Quick answer: If you’re searching for the best Asian food in Singapore, these seven fine-dining restaurants focus on Cantonese cooking with modern twists. Summer Pavilion and Jiang-Nan Chun are the heavyweight picks for milestone celebrations; Empress and 5 ON 25 bring waterfront and skyline views. Expect delicate dim sum, perfect roast duck, and an evening that feels properly special.
When the meal is meant to express gratitude, the setting becomes as important as the food. If you are bringing elderly parents, look for easy access, muted acoustics, and a pace that lets them feel treasured rather than hurried. This collection of Asian food destinations anticipates those unspoken needs, so you can focus on creating a memory that quietly says thank you.
Best Restaurants in Singapore by Occasion is the parent list here, with 42 guides covering everything in this area.
Summer Pavilion
Tucked inside The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, Summer Pavilion makes you forget the city outside the moment you step into its garden-like calm. They hold a Michelin star for their Cantonese cooking, and the poached rice with lobster is one of those dishes you’ll measure all future lobster meals against. The smoked duck, steeped with Chinese tea leaves, lands on the table with a subtle fragrance that tells you the kitchen sweats the small stuff.
Dim sum here is proper old-school Cantonese precision, yet the seasonal seafood specials show how deftly they work with what’s fresh. Service is the sort that remembers your tea preference without asking twice.
The practicals: 7 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039799. Lunch 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., dinner 6:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m. Call +65 6434 5286. Fine-dining pricing – the kind of place you book when the occasion demands something truly memorable. Summer Pavilion website.
Best for serious anniversaries, a business lunch where you want silence and starched linen, or a lazy afternoon dim sum if you plan ahead. It’s a safe bet when impressing someone is non-negotiable.
If your parents appreciate tranquillity, the wheelchair-accessible entrance and hushed, garden-view seating make arrival stress-free. Tables are well-spaced, so conversations stay private. The poached rice is easy on the palate, and staff are adept at adjusting the pacing for a leisurely lunch that never feels rushed.
Jiang-Nan Chun
Jiang-Nan Chun lives on the second floor of the Four Seasons Hotel on Orchard Boulevard, and the moment the Peking duck with caviar arrives, you understand why it earned a One Diamond distinction in the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide. That duck skin, shatteringly crisp, gets a hit of briny indulgence that somehow works without being gimmicky.
The kitchen pours serious care into its double-boiled soups – nutritious, deeply flavoured, the kind that makes you go “wah, this is shiok” after a long week. They source sustainably and play with creative twists, but never stray so far that the Cantonese heart gets lost. The dining room feels refined without being stiff; you can have a lively conversation while still feeling the hotel’s polish.
Details: 190 Orchard Boulevard, Level 2, Singapore 248646. Lunch 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., dinner 6:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m. daily. Phone: +65 6831 7220. Expect fine-dining prices. Jiang-Nan Chun website.
Bring the family when everybody wants soup that tastes like time, or book it for a client who appreciates understated confidence. The Peking duck alone is die die must try.
For elders who value nourishment, the soups are a highlight. The restaurant is reachable via lift, and you can request a banquette seat near the window – quieter, with a gentle view. If your parents enjoy a touch of ceremony, the duck is carved tableside with a flourish they’ll remember.
Madame Fan
Madame Fan sits inside The NCO Club on Beach Road, and from the moment you walk in, the retro-glam interior sets a mood that is equal parts cheeky and refined. Cantonese foundations get a deliberate nudge with fusion elements, and the barbecue meats – especially the Peking duck – have a following that books tables week after week. The dim sum comes with little twists, but it’s the craft cocktail pairings that make the meal feel like a night out, not just a dinner.
Visit them: 32 Beach Road, The NCO Club, Singapore 189764. Mon–Fri lunch 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Sat–Sun & PH brunch 11:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; dinner daily 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.; bar 5:00 p.m.–midnight. Phone: +65 6818 1921. Fine-dining prices. Madame Fan website.
This is the spot for a date night that needs a bit of theatre, or a celebration with friends where the cocktails keep flowing. If you want a Peking duck that comes with a side of swagger, Madame Fan delivers.
We choose these ourselves. If your place deserves a look for the next update, let us know.
Feeling something outside the Cantonese canon? Our guide to Restaurants in Little India, Singapore leads you to some of the island’s most soulful spice-driven cooking.
If bringing parents who appreciate a bit of old-world charm, the interior sparks nostalgic smiles. The dim sum comes in manageable portions, and the staff can recommend milder cocktail options. Arrive for an early dinner when the room is less boisterous and the service feels extra attentive.
Man Fu Yuan
Up on Level 2 of the InterContinental Singapore on Middle Road, Man Fu Yuan keeps things classic without ever feeling tired. The roast meats – char siew, siew yoke, roast duck – arrive glistening and with that proper smoky edge, and the dim sum buffet on weekends is a magnet for families who treat yum cha as a leisurely ritual. Their soups are the slow-cooked, nourishing kind that remind you why Cantonese cuisine prizes broth above almost everything else.
Michelin recommends it, and the dining room balances quiet elegance with a warmth that makes long lunches feel natural. Modern tweaks appear here and there, but the kitchen’s respect for fresh, locally-sourced ingredients keeps every plate grounded.
Plan your meal: 80 Middle Road, Level 2 InterContinental Singapore, Singapore 188966. Weekday lunch 12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m., weekend & PH lunch 11:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; dinner 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. Phone: +65 6825 1008. Fine-dining pricing. Man Fu Yuan website.
Good for a solid weekend dim sum session with the extended family, or a business lunch where you need reliable quality and zero noise. Budget-wise, the dim sum buffet gives you that shiok feeling of value alongside the luxury.
Weekend yum cha here is a multigenerational affair, so do book ahead and request a table away from the buffet flow. Wheelchair users will find smooth access from the hotel lobby lift. The roast meats are sliced to share easily, and the soups arrive piping hot – a filial gesture in a bowl.
Yì by Jereme Leung
Yì by Jereme Leung on the third floor of Raffles Arcade draws on provincial Chinese recipes and gives them a gallery-worthy makeover. The steamed chicken in herbal broth tastes clean and purposeful, and the dim sum with truffle feels like a little indulgence without being too atas. Michelin recognition hangs over the kitchen, but what catches your attention is how each seasonal creation tells a story of a specific region’s palate, presented with a light, contemporary hand.
Find them: Raffles Arcade #03-02, 328 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188719. Lunch 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m., dinner 6:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m. Call +65 6412 1331. Fine-dining prices. Yì by Jereme Leung website.
Ideal when you want the heritage of Raffles but a meal that feels personal rather than touristy. If someone in your group loves art on a plate and can appreciate how a truffle-laced har gow lands, this is your spot.
If you’re widening the net, our Asian Restaurants in Singapore roundup covers a broader spread of styles and budgets.
If your parents prefer refinement without stiffness, this suits them. The Raffles Arcade lift brings you right to the entrance, and the chairs are well-padded for longer sitting. The herbal broth is delicate and warming – ideal for a parent who needs gentle, clean flavours.
Empress
Empress occupies a prime corner of the Asian Civilisations Museum, with floor-to-ceiling glass overlooking the Singapore River. It’s smart-casual Cantonese that doesn’t skimp on technique. The triple roast platter – a holy trinity of char siew, roast duck, and crackling pork belly – comes with that glossy caramelisation that makes you pause mid-conversation. They also do a mean wok-fried king prawn and a dim sum brunch on weekends that draws a steady crowd of both museum-goers and CBD folk.
What makes it worth a trip: the plant-based options alongside all that roast meat, so the vegetarian friend doesn’t have to settle for a sad plate of greens. The award for best Asian restaurant is no surprise once you taste the balance of flavours.
Where & when: 1 Empress Place, Asian Civilisations Museum #01-03, Singapore 179555. Mon–Fri lunch 11:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., dinner 6:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m.; Sat–Sun lunch 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., dinner 6:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m. Phone: +65 9172 8984. Fine-dining pricing. Empress website.
Perfect for a date where the river view does half the talking, a post-museum group meal, or anytime you need a roast platter that earns its spot on the table. The dim sum brunch is a legit weekend ritual for many.
Positioned for an outing that pairs lunch with a museum stroll, the restaurant has ramp access and lift-accessible restrooms. Request a river-facing table; the natural light is flattering and the ambient noise stays pleasantly low. The dim sum brunch offers plenty of bite-sized options for lighter eaters.
5 ON 25
On the 25th floor of Andaz Singapore, 5 ON 25 pairs Cantonese cooking with a panoramic view that stretches across the city. The kitchen works with sustainable ingredients and isn’t afraid to play with fusion – think fried quail legs that crunch and give way to tender meat, or a drunken chicken that’s properly infused with Shaoxing. Set menus offer a way to taste through the menu without having to do mental arithmetic, which is a blessing when you’re enjoying the skyline.
Details: 5 Fraser Street, Andaz Singapore, Level 25, Singapore 189354. Lunch 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., dinner 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. daily. Phone: +65 6408 1228. Fine-dining prices. 5 ON 25 website.
Best for a sky-high dinner before a night out in town, or hosting visitors you want to impress with a view that money can’t buy anywhere else. The set menus make it a slightly more predictable splurge, which helps when planning a group celebration.
We choose these ourselves. If your place deserves a look for the next update, let us know.
For a completely different flavour beat, our Vietnamese Food Gems in Singapore guide has you covered with bright, herb-forward dishes that hit the spot on a hot day.
How to choose
All seven restaurants sit in the fine-dining bracket, so your decision really comes down to atmosphere, signature dishes, and what kind of memory you want to walk away with. If the occasion calls for hushed service and a Michelin-starred statement, Summer Pavilion or Jiang-Nan Chun won’t let you down. Jiang-Nan Chun’s Peking duck with caviar is a conversation starter; Summer Pavilion’s poached rice with lobster is pure comfort in a refined room.
Want your meal to come with a view? 5 ON 25 gives you the city skyline, while Empress frames the Singapore River from the museum’s edge – both are more relaxed than the hotel dining rooms, which suits a lively group. For something that feels like a glamorous night out, Madame Fan’s retro interior and cocktail list pull you in before the first dish arrives.
Families who treat yum cha as a weekend religion should look at Man Fu Yuan’s dim sum buffet, which balances classic technique with a spread that pleases everyone from the ah ma to the picky kid. Yì by Jereme Leung is for those who appreciate artistic plating and regional Chinese influences beyond Cantonese, plus the Raffles address is a nice flex.
Price-wise, expect to spend significantly more than your average zi char, but this is celebration territory, not a casual Tuesday. Reservations are a must – these tables fill up, especially on weekends and festive seasons – so book a few days ahead. If any dietary needs require a heads-up, call them; Empress is the clearest with its plant-based options.
| Restaurant | Vibe | Signature | Price Signal | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Pavilion | Serene garden refinement | Poached rice with lobster, tea-smoked duck | Fine dining | Milestone celebrations, business lunches |
| Jiang-Nan Chun | Polished hotel dining | Peking duck with caviar, double-boiled soups | Fine dining | Bold soup lovers, impressing clients |
| Madame Fan | Retro glam with a bar scene | Peking duck, fusion dim sum, craft cocktails | Fine dining | Glamorous date nights, cocktail-fuelled dinners |
| Man Fu Yuan | Quiet and classic | Roast meat platter, dim sum buffet | Fine dining | Family yum cha, dependable business lunch |
| Yì by Jereme Leung | Artistic and intimate | Herbal broth chicken, truffle dim sum | Fine dining | Artful tasting, Raffles loyalists |
| Empress | Buzzy waterfront casual | Triple roast platter, king prawns | Fine dining | River views, groups with veggie friends |
| 5 ON 25 | Sky-high and modern | Fried quail legs, drunken chicken | Fine dining | Skyline dinners, impressing visitors |
Summary
From the Michelin-starred poise of Summer Pavilion to the 25th-floor views at 5 ON 25, these restaurants show why Cantonese fine dining holds its own in Singapore. Each one brings a distinct flavour of celebration – whether it’s a quiet bowl of soup at Jiang-Nan Chun or a riverfront roast platter at Empress. Book a table, dress sharp, and let the kitchen remind you why a long lunch or a special dinner is worth the splurge.
Disclaimer: Details can change; confirm directly with the business before your visit.
Frequently asked questions
A high-floor view can be a treat, but if your parents are sensitive to heights, ask for a table set back from the windows. The lift access is seamless, and the set menus remove decision fatigue. The drunken chicken is served chilled yet fragrant – a subtle dish that impresses without being heavy.
Which of these restaurants have a Michelin star?
Summer Pavilion holds a Michelin star, and Yì by Jereme Leung carries Michelin recognition. Man Fu Yuan is Michelin-recommended as well.
Where can I find a good dim sum brunch on weekends?
Empress runs a dim sum brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Man Fu Yuan offers dim sum buffets on weekends and public holidays, while Madame Fan has a weekend and public holiday brunch.
What’s the best choice for a business dinner with a view?
5 ON 25 gives you panoramic city skyline views from the 25th floor of Andaz Singapore, with upscale Cantonese dishes and set menus that keep the evening smooth. Empress, with its riverfront setting, is a strong alternative if you want something a bit more laid-back.
Do any of these restaurants have vegetarian or plant-based options?
Empress offers plant-based dishes alongside its traditional Cantonese menu, making it a good pick for groups with mixed dietary preferences.
Which restaurant is known for the best Peking duck?
Jiang-Nan Chun serves Peking duck with caviar, a standout many diners go back for. Madame Fan also draws a loyal following for its Peking duck in a glamorous setting.
Do I need to make a reservation?
Yes, all of these are fine-dining spots and tables fill quickly, especially on weekends and during festive periods. Call a few days ahead to lock in your preferred timing.
