Don’t Break the Bank: The Best Affordable Restaurants For First Dates & Date Nights In Singapore
PUBLISHED February 9th, 2024 06:00 am | UPDATED July 25th, 2024 04:24 pm
We get it; first dates are complex! Besides navigating through a bundle of nerves, there’s also the delicate balance of impressing your date without overspending. Leave the frantic search aside and enjoy the night because we’ve got you covered here with the best affordable restaurants for first dates in Singapore. Keeping mains under S$35, here’s to sparking new connections and memories without the hefty price tag.
Las Palmas
There’s nothing like dining against the backdrop of a glowing sunset by the poolside that sets the tone for a romantic night out. Perched on the rooftop of Courtyard Marriott, Las Palmas is a poolside paradise serving sharing plates of Californian classics infused with Asian flavours alongside a bevy of storied cocktails. Start with a delectable lamb tandoori taco in Marry Our Little Wool (S$15++ for three pieces) and tuck into the Cowboy Classic (S$28++) with smashed 100% wagyu beef patty, bourbon pineapple, and jack cheddar cheese between soft brioche buns. Raise a toast to new connections with gin-based Pink Squirrel (S$20++), combined with Crème de Cacao and Dairy-free Half ‘n’ Half for a creamy finish, and Coachella Dreaming (S$28++), a refreshing tropical concoction of Californian Aperitivo and orange bitters.
Las Palmas is located at 99 Irrawaddy Rd, Level 33 Courtyard Marriott Singapore, Singapore 329568, p.+65 6250 0303. Open Tue – Thu 5pm – 12am, Fri 5pm – 1am, Sat 3pm – 1am, Sun 3pm – 12am.
Binary
Casual yet chic enough to leave a good impression, Binary, a gastro-bar along Orchard Road, presents a novel way to dining with its dichotomous approach. Here, you can choose between an Eastern or Western take on your dishes. The menu, crafted for sharing, includes a grilled Octopus (S$32++) with a choice of pesto sauce or Lao Gan Ma Chilli flakes. Enjoy Wagyu Beef (S$18++) glazed over with honey soy (like char siew) or topped with fresh truffles. or Share mains like Whole Roast Chicken (S$42++), either in Chef’s mom’s secret recipe or roasted with herbs. Leave room for the fluffy Homemade Kubaneh Bread (S$14++), served with garlic butter and kombu butter.
Binary is located at 390 Orchard Rd, #01-01A Palais Renaissance, Singapore 238871, p.+65 9363 0101. Open daily 8am – 10.30pm.
Alice Boulangerie
They may have gone viral for their humongous croissant, but Alice Boulangerie also fires up a mean Modern European culinary experience with their hot food selections. Enjoy starters like the Crab & Avo Bruschetta (S$19++ for 3pcs) before crowd favourite mains like the Charred Octopus with Butternut (S$33++) with smoked bacon ragout. And of course, you’ll have to try their croissants; Dig into the savoury Beef Royalé (S$27++), featuring a juicy USDA beef patty tucked inside the flaky croissant roll, or savour it sweet with the Strawberry Cheese Croissant (S$7.50++). Save space for desserts because you’ll want a bite of their Spring Acorn (S$14++), a green chocolate shell filled with a delicious surprise.
Alice Boulangerie is located at 12 Gopeng St, #01-05/11 Icon Village, Singapore 078877, p.+65 8874 3300. Open Mon -Sat 8am -9.30pm, Sun 8am -6pm.
Jypsy Parkland Green
Fusing traditional Japanese flavours with a touch of modernity, Jypsy Parkland Green offers a riveting dining experience along East Coast Park. Be it indoors or outdoors, immerse in the relaxing coastal vibes and dine amidst striking seafront views. Enjoy crackling fun Sushi Rolls like the Spicy Tuna Crispy Nigiri (S$22++), tucked within crispy sushi rice or the Crispy Shrimp Roll (S$19++) filled with tempura prawns and avocado. Give outlet-exclusive items such as the Sous-vide Wagyu Sando (S$28++) a try, or feast on big plates of King Prawn and Unagi Aglio Olio (S$29++). When you are done, round the night with a lovely walk by the beach.
Jypsy Parkland Green is located at 920 East Coast Parkway, #01-25-27, Singapore 449875, p.+65 6708 9288. Open Tue – Thu 5pm -11pm, Fri 11am – 4pm & 5pm -12am, Sat 8am – 4pm & 5pm -12am and Sun 8am – 4pm & 5pm -11pm.
La Savoir
Want something a little more upscale? The French-local contemporary cafe, La Savoir, is set to impress with its Parisian-like setting and walls adorned with exclusive Hermès wallpapers. Choose from six lavish seating areas and feast on sharing portions of Truffle Kombu Fries (S$15++) or small bites like the Foie Gras Sliders (S$16++). Mains see a selection of pasta and risotto like the umami-rich Scallop Risotto (S$32++) and proteins like the Confit Salmon (S$32++) with splashes of parsley beurre blanc; all served on Hermès tableware.
La Savoir is located at 6 Scotts Rd, Scotts Square, #02-01, Singapore 228209, p.+65 9377 7788. Open Mon – Fri 11.30am -10pm, Sat – Sun 10am -10pm.
Glow, SuperNature
For those with a love for nature and healthy food, Glow at SuperNature blends the best of both worlds. Head for a lively brunch date at the verdant cafe and treat yourselves to fresh, organic, and sustainably sourced meals. Start with the Rainbow Slaw (S$8++) to eat your colours, and reach for the Pan Bagnat in Ciabatta (S$20++), built with Oritz tuna, black olives, and housemade mayonnaise, for a taste of Southern France. For a warm, hearty treat, the Beef Noodle Soup (S$25++) boasts rich and full flavours, best enjoyed with the tender braised beef and beef balls. You’ll even have space (and money) for desserts with their selection of cakes (from S$7++ per slice).
Glow is located at SuperNature, 26 Dempsey Road, Singapore 249686, p.+65 6854 7394. Open daily 8am – 6pm.
Kimchi Dining
If your date is into all things Korea, this aesthetic floral-themed Korean restaurant is bound to win their hearts. Meander your way up the sixth floor of Orchard Central for a taste of modern Korean flavours and a view of Orchard Road. Share a Gamjajeon (S$19++), a potato pancake with bacon and truffle mayo, or eat pork the Korean way -wrapped in vegetables – with the Iberico Pork jowl SSAM (S$35++). Impress your date with the elevated mixed rice dish, Prawn and Scallop Jang Bibimbap (S$31++), served with multigrain rice and soy sashimi prawn and scallop on the side.
Kimchi Dining is located at 181 Orchard Rd, #06-10 Orchard Central Singapore 238896, p.+65 9113 7090. Open Mon – Fri 11.30am -3pm & 6pm -10pm, Sat -Sun 11.30am -10pm. Closed Tue.
Chimichanga
Immerse in the vibrant atmosphere of Chimichanga, especially at their latest and largest outlet at Vivo City. The resort-like restaurant brims with pink and terracotta hues inspired by the architecture of Mexico. Dine by the waterfront and tuck into favourites like their Shredded Ancho Beef (S$21.90++ for a pair), after snacking on the moreish Guac and Chips (S$11.90++). Indulge in outlet-exclusive seafood items such as Arroz Con Callo de Hacha (Scallop Risotto) (S$32.90++) and pair your meal with Mexican drinks like Horcata De Frambuesa, a refreshing Raspberry concoction of rice, almonds, and vanilla.
Chimichanga is located at 1 Harbourfront Walk, VivoCity Singapore, #01-157/158, Singapore 098585. Open Sun – Thu 12pm -3pm, 5pm -11pm, Fri – Sun 12pm -3pm, 5pm -12am.
The Butcher’s Wife
This cosy Tiong Bahru hangout specialises in balanced, gluten-free cuisine and fermented ingredients, with a comprehensive list of natural wines to boot. Crafted with fresh ingredients with an Asian touch, The Butcher’s Wife’s mod-European dishes are vibrantly flavoured and aesthetically beautiful. Try their Chicken Thigh Dosa (S$28++) served with fermented Chayote and cashew-cultured cream, and the cheesy, herby Sweet Potato Gnocchi (S$28) with mushrooms, pea shoots, rosemary butter, and parmesan.
The Butcher’s Wife is located at 19 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168650, p. +65 6221 9307. Open Tue – Fri 12pm – 4.30pm and 6pm – 11pm, Sat 11am – 3.30pm and 6pm – 11pm, and Sun 11 am – 3.30pm and 6pm – 10.30pm. Closed Mon.
Cicheti Restaurant
Named for the signature small plates native to Venice, Cicheti serves up regional specialities from Italy that are perfect for sharing. The antipasti and pasta dishes are delicious – we love their Seared Beef Carpaccio (S$26++) with tonnato, capers, and sunchoke chips, Bucatini (S$28++), a cheese and pepper pasta with Sarawak black pepper. Feast on the Tonnarelli Nero (S$32++) with lump crab meat and spicy crumb, and end the meal with a Tiramisu (S$16++) or an Affogato (S$13++) with salted vanilla gelato and espresso.
Cicheti is located at 52 Kandahar St, Singapore 198901, p. +65 6292 5012. Open Mon – Sun, 12pm – 2.30pm and 6pm – 10.30pm.
Tanuki Raw
Because who doesn’t love pocket-friendly Japanese nosh? Indulge in freshly shucked oysters (from S$5++ per piece) or sashimi platters (from S$20++) at their Daily Raw Bar. Or share crowd-favourite makis like the Superstar Roll (S$18.90++), which boasts mentaiko-topped seared salmon over crispy mozzarella cheese sprinkled with tempura flakes and Tanuki’s okonomiyaki sauce. Choose from Chilled Yuzu Udon Noodles (from S$20.90++) and the selection of rice (from S$17.90++) for carbs, and you can even pair your meal with a glass of Chardonnay (S$14++ per glass). To squeeze in even more, their happy hour, which runs from 3pm -8pm, sees Uni going at S$10++ for 11 grams, with wine, cocktails, and Beer starting from S$11++ onwards.
Tanuki Raw is located at four locations around Singapore. Please refer to the website for details.
Top Image: La Savoir
