Valentine’s Day Dinner is one of those fragile situations where you hope for the best but plan for the absolute worst. Assuming all your presents, flowers and cards are in order, you still have the dinner venue to decide on. It’s not just the food, because the difference between good and great service can be a huge difference. Don’t fret, because I’ve compiled some of the best places for a Valentine’s Day (or a lavish date night) meal!
Fine Dining
Kappo Shunsui
I will start with what I think is the absolute best place to go. Kappo Shunsui might sit in the slightly off-beat Cuppage Plaza. However, the cozy space, warm service and exquisite work from Chef Tomo Watanabe completely transports you to a top class dining experience. Do yourself a favour, like I did, and treat your loved on to the Omakase menu with the Sake Pairing. You will not regret it.
Lewin Terrace
Fusion is ridiculously difficult to pull off in a fine dining setting, but Chef Shinkai’s sublime skill will eliminate any doubt you had about Japanese-European fusion cuisine. My meal there was elegant, well presented and most importantly,well thought out. Every season, they launch a completely new menu, and that blows my mind. Lewin Terrace has some of the best service I’ve experienced at a white table setting, and they’re worth the price of entry.
With a View
Artemis
You cannot go wrong with this one. It combines a Mediterranean-inspired menu with what is simply an amazing view of the City. Artemis is known for some great meats, so expect wood-fired lamb and superbly well-grilled steaks. They also boast a good range of seafood, with the Alaskan King Crab standing out as one of my personal picks.
Cook & Brew
This pick is less serious a venue for dinner, but it is no slouch is the quality and service side. It’s 33rd level Asia Square Tower 2 positioning brings out the best in ambience, with diners surrounded by views of the city’s skyscrapers. They have some excellent bites, but my winner is the Chili Fried Chicken here. Absolute zinger, that one.
Chill Out
Osteria Mozza/Pizza Mozza
I am in love with the good work that the people at Mozza are putting in. Whether its the Pizzeria side of things with their amazing crust or the Osteria side with their solid work on the pastas, this is the one place in Marina Bay Sands that I don’t mind spending at. If you happen to be on staycation in the area, make it a point to drop by for a solid Italian meal!
Salt Tapas & Bar
This option is definitely a little more laid back and casual as opposed to some of the other options here, but it’s a great place to chill and have a great meal. The dinner menu is an excellent selection of Australian-styled food, and the drinks are well-mixed. However, if you’re not looking for dinner, consider a breezy brunch with your Significant Other here as you sit together and watch the world go by.
The Halia
Right now, Botanic Garden’s has a star in The Halia. It’s right smack in the middle of the lush greenery, a perfect setting for a romantic evening. When I went, I really wan’t expecting much, but they proved that I didn’t know what I was missing. We’re talking about perfectly cooked, juicy and tender chicken breasts, succulent rump stews and well-concocted desserts. This is one of the top halal restaurants in Singapore, and deserves every accolade it hold right now.
