Empress Place

IndoChine Empress Place

Built at the mouth of the Singapore River, the buildings at Empress Place were once the offices of the colonial government that ran Singapore. Today however, these beautifull old buildings have been transformed into a complex that holds the Asian Civilisations Museum and some of Singapore’s top resturants and bars. You will not be disappointed by spending an evening here at one of the nightspots – just sit back with a view of the river and you’ll find it is one of the better spots in Singapore to unwind! Getting there: Raffles Place MRT Station. Address: 1 Empress Place, Asian Civilisations Museum.

IndoChine Waterfront

Situated in the Asian Civilisations Museum’s Empress Place complex, IndoChine Waterfront has one of the best views of the Singapore River to go with its fine dining. The restaurant is considered one of Singapore’s best, and it’s not hard to understand when you walk inside. Adorned with massive Czechoslovakian crystal chandeliers along with the Buddhist images that have become IndoChine’s trademark, the restaurant backs up the visual feast with a menu that has had critics salivating. The food follows its Indochinese roots with specialty dishes such as the Mo Pak Loa (steamed fish wrapped in a banana leaf and served with coconut gravy), Laotian Larb Kai (marinated chicken in lemon juice) and a Pamelo and prawn salad. Tel: +65 6339 1720 Opening hours: Lunch, daily (except Sat) from 12pm-3pm. Dinner daily 6.30pm-11.30pm

Bar Opiume

Bar Opiume is a great place to finish your day following dinner at IndoChine Waterfront. This cocktail bar is packed on the weekends with a young, trendy and sophisticated crowd, while on weekdays the atmosphere is more chilled-out. The bar has won numerous awards for both the design of the bar and the overall concept. The spacious interior spills out onto the banks of the Singapore River where you can get comfortable on one of the black leather sofas as you take in the band that creates a nice atmosphere with a range of easy listening music from chill-out to jazz.. keep an eye out when you’re in town as well because every month bar Opiume has a special event with a different theme. Tel: +65 6339 2876. Happy Hour: Daily 5pm-9pm. Opening hours: from 5pm till late.

Siem Reap II

Siem Reap II at Empress Place is a fantastic relaxed riverside dining experience. If you’re looking for good food at reasonable prices in a comfortable environment, then Siem Reap II is for you. The food is generally Indochinese, with a splash of Western favourites thrown in for good measure. Signature dishes include the Yam Pak Nam (salad with watercress, asian vegetables and egg dressing), the Rice Paper Roll (vegetables and prawn wrapped in a rice roll) and the Pho Bo (Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup). We highly reccommend Siem Reap II for a meal next to the Singapore River as the sun goes down over the central city sky-scrapers. Tel: +65 6338 7596. Opening hours: 11am-11pm Sun-Thu, 11am-12 midnight Fri-Sat.

Restaurant 1827 Thai

HISTORICALLY THAI'D Exquisite Thai cuisine and a Singapore landmark mix for an artistic flavour Housed in Singapore’s oldest government building, Old Parliament House, Restaurant 1827 Thai is still a favourite for politicians and Singaporeans alike as it houses some of the city’s best restaurants and arts venues. Built as a merchant’s house in 1827, Old Parliament House is today occupied by one of the city’s premier arts venues, the Arts House, as well as restaurants and bars. Quickly making a name for itself, Restaurant 1827 Thai, complete with a bronze elephant statue gifted from the King of Thailand in 1871, is one of those restaurants. Inside, the decor is beautifully restored and the menu artistically perfected to create a wonderful dining environment. The food focuses on traditional Thai cuisine while incorporating less traditional elements such as cod, lamb and scallops. Look out for novel creations such as the Roast Duck Curry with caramelised grapes and honey pineapples. Also, next door is the Stage Door Cafe, housed in the building’s old cell block, which is perfect for dinner and drinks either before or after a show you’re catching at the Arts House. Address: 1 Parliament Lane #01-02. Tel: +65 6337 1871. Opening hours: 12.30pm-3pm daily lunch, 6.30pm-11pm daily dinner.