending on the time!) glistening off the water is one of our favourite and most idyllic ways to dine. That’s why we have rounded up this list of our top waterside restaurants in Singapore. Ideal for when you have visitors in town or a special someone to impress, these photo-worthy spots are sure to make it to the 'gram. Cameras and appetites at the ready!
1. The Pelican
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If you’re looking for a waterfront spot with stellar views of Marina Bay Sands, allow us to tempt you to one with a casually classy al fresco deck and an elegant eatery to boot.
The buzzy atmosphere of the Pelican is perfect for both after-work drinks and weekend catch-ups over a cocktail or two. It starts to get busy when the doors open at 6pm and gets livelier as the night goes on, with many a patron sipping on creative concoctions whipped up by their resident mixologist. Choosing from the twenty-strong list of cocktails can be a challenge, so if in doubt, go for their namesake: the Pelican. It combines vodka, Cointreau and sparkling brut with the fruitiness of apricot, grapefruit and raspberry for an intoxicatingly delicious drink.
Fancy sticking around for dinner? This place puts as much effort into the food as they do the cocktails, with a menu focused on premium steak and fresh, sustainable seafood. We love the grilled pork T-bone with sautéed carrot and celeriac, and the Pelican Burger filled with gourmet chopped steak, bacon and smoked ketchup. Pescatarian palettes should opt for ocean delights like the chilli crab linguine or seafood platter designed to be shared between three. It includes a whole barramundi as well as squid, tiger prawns and barbecued corn.
And it’s not just the dinner crowd that are well catered for here. Those who work locally should swing by for their set lunch ($38 for three courses). Alternatively, head to the bay for a little weekend indulgence in the form of The Pelican’s champagne brunch. Free-flowing champagne, Prosecco, wine and spirits are all on offer alongside unlimited plates of lobster bisque, slow-cooked beef cheek, crispy fish sliders, New York striploin steak, baked mussels with sriracha mayonnaise and many more. Creamy artisanal ice cream and red velvet cake make for the perfect sweet finale.
Address: 1 Fullerton Rd, #01-01 One Fullerton, Singapore, 049213
Opening hours:
Monday-Friday: 12pm-3pm, 6pm-11pm
Saturday: 12pm-4pm, 6pm-11pm
Sunday: 12pm-4pm, 6pm-10pm
The Pelican is a popular choice, so don’t forget to book ahead for brunch, lunch or dinner!
2. Ola Beach Club
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Retreat to Sentosa for vacation vibes and a much-needed escape from the city. Your destination of choice? Ola Beach Club. It’s the epitome of laid-back chic with an Instagram-worthy Hawaiian theme and a sprawling 20,000 square foot space. The whole place has a glorious leisurely feel, particularly if you manage to snag a beach cabana. Take our word for it; aside from a refreshing dip in the pool or sea, you won’t want to move from one of these prime spots!
If that image alone doesn’t already have you planning your visit, a quick glance through the Tiki-inspired cocktail list is sure to clinch it. The Ola mixologists have channelled their creativity into a truly stellar drinks menu featuring their own self-made ingredients. Top picks include the Hala Lei that blends gin, pineapple juice, homemade all-spice liqueur and chamomile tea, and the ultra indulgent Melemele. It’s a creamy mix of rum, cream, coconut juice and their luscious homemade puree of cinnamon and banana. These heady concoctions are the perfect thing to see you through from daytime sips to after-dark revelry, when live DJs take to the decks and beach games give way to a lively dance-floor.
As for what to do when those hunger pangs strike, place your appetite in the hands of Executive Chef Liinson Heng. He and his team serve up all-day brunch plates like the avocado and smoky pulled pork eggs benedict, and sharing seafood platters piled high with Arctic lobster, mussels, scallops, clams, calamari, oysters and tiger prawns. Our ultimate favourite however has got to be the mouth-watering Kua’Aina burger. It’s filled with gourmet Wagyu beef, a poached egg, grilled pineapple and their secret ingredient: the Chinese li hing mui powder that manages to be sweet, sour and salty all at once.
If you’re in the mood for an adrenaline rush, you’ll be pleased to hear that Ola is also home to a great water sports area. Try your luck on a banana boat, give jet-packing a go, or challenge that core with stand-up paddle boarding. The choice is yours!
Address: 46 Siloso Beach Walk, Singapore, 099005
Opening hours:
Monday-Friday: 10am-10pm
Saturday-Sunday: 9am-10pm
Chilled Hawaiian-themed fun awaits at Ola. Click here to book your table!
3. Prive
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The marina at Keppel Bay is an undoubtedly stylish spot, and home to one of our favourite waterside restaurants, Prive. It sits in a prime quayside position overlooking some seriously lust-worthy yachts, with a sun-drenched outdoor terrace surrounded by lush greenery. In fact, the atmosphere here is so serene that it’s more akin to the Mediterranean than Singapore.
Theirs is a dining experience that ticks the boxes for cool, casual and family friendly. There are dishes to suit all appetites and taste buds, inspired by flavours from all around the world. Asian plates like nasi goreng, Hainanese chicken salad and Thai green curry, for example, are available alongside fish and chips and a divine pulled pork burger.
Their most recent addition is a plant-based menu. It’s so packed with flavour that even the most carnivorous of diners won’t miss the meat. Our vegan favourites are the Asian poke bowl with maple and miso glazed tofu, and the mezze platter. This tempting veggie selection includes falafel balls (that are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside; just as they should be), marinated artichokes, roasted vegetables, coconut tzatziki and a spiced tabbouleh of cauliflower and broccoli.
And it’s not just the fare that has people clamouring for a weekend table. Need a boozy sip to shake off that working week? There’s a long list of spirits and mixers waiting behind the bar, ready to be crafted into your choice of cocktail. The mango mojito and gummy bear martini, in particular, come highly recommended. As for caffeinated sips, Prive has made itself a top pick with their wide range of hot beverages. Here, the traditional flat whites and americanos are served alongside trend-setting cups like turmeric and ginger soy lattes, hazelnut cappuccinos and matcha lattes. And because coffee is nothing without cake, don’t miss the delectable salted caramel and pecan slice with gula melaka.
For something even more indulgent, go for the DIY hot chocolate. It arrives at your table as a cup of hot soy milk, in which you can melt a bar of 85% Valrhona chocolate and top it with whipped cream and marshmallows. Trust us, this is one drink you really won’t want to end!
Address: 2 Keppel Bay Vista, Marina at Keppel Bay, Singapore, 098382
Opening hours:
Monday-Friday: 9am-12am
Saturday-Sunday: 8am-12am
When the weekend comes calling, head to Prive.
4. Georges Beach Club
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If you’re seeking an escape from the city bustle without actually having to leave the island, this East Coast Park favourite is the place to go. The chilled beach vibes at Georges will transport you to Bali and back in seconds, as you gaze at the waves (and each other) over a cold craft beer or one of their intoxicating classic cocktails.
It’s a welcoming and all-encompassing space that has something for everyone. An air-conditioned interior and al fresco terrace cater to the ever-changing Singapore weather, while the darts area and sports screenings keep those keen to play and know the score happy too. It’s also entirely family friendly, so feel free to bring the kiddies along.
It’s a great choice if you’re dining in a group too. Go for the meat-centric George’s platter of grilled bratwurst, pork ribs and chicken masala that’s designed to share (and pairs particularly well with a tower of Tiger). The rest of the food menu hails from all around the world, with hearty and comforting dishes like sausage and mash, Argentinian rib-eye steak, tandoori chicken tikka and for pasta lovers, a divine spaghetti Vongole with clams and chilli.
Unlike many restaurants and bars in Singapore, this one offers happy hour deals across almost all of their drinks. Think wine for $9, a Corona for $8 and a variety of spirits and mixers for less than $12 a pop. Be sure to stop by on weekdays though to order yours at these prices, as these deals are only available between 3pm and 8pm from Monday to Friday. But don’t think that means sidestepping a weekend visit to Georges. Its rustic charm can always be counted upon for a good time.
Address: 1010 East Coast Parkway, Singapore, 449892
Opening hours:
Monday-Friday: 4pm-1am
Saturday-Sunday: 9am-1am
Get 10% off your meal at Georges with ChopeDeals!
5. Ras Clarke Quay
Source: Ras
The bustling riverfront of Clarke Quay is home to award-winning Indian restaurant Ras. The decor - both in the cosy interior and slightly livelier waterside terrace - may be relatively simple, but the food here is anything but. Their sublime, contemporary selection of dishes includes those from across the subcontinent, with particular highlights including the Sri Lankan crab masala and chicken chettinad. The latter is a slightly lesser known dish that hails from south India and is simply packed with flavour.
Also coming highly praised are their breads. Don’t miss the chance for a little carb indulgence with an ultra thin Rumali roti, the traditional Kashmiri naan filled with dried fruit and nuts, and the popular stuffed paratha with your choice of paneer, aloo or masala.
To accompany your meal are plenty of beers, house pours and even a few cocktails. On the drink list though, it’s clear their specialty is the wine. There are bottles sourced from across the globe, and they’ve carefully considered which is the best label for each dish. Check out the menu for details on which glass should be paired with your starter, main and dessert. With the tandoori lobster, for example, they recommend a crisp white wine to really bring out the flavours. More specifically, the Zuccolo pinot grigio from Italy or a glass of Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand’s Oyster Bay winery.
As for the place itself, the ambiance at Ras is somewhere between upmarket dining and casual eatery, making for an extremely pleasant spot to while away the evening.
Address: Block 3D, 01-05A Clarke Quay, River Valley Road, Singapore, 179023
Opening hours:
Monday-Friday: 12pm-2.30pm, 6.30pm-11.30pm
Saturday-Sunday: 11.30am-2.30pm, 6.30pm-11.30pm
Ready to book? Click here.
6. Lavo
Source: Lavo
Waterfront locations don’t get much better than atop the architecturally impressive Marina Bay Sands. This highly-acclaimed restaurant and bar looks out over the bay and is a glorious spot to watch the reflection of our city’s iconic skyline sparkle on the water.
But Lavo has much more to offer than just the view. Head to the al fresco terrace at happy hour to score two of their signature cocktails for the price of one, then retreat inside where some of the finest Italian fare on the island awaits.
A quick glance around will reveal many a diner diving into must-try dishes like The Meatball. It’s 1lb of freshly ground imperial Wagyu meat served with whipped ricotta, and is much classier than it sounds thanks to its fine dining presentation, rich flavours and texture that quite literally melts in the mouth. This heavenly starter (that we recommend ordering to share) is the perfect way to kick off your meal before steaming bowlfuls of the mushroom and truffle gnocchi or seafood linguine with mussels, clams, scallops and prawns. Lighter dishes worth a taste include the grilled yellow fin tuna with tomatoes, artichokes and celery. And don’t miss their Instagram-worthy chocolate cake enriched with twenty layers of creamy peanut butter mascarpone. No meal here is complete without it.
Got something to celebrate? Lavo is also home to one of the best bottomless brunches in Singapore. The Sunday champagne buffet has gourmet plates in abundance like those from the raw bar, carving station and international charcuterie and cheese selection. There’s also plenty of salads, soups, breakfast dishes and pastries to keep those rumbling stomachs happy! As for what you’ll be drinking, diners can take their pick from free-flow Veuve Clicquot champagne, beer, wine or brunch-time cocktails like a Mimosa or Bloody Mary.
Oh, and for anyone seeking a late-night sip spot complete with sophisticated vibes and spectacular panoramas, note that the rooftop bar stays open until 4am on Saturdays.
Address: 10 Bayfront Ave, Tower 1, Level 57, Singapore, 018956
Opening hours:
Sunday-Thursday: 10.30am-2am
Friday: 10.30am-3am
Saturday: 10.30am-4am
Plan ahead and reserve your seat at Lavo here.
7. Charlie’s Restaurant & Bar
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The hip waterside strip of Boat Quay is packed with bars and eateries keen to tempt you through their doors. It’s a tourist hotspot - and for good reason - offering a plethora of options from American-style burgers to fine Indian cuisine and everything in between. However if what your taste buds are seeking is great tapas, craft cocktails and chilled but bustling vibes, Charlie’s is just the thing.
The kitchen at this casual bar and restaurant shines a spotlight on traditional Spanish flavours. The best way to dine here is sharing style, so get a group together and prepare to kick off your tapas feast with small plates of gambas pil pil (garlic and chilli prawns with paprika and herbs), spicy chorizo espanola, patatas bravas - because no Spanish dining experience is complete without them - and the almejas salteada. These fresh diamond clams cooked in white wine are served with garlic bread for dipping and are utterly delicious.
Moving onto large plates, the majority come inspired by flavours from across the world and are made here with a little Spanish flair. We’re particular fans of the squid ink paella and the sharing platter of comfort food like barbecue pork ribs, Bratwurst sausages and lamb skewers. Also on the menu are pasta dishes such as prawn aglio olio and the pulled pork burger filled with super succulent ten-hour braised pork and juicy grilled pineapple.
Happy hour at Charlie’s is an all-day affair, running from 11am to 9pm Monday to Sunday. As well as offers on beer, house pour spirits and classic cocktails like sangria, daiquiris and whisky sours, there’s also a small but international wine selection and a special list of single malt and blended whisky. If it’s the latter that’s really taking your fancy, head up to the first floor of this old Boat Quay shophouse to Charlie’s Paradiso. It’s an intimate upstairs lounge that specialises in Cuban cigars and premium whisky flights.
Address: 32 Boat Quay, Singapore, 049821
Opening hours:
Monday-Sunday: 11am-12am
Get up to 45% off your Spanish feast with ChopeDeals!
8. Summerlong
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Dine by the water’s edge at expat enclave Summerlong. It’s found its way to the top of many a must-visit list thanks to its chic Mediterranean vibes and prime location in the tranquil riverside neighborhood of Robertson Quay. It’s a fusion kind of spot that manages to combine beach-side casual with trendy sophistication. Swing by on the weekend and it’s guaranteed to be busy, as people enjoy a laid-back catch up with friends, celebrate over drinks or savour a lazy lunch.
‘What are they eating?’, we hear you ask. There’s all kinds of culinary delights on the menu here, including sharing mezze plates, hand-crafted burgers and gourmet kebabs (try the spiced pork kofta). The most popular time to visit though is that glorious meal between breakfast and lunch. Summerlong has made a name for itself as one of the best brunch spots in Singapore, now renowned for dishes like their falafel scotch egg, shakshuka (Turkish baked eggs) and indulgent brioche French toast.
And because they know no brunch is complete without a cocktail, the brains behind the bar are happy to whip you up a Bloody Mary, or other easy-to-drink sips like Pimms or an Aperol Spritz. Wine, beer and cider are of course on offer too.
Head here between 5.30pm and 7.30pm on weekdays to get your hands on their most popular drinks at happy hour prices. It would be rude not to, right?
Address: 60 Robertson Quay, 01-04 The Quayside, Singapore, 238252
Opening hours:
Monday-Friday: 5pm-12am
Saturday-Sunday: 10.30am-3pm, 6pm-12am
Request an outdoor table for the best waterside views at Summerlong.
9. Super Loco
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When Mexican cravings come calling, make a beeline to our favourite cucina y bar, Super Loco. It sits in a first-class waterfront location directly opposite Marina Bay Sands. It’s the ultimate go-to for leaving your troubles behind, with not just an amazing outlook but an energetic ambiance, mouthwatering food and creatively concocted signature cocktails too.
Start the evening as you mean to go on by perusing the drink list, where you’ll be hard pushed to pick between beautifully presented sips like the blood orange and guava Margarita or their tequila and mezcal-infused punch that’s designed to share. Fancy something a little more straightforward? There’s also a great selection of craft beers, house pours and a menu dedicated to gin and tonics.
And it’s worth dropping by for dinner too. Their menu includes all the most recognisable Mexican dishes, created here with such flair that it’s highly likely these will be a world apart from what you’ve sampled before. Among the cheesy quesadillas, ensalatas and enchiladas sits the Super Loco specialty: tacos. Their perfection starts with the soft corn taco shell which they make in a traditional Aztec style. Then comes the filling. Choose from grilled snapper with chipotle mayo, slow roasted pork shoulder or a fiery pulled chicken, or go for our top pick: tacos filled with spicy chorizo and braised beef brisket. Heed our advice and order a variety as it’s impossible to devour just one!
Address: 70 Collyer Quay, 01-04 Customs House, Singapore, 049323
Opening hours:
Monday-Tuesday: 12pm-3pm, 5pm-10.30pm
Wednesday-Thursday: 12pm-3pm, 5pm-12am
Friday: 12pm-12am
Saturday: 5pm-12am
Get ready for a Mexican fiesta at Super Loco.
Craving some fresh air?
Whether you’re a fan of dining by the waters or you’re looking to unwind under the stars, check out our extensive Al Fresco Dining Guide for all the restaurants serving up a fantastic outdoor dining experience that might catch your fancy!
