Christmas is almost here, and I am sure everyone is busy shopping for gifts and planning for parties. From the hottest restaurants to nice and affordable cafes, we select a list of places to consider for Christmas Dinner in Singapore.

‘Tis the season to be fatty.

Au Chocolat

Au Chocolat at Marina Bay Sands is one of those places where you can go for brunch, lunch, dinner or late-night desserts as they have a big menu which can cater to every occasion.

This Christmas, Au Chocolat is serving an all day menu which includes Wild Mushroom Soup; a delectable platter of Parma Ham with Rock Melon, Foie Gras Mousse, Smoked Salmon Roulade, and Fried Mozzarella Ball; main courses such as Turkey Breast, Roasted Beef Loin and Duck Confit; and Au Chocolat Log Cake for desserts. You can either go for two courses ($42++), three courses ($52++), or all four courses ($68++).

2 Bayfront Avenue
#01-03 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
Tel: +65 6730 8288
Daily: 11am – 12 midnight

Akanoya

Akanoya specialises in robatayaki where customers sit around an open counter and choose the fresh ingredients from the spot. The chefs will then grill the ingredients like seafood, meat, and vegetables over charcoal, and serve it to the customers using a long wooden paddle.

If you are still thinking of where to go for Christmas, bring your partner to Akanoya. You can be assured of a fantastic meal.

1 Tanglin Road
#01-01 Orchard Parade Hotel
Tel: +65 6732 1866
Daily: 6pm – 2am

Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse

Nestled amidst the Mohammed Sultan enclave, Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse – the first and only Italian restaurant specialising in steak – makes an exciting new addition to the semi-fine dining scene in Singapore.

Bistecca’s Christmas Dinner Promotion, Tuscan Roast, is available at $128++ (for lunch and dinner). The Christmas Day menu starts off with an antipasti and home-made Tortellini, and this is followed by a massive mixed platter of Spit-Roasted Lamb, and premium Bistecca Wagyu Roast Beef and Roast Turkey. For desserts, end off with the Christmas Fruit Pudding.

If that does not appeal, order the signature Fiorentina Wagyu T-bone Steak ($178) from the ala carte menu. Trust me, it’s very satisfying.

25 Mohamed Sultan Road
Tel: +65 6735 6739
Tue to Fri: 12pm–2pm, 6pm–11pm
Sat: 11am–4pm, 6pm–11pm
Sun: 11am–4pm

Cafe Melba

Housed in a beautiful glass building, Cafe Melba is chic and stylish, without being overly pretentious. It reminds me of PS Cafe, and while food here isn’t fantastic, I can see myself coming back regularly.

From 3rd to 24th Dec, Cafe Melba has a Yuletide festive set where you can enjoy a two course meal at $32++, and three course meal for $39++.

90 Goodman Road
#01-56 Goodman Arts Centre Block N
Tel: +65 6440 6068
Mon to Fri: 10am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 10pm

Chef Daniel’s Kitchen

Over at Bugis+, Chef Daniel Koh and his team have designed a Christmas set lunch (available from 10 to 23 Dec) for just S$16.80++. The menu features Christmas-inspired dishes such as Oven-Roasted Pumpkin, Cheese Soup and Turkey Burger. This is for folks who just want to have a simple and good Christmas meal on a budget.

For Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Chef Daniel’s Kitchen has a more elaborated 5-course festive menu priced at at S$68++ and S$78++.

201 Victoria Street
#07-02/03 Bugis +
Tel: +65 6509 9888
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm

Il Cielo

To celebrate Christmas with a special candlelight dinner, I’d recommend Il Cielo at Hilton Singapore. The pool-side restaurant is small and intimate, with a view overlooking Orchard Road. I like that it has a central location, yet it does not feel like you are in town.

Il Cielo is offering a 6 course Christmas Menu at $188++ (24 & 25 Dec). This is the place to bring your date for a romantic Christmas Dinner.

581 Orchard Road
Level 24 Hilton Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6730 3395
Mon to Fri: 12 noon – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 7pm – 10.30pm

Prego Restaurant

Prego at Fairmont is celebrating the holidays with Christmas-themed menus complete with turkey, chestnuts and of course, classic Italian desserts. The three course festive set lunch from 21 to 31 Dec (excluding 23, 25, and 30 Dec) is $55++. For Christmas Day Brunch, it has a scrumptious spread with free flow of Prosecco, house wines and cocktails at $168++.

80 Bras Basah Road
1F Fairmont Hotel
Singapore 189560
Tel: +65 6431 6156
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm

Riders Cafe

There’s no better place than Riders Cafe if you are looking for a place to go for Christmas brunch. Riders Cafe at Bukit Timah Saddle Club has always been one of my favourite places in Singapore. Its is extremely popular during weekends, so be sure to go early to get a table.

51 Fairways Drive
Bukit Timah Saddle Club
Tel: +65 6466 9819
Sun to Thu: 8am – 9pm
Fri & Sat: 8am – 10pm

Salt Tapas Bar

Within the past year, we have seen so many new Spanish restaurants opening on our shores. Among them, Salt Tapas & Bar by Chef Luke Mangan is definitely one that you must visit.

I’d suggest going there for lunch as it has a value for money set menu ($33.50++) which comes with flatbread and three tapas per person.

252 North Bridge Road
#01-22A Raffles City Shopping Centre
Tel: +65 6837 0995
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm

The Cornerstone

I chanced upon The Cornerstone when I was having brunch at Canopy Garden & Dining Bar, and since then, I’ve been back a few times. It has a very nice and cosy interior, which makes it a good place to chill out and have a great time with friends and loved ones.

1380 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1
Bishan Park 2
Tel: +65 6554 7230
Daily: 12 noon – 10.30pm

The Royal Mail

From now till 30th December 2012, The Royal Mail’s Festive Seasonal Menu is available for dinner at just $68++. This three-course menu includes Slow Poached Turkey Ballotine, The Royal Mail’s famed U.S.D.A Prime Roast as well as sweet treats such as a Vanilla & Chocolate Yule Log and Warm Date Pudding.

The 5-course Tasting Menu has more options and you can expect Poached Quail Eggs, Grilled Hokkaido Scallops, a choice of Cod En Papillote or Oven Roasted Lamb Loin, and end off with Christmas desserts Sherry Trifle and Mont Blanc. The Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menu is priced at $85++.

2 Finlayson Green
Ascott Raffles Place
Tel: +65 6509 3589
Mon to Fri: 12noon – 3pm, 6.30pm – 11pm
Sat: 6.30pm – 11pm

The Fabulous Baker Boy

One of my newer cafes in town, The Fabulous Baker Boy is located directly opposite Liang Court. I like that it is not too crowded during weekday dinners as not many people know about them because of its semi-secluded location.

On its menu, you can find main courses like prawn fettuccine ($18), lamb shank ($24), pastrami sandwich ($10.50). For Christmas, it has a Xmas Special Sandwich ($10). And of course, this being a bakery cafe, there’s no way you can leave without trying the cakes. The Ab Fab Red Velvet Cake is one of the best I’ve had in Singapore.

The Foothills #01-15
70 River Valley Road, Singapore 179037
Tel: +65 6694 8336
Daily: 12 noon – 11pm

Triple Three Restaurant

Christmas is the perfect excuse for us to let loose and indulge. And what better way to spend Christmas than to go for a buffet feast?

Triple Three at Mandarin Orchard has a Christmas buffet lunch with free flow of wine and beer at $78++, while the Christmas dinner buffet is $88++.

333 Orchard Road
Level 5 Mandarin Orchard Singapore
Tel: +65 6831 6271
Daily: 12noon – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10pm

Valentino Ristorante

Regular readers should know that I am a big fan of Ristorante Valentino. I am going to go out on a limb and say that they are one of the best, if not the best Italian restaurant in Singapore. And since they have recently shifted to a bigger space at Grandstand (formerly Turf Club), I thought I’d introduce it again. If you have been to Valentino before, it’s time to drop by again. If you have never been, I’d strongly urge you to give it a try for Christmas this year.

200 Turf Club Road #01-19
Tel: +65 6462 0555

My Christmas post is a little late this year as I just got back from Europe two days ago. If you are still looking for a nice and romantic restaurant to celebrate this special occasion, here are some suggestions for Christmas Dinner in Singapore 2011.

Just less than 10 days to Christmas, it’s time to party!

Boathouse

Over at Boathouse Fullerton, the scrumptious 4 course Christmas Eve Dinner at $128++ includes Lobster, Hokkaido Scallops, Berkshire Pork Knuckles, and a dessert.

The Christmas Champagne Brunch allows you to indulge in Gamon Ham, Tsarkaya Oyster, Roasted Turkey, and Christmas Pudding; at $168++ with free flow of Veuve Clicqout Yellow Label Champagne, and $98++ without champagne.

#03-01 The Fullerton Waterboat House
3 Fullerton Road
Tel: +65 6538 9038

Cafe Mosaic

Who doesn’t love Christmas when you get to enjoy festive favourites such as Roasted Turkey with Chestnut Stuffing, Honey Baked Ham, Braised Beef Cheek and Rack of Lamb at Cafe Mosaic?

Christmas Prelude Feast starts from 12th – 23th Dec 2011 at $54/pax for dinner, while Christmas eve buffet dinner is $78/pax, and Christmas dinner on the 25th Dec is $62/pax.

For the Christmas Prelude Feast, there’s 20% off or 1 dines free with every 3 paying guests for DBS and UOB credit card members.

76 Bras Basah Road
Level 1 Carlton Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6311 8195

Equinox Restaurant

Where else better to enjoy the stunning view of Singapore’s skyline while indulging in the feast of seasonal delights, than Equinox?

The Festive High Tea starts from 1 Dec to 1 Jan 2012 at $48++/pax. You can also go for the Yuletide Season 5 course dinner at $178++/pax; Christmas Eve & Christmas Day 6 course dinner at $$199++/pax.

2 Stamford Road
70F Swissotel The Stamford Singapore
Tel: +65 6431 5669

Greenwood Fish Market Bistro

Reliably good and affordable seafood, a genre that is increasing difficult to find in Singapore. Greenwood Fish Market at Greenwood Avenue, is one of my favourite places to go when I want something simple, and not too expensive.

They do not have any special Christmas menu, so you can just order from the ala carte menu. Starters like Deep Fried Calamari ($10.95) and “Live” Oysters ($3.8 – 5/each) are hugely popular. For main courses, you can choose from a huge selection of fresh seafood and fish (starts from $18.95). After all, they are a fish market bistro.

34 Greenwood Avenue
Hillcrest Park Singapore
Tel: +65 6467 4950

L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon

Having a world class meal at L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, is definitely a foodie pilgrimage. As at all L’Ateliers around the world, the French restaurant at Resorts World Sentosa has contrasting and sexy red and black interiors, and you can choose to dine in either the casual counter-dining side, or the more formal table side.

And of course, dining at L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon comes at a price. The Christmas dinner menu on the 24th & 25th December 2011 is available at $300/pax. Reservations required.

8 Sentosa Gateway
Level 1 Hotel Michael
Resorts World Sentosa
Tel: +65 6577 7888

Novus Restaurant

This beautiful restaurant in the National Museum of Singapore has a Christmas Eve Dinner promotion at $88++. It comes with a French Onion Soup, Beef Wellington, dessert buffet and free flow of prosecco, wine and house liquor.

Otherwise, they have an equally tempting Winter Set Lunch at $32++ for 2 course, and $40++ for 3 course.

93 Stamford Road
#01-02 National Museum of Singapore
Tel: +65 6336 8770

Roadhouse

Roadhouse at Dempsey has created the Gobble Gobble Burger ($26) made of tender turkey patty stuffed with Molten Aged Cheddar Cheese and generously slathered with Cranberry Sauce.

There is also a festive platter filled with Turkey Ham, Cervelat Sausages and your choice of Roasted Spatchcock, Roasted Turkey Breast or Honey Glazed Kurobuta Spare Ribs.

13 Dempsey Road, #01-07
Tel: +65 6476 2922

South Coast

A nice spot along the waterfront, South Coast has an affordable 3 course Christmas Corporate Lunch menu for $30++ which includes New Zealand Scallops, Oven roasted turkey breast, Christmas pudding with rum spiked anglaise.

10 Bayfront Ave
#L1-85 The Shoppes @ Marina Bay Sands
Tel: +65 6688 7600

The White Rabbit

At The White Rabbit, the four course Christmas Festive Set Lunch menu at $48++/pax comes with appetising starters such as Chicken and Duck Liver Parfait, and Tuna Carpaccio; scrumptious main courses include the Roulade of Turkey Breast, Poached Seabass, and The White Rabbit Mac & Cheese; and delicious desserts like the Chocolate Log Cake and Warm Sticky Date Pudding.

Besides that, they also have a four course Festive Degustation menu at $98++/pax; and a special four course Christmas Eve Dinner at $108++/pax.

39C Harding Road
Dempsey Singapore
Tel: +65 6473 9965

1 TwentySix Restaurant

1 Twenty Six by One Rochester Group is a hip and trendy place to see and be seen. Being one of the few fine dining restaurants in the East, it is a good option for people if they do not want to travel all the way to town. I’m not a big fan of the food there, but there’s no denying that it has a nice ambience for a special occasion.

Starting December 1 at the beach-front restaurant, at $70++ per head the Christmas Eve Brunch features the likes of Creamy Shellfish Bisque, and Char-Grilled King Prawns with Truffles.

For more recommendations, please read my Delicious index page. So tell me, where are you going to celebrate Christmas this year?

I know there are people who put food as the main priority and it doesn’t matter if there isn’t any ambiance. But we are talking about Christmas after-all. It’s a special occasion, so choose a nice and romantic restaurant for your Xmas Dinner. Christmas is just another excuse for us to feast like kings and queens.

Here’s a list of Romantic Restaurants to have your Christmas Dinner for 2

Krish the Restaurant

Housed in a beautiful colonial bungalow, Krish at Rochester Park is a fine dining restaurant that offers South Asia influenced European cuisine. The mains are within the $30-40 range, and they have a special Christmas dinner menu at $115++ per pax from the 6th to 27th Dec 2010.

9 Rochester Park Singapore
Tel: +65 6779 4644

La Cantina in Venezia

I mentioned La Cantina in Venezia in my list of the best Singapore Italian Restaurants briefly before, so if you need a nice restaurant for a romantic Christmas Dinner, do make your reservations soon as they are almost booked for Christmas eve. They have a special Christmas Set Menu ($98+ for 7 course) on the 24th & 25th December 2010. Otherwise, order from their normal ala carte menu: pastas & pizzas are in the $20ish range.

1 Netheravon Road
#08/09-02 Changi Village Hotel
Tel: +65 6546 9190

Pamplemousse Bistro & Bar

My friend was just raving about the food at Pamplemousse Bistro & Bar at Dempsey road to me that day. Their special 7 course menu for Xmas Dinner is available from the 21th to 26th Dec 2010, at $118++ per pax. Actually, most of the Dempsey hill restaurants are nice for a romantic dinner.

Blk 7 Dempsey Road #01-04 Tanglin Village Singapore
Tel: +65 6475 0080

Spruce Restaurant Bar

Nestled in the heart of Tanglin road, Spruce restaurant is a nice charming place to have dinner after work or brunch during the weekends. The Christmas Dinner promotion menu is available from now until the festive holiday, otherwise you can choose to order from the ala carte menu: mains start from $20 for a pasta, and $30 upwards for meat.

320 Tanglin Road Phoenix Park Singapore
Tel: +65 6836 5528

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Some possible restaurants for Christmas Party Venues in Singapore:

If you are celebrating this Christmas with your family, or a group of friends, chances are, you are probably cracking your brains trying to find a place to throw a party without bursting the budget. I know exactly how you feel, because everyone has been asking me to recommend suitable restaurants for Christmas Party Venues in Singapore for 2010. 

Prive Bakery Cafe Bar

Located just 3 minutes drive away from Harborfront, Prive Bakery Cafe Bar at Keppel Island is a gorgeous place for brunch, desserts or drinks. If you are planning to throw a Christmas party for a group of friends (less than 50 pax), call them 3-4 days in advance to make a reservation. For exclusive events and special menus (like Canapés, Buffets), they need a minimum of 50 guests.

For inquiries about events at Prive/Hacienda, email: rae@prive.com.sg

2 Keppel Bay Vista
GF Marina @ Keppel Bay
Tel: +65 6776 0777

nydc

If budget is a concern this Christmas, you may want to consider nydc’s Christmas set menu (24th to 26th Dec 2010) which comes with a festive drink, starter, a choice of entree and log cake for desserts. Otherwise, share the Jolly Max Platter (picture) which is part of nydc’s Christmas dinner promotion with a group of friends.

For inquiries about events at NYDC, email: events@nydc.com.sg

200 Victoria Street #02-47/48
Bugis Junction Singapore
Tel: +65 6333 3161

Zsofi Tapas Bar

Thinking of throwing a nice little Christmas party with some drinks and tapas for a group of friends? Little India may not be the place where you have in mind, but trust me, Zsofi Tapas Bar serves affordable and good Spanish food, and they are definitely a cool place for a nights out. Prices vary for different requirement, but to give you a better idea what to expect: a basic party package (min 30 pax) comes at $50 per guest for 3 drinks & 3 tapas.

For inquiries about events at Zsofi Tapas Bar: email: janice@tapasbar.com.sg

68 Dunlop Street Singapore
Tel: +65 6297 5875

Go for a Christmas buffet and eat to your heart’s content

What better way to end the year than to pig-out at a Christmas buffet and eat as much as you want? I always preach about eating things in moderation, and exercising regularly, but hey, this is Christmas! Give yourself a break! Be it a dim sum buffet, a Christmas Brunch, or whatever you are craving for — go for it!

Olive Tree Mediterranean Restaurant

The festive buffet at Olive Tree Intercontinental Hotel includes delightful spread includes traditional favorites such as roast turkey with chestnut stuffing served with cranberry sauce, rolled pork loin and barbecued duck with plum sauce; an array of decadent desserts such as Christmas pudding with brandy anglais, chocolate Yule log and caramelized pecan.

80 Middle Road GF
Intercontinental Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6825 1061
// Festive Buffet (10th to 23th Dec 2010)
Lunch $45++, Dinner $59++
Christmas Eve Buffet Lunch $55++, Dinner $88++
Christmas Buffet Dinner (25th Dec) $78++

Tea Lounge @ The Regent Singapore

If buffet is not your thing, you may want to consider going for the festive Afternoon High Tea instead. The Regent Singapore’s Tea Lounge is known to have one of the best Afternoon High Tea in Singapore. They serve the English Afternoon Tea on a 3 tier dessert Stand during weekdays, and a local-theme High Tea Buffet during weekends.

1 Cuscaden Road GF
The Regent Singapore Singapore
Tel: +65 6725 3246
// Three Tier Afternoon Tea $38++
(Monday to Friday: 12 noon – 5.30pm)
High Tea Buffet $46++
(Sat, Sun, eve of & PH: 1.30pm – 5.30pm)

Ikoi Japanese Restaurant

For those of you who never fancy turkey, and logcake, and mincemeat pies, how about having Japanese food? Ikoi Japanese restaurant at Hotel Miramar is known for their Japanese buffet in Singapore. It is a great way to end this year by having unlimited sashimi, sushi and tempura for just $33++ per pax.

401 Havelock Road #01-01
Hotel Miramar Singapore
Tel: +65 6887 3788

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I will love to give you more recommendations, but my post is getting way too long. You may also want to check out the following — for Thai food: Sweet Salty Spicy, fine dining Chinese restaurant: Yan Ting, Waterfront restaurants: Dallas restaurant & Boathouse, within vicinity of town: District 10 Bistro & Wild Rocket, Champagne dim sum brunch: Cherry Garden, nice & cozy cafe: Food for Thought & little part 1 Cafe.

How are you planning to spend this Christmas? Is it gonna be a romantic Christmas dinner for two at a nice restaurant, or having a party with your family & friends, or simply a good feast at your favorite restaurant?