SOTA

Get real with your date at this unpretentious restaurant at Waterloo Street. Forget fancy, fine dining here — tables are packed elbow-to-elbow in the small space, there’s a lingering scent of the kitchen in the air and decor is kept to the bare minimum. Yet, regulars praise the place to the highest heavens, and with good reason. Helmed by chef Shaun Gian, the kitchen turns out perfectly executed European fare at prices that don't break the bank. Expect tasty eats like Truffle Fries ($7 for medium, $13 for large), Duck Confit ($21) and the crowd favourite, Prawn Risotto ($20). That said, the star of the night has to be the Black Angus Ribeye Steak, which comes in three different sizes ($21 for 200g, $38 for 400g and $50 for 600g). Seasoned simply with salt and pepper, and pan-seared to attain a lightly charred crust, the pinkish slabs of melt-in-your-mouth goodness are best enjoyed with dollops of the truffle-infused mayonnaise. Add Foie Gras ($12) to elevate your meal and sate your carnivorous cravings! End on a sweet note with their newly introduced Japanese Matcha Creme Brûlée ($7.90).

Ambience: Super laidback
Price: Avg $50 per couple, without drinks

If you're a fan of Maison Ikkoku's cocktails, you're going to swoon over their latest concept housed in the Pinacothèque De Paris, right in the heart of Fort Canning Park's lush grounds. While most make the trek to this unexpected hideout for its underground vibe (think copper pipes, filament bulbs and velvet curtains) and excellent cocktails, the value-for-money, 12-course omakase set ($68) is its best kept secret, and just the thing for an intimate date night. The selection offers foolproof dishes that are also available on the à la carte menu such as The Sea ($38, à la carte), an indulgent starter of Hokkaido scallops, ikura and tobiko, as well as The Nest ($28, à la carte), a parmigiano-reggiano and mozzarella custard. For the complete experience, opt for the cocktail pairing (from $18, available for every dish) and imbibe on Maison Ikkoku's bespoke tipples. The pairings are all well thought out — for example, the marvellous whisky-based 'Antibiotic', infused with young ginger and smoke (using Jack Daniel's wood chips), goes seamlessly well with The Nest's rich flavours.

Ambience: Sexy and playful
Price: Avg $140 per couple, $200 with drinks

The bold flavours and charming courtyard space of Artichoke are best enjoyed with a best friend, the kind of person who won't judge when you make inappropriate noises at dinner. Both the relaxed atmosphere and honest food demand that you leave all etiquette at the door — you're gonna get your hands and face a little dirty. Start your food adventure by ordering warm pita bread to dip into tasty mezzes like Babaganoush ($8) and Beetroot Tzatziki ($8), these make for a fine introduction to the flavours of the Middle East that inspire the food here. Next, let the creamy Feta "Burrata" ($22) seduce you, before you assault your tastebuds with the piquant green harissa sauce of the Hot Skillet Prawns ($36). Don't be shy, suck on those prawn heads! Pick from either the Chargrilled Pork Belly ($28) or the intensely smoky Smoked Chicken ($30) to finish up, should you still have the space. For those who must end on a sweet note, share either a Rocky Road or Mango Sticky Rice Neh Neh Pop ($7-8).

Ambience: Super laidback
Price: Avg $120 per couple

While its flagship outlet at Orchard Central undergoes renovations, Tanuki Raw’s new outlet located within Kapok Singapore’s store at the National Design Centre is the place to go for your rice bowl fix. For best value, order the lunch bowls (available from 11:30am-3pm). Its signature Truffle Yakiniku Don ($14.80), with pan-seared short rib, onsen egg and truffle soy sauce, never disappoints, or get in on the recent salted egg action with their new Salted Duck Egg Char Siew Don ($12.80). Their revised Happy Hour deal is something you’ll be grinning about too. Everyday from 5-7pm, the kitchen turns out free katsu-crust truffle yakiniku beef sliders to go with every alcoholic drink order; or go for their ever popular $2 fresh oysters and $10 cocktails, available from 5-8pm daily.

Having moved up a level from their first floor digs, Montana (previously Montana Brew Bar) now boasts a bigger shop space and a three-in-one concept that includes pastas, burgers and doughnuts, on top of a greater selection of their popular waffles. Go straight for the waffles, especially the creative savoury ones like their well-loved Jalapeño Mac & Cheese Waffle ($12), Bulgogi Beef Waffle ($16) and the much raved about Assam Crab Waffle ($18). Inspired by Kedah laksa, the latter comes topped with fresh crab meat, pineapple cucumber salsa and the pièce de résistance, assam gula Melaka mayo. The new and improved Red Velvet Waffle 2.0 ($14.50), now served with strawberry shortcake ice cream and white chocolate rose syrup, makes an excellent dessert, especially when paired with a glass of the Coconut Cold Brew (from $6.80). The coconut water cuts through the coffee's acidity while adding a hint of natural sweetness.