A historic setting is the perfect foil for a memorable meal.
We all know that the best dining experiences don’t revolve solely around the food, but factors in the theatrics of it all. What better stage for a great meal than a grand historic setting. These five restaurants housed in Singapore’s heritage buildings promise to not only awaken your palate but also spice up your gastronomic experience with a dash of history.
Odette
Photo courtesy of Odette
The restaurant’s refined French fare is an instant classic, and it couldn’t have found a better home than the National Gallery Singapore. The former supreme court and city hall underwent a massive renovation; it was unveiled in 2015 as country’s largest museum and has since become a dining destination its own right.
The structure’s soaring ceiling and pillars were kept but was given contemporary touches with cream-coloured walls as well as furnishings with touches of taupe and gold. The focal point is the aerial installation by local artist Dawn Ng, which was painstakingly hand cut from oak, polyfoam, brass and paper.
The kitchen is enclosed by glass windows so guests can witness chef Julien Royer and team whip up dishes according to the day’s produce. Highlights include Hokkaido uni, Forest of Forgotten Vegetables, and lemon tart. odetterestaurant.com
Call 6385 0498 or email enquiry@odetterestaurant.com for reservations.
The Lighthouse
Situated atop The Fullerton Hotel, The Lighthouse is the go-to place when you’re looking for authentic Italian food with impeccable city skyline views. Its location is where the Fullerton Light once stood—a lighthouse that used to guide mariners to the Singapore port.
Take in the amazing vista while you tuck into dishes from the recently-revamped menu. Highlights include carpegna ham DOP with 36 month-aged reggiano cheese and compressed pear; burrata cheese tortelli with black truffles; and slow-cooked cod in lemon cream. fullertonhotels.com
Call 6877 8140 or click here for reservations.
Foo’d
Built in 1862, the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall served various purposes over its 155-year history. Today, it’s a performing arts centre that also houses Foo’d, a restaurant by Italian chef Davide Oldani offering Michelin-starred quality dishes at reasonable prices.
While the shell was preserved, the interiors were brought up to date through modern furnishings and tasteful wood and metal décor; the huge bar and wine cabinet also signals the space’s current incarnation as restaurant. The menu offers Oldani’s signatures, including the 20-months aged Grana Padano; risotto made with carnaroli rice; and lemon curd with meringue and lettuce ice cream. foodbydo.com
Call 6385 5588, email reservations@foodbydo.com, or click here for reservations.
Corner House
Situated in a black and white bungalow within the Singapore Botanic Gardens is Corner House by award winning chef Jason Tan. He offers gastro-botanica cuisine, largely inspired by the life and work of the former occupant—botanist Eldred John Henry Corner.
Tan gives much care and attention to ingredient selection and food preparation to ensure the animated layering and dynamic balance in his unique cuisine. Try these dishes that are the pride of Corner House—carabinero prawn, kaya toast, and oignon doux des cevennes. cornerhouse.com.sg
Call 6469 1000 or email enquiries@cornerhouse.com.sg for reservations.
Pó
Pó is the latest restaurant by the dynamic Lo & Behold Group in partnership with local celebrity chef Willin Low, founder of Wild Rocket. The restaurant pays homage to local Singaporean cuisine—popiah in particular—so it’s only fitting that it’s housed in a building that’s over a century old. Dating back to 1895, this structure along the Singapore River has been transformed to become The Warehouse Hotel.
From the hotel lobby to the charming interiors of Pó, the adaptive reuse initiative is a design lover’s delight. Food-wise, enjoy local dishes elevated via premium ingredients and a decidedly modern touch. The star is the humble popiah served three ways: classic, prawn and fresh flower crab. Other must-tries are the paper spring chicken (or as grandma calls it, chee pow kai), Hokkien mee, and the Peranakan spicy tamarind barramundi. thewarehousehotel.com
Call 6828 0000 or email reservations@thewarehousehotel.com for reservations.