Aurum
Spherifications of syringe-squirted solutions, foaming flavours, compressed chemical compounds and avant-garde ‘air’. It may sound like something out of Harry Potter but Aurum is in fact Singapore’s first shot at molecular cuisine. The clinical décor incorporates elements of a morgue, has a kitchen as operating theatre and wheelchairs for seats and has been widely panned by the critics, but it is about to undergo a major revamp as we go to press. The dishes don’t always strike a chord, but when Chef Voon sticks to reinventing the classics, he successfully demonstrates the intriguing ingenuity of scientific cuisine.

BLU
We guess the vibrations weren’t that good after all… Adios California cuisine, Blu is now a French-inspired contemporary restaurant. And thankfully what was the most ridiculous wine list in town (read a lot of shockingly expensive Californian wine) has been given an overhaul along with the menu, and there is now a good Old and New World balance. The service is still top notch and the views over the city still alluring.

Broth
One of those restaurants that works as well for lunch as it does for dinner. The chef, Steve Hansen, may be Australian but the menu is modern European and the mood is definitely Continental. You can sit outside in the quiet cul-de-sac or opt for the shophouse interior, which has a relaxed, residential feel. It was renovated last year (we couldn’t spot the difference) but the menu continues to impress with fresh ingredients and deft execution.

$$ - $$$
21 Duxton Hill, +65 6323-3353

Buko Nero
We like the notion of a small, independent place that gets just about everything right – and Buko Nero is one such place. There are only 22 seats – which means the husband and wife team can handle front of house and kitchen duties respectively. It also means bookings are essential. The limited menu offers Italian cuisine with some Asian flavours, and mostly it hits the mark. The wine list is exclusively Italian, but reasonably priced.

The Cellar Door
A casual little restaurant serving seasonal dishes with primarily New Zealand influences. The menu changes every few months to reflect and highlight what’s available in the market. The delicatessen nearby offers fresh breads, cheeses, an excellent tomato tapenade and New Zealand wines. The menu can be limited, but the wine and cheese board is always good.

Corduroy & Finch
More proof – if any were needed – that the casual café in a deli concept has legs. So much so that customers are willing to put up with sometimes spectacularly bad service to get it. Obviously a Mediterranean platter is a good place to start, though it will probably have you heading to the deli counter after your meal to make some more purchases. Surely the best-value wine list in town.

Coriander Leaf
This airy, modern Asian bistro continues to pack them in, and has always been one of the main draws at Clarke Quay, even before it became the hip and happening hub it is now. Fresh flavours from the Near East (Turkey and Lebanon) mingle with those from a little closer to home. The mezze platter is still one of the best ways to kick off your meal or you could try the sugar and Szechuan peppercorn cured beef. For mains, how about white miso marinated cod with lemongrass and tomato emulsion, or one of the excellent tandoori dishes, served with all the trimmings?

$$
3A River Valley Road, Clarke Quay, #02-03, +65 6732-3354

The Cliff
We absolutely love this achingly cool retreat although we do get some mixed reports. It has got to be one of the sexiest venues in town – you can’t help but feel part of the jet-set perched at the sleek bar, glass of champagne in hand, gazing out over the South China Sea (which looks much better at night, it has to be said). Seafood is the order of the day, however Chef Armstrong is accommodating and there do seem to be more meat items on the menu now. The menu changes regularly, but desserts are always a highlight.

Desire
It looks as though this outlet in the funky Scarlet Hotel may be about to find its feet with the arrival of Executive Chef Vincent Teng, fresh from the sadly defunct My Dining Room around the corner. Décor-wise Desire doesn’t quite match the plushness of the rest of the Scarlet’s public areas, but the cuisine is imaginative, if a bit fussy at times. Seafood cocktail served in a martini glass will make those of us old enough to remember it the first time around cringe, but there are some gems on the menu; the smoked duck is superb and the warm chocolate tartlet is a must-try for choco-holics. The wine list is extensive and includes a very good selection of sub-S$100 bottles.

$$$ - $$$$
Scarlet Hotel, 33 Erskine Road, +65 6511-3333

Flutes At The Fort
Flutes At The Fort continues to impress with Chef Francois Mermilliod at the helm. The setting – a 1908 black and white (the former fire chief’s house) up on Fort Canning – is a winner, particularly for visitors or a romantic interlude. The breath-arresting steps are the only drawback here especially if you intend to sample the excellent wine selection. Another “problem?” The service can be overly attentive at times.

Graze
The eateries at Rochester Park have had mixed reviews and Graze is no exception. No quibbles with the place itself, which is located in a black and white and is visually very appealing in a casual, minimalist kind of way. Most of the seating is alfresco which is always a winner. We have heard negative comments but we found the service to be friendly and efficient, and the modern, home-style food is far more consistent now. Starters are uninspiring but the barbecued items are sensational.

Harbour Grill & Oyster Bar
Thirty-five years old and still as popular as ever, Harbour Grill has a very loyal following amongst gourmets in Singapore. Chef Jouhannand has worked for Alain Ducasse and it shows in his contemporary Continental cuisine. This restaurant is also at the forefront of bringing critically acclaimed international chefs into Singapore and deserves recognition for doing so. There are also regular luxury food promotions featuring the likes of caviar, white truffles and oysters. The décor, while traditional, has a charming oriental plantation feel to it and the service is smooth and sincere.

$$$ - $$$$
The Regent Singapore, Level 3, 1 Cuscaden Road, +65 6732-2234

Le Papillon
Creative, modern European food in a simple setting. Chef Anderson Ho (foodies will remember him from Figleaf days) keeps diners coming back for more with a regularly changing menu; our visit yielded strong performers such as scallop carpaccio with cappellini and avruga caviar, braised oxtail in a lettuce parcel, and pork belly with apple and tarragon compote. A great lunch venue for the city crowd.

Marmalade Pantry
Shall we do lunch, dah-ling? Marmalade Pantry is the venue of choice for the tai tais who do eat lunch. The Sunday brunch is well worth a try too. The jury is still out on whether this is a good evening option, and the shopping-centre basement location is a bit odd. The food makes up for it though. Great selection of smoothies, salads, and modern bistro fare. Desserts and signature cupcakes are also recommended.

$$
Palais Renaissance, #B1-08/11, 390 Orchard Rd, +65 6734-2700

The Moomba
Nominally the Moomba is a mod-Oz restaurant – and yes, there is kangaroo on the menu – but the cuisine is probably best described as international, and very good it is too. The menu reads well, there are numerous options for vegetarians, and the predominantly Australian wine list is reasonably priced – it is easy to see why this place has survived so long. Don’t let the clichéd Aboriginal murals put you off; Moomba is well worth a visit.

Novus
Drop dead classy, Novus gets it right on the three critical fronts: food, service and ambience. A location such as National Museum of Singapore doesn’t do any harm either. You want to get the girl or seal the deal? Bring ’em here. The décor oozes elegance with a masculine edge and the compact menu suggests a relaxed take on sophisticated dining. Think scallops with slivers of pork belly and chestnut cream, lamb cutlet with aubergine caviar, and chocolate layers with spiced mango sherbet.

Pierside Kitchen & Bar
It’s got the style, it’s got the service and it’s got the setting. Oh yes, and the food is spot on too. Pierside is unbeatable for a classy yet casual meal and its location overlooking Marina Bay means it’s great for visitors too. Oysters with a chilli lime granita, nori-wrapped tempura tuna, braised lamb shank and miso cod are all highly recommended, though unfortunately the Sunday brunch doesn’t live up to quite the same standards.

$$$
One Fullerton, #01–01, 1 Fullerton Road, +65 6438-0400

Poppi
If this place is currently off your radar (let’s be honest, country clubs aren’t really our bag either), make sure you reset your SatNav and make a reservation. The atmosphere can be fairly hushed, but what you’re really here for is Chef Christopher Millar’s bright, stylish, modern Australian cooking. The à la carte menu is bursting with delicious numbers such as braised wagyu beef cheek tagine, and juniper crusted rack of venison, but if you can’t decide, the five or eight-course tasting menu (dinner only) is the perfect alternative.

Restaurant Ember
Multi-award-winning chef, Sebastian Ng, burst onto the dining scene at Ember a couple of years ago and hasn’t looked back. Slick, mod-Oz style food in an equally slick setting with professional services. The set lunch is a winner. Bookings are essential.

Saint Pierre
Emmanuel Stroobant and Edina Hong, have conquered fine, casual and deli dining as well as print and television media. Despite all this, Stroobant still succeeds in keeping things well on track here at Saint Pierre, their flagship restaurant. The modern, minimalist interior ensures that all attention is focused on the delectable dishes placed before you. Precision is the name of the game and Stroobant never falters with his inimitable style of modern French cuisine infused with sympathetic Japanese influences. Foie gras is a signature.

San Marco
San Marco offers a sophisticated, modern take on Italian cuisine. Chef Paul Froggart, previously at S aint Pierre, is now heading up the kitchen after the departure of the opening chef, and he has maintained the restaurant’s reputation for bright, fresh flavours. His deftness is evident even in the richer dishes. Perched at the top of The Fullerton, the location is breathtaking and the windows offer a near 180-degree vista of Marina Bay. Hard to beat if you are out to impress.

The Universal
Duxton Hill is a quiet, leafy oasis amongst the sleazy karaoke joints in Tanjong Pagar. Run the gauntlet of the cabbie uncles and you’ll discover The Universal. Modern European cuisine, nicely presented and executed. Choose from à la carte, a three course set lunch and three, five and seven course set dinner menus. A 500 bottle-strong wine list is good news, and Aussies will be happy seeing the letters VB in the list of beers.

$$ - $$$
36 Duxton Hill, +65 6325-0188

Whitebait & Kale
Unpretentious, modern Australian cuisine executed very well. The focus is on seafood and the décor is reminiscent of a funky Sydney café. The menu changes regularly and the service is friendly, relaxed and efficient. The location under a medical centre is unusual, but it is well worth the visit and you can choose to sit alfresco (albeit with the dulcet tones of traffic in the background) or inside in the über-cool interior.

$$$
1 Orchard Boulevard, #01-01 Camden Medical Center, +65 6333-8697

Wine Garage
If the guys from Brewerkz know anything, it’s how to find a market niche that works. Wine Garage is another addition to the empire, and a good one. The wines should be the stars here – there are over 1,000 bottles available. Still, Chef Travis Maseiro’s cuisine is well up to the task. Sit in the chilly wine cellar or dine alfresco by the river, and check out the wine discounts on Sundays.

$$ - $$$
30 Merchant Road, #01-07 Riverside Point, +65 6533-3188