Discovering the Best Places to Eat in Civic District
- Monster Day Tours
- Aug 28
- 4 min read
Singapore's Civic District stands as a fascinating culinary destination where colonial heritage meets modern dining innovation. Nestled in the heart of the city near City Hall MRT station, this historic neighborhood offers an incredible array of dining options that cater to every palate and budget.
When exploring the Civic District during your time in Singapore, joining a walking tour can help you discover hidden culinary gems while learning about the area's rich history and cultural significance. The district's central location makes it perfect for food enthusiasts who want to experience authentic Singapore flavors alongside world-class dining.
1. Lau Pa Sat - The Crown Jewel
Lau Pa Sat represents Singapore's most iconic hawker experience. This Victorian-era building, with its distinctive cast iron pillars and clock tower, houses over 80 stalls serving everything from traditional Hainanese chicken rice to international cuisines. Operating 24/7, Lau Pa Sat offers the unique Satay Street experience, where Boon Tat Street transforms into an open-air dining paradise every evening from 7pm onwards.
The hawker center features six Michelin-mentioned brands, making it an excellent starting point for your Civic District food journey. Don't miss trying the famous satay while sitting at plastic tables under the stars - a quintessential Singapore experience that captures the soul of local street food culture.
2. Peninsula Plaza - Little Myanmar
For those seeking authentic Burmese cuisine, Peninsula Plaza basement serves as Singapore's unofficial Myanmar quarter. Inle Myanmar Restaurant stands out as the most accessible option for newcomers to Burmese flavors, offering dishes like mohinga (Myanmar's national rice noodle soup) and pickled tea leaf salad in a clean, welcoming environment. The restaurant operates daily from 11am to 10pm and offers excellent value with set meals starting from $14.90.
The plaza also houses Jiu Fu Food Court in the basement, featuring multiple Myanmar and Thai food stalls that provide an authentic glimpse into Southeast Asian flavors.
3. Funan Mall Dining Scene
Funan Mall has transformed from an IT hub into a comprehensive dining destination with options spanning multiple floors. The basement food hall features diverse kiosks arranged around central seating, including A Gan Guo Kui, Churros Republic, and various Asian specialties.
Notable restaurants include The Oyster Bank with its $2 naked oysters (with alcohol purchase), and Afuri Ramen serving signature Yuzu Shio Ramen for $15.90.
4. Bras Basah Complex - Creative Dining
The newly renovated Shifu Food Court operates 24/7 with 14 stalls serving diverse cuisines from Chinese to Japanese. Students from nearby institutions like NAFA, LASALLE, and SMU enjoy 20% discounts, making it popular among the creative community.
For café enthusiasts, Oh Wunder Cafe offers artisanal tarts alongside hearty breakfast options and burgers, while Crust & Crumbs provides French-inspired pastries in a Parisian-style setting.
5. Michelin-Starred Excellence
The Civic District hosts some of Singapore's most prestigious restaurants. Shinji by Kanesaka at Carlton Hotel delivers exceptional sushi experiences with lunch sets starting from $75 and dinner reaching $300. This Michelin-starred establishment maintains Tokyo-level standards in an elegant, minimalist setting.
Jaan on the 70th floor of Swissotel The Stamford offers breathtaking panoramic views alongside its critically acclaimed 5 or 7-course tasting menus featuring premium ingredients like oysters, langoustine, and foie gras.
6. International Flavors
Whitegrass presents modern French fusion cuisine, while Prego serves authentic Italian dishes including their famous tiramisu and risotto. For Middle Eastern flavors with a modern twist, Artichoke by chef Bjorn Shen offers innovative dishes like jeweled hummus and slow-roasted lamb.
7. Kopitiam Experience
Experience authentic Singaporean breakfast culture at traditional kopitiams throughout the district. The 1950s Coffee holds the distinction of being the only local breakfast spot in the MICHELIN Guide for Singaporean kopi and kaya toast. This establishment has served regulars their daily coffee fix since the 1950s, maintaining traditional preparation methods.
The classic Nanyang breakfast combination includes kaya toast (coconut jam with butter), soft-boiled eggs with white pepper and dark soy sauce, and traditional kopi coffee. Ya Kun Kaya Toast provides a more accessible option with English menus while maintaining authentic flavors.
8. Under $10 Dining
The Civic District offers numerous affordable dining options. Sukiya at Funan Mall serves Japanese comfort food with gyudon sets ranging from $6.90 to $9.90. Mincheng Bibimbap provides Korean soul food for $8.90-$9.90, while various stalls offer complete meals under $10.
9. Street Food and Casual Dining
Local food courts and hawker stalls provide authentic Singapore flavors at budget prices. Most basic rice and noodle dishes start around $5-7, with generous portions that satisfy both hunger and curiosity about local cuisine.
10. Coffee Culture
The district embraces Singapore's evolving coffee scene with establishments like Kurasu Singapore importing fresh beans weekly from Kyoto roasters. Baristart Coffee Singapore combines Japanese café culture with local preferences, serving specialty coffee alongside cream puffs and Japanese-inspired treats.
11. Sweet Treats
Tom's Palette serves artisanal ice cream with both signature flavors like Italian dark chocolate and seasonal rotation options. The ice cream parlour remains consistently popular among locals and visitors seeking quality desserts in the district.
12. Heritage Restaurants
CHIJMES complex houses multiple dining establishments within a beautifully converted Gothic chapel. The neoclassical building, now a national monument, offers various restaurants ranging from casual to upscale dining in a unique historical setting.
For vegetarian options, Herbivore at Fortune Centre reimagines Japanese cuisine using organic ingredients, creating innovative plant-based versions of traditional dishes like "pork" tonkatsu and ramen.
13. Bar Scene and Late Night Options
The district comes alive after dark with establishments like Hospoda Microbrewery offering Czech beers and pub grub, while Anti:dote provides sophisticated cocktails and international bar fare.
Satay Street at Lau Pa Sat operates until 3am, providing the perfect late-night dining experience under the stars with grilled skewers and cold beer.
The Civic District's culinary landscape reflects Singapore's multicultural heritage while embracing contemporary dining trends. From traditional hawker fare to Michelin-starred excellence, the area offers unparalleled variety within walking distance of major cultural attractions. Whether you're seeking authentic local flavors, international cuisine, or innovative fusion dishes, the Civic District provides memorable dining experiences that complement any visit to this historic neighborhood.
Consider joining a walking tour to discover these culinary treasures while learning about the stories and heritage that make each meal in the Civic District truly special.
