Why Singapore Is Asia’s Best City for Fine Dining

Singapore is often hailed as one of the world’s great food cities—and with good reason. While many know us for hawker stalls and street food icons, Singapore has quietly, and confidently, become Asia’s capital of fine dining. With an extraordinary blend of culinary cultures, world-class chefs, and a passion for precision, our city offers a level of refinement that rivals Paris, Tokyo, or New York.

At Riviera, we’re proud to be part of this vibrant gastronomic movement.

A Cultural Melting Pot on the Plate

Singapore’s strength lies in its diversity. Chinese, Malay, Indian, Peranakan, and Eurasian influences converge in our kitchens, creating a tapestry of flavour that is unlike anywhere else on Earth. Fine dining here doesn’t just mean French or Japanese cuisine—it means modern interpretations of sambal, rendang, laksa, and kueh that pay homage to heritage while embracing innovation.

This multicultural foundation gives chefs in Singapore an almost limitless palate. At Riviera, our menu might include foie gras marinated with gula melaka or Hokkaido scallops served with fermented pineapple sambal—a reflection of the city's fearless culinary creativity.

A Magnet for Global Talent

Over the past decade, Singapore has drawn top-tier culinary talent from around the globe. With over 50 Michelin-starred restaurants and dozens of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants located here, it’s clear that our city has become a serious destination for chefs and gourmands alike.

Local diners are increasingly sophisticated, seeking out not just quality, but uniqueness and storytelling in every dish. This demand fuels innovation and inspires restaurants to push boundaries in technique, sustainability, and presentation.

World-Class Ingredients, Right at Our Doorstep

Singapore may be small, but it’s globally connected. Our chefs source the finest ingredients from Japan, Australia, France, and Southeast Asia, often within 24 hours of harvest or catch. At the same time, there's growing appreciation for local produce from Lim Chu Kang farms, seaweed from Pulau Ubin, and herbs grown on urban rooftop gardens.

This access to premium ingredients, both global and local, allows fine dining establishments like ours to offer the best of both worlds—elevated international cuisine with unmistakable Singaporean character.

Michelin Stars, But More Than That

The arrival of the Michelin Guide in 2016 was a turning point for Singapore’s fine dining scene. It validated the high standards of our chefs and brought global recognition. But the city’s culinary excellence extends beyond stars.

What sets Singapore apart is how seamlessly it blends approachability with luxury. You can enjoy a world-class omakase in a sleek modern space, then head down the street for artisanal ice cream inspired by local desserts. The culinary ecosystem is dynamic, inclusive, and always evolving.

Singapore as a Culinary Destination

Tourists now plan their entire itinerary around where they’ll eat in Singapore—and for good reason. Whether it’s dining on the 70th floor overlooking Marina Bay, indulging in a 10-course tasting menu in a shophouse, or discovering a secret chef’s table hidden in the CBD, the experiences here are as memorable as the meals.

At Riviera, we strive to be part of these lasting memories—offering an intimate escape in the heart of the city, where food becomes a journey through flavour, craft, and culture.