Quick answer: VivoCity packs a mix of cuisines across its three floors. Crystal Jade Pavilion does Cantonese fine dining with Peking duck carved tableside; Tajimaya is a lively yakiniku joint for group grills; and Tonkatsu ENbiton fries up Hokkaido pork cutlets that shatter satisfyingly. There’s also herbal duck at Dian Xiao Er, Fujianese classics at PUTIEN, a waterfront bistro at Wine Connection, and Australian steaks with live jazz at Barossa. Most are mid-range, with a couple worth the splurge.
Crystal Jade Pavilion
Crystal Jade Pavilion sits on level one of VivoCity, facing the water. It’s the sort of place you book when your parents are in town or you need a table that feels a bit more ceremony. The kitchen plays with Cantonese classics—the Peking duck is carved right at the table, skin crackling, and the steamed cod comes with porcini mushrooms that add an earthy depth. A la carte dishes like pan-fried foie gras push things into indulgence territory.
Lunch sets run Monday to Friday from 11am to 3pm, dinner 6pm to 10pm; weekends have an earlier lunch start at 10:30am and the same dinner hours. Prices reflect the setting, so expect about $60–$80 per person without drinks. Michelin inspectors have taken notice over the years, which tells you the execution is tight.
1 Harbourfront Walk, #01-112, VivoCity, Singapore 098585 | +65 9177 2091 | Crystal Jade Pavilion website
Tajimaya Yakiniku
Tajimaya Yakiniku is the go-to when you and your kakis want to gather around a smokeless grill and cook your own lunch. They’ve got premium wagyu and US karubi plates, and the garlic miso pork collar is a sleeper hit—sweet, savoury, and it gets a nice char from the binchotan coals. Buffet options are available, so you can eat your fill without watching the bill climb too fast.
Weekday lunch (12pm–3pm) is a good time to go; dinner runs from 6pm to 10:30pm, while weekends stretch from 11:30am straight to 10pm. For a birthday gathering or a post-shopping feast with a group, it’s hard to beat.
1 Harbourfront Walk, #01-102/103, VivoCity, Singapore 098585 | +65 6684 4884 | Tajimaya Yakiniku website
Tonkatsu ENbiton
Down at B2, Tonkatsu ENbiton specialises in tonkatsu, but they go beyond the usual. Their Hokkaido Rosu Katsu Set uses Berkshire pork loin, and the panko crust shatters so satisfyingly you’ll pause to appreciate the sound. They also do a Miyazaki Gyukatsu with A5 wagyu, fried briefly on the outside and served with wasabi and a little stone grill for finishing.
It’s a small space, so go early if you want a table without a queue. Open daily from 11am to 10pm. A meal for one, with rice, miso soup, and a main, sits around $20–$35, which is reasonable for the quality. This is the place when you’re alone or with one other person and you just want something done really well, no fuss.
1 Harbourfront Walk, #B2-27/27A, VivoCity, Singapore 098585 | +65 6264 8633 | Tonkatsu ENbiton website
No paid entries here. If we have missed a good one, tell us and we will look into it.
Dian Xiao Er
Dian Xiao Er is all about the herbal-roasted duck, marinated daily with angelica root—the aroma alone pulls you in from the corridor. Order it with wheatgrass tofu for a balance of richness and earth, or go for the seafood options if you’re not duck-minded. It’s upstairs at #02-138.
The vibe is casual Chinese-dining hall, good for a family meal after catching a movie. They serve from 11am, closing at 9:30pm Monday to Thursday, and 10pm on Fridays, weekends and public holidays. Most duck dishes land under $30, so you can eat well without blowing the budget. It’s comforting, reliable food your parents will actually approve of.
1 Harbourfront Walk, #02-138, VivoCity, Singapore 098585 | +65 6376 9786 | Dian Xiao Er website
PUTIEN
PUTIEN at B2 is the VivoCity outpost of a chain that started in a small coffeeshop on Kitchener Road. The draw is Fujianese cooking—the oyster omelette is crisp at the edges, the yam duck is a textural puzzle of creamy yam and savoury meat, and the lor mee broth has a deep seafood sweetness.
It’s open 10am to 10pm daily, and the Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition tells you it delivers good food at fair prices. Rice and two sharing plates can come under $40 for two. Good for a lunch that feels like a trip to a Chinese coastal hometown without leaving the mall.
1 Harbourfront Walk, #B2-01/02, VivoCity, Singapore 098585 | +65 6295 6358 | PUTIEN website
Wine Connection Bistro
Wine Connection Bistro takes up a stretch of the ground floor with an outdoor terrace that catches the sea breeze. They sell wine by the glass from $6, and the food is straightforward bistro: a Black Angus sirloin, charcuterie platters, pasta. It’s not fancy, but the combination of decent steak frites and a glass of red after a long week has its own kind of magic.
Open 10am to 10pm daily. You can walk in, no need to dress up. Perfect for a slow evening when you just want to talk and eat without thinking too hard.
1 Harbourfront Walk, #01-152/153/154, VivoCity, Singapore 098585 | +65 6262 0831 | Wine Connection Bistro website
Barossa Steak & Grill
Barossa Steak & Grill leans into Australian beef—grass-fed Angus and Sanchoku Wagyu—and they’ll cook it to your specs over open flames. On weekends they have live jazz, which makes the whole place feel less like a mall restaurant and more like a bar that happens to serve serious steaks.
Lunch runs weekdays 11:30am–3pm, dinner until 10:30pm (11:30pm on Friday), and weekends they serve all day. The Wagyu burger is worth trying if you’re there for a quick bite. Steaks start around $35. Good for date night or a celebration with a few friends.
1 Harbourfront Walk, #01-161/162, VivoCity, Singapore 098585 | +65 6255 1855 | Barossa Steak & Grill website
No paid entries here. If we have missed a good one, tell us and we will look into it.
How to choose
Think about the occasion first. For a special dinner, Crystal Jade Pavilion and Barossa make the meal feel like an event. If you’re in a group of four or more, Tajimaya’s grill-your-own setup keeps the energy up, while Dian Xiao Er handles big family tables comfortably. Tonkatsu ENbiton is better for one or two people who just want a focused, crisped-to-order meal. Wine Connection and PUTIEN sit in the middle—easy drop-ins when you want decent food without overthinking the dress code. If the meal is the main event, pick a place where the view or the vibe adds to the memory.
Budget-wise, $20–$40 per person covers most of these, with Crystal Jade and the steakhouse edging upward. Most accept walk-ins, but a phone call ahead for weekend evenings can save you a long wait. If you’re exploring beyond VivoCity, our guides to Vegetarian Restaurants in Singapore, restaurants on Amoy Street and Katong have more options when you’re ready to roam.
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Signature Dish | Price per pax | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crystal Jade Pavilion | Cantonese | Peking Duck, Steamed Cod | Check with the business | Formal dinners, family milestones |
| Tajimaya Yakiniku | Japanese yakiniku | US Karubi, Garlic Miso Pork Collar | Check with the business | Group grill feasts |
| Tonkatsu ENbiton | Japanese tonkatsu | Hokkaido Rosu Katsu Set | $20–$35 | Solo diners, quick quality meal |
| Dian Xiao Er | Northern Chinese | Herbal Roasted Duck | $15–$25 | Family comfort food |
| PUTIEN | Fujianese | Oyster Omelette, Yam Duck | Check with the business | Heritage flavours, casual lunch |
| Wine Connection Bistro | European bistro | Black Angus Sirloin, Charcuterie | Check with the business | Alfresco wine-and-dine |
| Barossa Steak & Grill | Steakhouse, Australian | Angus Striploin, Wagyu Burger | $35–$60 | Date night, live jazz weekends |
Summary
Whether you’re after crispy tonkatsu, a sizzling yakiniku spread, or a Cantonese dinner with a view, VivoCity’s dining scene covers a lot of ground. There’s smart casual for weeknights, proper feasts for family gatherings, and spots where a glass of wine by the water feels just right. These seven restaurants give you a reason to stay long after the shopping bags are full.
Disclaimer: All details were accurate at the time of writing. Opening hours and prices can shift, so confirm with the restaurant before heading down.
Frequently asked questions
Which restaurant in VivoCity is best for a special occasion?
Crystal Jade Pavilion brings a touch of ceremony with its tableside Peking duck carving and refined Cantonese menu. For something livelier with live jazz, Barossa Steak & Grill works well for celebrations.
Are there affordable options for a quick lunch?
Yes. Tonkatsu ENbiton and Dian Xiao Er both offer mains under $30, and their portions are generous. PUTIEN’s sharing plates also keep things wallet-friendly.
Can I make a reservation?
All the places listed accept phone bookings. It’s a good idea to call ahead, especially for dinner on weekends and public holidays.
Is there outdoor dining at VivoCity?
Wine Connection Bistro has an alfresco terrace that overlooks the waterfront. It’s a pleasant spot in the evening when the sea breeze kicks in.
Which restaurant is good for a group of friends?
Tajimaya Yakiniku suits groups with its smokeless tabletop grills and buffet packages. Dian Xiao Er also handles larger tables comfortably.
What time do VivoCity restaurants close?
Most close around 10pm, with Tajimaya and Barossa extending to 10:30pm. Barossa stays open until 11:30pm on Fridays, and some run all-day service on weekends.