Located within the vicinity of Tanjong Pagar Conservation Area is Duxton – the ideal destination for an interesting foodie experience. Many hipster cafes and fancy restaurants are housed in the beautiful restored colonial shop houses lined up along Duxton Road and Duxton Hill.

From Melbourne-inspired hipster cafes to Italian restaurants, the dining scene in the Duxton neighbourhood is undeniably vibrant and nobody would have thought that Duxton was once infamous for its strip of sleazy karaoke lounges.

Here is our guide to Duxton Hill’s best restaurants, cafes and bars, featuring 11 dining destinations in the neighbourhood.

BUYAN RUSSIAN RESTAURANT & CAVIAR BAR

Fancy some caviar and Russian vodka? Buyan at Duxton Hill stands out for being one of the few Russian restaurants in Singapore. Some of the classic dishes that you can look forward to include Chicken Kiev (S$26), Beef Stroganov (S$30) and Kulebyaka (S$24) – traditional Russian pie with layers of salmon, rice and mushroom. For those who are working in the area, Buyan serves a value-for-money 2-course set lunch at S$15.

9 Duxton Hill
Tel: +65 6223 7008
Mon: 6pm – 10.30pm
Tue to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat: 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

DEPARTMENT OF CAFFEINE

Department of Caffeine, also known as D.O.C., is renowned for their excellent coffee and delicious brunch food. The passionate baristas roast their premium coffee beans with Five Senses Coffee – a dedicated Australian wholesale coffee roaster that aims to source the best single origin and blends via sustainable means.

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The brunch food served ranges from fresh poached salmon to fluffy buttermilk waffles, exuding homely vibes like its warm woody interiors. D.O.C. keeps its prices reasonably affordable, where a main course and regular salad costs only S$15 on weekdays. Reservations are strongly recommended as D.O.C. is usually packed to the brim on a daily basis.

Department of Caffeine is listed in our guide to Singapore’s best coffee shops.

15 Duxton Road
Tel: +65 6223 3426
Mon to Fri (except Wed): 10.30am – 7.30pm
Sat & Sun: 9.30am – 7.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

ETNA ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Etna Italian Restaurant is named after Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy, where the world’s most excellent Italian ingredients are produced. Anna Borrasi, Singapore’s only female Italian Executive Chef, leads this fine Italian restaurant. Etna is one of the few restaurants awarded the Ospitalita Italiana Gold Seal Award, an award that acknowledges the superb Italian food and services provided. The elegant ambience is perfect for those looking for a place to celebrate that special occasion without burning a hole in the pocket.

49/50 Duxton Road
Tel: +65 6220 5513
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10:30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

FLOR PATISSERIE

Flor Patisserie is no ordinary bakery. The pastries are largely influenced by the French but made with Japanese-origin ingredients and Japanese techniques, hence resulting in uniquely delicious East-meets-West creations. With a focus on freshness and quality, Flor’s surprisingly light soft sponge pastries are made possible with an absence of artificial additives and preservatives.

Treat yourself to Flor’s signature Berry Berries (S$6.40/slice, S$31.80/whole cake) or an iced cheese tart (S$3.40) that comes in 8 different flavours; caramel, choco orange, earl grey, green tea and yuzu, mango, maple, original and strawberry).

Flor Patisserie’s Strawberry Souffle is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s 50 Must-Try Desserts.

2 Duxton Hill #01-01
Tel: +65 6223 8628
Mon to Sat: 10.30am – 7.30pm
Sun: 10.30am – 6.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

GROUP THERAPY CAFE

Finding Group Therapy is far from an easy feat; one has to navigate through the strip of restored shop houses, climb up a flight of stairs and push through a heavy door before stepping foot into the café.

But once all that was been done, a cozy café featuring an array of all-day brunch food and fantastic coffee (S$5.50) await. The food is unpretentious, featuring simple classics like poached eggs and smoked salmon on thick toast (S$15) & bacon and mushroom aglio olio (S$19).

Group Therapy Cafe is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s best cafes.

49 Duxton Road
Tel +65 6222 2554
Tue to Thu: 11am – 6pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

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KIKU

Japanese restaurant Kiku occupies a two level shop house along Duxton Road. Opened by Hong Kong restaurateur Calvin Yeung, Kiku has boldly defied Japanese dining conventions by incorporating both Kappo and Izakaya styles, presenting to customers an extensive Japanese menu that ranges from premium fresh blue fin sashimi flown in from Japan’s famous Tsukiji market to innovative sushis inspired by Southeast Asia cuisines.

21 Duxton Road
Tel: +65 6225 5567
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

LATTERIA MOZZARELLA BAR

Family-style Southern Italian Restaurant Latteria Mozzarella Bar is truly mad about the fragrant cheese. From Burrata (fresh artisanal cheese from Apulia with a solid outside and soft center, made from cow milk) to Bufala (fresh mozzarella made from water buffalo milk in Naples), Latteria is unsurprisingly home to Singapore’s widest selection of Mozzarella.

All the cheeses are directly from in from Italy, hence guaranteeing unrivalled freshness. When night falls, fairy lights light up the outdoor patio, exuding romantic vibes that are perfect for a cheesy affair.

40 Duxton Hill
Tel: +65 6866 1988
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

L’ENTRECOTE

L’Entrecote follows a Parisian concept that was started in the 1930s, where only one main, the E’entrecote steak (S$29.90/standard, S$39.90/large) is served. The thin slices of beef are complemented with a fresh walnut salad and free flow crispy golden French fries. Do note that Lentrecote on Duxton Hill does not accept any reservations, so do show up early to secure a seat.

L’Entrecote is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s best steakhouses.

36 Duxton Hill
Tel: +65 6690 7561
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 11pm
Sat: 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

MARS BAR

Mars Bar is a pop up bespoke bar that is well known for incorporating local flavours into their cocktails. If you feel adventurous, go for the exotic Chilli Crab Cocktail (S$22), which is interestingly made of kaffir lime leaves, lemon grass reduction, chilli crab paste, orgeat, Malibu and Tanqueray.

Safer alternatives include the creamy delicious Milo from Mars (S$20) and Atas Ribena Cocktail (S$20). The bar tenders are passionate mixologists dedicated in giving you the best experience possible. Simply tell them a drink you desire and watch in awe as they work their magic. Mars Bar will only be around till the end of the year, so what are you waiting for?

83 Duxton Road
Tel: +65 9651 6714
Mon to Sun: 4pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

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MERCHANTS OF WINE

Merchants is a boutique wine cellar door selling over 200 artisan wines from New Zealand and Australia. These bottles of wine (from S$30 and onwards) are directly shipped from the outback and cannot be found in other stores.

Besides wine, Merchants is also a café-cum-bar serving excellent coffee (S$4/small, S$5/large) made from Dutch Colony blend. The food menu features all day brunch, bar bites and Western mains with wine pairings. Merchants also hosts pop-up cellar door tastings and wine pairing dinners from time to time. You know who to look for now if you are looking to host a private wine event.

52 Duxton Road
Tel: +65 6222 1162
Mon to Fri: 8am till late
Sat: 9am till late
Sun: 10.30am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

SABIO TAPAS BAR

Sabio Tapas Bar is the perfect place to unwind after a long day at work. Its extensive menu boasts over 50 hot and cold authentic mouthwatering tapas as well as a variety of imported wine and beers.

Must-orders include the succulent scallops (S$14), spicy chorizo in red wine (S$11), churros (S$9) and homemade sangria (S$12/glass, S$49/jug). The bar features a one-for-one tapas promotion every Monday where the complimentary tapas must be the same as the one ordered.

5 Duxton Hill
Tel: +65 6690 7562
Mon: 12pm – 11pm
Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 12midnight
Sun: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng was previously a marketing executive and freelance photographer in the food industry. Her work has been published on Epicure, Lifestyle Asia and Meld Magazine etc. She is currently on a break and traveling around the world. Follow her travel adventures on Instagram or The Keepers Map where she shares useful curated travel itineraries.

&Made is a burger joint by the Delicia Group and Chef Bruno Menard, who previously helmed a 3-Michelin Star restaurant in Tokyo.

I have high expectations of my burgers, so I was very eager to try out their renditions. I have been to &Made several times, and while their burgers are made of good quality ingredients, they lack a certain ‘oomph’. In short, they are decent, but not life-changing.

That said, I still believe that &Made is worth a visit for two reasons. First, the location at Pacific Plaza is not only very convenient, but also relatively quiet – I can have a nice dinner without facing the crazy crowd in town. Second, the burgers, while not out-of-this-world good, are simple and comforting – something that I can eat on a regular basis.

When &Made first opened, there was a lot of fanfare, but since then, the hype has died down and it is not as crowded as before. However, I actually like it better this way, as the peace and space makes it a much nicer place to dine in and enjoy my food.

The menu is tight and focuses on burgers. They include The 3 Little Pigs (S$23), a burger with pork fillet, bacon and chorizo patty; The Chicken (S$17), a roasted chicken breast burger; The Honey Salmon (S$21), a pan-seared Atlantic salmon burger; The ‘B’ Burger (S$19), the classic burger with a dry aged beef patty top with caramelised onion, cheese and garlic mayonnaise. The burgers are served with really good fries and homemade BBQ sauce, and you can top up S$3 for an upgrade to irresistible truffle fries.

You can also challenge Chef Bruno and build your burger from scratch. Start by choosing your preferred patty – dry aged beef, pork, lamb, chicken or salmon. Then, decide on the sauces – there are special creations like black truffle mayonnaise, yuzu-kosho mayonnaise, and avocado yogurt sauce. Finally, pile on the ingredients – add a fried egg or throw in some bacon, or indulge with the pan seared foie gras.

Also, &Made shares the space at Pacific Plaza with L’Entrecôte Express – its sister restaurant – and you can order from both menus. If you do not feel like having burger, you can go for the much-lauded Steak Frites from L’Entrecôte.

For desserts, go for the whimsical Lollipop Waffle (S$9) served with caramel, white and dark chocolate sauce, Hot Chocolate Lava Cake (S$15), or Sundaes (S$12). If not, wash down everything with a Milkshake (S$9).

&Made
#01-04/05/06 Pacific Plaza
9 Scotts Road
Tel: +65 6690 7566
Sun to Thu: 10am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 10am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

This guide to the best steakhouses in Singapore was last updated on 1 July 2014.

A good steak is one of the best things you can have in life. We have tried many restaurants in Singapore to find the perfect steak, and here is a list of the best steakhouses in Singapore.

Bedrock Bar & Grill

Bedrock Bar & Grill at Pan Pacific Serviced Suites is a modern New York style steakhouse. The restaurant boosts a dark, sexy, and classy interior; making it the ideal place to bring your client for a business luncheon, or your date for a romantic dinner.

The menu is small and concise. There are three US beef – 300g Dry Aged Ribeye ($96), 220g Tenderloin ($89), and 400g USDA Prime Black Angus Ribeye ($96); and three Australian beef – 400g Ribeye ($79), 350g Bone in Striploin ($69) and 500g Porterhouse ($89). For those in a big group, get the massive Tomahwak Steak for the table share.

96 Somerset Road
#01-05 Pan Pacific Serviced Suites
Tel: +65 6238 0054
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Somerset

Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse

Nestled amidst the Mohammed Sultan enclave, Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse makes an exciting new addition to the semi-fine dining scene in Singapore. This 6-month-old restaurant claims to be the first and only Italian restaurant specialising in steak.

The piece de resistance, a 1.2kg Fiorentina Wagyu T-bone steak ($178), would make any meat lover weak in the knees. Other options on Bistecca’s menu include: a 400g grass-fed Ribeye ($58), a 350g New York cut Striploin ($48), and a very good value for money Steak Sampler Plate ($78) consisting of half cuts of grass-fed and grain-fed striploin.

Prices are no where near cheap, but Bistecca Tuscan Stakhouse is definitely worth your while if you’re looking for quality food and personal service amidst a stunning setting, just for that special occasion. If anything, don’t miss out on the steaks. The beef is, after all, in their beef.

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

CUT by Wolfgang Puck

There are good steakhouses, and then there are great ones. CUT by Wolfgang Puck is definitely one of the latter. Wolfgang Puck’s outpost at Marina Bay Sands is the definition of a modern steakhouse. It is swanky, up-scale, and posh establishment that does very good steaks.

Take your pick from a choice selection that includes USDA Prime Steaks ($72-98), Australian Grain Fed Angus ($85-175), Snake River Farm Angus Kobe Beef ($160-185), and Japanese Wagyu Beef ($210-280).

Is CUT the best steak restaurant in Singapore? It is challenging to give an affirmation, because taste is after-all subjective — especially for steaks and their done-ness — and there are many good steakhouses in town. But I am going to go out on a limb and say that CUT, for me, is definitely one of the top 3 steakhouses in Singapore.

10 Bayfront Avenue
#B1-71 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
Tel: +65 6688 8517
Sun to Thu: 6pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 6pm – 11pm

Feedlot Steakhouse

From striploin, to ribeye and milk-fed veal, premium meats are the highlight at this steakhouse opened by the folks behind Swiss Butchery.

#B1-01, 56 Tanglin Road
Tel: +65 6463 8080
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 10am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

L’Entrecote

You know the restaurant is good when it only has one main course on the menu. Yes, that is right. L’Entrecote is a Parisian Bistro that only serves their signature Steak Frites as the main course, alongside a good selection of starters and desserts. At $29++ for the Steak Frites, this probably the most value-for-money steak in town.

The restaurant has a no-reservations policy, so make sure you go early to get a table.

#B1-128, Suntec City Mall
3 Temasek Boulevard
Tel: +65 66907569
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade/Promenade

Luke’s Chophouse & Oyster Bar

A chophouse is a restaurant that specialises in serving steaks and chops of meat that are expertly sourced and butchered. Helmed by Chef Travis Masiero, Luke’s is a classy and upmarket chophouse, the sort of restaurant that you will find in New York.

There are two steak options on the menu – a 300g Luke’s Bone-in Tenderloin (S$72), and a 400g USDA Prime Ribeye (S$87) which can be served “naked” or “Luau” style. Both steaks were perfectly grilled to spot-on pink. But if we had to choose between one, we would go for the prime ribeye. For the sides, the cream spinach and potato puree while decent, were not as good as Morton’s or CUT. A more affordable option is the Steak & Fries (S$35) that is served during lunch.

Luke’s Chophouse dishes out simple, but well-executed classic dishes, and while prices are steep, it is worth saving up for special occasions.

20 Gemmil Lane
Tel: +65 6221 4468
Mon to Wed: 12pm – 10.30pm
Thu to Sat: 12pm – 12 midnight
Nearest Station: Chinatown/Raffles Place

Morton’s The Steakhouse

When you ask meat lovers to name their favourite steakhouse in Singapore, most of them would reply: Morton’s The Steakhouse at Mandarin Oriental Singapore.

Morton’s has been around for many years, and there is a reason why they have remained as one of the best steakhouses in Singapore. It is a place where you know that every piece of steak – whether it’s the fillet mignon, New York strip, or ribeye – will always be prepared perfectly. If money is no object, Morton’s The Steakhouse is definitely the place to go.

Just to sidetrack a little, you must not leave Morton’s without trying the legendary hot chocolate cake ($30). It was, hands up (pun intended), the best chocolate lava cake you can get in Singapore.

5 Raffles Avenue
4F Mandarin Oriental Singapore
Tel: +65 6339 3740
Mon to Sat: 5.30pm – 11 pm
Sun: 5pm – 10pm

Opus Bar & Grill

What used to be Checkers Brasserie at Hilton Singapore is now revamped and known as Opus Bar & Grill. The culinary team is helmed by Aussie chef Nick Philip, and the menu is contemporary with Australian influence. The charcoal grill and dry-age cabinet are what Opus Bar & Grill are building their success on, and they are on a mission to spoil you with only the best meals.

581 Orchard Road
Hilton Singapore
Tel: 65 6730 3390
Daily: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard Road

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse is quite a household name among steak lovers, with over 130 restaurants worldwide. It has finally managed to find its way onto our shores. The restaurant, like the rest of the Marina Mandarin Hotel, is dimly lit and cosy. There is no fancy tableware or glitzy décor to speak of and is reminiscent of an authentic American steakhouse.

There are many choices on the menu, but go for the Filet Mignon ($85) and the USDA Prime Ribeye ($85 for 340g). They were exceedingly tender, pink and fully packed with beefy juices.

There is no shortage of steak restaurants in Singapore, and to make us excited over one takes more than just good food, yet Ruth’s Chris does just that. It impresses with authenticity and needless to say, the steaks are spectacular. The only downside is the rather steep pricing. But dining at Ruth’s Chris is more than just a meal; it is the experience of dining in this widely acclaimed steakhouse that has served and impressed steak lovers worldwide.

6 Raffles Boulevard
Level 4 Marina Mandarin Hotel
Tel: +65 6336 9093
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11pm

SKIRT W Hotel

Skirt at W Hotel is a stunning and sexy steakhouse that we prefer to reserve for dates with the discerning loved ones. When you need a reliable outlet where the service is impeccable and professional, SKIRT is ideal with its mix of elegance and chic factor.

21 Ocean Way, W Hotel
Tel: +65 6808 7278
Tue to Sun: 7pm – 12 midnight
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

The Royal Mail

The Royal Mail at the iconic Ascott Raffles Place is the latest venture by restaurateur Michel Lu. It offers a modern take on classic British cuisine. The menu is compact, and the main focus is on its roast prime rib, which is easily one of the best that I have had in Singapore.

The Roast Prime Rib ($48 for 200g, $58 for 280g, $66 for 340g) here is tender, juicy and moist. It is that good. The prices are also very reasonable for the quality.

The Royal Mail is a fantastic addition to Singapore’s dining scene – they are one of the better mid-range steakhouses in Singapore. The restaurant is perfect during the day for a business luncheon – they have a fantastic three course set lunch at $38++/pax – and equally fitting in the evening for a romantic dinner date.

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

Wooloomooloo Steakhouse

Wooloomooloo steakhouse, a popular steakhouse chain in Hong Kong, has started their first branch in Singapore at Swissotel the Stamford. The restaurant has a sleek and sexy interior, and most importantly, it offers top-quality Aussie beef.

The 12 ounce Australian Ribeye ($62) is a very fine piece of meat, and at the price, it is excellent value. If you are in a big group, I would suggest getting the 1.3kg tomahawk ($125) with a few sides – like the hash brown ($12), creamy spinach ($12), and sauteed onions ($12) – to share.

Wooloomooloo, for me, is one of the top mid-range steak houses in Singapore. I wouldn’t be surprised if it becomes one of your favourite places, too.

2 Stamford Road
Level 3 Swissotel the Stamford
Tel: +65 6338 0261
Daily: 12:00 – 15:00
Daily: 15:00 – 23:00
Nearest Station: City Hall