Photo: Botanico

Botanico

Housed within the Botanic Gardens, Botanico at The Garage sets expectations for beauty, simply because of their location, and beautiful it is. You come upon the art deco structure after a mini walk through the wooded part of the gardens and the colonial bungalow houses an outdoor terrace, an indoor restaurant and a garden bar — each with its own personality, and all equally stunning. Botanico offers an elegant bistro-style menu catered to a variety of tastes. Showcasing cuisine rooted in European methodology but with masterly incorporated Asian nuances, the restaurant boasts a spicy-tangy Seabass Ceviche and a 24-hour slow-cooked lamb neck in curry. Not to mention iberico char siew and slipper lobster chittara, as well as lemongrass panna cotta to wrap things up on a sweeter note. Oh, they’ve also just expanded their wine programme to accommodate 30 premium wine labels.

50 Cluny Park Road. Tel: 9831-1106.

Photo: Dusk Restaurant & Bar

Dusk Restuarant & Bar

Not only is this restaurant located 100m above sea level, it’s also surrounded by a lush rainforest. This means you’ll get a tranquil feeling while dining here but you’ll also get some very awesome panoramic views of the harbourfront area and Sentosa too (it’s also very soothing to watch the cable cars go by). In fact you’ll get one of the best views in Singapore here, right on top of Faber Peak. It’s also an excellent spot to catch the sunset so it’s ideal for a romantic meal or if you’re just looking for some Insta-worthy photos. European tapas is the order of the day here and you can make your experience last longer by sipping a wine/cocktail or two after dinner.

Level 2, Faber Peak, 109 Mount Faber Road. Tel: 6377-9688.

Photo: Lucha Loco

Lucha Loco

Duxton Hill is one of the most quaint areas in Singapore but it’s also rather hip and is home to a number of bars and restaurants. There are some leafy pockets too and this Mexican cocina and garden bar is one of the best sites to enjoy the greenery. It serves authentic Mexican street food with a gourmet twist, in a casual setting. Expect a selection of Mexican classics such as tacos, quesadillas and burritos, try the set lunch or pop in for dinner and choose the chef’s selection of dishes to serve a party of either six or eight, if you can’t decide on anything from the a la carte menu. If you’re enjoying the atmosphere, relax with a drink from their extensive selection of margarita, tequila-based cocktails and mezcal spirits.

15 Duxton Hill. Tel: 6226-3938.

Photo: Masons Restaurant & Bar

Masons Restaurant & Bar

You’ll be transported back to the colonial days when you visit this restaurant as it’s housed in a traditional black and white bungalow from 1935, in Gillman Barracks. Dine in style indoors or in the al fresco area – you’ll certainly enjoy the lush greenery and the charming ambiance. The cuisine here is Western, with hot favourites such as fish and chips, steak, pasta dishes and pizzas. It’s also a popular wedding venue, which gives you an idea of just how gorgeous the surroundings are.

Gillman Barracks, 8 Lock Road. Tel: 6694-2216.

OverEasy

Who doesn’t love a good burger? And a good burger with a stunning view – who in their right mind would say no to that? Hop over to OverEasy at One Fullerton, which boasts sweeping views of the Marina Bay skyline. This classic American diner might feel all American inside but, once you step onto the al fresco area, it’s the beauty of Singapore that takes centrestage. Its location by the bay means you’ll be cool outdoors while you dine on your burger, mac & cheese and buffalo wings, or just making one of their famous milkshakes last as long as possible. Brunch is served all day on weekends.

#01-06, One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Road. Tel: 6684-1453.

The Halia

Located in the Ginger Garden within the Singapore Botanic Gardens, this aptly-named restaurant (‘halia’ means ‘ginger’ in Malay) blends in perfectly with its surroundings which is no surprise once you find out that it was constructed simultaneously with the development of the Garden in 2000. You can sit in the dining room, with its full-height glass windows which provide stunning views, or relax in the cool surroundings of the garden. The restaurant has a breakfast, brunch, set lunch and all-day dining menu, as well as a communal menu for four that’s available during dinner only. Do try the very unique Halia’s Singapore-Style Chilli Crab Spaghettini.

Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road. Tel: 8444-1148.

Photo: The Knolls

The Knolls

Not a fan of green? The Knolls at Capella let’s you switch up your dining view to the tunes of indigo and cobalt hues. Overlooking the South China Sea, The Knolls at Capella offers a literally different perspective with its seafront setting. Featuring a Mediterranean menu, you’ll find the cuisine here drawing inspiration largely from parts of Spain, France and Italy. Some highlights include a roasted seabass and a slow cooked iberico. You’ll also find local delights there – the likes of Hainanese chicken rice and laksa – as well as other Asian delicacies from Japan and India. Truly a one-place-feeds-all experience that will take your social gatherings over dinner to the next level.

Capella Singapore, 1 The Knolls. Tel: 6591-5046.

Wildseed Cafe & Bar

It’s a cafe, a patisserie and a bar, and you’ll find it at the ground level of The Summerhouse, a two-storey colonial bungalow at The Oval in Seletar Aerospace Park. Operating as a cafe by day and a bistro by night, it’s a great spot to while a few hours away, whether you’re looking for a meal or just some quiet time in the relaxing countryside with a coffee, cake or cocktail. Weekend brunch is available on Saturday, Sunday and public holiday from 10am to 3.30pm, and the range of sweet treats and waffles are good choices too. Don’t forget to stroll through the sprawling edible garden, which provides ingredients not just for their dishes but their garden-inspired cocktails too.

Seletar Aerospace Park, 3 Park Lane. Tel: 9643-9116.