Romantic Dining: 10 Cosy restaurants for a first date

MF editorial team 30 Sep 2016 updated the 13 April 2017 à 21:22

1/10
Grand Shanghai
For a grand meal fit for royalty, the Grand Shanghai will give you and your beau all the chance in the world to relive the lavishness of 1940s Shanghai, right in modern-day Singapore. With lip-smacking menu choices like succulent Roasted Peking Duck, mouthwatering Braised Pork Belly in Sweet Brown Sauce, alongside a slew of dim sum items to choose from, you will surely impress your date’s stomach here.

390 Havelock Rd, level 1 King's centre, Tel: 6836 6866

UOB Specials: 1-for-1 set menu. Valid until 30 June 2017. Find out more here.
More information

Photo: Grand Shanghai
2/10
in ITALY Bar Ristorante
For a casual fine dining atmosphere, you can’t rule out in ITALY Bar Ristorante, which will bring you the likes of high quality Italian food and excellent service. Indulge in delicious Potato Gnocchi or Risotto flavoured with smoked eel. If you’re feeling a little more exotic, try the Fritto Misto (crispy fried frog legs, prawns, squid & soft shell crab), and Quaglia (roasted boneless French quail wrapped in pancetta, foie gras & sage & raisin filling).

38 Craig Road, Tel: 6423 0918

UOB Specials: 1-for-1 6-course Degustation Menu (U.P. S$150). Valid until 30 June 2017. Find out more here.
More information

Photo: in ITALY Bar Ristorante Facebook
3/10
The White Rabbit
If you want a purely magical dining experience, whisk your date away from the bustling concrete jungle and usher them into The White Rabbit. Housed in a gorgeously whimsical chapel, you will notice a distinct Alice in Wonderland feel of this restaurant. With a beautiful menu filled with modern curations of timeless dishes, including hearty Alaskan King Crab Tangliatelle and sumptuous Roasted Apple Crumble Tart, you will no doubt want to while away your hours at this intimate and otherworldly restaurant.

39C Harding Road, Tel: 6473 9965

UOB Specials: 1-for-1 Hendricks Gin & Tonic (Tue - Sun). Valid until 31 January 2018. Find out more here.

More information

Photo: The White Rabbit
4/10
Pluck
If informal and laid-back is more your style, you and your date will enjoy the fun and social vibes at Pluck. Pluck takes modern Southeast Asian dishes to the next level. From explosions of flavour from their Assam Pork Ribs to their signature rendition of the Prawn Noodle Soup, you’ll be spoiling your taste buds here. Don’t worry, they also play a strong cocktail game.

90 Club Street, Tel: 6225 8286

UOB Specials: 1-for-1 Main Course (Dinner only). Valid until 30 June 2017. Find out more here.
More information

Photo: Pluck Facebook
5/10
Mitzo Restaurant & Bar
Love contemporary Cantonese fare? Mitzo will invigorate your senses. Reinventing and redefining Chinese fine dining by skillfully pairing delightfully authentic Canto-cuisine with a thoughtfully crafted cocktail programme, there is no doubt that Mitzo seamlessly values tradition and also caters to the modern palate. Share a drink with your beau by the illuminated bar and then proceed to enjoy a sumptuous meal in the aesthetically unique dining area. There is no doubt that Mitzo will bring you a completely new way of enjoying Chinese cuisine.

270 Orchard Road, Level 4 Grand Park Orchard, Tel: 6603 8855

UOB Specials: 1-for-1 Mitzo's Specialties set menu at S$168++ per person. Valid until 30 June 2017. Find out more here.

More information

Photo: Mitzo Facebook
6/10
The Pelican Seafood Bar & Grill
For a truly atmospheric setting that borrows from the vintage era of luxurious sea travel, you can expect a cosy interior that boasts eclectic yet elegant furnishings such as large copper-framed doors and monochromic marble flooring. Such playful touches lean towards old-school yet contemporary chic. Enjoy cocktails by the seven metre-long bar or enjoy the sunset by the waterfront as you overlook the Marina Bay district from the al fresco dining area along One Fullerton.

1 Fullerton Road, #01-01, One Fullerton, Tel: 6438 0400

UOB Specials: 10% off a la carte food items. Valid until 14 April 2017.

Photo: The Pelican Seafood Bar & Grill
7/10
Kinki Restaurant + Bar
Offering modern Japanese dishes and a drinks menu that boasts a selection of sake martinis, champagne cocktails and plenty of brews from the East and West, Kinki will definitely hit the spot. With a funky fresh interior that embraces a fun and intoxicating atmosphere, this highly urbanised Japanese restaurant throws the idea of ‘zen’ out the window and brings an entirely contemporary feel to old-world traditions. Spice things up a little and take your date to Kinki for an enjoyable lunch or some after-dinner drinks.

70 Collyer Quay, #02-02, Customs House, Tel: 6533 3471

UOB Specials: 10% off a la carte food items. Valid until 14 April 2017.

Photo: Kinki
8/10
La Brasserie
If there ever were a perfect dining sanctuary in the Marina Bay area, this would be it. Delight your taste buds at this intimate salon-styled fine dining haven - the brainchild of acclaimed and much sought-after designer Andre Fu. La Brasserie offers grand waterfront views and an ambiance that is elegant and sophisticatedly old-world. With vast floor-to-ceiling windows, charming dark wood furniture and a romantic colour palette oozing warmth, this is one swanky restaurant that will impress any date. With a mouthwatering modern European menu and an extensive wine list, you’ll surely be leaving the restaurant with a satisfied belly.

The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore, 80 Collyer Quay

80 Collyer Quay, Tel: 6597 5288

UOB Specials: 15% off à la carte lunch and dinner food bill. Valid until 30 Dec 2017.

Photo: La Brasserie
9/10
Luxe
Luxe originated in Sydney, which means its Singapore outlet will have all the workings of a contemporary Australian menu (with a sprinkling of Asian twists). Luxe is all about creating unique food and beverage options for the discerning foodie. Bringing a lovely guest to the establishment? A beautiful interior awaits, with neutral tones meshing with eclectic yet minimalistic furnishings. Whether you’re here for a quick and easy brunch, or indulging in a drawn-out affair over some heavier lunch dishes, you’ll feel right at home at Luxe.

1 Keong Saik Road, #01-04

Photo: Luxe Facebook
10/10
Seorae
If sharing some kimchi-tastic side dishes and experiencing the temptation of grilling your own meal the Korean BBQ way sounds exciting, you and your date are bound to have a thrilling good time at Seorae. From premium beef cuts straight from the US to delectably marinated chicken, meat-lovers can truly rejoice here. And if the both of you much prefer a little less smoke and sizzle, Seorae dishes out some fantastic stews, too, like their spicy soft tofu Sundubu Jjigae, chock-full of minced pork, fresh vege, eggs and clams.

Plaza Singapura, #02-01, 68 Orchard Road

Photo: Seorae

Want to bring your date on a sumptuous adventure they won’t soon forget? Look no further.

It can be a little daunting when picking a dining location for a first date with that special someone. Of course, the metropolitan cultural melting pot of Singapore no doubt offers an infinite range of choice when it comes to fancy restaurants and intimate eateries. Whether you’re picking a place purely to impress your lovely date or choosing something a little more homely and laid-back, we’re come up with a gastronomical list of our top 10 favourites just for you and your sweetheart.

If you’re a pair of Shanghainese cuisine-lovers, make a beeline to Grand Shanghai to enjoy some authentic fare like succulent Roasted Peking Duck and Braised Pork Belly. And if you’re looking for a spectacular lunch spot that is both whimsical and Instagram-worthy, you can’t go wrong with the fairytale-esque location of The White Rabbit. More the type to have a super romantic dinner date? La Brasserie at The Fullerton Bay Hotel will surely impress the both of you with its intimate salon-styled fine dining atmosphere and unparalleled service.

There’s plenty more to choose from, just take a look at our list in the gallery above!

Stretch your dollar on your date

A handful of these foodie havens we’ve mentioned will be offering some pretty cool value-for-money promotional deals that you might want to watch out for. Give your wallet a much-needed break and make good use of the UOB Cards 1-for-1 dining specials. We’ve shown you our top 10 spots, but if you’re picky and need a little more inspiration, be sure to check out UOB Cards’ full list of participating restaurants!