Let’s go outside: Singapore’s best alfresco dining spots

PUBLISHED January 10th, 2013 02:15 am | UPDATED June 6th, 2016 02:19 pm

There’s nothing like when the sun goes down, the heat begins to fade and you’re left with that perfectly comfortable evening temperature which, let’s face it…when we have it, we should be making the most of in this sweatbowl that we live in! Although sometimes our climate can seem like a curse, at other times, mainly after dark, it can be a real blessing, when it’s time to get out of the AC, and into the shock, horror – regular air! And what better way to enjoy those times than chowing down on whatever floats your boat, along with a good dose of good company, and something chilled. That’s the time when we count ourselves lucky to have so many good choices for alfresco dining spots. So Nomads, let’s go outside with our pick of alfresco dining spots!

Artichoke

We love sitting outside in the middle of the cute cobblestone courtyard of Sculpture Square. Match that with a laid back vibe and cooking inspired by the backstreets of Spain, Turkey, Greece and Lebanon…well, we think that makes for a very Moorish (pun intended!) experience. Discover their kitchen delights in our review here.

Artichoke Café & Bar is at 161 Middle Road, Inside Sculpture Square (beside NAFA), 188978. Open for dinner Tuesday – Saturday: 6:30pm – 9:45pm. To make a reservation call 6336 6949.

Alkaff Mansion

It’s hard not to be impressed by this beautifully restored 1920s colonial house and all its gleaming white glory. Whilst inside this place is all about Tuscan fine dining, outside it’s a more casual affair with an al fresco café.  A great spot to kick back and relax over some brekkie or brunch, including local items like Kaya Toast. See our review of Alkaff Mansion here for more details.

Alkaff Mansion is at 10 Telok Blangah Green. Open for dinner on Monday – Sunday: 6:30pm – 11pm.

Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse

Bistecca has much more to offer than just super steak because tucked away out the back of the restaurant is a quaint three-tiered terrace which overlooks the rooftops of the neighbouring shophouses, making it the perfect Tuscany-meets-Lion City alfresco experience. Discover steak rapture in our review here.

Bistecca is at 25 Mohamed Sultan Road, 238969. Open for dinner on Monday – Sunday: 6pm – 10pm.

Canopy Garden Dining

Amidst the lush, peaceful setting of Bishan Park, Canopy is a bit of a hidden gem, and also a good option for those looking for a pet-friendly place to hang out. Although the hearty bistro fare could do with some tweaks here and there, it’s the lovely setting which has us coming back.

Canopy Garden Dining is at at Bishan Park 2, 1 Ang Mo Kio Industrial Park 2. Opening Hours: Sunday: 8AM – 10.30PM, Monday – Thursday: 9AM – 10.30PM, Friday: 9AM – 11.00AM, Saturday & PH : 8 AM-11 PM

Latteria Mozzarella Bar

There’s nothing like sitting out on a terrace on a balmy night in Duxton, and when we’re in the mood for that, Latteria Mozzarella Bar is just the ticket, with its garden-like setting that can be pretty romantic on a cooler evening. This, coupled with the hearty Italian fare, makes Latteria a prized alfresco find. Find out about what Italian delights are on offer here.

Latteria Mozzarella is located at 40 Duxton Hill Singapore 089618. Open for dinner Monday to Sunday: 6pm – 11pm. To make a reservation, call 6866 1988.

FRY Bistro

This is a real little gem of a find on Club Street. It is quite a few stairs to climb to be rewarded with the end result, but we reckon it’s worth it to get a very different Club Street kind of experience, thanks to local celebrity Irene Ang’s venture. We love the laid back vibe accompanied by fantastic views of the CBD (a rare combination no?), married with comfort foods like Auntie Ang’s Chicken Wings and Mac & Cheese, plus something cold, of course. Hot tip: Bingo on Wednesday evenings! Need we say more?

Fry Bistro is at 96B Club Street, 069464. Opening Hours: Monday – Wednesday:5pm – 1am, Thursday – Saturday:5pm – 3am. Tel: 8418 5995. For more information see here.

Nosh

Another great spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, tucked away in the charming dining enclave that is Rochester Park, and taking up the black and white colonial bungalow once occupied by Krish, is Nosh. The food here is solid, East meets West cuisine, but what will really get you is the laid back, romantic atmosphere which is best enjoyed at night.

Nosh is located at 9 Rochester Park, 139220. Open for dinner daily from 6pm onwards.

Tamarind Hill

Arriving at Tamarind Hill you can be forgiven for thinking you crossed the border without realizing. Set in a beautifully designed colonial mansion atop a mini-hill overlooking the sea. It’s a stunning location to enjoy some rather deliciopus Thai fine dining. Want to find out more? Read our review here.

Tamarind Hill is located at 30 Labrador Villa Road, Singapore. Tel: 6278 6364 For more information, see their website.

Pietrasanta

Yes once again we’re running from the city, this time to the Wessex Estate at Portsdown Road. We love relaxing in this cosy, chilled out spot whilst tucking into fresh and hearty Italian fare that embraces the concept of a family restaurant, Tuscany style.

Pietrasanta is at 5B Portsdown Road, 01-03, 139311. Open daily (except for Tuesdays) for dinner from 5:45 pm – 10:30 pm. For reservations call 6479 9521. For more information see here.

Salt Tapas & Bar

Plonk yourself down at the alfresco section of Salt Tapas & Bar (with a barrel for a tabletop no less) for a spot of people watching, with a view of Raffles Hotel accompanied by a menu of very cool fusion Moroccan, South American and Mediterranean cuisine. Sounds tempting? Read our review here.

Salt Tapas & Bar is located at 252 North Bridge Road, #01-22A Raffles City Shopping Centre, Singapore.