Perhaps you’re serving NS and have a limited budget for those precious book-out date nights. Or you’re a breadwinner who’s tightening the purse strings amid rising inflation but your spouse’s birthday is approaching. Don’t fret. In the first of our new monthly series on affordable date ideas, here are eight restaurants where you can romance your partner without breaking the bank, especially if you’re a SAFRA member.
1. 7th Heaven KTV & Cafe
You might not consider a cafe-slash-KTV joint terribly romantic, but think again. 7th Heaven is actually a popular venue for elaborate proposals and wedding solemnisations! You can either cosy up in a corner booth or let the live bands entertain you. Or why not show your love by serenading your beloved at the open karaoke?
Food-wise, the kitchen serves a wide range of Western fare with local influences. Think pastas, pizzas and mains the likes of waffles and buttermilk fried chicken with house-made salted egg sauce. To really stretch your budget, schedule your date from 11am to 3pm and take advantage of the set lunches. From $11.90 each, they’re excellent value for money.
Suggested meal for two: 8-piece Salted Egg Wings ($13.90), Lychee Smoked Duck Pizza ($23.90), and Brownie with Ice Cream ($11.50). Total: $49.30. To top it off, SAFRA members enjoy 15% off the bill.
Find out more at safra.sg/amenities-offerings/7th-heaven-ktv
SAFRA Tampines: 1/A Tampines Street 92, #03-02
2. Paradise Now
If you’re a sporty couple, then consider a different karaoke and live music utopia at Paradise Now. Besides the chance to woo your better half with your voice, the new all-in-one entertainment venue at SAFRA Choa Chu Kang also lets you show off your skills at bowling and darts. Football couples can catch live Premier League matches too.
But first, settle into a comfy booth and order up some classic Western grub. Besides the usual suspects from steaks to burgers, popular sharing bites include Sambal Cheese Fries and HCG Chicken Wings. By the way, happy hour here runs all day till 6pm daily!
Suggested meal for two: Jumbo Pork Rack ($22), Squid Ink Seafood Pasta ($18) and Mango Lychee Tango smoothie ($7). Total: $47. Dine in your No.4 uniform and get a complimentary house-brewed lemon tea to save on a second drink. SAFRA members enjoy 15% off (excluding desserts and alcohol) too.
Find out more at safra.sg/amenities-offerings/paradise-now
SAFRA Choa Chu Kang: 28 Choa Chu Kang Drive, #04-02
3. Fȳr @ Jalan Besar
Located at the junction of Jalan Besar and Petain Road, Fȳr’s easygoing, rustic ambience belies its expert mastery of the Josper oven that rules its kitchen. Its name, however, which is the ancient spelling for the word ‘fire’, is reflected in how they sear herbs and spices from the region into juicy cuts of meat. It’s a bold but excellent choice for a foodie date.
In the evenings, the menu focuses on large sharing platters featuring premium meats flame-grilled over lychee wood. But you’ll still be able to experience that savoury, smoky aroma in its more pocket-friendly brunch menu, which is available till 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
Suggested meal for two: Fȳr Beef Brisket ($24), Fȳr Breakfast ($18), a side of Brussels Sprouts ($12) and Pistachio Melt ($12) to share. Total: $48 – because SAFRA members enjoy 1-for-1 brunch mains. Don’t say bo jio!
Find out more at safra.sg/promotions/fyrjalanbesar
315 Jalan Besar
4. Georges
There’s surely nothing more romantic than a moonlit walk down the beach, taking in the sea breeze and the sound of lapping waves, hand in hand. Even better if your tummies are full from a sumptuous meal just moments before. That’s where Georges comes in. Many of their outlets are waterfront locations, or at least a stone’s throw from one.
While menus vary slightly from outlet to outlet, the Balinese concept bistro is well-known for its house-made nibbles and Western grill at affordable prices. Whet your appetite on the likes of Crispy Lotus Root in salted egg seasoning while deciding on your mains. With most outlets closing at 11pm on weekdays and midnight on weekends, there’s no rush.
Suggested meal for two: Crispy Lotus Root ($9.90), Georges Cop The Lot Burger ($20.90), and Clam ala Vino ($18.90). Total: $49.70. That’s before the 10% discount that SAFRA members enjoy.
Find out more at safra.sg/promotions/Georges
Various outlets islandwide
5. Hard Rock Cafe Singapore
Love a retro rock ’n’ roll vibe to go with your all-American burgers, ribs and shakes? Then you can’t go wrong with a date at the world-famous Hard Rock Cafe. Often accompanied by live music, the atmosphere is vibrant and energetic. Plus it’s always fun to browse the rockstar memorabilia adorning the dining space.
If you can make it, weekdays offer the most bang for your buck. Save up to $13.95 on Baby Back Ribs, Famous Fajitas and Legendary Burgers at dinnertime on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays respectively. At $18 nett, the Greatest Hits 3-course weekday set lunch offers even more value. Your choice of seven mains comes with soup, drink and ice cream.
Suggested meal for two: Baby Back Ribs 3-course set lunch ($18), Cheeseburger 3-course set lunch ($18), and Mini Hot Fudge Brownie add-ons ($5 each). Total: $46. Otherwise, take advantage of the 20% discount that SAFRA members and Servicemen enjoy on the a la carte menu.
More info at safra.sg/promotions/HardRockCafe
50 Cuscaden Road, #02-01
6. KPO Cafe Bar
This oasis in the middle of Orchard Road is a popular one, which considering its happy hour promotions that run from opening till 8pm all year long, isn’t surprising. But there’s more to KPO Cafe Bar than drinks. If being housed in the former Killiney Post Office isn’t enough of a romantic notion, its lush green surrounds by day and cosy interiors by night should help.
As should the combination of local delights and international dishes on the menu. Regulars swear by elevated hawker classics such as KPO Hokkien Mee, Nasi Lemak, and Chicken and Pork Satay. Although, for a date, a combination of shared plates and thin-crust pizzas might be more appealing.
Suggested meal for two: Award-winning Chicken Wings ($20 for 10 pieces) and Pizza Yorkshire ($26). Total: $46. SAFRA members enjoy 10% off regular-priced food and drinks, excluding alcohol.
More info at safra.sg/promotions/KPO
1 Killiney Road
7. Spruce
Back in 2009, Singaporean Danny Pang was inspired to create peaceful pockets in our bustling urban city serving farm-to-table European cuisine. Today, Spruce continues to deliver on this ethos with two outlets off the beaten path, both ideal for brunch dates. We especially love the al fresco dining deck nestled in tranquil nature at the Tanglin flagship.
Spruce recently launched a delightful weekday high tea set at $56 for two. While decent value for money, it’s slightly over budget, and not covered by the 15% discount on a la carte food and drinks (excluding alcohol) for SAFRA members. So instead, focus your attention on the weekend brunch menu, which showcases a mix of brunch staples and innovative signatures.
Suggested meal for two: Spruce Benny ($17), Caramel Banana French Toast ($17), and Baked Ginger Date Pudding ($15) to share. Total: $49. As mentioned, SAFRA members do enjoy 15% off.
More info at safra.sg/promotions/Spruce
Outlets at Phoenix Park and HillV2
Save more with SAFRA! Enjoy special deals and discounts on dining, shopping, entertainment, travel, fitness and more from over 1,500 merchant outlets islandwide. Sign up or renew your SAFRA membership for three years at the price of 1 year ($43.20 inclusive of GST)! Plus, get your spouse and children on board to enjoy the same privileges too – 1st dependent pays $5.40/year, and it’s free for the 2nd dependent onwards. Visit safra.sg/savemore for more details.
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