Most people have the impression that I always eat at fine dining restaurants, but my friends would know that I usually prefer going to casual places that are cosy and provide good food at reasonable prices.

But sometimes if you want a very good meal, you really have to fork out top money for it. JAAN Restaurant at Swissotel is the prime example. I had one of my best meals of 2011 at JAAN. I’m going out on a limb and say that they are among the top restaurants in Singapore.

When you eat in one of those fine dining restaurants, you’re not just paying for the food. You’re also paying for everything that comes along with it: the location, the rent, the service, the plates, the view, and the ambience. JAAN has it all: central location at City Hall; highest restaurant in Singapore; breathtaking view of the city’s skyline; knowledgeable servers who do a good job between the dining room and kitchen; and most importantly, good food.

At lunch time, they have extremely good value for money set lunch: 3 course at $52 and 5 course at $82; and during dinner, there are two different choices, including the 5 course menu for $198 (with wine pairing $318), and 7 course menu for $238 (with wine pairing $418).

And of course, you can also order from the ala carte menu which has five appetisers ($46-52), five main courses ($82-118), and four desserts and cheese ($28-45).

We sat there waiting eagerly for the food to come, while having some wine. The amuse-bouche arrived on our table and I put it into my mouth without hesitation.

We were on a roll. The mushroom soup next was excellent. I took a sip, and the only word that came out of my mouth was: wow. This is coming from a guy who doesn’t fancy mushroom soup.

I didn’t want to fill my stomach with bread, but I couldn’t resist having one, okay two from the impressive selection of bread.

And then, we were served the Trumbetta Zucchini ($49) – burratina, basil, almonds and black olives. In terms of presentation, it was one of the prettiest dishes that I’ve seen.

I thought that the Saint Jacques ($49) – rosemary smoked trondheim bay scallops, reinette apple cider, boudin noir and burnet – was good, but my friend told me she had an even better one at another restaurant.

Still, it was quite a sight to behold, and there was a mini performance when the staff sent this to our table.

The star of the meal, without a doubt, is the Ravioli ($46) – organic hen egg, artichoke, melanosporum truffle and cantal. Chef Julien Royer brought the dish out, and he gave us a generous shaving of white truffles on the spot.

It was hands down the most delicious ravioli I’ve ever tasted.

The Atlantic Cod & Baby Squid ($82) – chanterelles, broad beans and smoked garlic emulsion – was equally splendid.

We couldn’t stop gushing about the food, and on top of that, the wine recommendations from the sommelier were spot on. No one that day could have eaten a better meal than us.

After our empty plates were taken away, we continued with desserts. The Choconuts ($28) – Jivara mousse, peanuts, Macadamia nut ice cream. The perfect ending for a perfect meal.

I was wrong. It wasn’t the ending, I’ve forgotten about petit four. Now we can live happily-ever-after.

It’s been a while since I’ve been surprised and won over by a meal. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been eating plenty of very well executed food but the problem with having a benchmark is that it’s getting increasingly difficult to wow me. But JAAN managed to do just that.

The presentation of the food is flawless. Chef Julien Royer and his team pay attention to every single detail and all the dishes are plated beautifully.

$200/pax (probably more because you are going to have wine) for a meal is not a small sum. I can’t afford to eat there all the time, but for a lavish meal like this, enjoyed with a amazing view of Singapore’s skyline – it was a fine way to splurge during a special occasion. JAAN is, without a doubt, one of the best restaurants in Singapore.

JAAN Restaurant
2 Stamford Road
70F Swissotel The Stamford
Tel: +65 6431 5670
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 7pm – 10pm
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

Be it an extended lunch break, birthday celebration, friends gathering, or simply just finding an excuse to indulge in a good feast; lunch is always the meal that we look forward to everyday. Here’s a list of the best set lunches in Singapore.

Au Petit Salut

Located at the fringe of Dempsey, Au Petit Salut is a fine dining French restaurant that offers great value-for-money set lunch. For $36++ per person, Au Petit Salut offers a three course set lunch which has choices like Burgundy snails for entrees, the delicious red wine braised beef cheeks for main course, Crème Brulée for desserts and a cup of coffee/tea. I had this fantastic combination when I was there, and it was one of the best lunches I’ve had!

40c Harding road
Tel: +65 6475 1976
Nearest Station: Orchard

Bedrock Bar & Grill

Bedrock Bar & Grill at Pan Pacific Serviced Suites is a modern New York style steakhouse – opened by restaurateur Keith Loh, who is also the owner of Oriole Cafe. The restaurant boosts a dark, sexy, and classy interior; making it the ideal place to bring your client for a business luncheon.

Go for the 2 course set lunch which has five choices: Applewood Grilled Chicken ($26), Grilled Ribeye Steak ($32), Grilled Striploin Steak ($30), Chopped Steak Cheese Burger ($26), and Crispy Skin Seabass ($26). Top up $6 for 3 course set lunch.

96 Somerset Road
#01-05 Pan Pacific Serviced Suites
Tel: +65 6238 0054
Mon to Sat: 12pm–2.30pm, 6.30pm–12am
(Closed on Sun)

Boat House Fullerton

For all the folks who are working in the Central Business District, Boat House restaurant at Fullerton is the perfect place for a business luncheon. 2 course set lunch starts at $32++, with the 3 course set lunch at $38++.

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

Cocotte

Located at the Wanderlust Hotel, Cocotte is a French Restaurant that serves unpretentious rustic French cuisine. Their 3 course executive set lunch at $29++ is definitely worth a try. They also have a communal set lunch for 3-4 pax at $156, and it includes dishes like Fried Tripe, Roast Pork Collar, Braised Beef Cheek, and Sole Meuniere.

2 Dickson Road
Ground Level Wanderlust Hotel
Tel: +65 6298 1188

Ember Restaurant

Nestled in Hotel 1929 at Keong Saik road, Ember restaurant offers a superb 3 course set lunch which has often been raved as one of the best set lunches in Singapore.

At $39.50++ (or $45.50++ if you pick a foie gras appetiser) for the set lunch, Ember is more than what we can ask for. This is the kind of place that will leave you yearning for a return, simply for the delicious food in an unpretentious setting.

50 Keong Saik Road Hotel 1929
Tel: +65 6347 1928

Forest Restaurant

Under the guidance of Chef Sam Leong, Forest Restaurant at Resorts World Sentosa serves Chinese cuisine with a Western approach. It has a 4 course Winter Set Lunch at $48++, and for those who are keen to pick up some culinary tips from Chef Leong, you can opt for the cooking class and lunch package.

8 Sentosa Gateway
Level 1 Equarius Hotel
Resorts World Sentosa
Tel: +65 6577 7788
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sunday Brunch: 11.30am – 4pm

Flutes at the Fort

Flutes at the For is one of the more romantic restaurants in Singapore, and it offers a relatively good set lunch (changes weekly). The 2 courses starts at $33++, and 3 courses at $38++.

21 Lewin Terrace
Fort Canning Park
Tel: +65 6338 8770

JAAN

JAAN at Swissotel is my favourite restaurant in Singapore. For lunch, JAAN has a 3 course set menu at $55, but I’d suggest the 5 course degustation lunch, which is a steal at $88.

This romantic restaurant is definitely the place to go if you want to impress your date.

2 Stamford Road
70F Swissotel The Stamford
Tel: +65 6431 5670
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 7pm – 10pm

La Villa

La Villa, a charming Italian restaurant at River Valley, has a very reasonable 3-course set lunch during weekdays at $28, which is perfect if you have a long break or if you are meeting your clients for a casual lunch.

341 River Valley Road #01-03
Tel: +65 6836 5286
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm

Otto Ristorante

If you’re looking to try an Italian restaurant that’s authentic and classic with a modern twist, Otto Ristorante is a great place to head to (if you haven’t already). The set lunch is available at $38++.

28 Maxwell Road, #01-02
Red Dot Traffic Building
Tel : +65 6227 8350
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm
Mon to Sat: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
(Closed on Sun)

Prive Grill

It is no secret that I am a big fan of Prive Grill. They have a 3 course set lunch at $38++ which includes options like ebi capelinni and braised short ribs for main courses.

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

Salt Tapas & Bar

Many people have the perception that Salt Tapas & Bar is very expensive. This is true. Most of the tapas are in the $20 to $30 range. But what you might not know that it has a fantastic lunch set for just $33.50++/pax. It includes a flat bread to share, and 3 tapas per person. When you consider the fact that most of the dishes on the set lunch menu are from the ala carte menu, you will agree that it is a very good deal.

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

South Coast

South Coast, a cafe that serves inspired Australian cuisine at Marina Bay Sands, has a set lunch for S$19++. It includes a selection of 2 courses plus coffee or tea on weekdays from 11.30am to 3pm.

#01-85, Marina Bay Sands
10 Bayfront Avenue
Tel: +65 6688 7600
Daily: 8am – 12midnight

Sky on 57

Sky on 57 by Chef Justin Quek not only has a terrific view of Singapore’s skyline, but it is also one of the most romantic Chinese restaurants.

The business luncheon menu ($50 for 3 course, or $60 for 4 course) is actually very reasonable. It offers some of Justin Quek’s signature dishes like Foie Gras Xiao Long Bao, Beef Broth, Singapore Sakura Chicken RIce, and Kaya Macarons. For the excellent view and good food, I would think that this is one of the best set lunches you can get in town.

10 Bayfront Avenue
#57-00 Marina Bay Sands, Sands Skypark Tower 1
Tel: +65 6688 8857
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm

The Royal Mail

Located at the iconic Ascott Raffles Place, The Royal Mail serves modern interpretation of classic British cuisine. It has a 3 course set lunch at $38, with good options such as Sautéed Beef Salad, Pumpkin Risotto, Pan Fried Sea Snapper, and Banoffee Tart.

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

The White Rabbit

The White Rabbit at Dempsey is easily one of the most stunning restaurants in Singapore. For lunch, they offer a 3 course set menu at $38++, while there is also a 4 course degustation menu at $98++ per person.

39C Harding Road Singapore
Tel: +65 6473 9965

‘If given a chance to dine at any Michelin star restaurants in the world for free, which will you choose and why?’

A reader asked me this question on formspring recently. Coincidentally, the S.Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2010 results are out and it’s great news for Singapore with 2 restaurants making the top 50 and another 2 in the 51-100 category.

So much has been said about Jaan Par Andre, the fine dining restaurant at Swissotel the Stamford. Under the charge of the extremely talented and handsome Chef Andre Chiang, Jaan makes the entry into the top 50 ranking at spot 39. All my friends who have been to Jaan restaurant have only good praises for it. From what I last heard, Chef Andre Chiang is leaving the restaurant soon, so please hurry if you want to try the food here.

The honors of Singapore’s Best Restaurant will go to Iggy’s, which climbs up 17 spots to number 28. I’ve yet to visit, but a good friend has promised to give me a treat here if work goes smoothly for her, so I am keeping my fingers crossed. Rounding up the top 100 best restaurant in the world, we have fine dining restaurant Les Amis at 78 and French restaurant Gunther’s at 84.

Answering the question, I’d choose one from Spain (El Bulli, Mugaritz or Arzak) as I have always wanted to visit the country. Now I am throwing this question back to you: given a chance to dine at any of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, which one will you choose and why?