Amidst the festive celebrations this December, it’s important to slow down and spend some time with your special one. And there’s no better way to bond than by sharing your love of food – whether it’s a romantic dinner date or casual brunch after a hike.
To get you started, we’ve curated these cafes with delicious plates and stunning interiors to match. Some are even offering promotions for SAFRA members, so you can shave some dollars off your total bill.
1. Beast & Butterflies
Imagine sitting by the river, sipping on cocktails while staring into each other’s eyes. Yeah, you may not have the budget to sweep your girl off her feet along River Seine – but the Singapore River comes rather close. Enter: Beast & Butterflies, a beautiful dining space with both indoor and alfresco seating along Robertson Quay.
Brunch, lunch, or dinner – pick your meal of choice. Trust us, it’s hard to go wrong here, with all-star dishes such as the tender Baby Back Ribs ($35) or Creamy Lobster Pasta ($38). You can also go local and opt for elevated classics like Mee Tai Mak Laksa ($14) or Mala Fried Rice ($18). Don’t forget to end it all on a sweet note with a Molten Chocolate Cake ($17) or Pandan Panna Cotta ($12).
The food may be delicious, but what sets Beast & Butterflies apart are their cocktails, which start at just $15 for a Daiquiri. We also love the Old Fashioned ($16) and Espresso Martini ($16) for a little pick-me-up. Not a cocktail drinker? You can also find beer on tap, beer by the bottle, all kinds of spirits, and some wholesome tea.
All NSMen receive a complimentary One Dessert Board with min. $200 spend till 31 December 2022. In addition, SAFRA members enjoy 10% off the a la carte menu till 30 December 2023. More info at safra.sg/promotions/beast-butterflies
90 Robertson Quay, Level 1, 238259; millenniumhotels.com/en/singapore/m-social-singapore/beast-and-butterflies
2. MEMO Cafe
If your partner is more of a dessert person, your SAFRA card can also get you 10% off the a la carte menu at MEMO Cafe along Robertson Quay – as well as a complimentary slice of cake with a $50 minimum spend.
This urban garden cafe is located at Studio M Hotel and is known for its ambience and healthy yet affordable meals. A wow factor here is their vertical herb and salad garden, which is where the ingredients for the Create Your Own Salad ($14++) come from. Talk about fresh.
Pop by during lunch on a weekday and you get to enjoy a weekday 2-course set lunch at $18++, with a selection of mains such as the breakfast burrito or mouthwatering pasta. Alternatively, the Snoop Hog ($15) is always a good idea.
All NSMen receive a complimentary sliced cake (worth $10) with min. $50 spend till 31 December 2022. In addition, SAFRA members enjoy 10% off the a la carte menu till 30 December 2023. More info at safra.sg/promotions/memo-cafe
3 Nanson Rd, Studio M Riverside Hotel Robertson Quay, Singapore 238910; millenniumhotels.com/en/singapore/studio-m-hotel/memo
3. Little Lazy Lizard
Nobody said dates need to be super fancy. With a place like Little Lazy Lizard, you’re welcome to just sit back, relax, and enjoy each other’s company. This cosy neighbourhood haunt is near Sixth Avenue MRT station – and it has an all-day breakfast menu to boot.
The Lazy Lizard Big Breakfast ($19.80) is a safe bet, with beans, bacon, mushrooms, loop fries, and spicy pork sausage. Not to mention, there’s also Milano Bread and your choice of scrambled or sunny-side-up egg. But if you’re all about the carbs, the pasta menu is extensive, with everything from the basic Aglio Alio ($16.80) to Crab Pesto ($20.80).
Meat lovers would love the Tenderloin ($36.80) which comes with Roasted Asparagus, Roasted Carrots, Truffles Mashed Potatoes, and Sauteed Cherry Tomatoes.
If you’re there on a first or second date and need to calm your nerves, don’t worry – booze is also available here. Perhaps you’d wanna knock back a few pints of Little Creatures Pale Ale ($15.80 or 2 for $27.80 during Happy Hour), or stay sophisticated with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon ($13.80/glass).
SAFRA members enjoy up to 35% off a la carte menu items till 31 December 2022. More info at safra.sg/promotions/little-lazy-lizard
789 Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 269763; facebook.com/LittleLazyLizard
4. Sky22
Perched on the 22nd floor of Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena is this stunning all-day dining restaurant. It’s flanked by floor-to-ceiling windows that let light in, with views of the spectacular nature reserve beyond.
The restaurant’s offering a festive set dinner menu available from 6.30pm to 10.30pm, if you’re dining from Sunday to Thursday evenings. A 3-course set menu costs $45++ per pax for an appetiser or soup, a main course, and your choice of homemade dessert. If you can’t decide between the appetiser or soup, go for a 4-course set menu for $55++ instead.
Start off with the Mackerel Otah Croquettes ($12 a la carte) or Beef Consomme Soup ($16 a la carte), before moving on to the mains. Some of the main highlights on the menu include the Locally-Farmed Kühlbarra Barramundi ($32 a la carte) and the Kampong Chicken Leg Confit ($26 a la carte).
For dessert, you can’t go wrong with festive selections like the Baked Alaska ($22 a la carte), which features eggnog semifreddo, or Sticky Date Pudding ($14 a la carte).
SAFRA members enjoy 10% off the a la carte menu till 30 December 2022. More info at safra.sg/promotions/sky22-10-off
99 Irrawaddy Road, Level 22, Singapore 329568; marriottbonvoyasia.com/restaurants-bars/courtyard-singapore-novena-sky22
5. Surrey Hills Grocer
Can’t travel to Australia this December? Well, Surrey Hills Grocer is bringing the land Down Under to you – and this time, at ION Orchard. With natural light flowing into the restaurant and tranquil interiors with wooden arches and greenery, you’ll feel like you’re in an Aussie greenhouse.
This is where you’ll get an authentic farm-to-table experience, with each ingredient sustainably sourced from local farms in Singapore and small producers. For a classic brunch, order the Crab Benny ($28) or Melbourne Breakfast Avo ($19). And there’s no rush to roll out of bed early on a weekend, either, because Surrey Hills Grocer serves up brunch until 4pm. If your sweetie has a sweet tooth, the dessert menu boasts Strawberry Waffles ($18), Salted Caramel Waffles ($18) and a selection of fresh bakes each day.
Lastly, you can’t have an Aussie-style cafe without some good coffee. Surrey Hills Grocery sure delivers – with blends supplied by Melbourne-based Seven Seeds Coffee. Choose a classic Flat White ($6.50) or go for a Margaret River Bahen & Co Chocolate ($8).
2 Orchard Turn, #05-02, Singapore 237973; Tel: 8801 6427
6. Cafe Kitsune
Now, here’s a fancy date spot your bae will love – especially if she’s a fan of fashion label Maison Kitsune. Cafe Kitsune has just opened a gorgeous new spot at Capitol Singapore, and we think it makes the perfect date spot. Just walking in, you’ll find warm wooden hues, Instagrammable woven-back cafe seats and beautiful tiled floors – all flanked in lush greenery. It’s almost as if you’ve stepped into a bistro ala Emily In Paris.
Like the famous Paris outlet, its counterpart in Singapore is also serving up viennoiseries, French desserts like the Yuzu Pistachio Strawberry Entremet ($13), bistro-style mains, sandos, and coffee. Oui oui, a table for two please!
If you must, start with one of the two sandos on the menu – the Egg Sando ($13) or the Chicken Katsu Sando ($15). Personally, we’d dive straight into dessert. The Paris-Brest ($12) is heavenly – and you can also head to the counter and choose some of the pastries on display. Grab a cuppa joe such as the Flat White ($7) or Iced Dirty Matcha ($9.50) and you’re ready to go.
13 Stamford Rd, #01-11, Singapore 178905
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