Once the management realized it wasn’t against the law to provide something other than junk food at a tourist attraction (a lesson many tourist attractions could learn), eating on Sentosa underwent something of a renaissance.
Combining decent beachfront eateries, fine hotel restaurants and some top-notch fine-dining institutions, Sentosa has planted its flag proudly on the city’s culinary map.
Some of the places double as bars in the evenings, catering mainly to the bikini-clad club crowd.
PRICE GUIDE
The following price guide is based on dinner for two, with a couple of drinks.
$$$ over $75
$$ $20-75
BRAISE (French $$$)
6271 1929; Palawan Beach; mains from $38; Metro: HarbourFront then monorail or shuttle bus
Braise typifies the new Sentosa, serving up refined nouvelle cuisine in a minimalist interior (sorry, space), with white walls, high vaulted ceilings, bare brick and full-length glass maximizing the beachfront views. Seafood monopolizes the starter menu, while meat dominates the mains. Don’t come in your beach gear.
IL LIDO (Italian $$$)
6866 1977; www.il-lido.com; Sentosa Golf Club, Bukit Manis Rd; set menus $90-180, mains from $40; Metro: HarbourFront then monorail or shuttle bus
With stunning views over the Strait of Singapore and the lights of Indonesia beyond, Il Lido does the vista justice with its food. Choose from modern, classic or vegetarian menus or, if you have a spare $3000 lying around, you can book the yacht for an evening of private dining.
SKY DINING (European $$$)
6377 9633; www.mountfaber.com.sg; meals $98-168; h6.30-8.30pm Tue-Sun; Metro: HarbourFront
We can’t quite decide if this is inspired, or just plain silly, but the idea of eating a meal travelling along in a cable car 70m up in the air holds an undeniable appeal. The novelty might wear thin by dessert, but gliding from Mount Faber to Sentosa taking in the sunset cityscape is a stunning way to spend a romantic evening – though the cars are too small to contemplate anything indecent. Book at least two days in advance.
THE CLIFF (Seafood $$$)
6275 0331; www.thesentosa.com; 2 Bukit Manis Rd h6.30-11pm (last order 9.30pm). Metro: HarbourFront then monorail or shuttle bus
Sitting on a clifftop, The Cliff has become a byword for ‘special occasion’, partly because of its location, partly its great service, but mostly because of its seafood. Take the pain out of it and order the set menu, then sit back as plate after plate of marine masterpiece files past you. Book one of the junior suites, and the evening will be complete.
FARM FRESH
Set in the wonderfully peaceful Bollywood Veggies organic farm, Poison Ivy Bistro (6898 5001; 100 Neo Tiew Cres; dishes from $4; 9am-6pm Wed-Sun; taxi) is the perfect place to stop after a visit to the other farms in the area, or Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. The food, using veggies from the farm, is nothing to write home about, but the rural location makes it special.
COASTES (International $$)
6338 8832; Siloso Beach; snacks & mains $7-25; Metro: HarbourFront then monorail or shuttle bus;
The pick of Sentosa’s beach eats, Coastes’ atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. While it draws blatant inspiration from Ibiza, it’s also the kind of place you can bring the kids without being made to feel like you’re ruining the vibe. Pick a wooden bench, or recline on a lounger and order your wood-fired pizza while you sun-fire your body.
SAMUNDAR (Indian $$)
6276 8891; 85 Palawan Beach Walk; mains from $12; Metro: HarbourFront then monorail or shuttle bus
It boasts one of those vast menus that can drive you mad with indecision, but stick with the tandoor menu and you won’t go wrong (unless you’re vegetarian – but even then you have 15 choices). Order three days in advance for the special sikandari raan (marinated leg of lamb) – a snip at $84.
Singapore Eating: Sentosa Island
