The Ardens Hotel - Pekan Nenas

(The restaurant is temporarily closed.) The celebrity chef of Frantzén fame has opened his third Asian venture in this shophouse. Diners are offered an aperitif and amuse-bouche on the first floor, before the eight-course neo-Nordic, seafood-slanted tasting menu with Japanese influences unfolds on the second floor. The onion course is a tour de force whose flavours are intensified by contrasting textures and temperatures. The non-alcoholic drink pairing sees eccentric combos that nonetheless work.

Where better to find a priceless jewel of the Singapore dining scene than in The National Gallery? Chef Julien Royer and his highly accomplished kitchen make wonderful use of luxury ingredients of unimpeachable quality. Creative combinations, impeccable techniques and exquisite plating result in dishes that are as elegant as they are memorable. The understated and graceful room, overseen by a highly polished service team, provides the perfect backdrop.

The view of the lush green in the garden is one good reason to visit. But owner-chef Malcolm Lee's exquisite tasting menu that explores the untapped possibilities of Straits cuisine is what makes the experience of dining here unforgettable. Named after the plant that produces buah keluak seeds, a key ingredient in Peranakan cuisine, Pangium pays homage to family recipes passed down for generations with carefully crafted dishes that taste exceptional.

Chef Mano Thevar serves a creative multi-course menu rooted in Indian traditions and crafted with European techniques. Signature dishes such as Chettinad chicken roti or Brittany lobster in curry beurre blanc pack a ton of oomph, while maintaining a fine balance with mindful touches. A vegetarian version is available but needs pre-ordering. The wine list covers 600+ labels; ask about wine, sake and non-alcoholic drink pairings.

Chef Sun Kim hails from Korea's Busan and his refined modern cooking combines Korean traditions and bold flavours with minimalist plating. The single tasting menu is dominated by seafood and vegetables, as seen in steamed Jeju abalone with gochujang seaweed risotto – the tender mollusc, creamy rice and crunchy lily bulbs feature contrasting textures. In addition to wine pairing, the non-alcoholic Korean drink flight is also worth trying.

Years ago, the Aussie owner-chef David Pynt opened a pop-up in London called Burnt Enz to great acclaim. Then his refined barbecue food cooked in a wood-fire brick kiln was taken up a notch with Burnt Ends in Singapore. In 2021, it moved to this location, twice as big as its previous space. The small but interesting snack menu is worth exploring. Meats and fish are well complemented by the Australian wines on offer. Book ahead to secure a table.

The lofty room feels airy, while bamboo and rattan details impart serenity. Influenced by his mother and grandma, the chef cooks traditional Peranakan fare with a creative twist and an Indonesian touch. In addition to à la carte dishes that are served communal style, the tasting menu features 10+ courses that change every two months; many are one-bite dishes with unique flavours and textures.