For many who aren’t used to the concept, fine dining may seem rather intimidating at first. It is often associated with class and perceived by many to be a luxurious dining experience exclusively for those in the upper class.
While it certainly costs more than your usual dinner takeout or casual dining at other restaurants, many chefs in fine dining restaurants want to allow others to experience this gastronomical affair and break the stigma that this is only for their wealthy clientele.
What is fine dining?
Many describe fine dining as a restaurant experience that is typically more sophisticated and expensive than casual restaurants.
Some of the typical characteristics that make a fine dining restaurant are how there are multiple courses ranging from three to four courses, starting with an appetiser, followed by the main course and finishing off with dessert; they also have elegant a la carte and prix fixe menu options, and evidently more expensive food, as mentioned earlier.
While each restaurant has its distinct differences whether that is in terms of cuisine and vision, they all have the same underlying purpose, which is to elevate the average dining experience and add a little taste to it in their own way.
Difference between fine dining and casual dining
Price points
One common difference that fine and casual dining restaurants have are their price points. With casual dining, the prices are much more affordable. The food may have been pre-prepared or mass-produced, which is why they are able to charge for a cheaper price.
Fine dining, on the other hand, is more costly due to several reasons. Usually, they only seek out rare high-quality ingredients in order for their dishes to stand out and be unique, which generally has a higher food cost. More often than not, the kitchen equipment used in these restaurants are of a certain quality or may even be new cooking technology in the market.
Quality of service
With casual dining and fast food, servers can come in and apply with or without experience. They will then be trained by their supervisors on the ins and outs of how to keep the service running. Sometimes, it could also be self-service where you place your order at the counter before it is served to you. But the quality of service in fine dining varies by a great amount.
Regardless of the concept of the restaurant, expect the service to be top-notch. Servers and waiters usually already have prior experience and you usually will not find beginners here. They also have extensive knowledge of the entire menu of the restaurant and will recommend a few options for you based on your preferences. While good service is something that should be the norm for both casual and fine dining, you definitely get what you pay for when you dine fine.
Reservations
Unless it’s peak hour or the weekend, one can typically walk into a casual dining restaurant and get a table with ease. When it comes to fine dining, reservations are highly recommended due to the volume of customers they may get on a daily basis or to adequately space parties to make sure that kitchen and floor staff aren’t too overwhelmed.
Atmosphere and ambience
Nowadays, there are actually more and more casual dining restaurants that have invested in the interiors of their space to make it look more attractive and appealing. But the degree of intricacy and detail that upscale dining holds when it comes to their decor is still on another level.
Fine dining restaurants will usually design their space in line with a specific theme or their specialised cuisine. Their attention to detail is astounding, ensuring that everything from the lighting, artwork on the walls, and even the music is in line with the restaurant’s vision.
Dress code
With fast food and casual restaurants, there are obviously no rules when it comes to what you can or cannot wear. But when dining in these upscale restaurants, there is a stringent dress code that you have to follow.
Depending on the restaurant rules, the dress codes may vary. Traditionally, most fine dining restaurants only allow guests in formal attire to enter the premises. However, with fine dining evolving through the years, many restaurant owners have allowed more casual dress codes. But just because it’s casual, does not mean you no longer have to look polished. Business casual and casual elegant are also different dress codes that are common in fine dining restaurants.
Menu Options
At fine dining restaurants, the menu is usually more elaborate and you’ll definitely have a wide selection of luxurious food depending on the theme of the restaurant or their speciality cuisine.
Some of the ingredients used may be premium ones that can only be sourced from a specific country or exclusive distributors. Sometimes, the price points are also higher due to the name and reputation that comes with a restaurant. Who knows, a celebrity chef may be preparing your food themselves!
Overall experience
At a casual restaurant, it’s seen as more of a transactional experience, where you come in and have a meal, or perhaps even a takeout, enjoy the food and go about the rest of your day. With fine dining, you’re paying for so much more than your food. It’s about the entire experience — from the moment you step foot in the restaurant, when your waiter pulls out your chair for you, the ambience and environment, the exceptional wine selection, the silverware that is replaced after every course, and so on and so forth.
Fine Dining Restaurant |
Labyrinth |
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Speciality |
Labyrinth by Chef LG Han, is a new expression of Singapore cuisine. hef LG Han unveils a contemporary dining experience that pays tribute to Singapore and his late grandmother, evoking a multitude of memories and emotions. It is an exploration of age-old recipes, and an expression of local flavours and food memories |
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Website |
https://labyrinth.com.sg/ |
| Address |
Esplanade Mall, 8 Raffles Avenue #02-23 |
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Telephone |
6223 4098 |
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Operating Hours |
Lunch | Saturdays & Sundays
Dinner | Tuesdays to Sundays – 6:30pm to 10:00pm (Closed on Mondays) |
Fine Dining Restaurant |
Akira Back |
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Speciality |
If you are looking for a modern twist on Japanese cuisine within a plush ambience, head over to Akira Back. The restaurant by celebrity Chef Akira Back features innovative dishes centred around modern Japanese cuisine with Korean accents. Dishes you absolutely must try include their AB Pizza as well as their Porterhouse. There is an interesting menu which will appeal to diners looking for an exquisite Japanese dining experience. Cold and hot dishes are offered, including fresh sushi and sashimi. |
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Website |
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| Address |
JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach, Level B1M |
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Telephone |
6818 1914 |
| Operating Hours |
Sun – Thurs: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm –10pm; Fri – Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm |
Fine Dining Restaurant |
Cut by Wolfgang Puck |
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Speciality |
Wolfgang Puck’s outpost at Marina Bay Sands is the definition of a true, modern steakhouse. The menu presents a contemporary twist on the classic steak restaurant, featuring the world’s finest meats, poultry, and seafood, all complemented by house-made sauces and delectable sides. An extensive international wine list offers more than 500 outstanding selections. CUT is proud to have received a One Star rating in Singapore’s first edition of the Michelin Guide, in 2016. |
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Website |
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| Address |
#B1-71 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue |
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Telephone |
6688 8517 |
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Operating Hours |
Sun to Thu: 5.30pm – 10pm |
Fine Dining Restaurant |
Odette |
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Speciality |
At Odette, they serve Modern French Cuisine that is guided by Chef Julien’s lifelong respect for seasonality, terroir and artisanal produce. Beyond creating signature dishes, it Chef Julien’s passion to source for the very best produce to underscore their cuisine. |
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Website |
https://www.odetterestaurant.com/ |
| Address |
1 Saint Andrew’s Road, #01-04, National Gallery |
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Telephone |
6385 0498 |
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Operating Hours |
Mon: 7pm – 9pm |
Fine Dining Restaurant |
Tamarind Hill |
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Speciality |
Indulge in over 100 Thai and Burmese creations prepared from the freshest ingredients by a team of Thai chefs, who have each contributed heirloom recipes to create an extensive repertoire of traditional and modern dishes. Pick from a selection of house-infused Gins, signature cocktails, and fine wines from over 11 countries. |
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Website |
https://www.tamarindrestaurants.com/tamarind-hill-singapore |
| Address |
30 Labrador Villa Road |
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Telephone |
6278 6364 |
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Operating Hours |
Lunch Afternoon Tea Happy Hour Dinner Sunday Brunch |
Fine Dining Restaurant |
Cheek by Jowl |
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Speciality |
This one-Michelin-starred restaurant — helmed by husband-and-wife team, Rishi Naleendra and Manuela Toniolo — serves really intriguing, mod-Australian fare, and is known for artful presentations. |
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Website |
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| Address |
21 Boon Tat Street |
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Telephone |
6221 1911 |
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Operating Hours |
Monday to Saturday: 12:30pm to 2:30pm, 5:30pm to 10:30pm Closed on Sundays |
Fine Dining Restaurant |
L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon Restaurant |
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Speciality |
L’Atelier is a 2 Michelin Star restaurant where chefs can experiment and create, working on new ideas and fusing different concepts reflective of the locale. This presentation immerses guests in a dining experience where guests are part of the action, separated merely by a counter between the kitchen and main dining area where diners can witness the chefs create, prepare and cook innovative dishes right before them. |
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Website |
https://www.joel-robuchon.com/_dev/en/restaurants-singapour-atelier.php |
| Address |
Resorts World Sentosa, 26 Sentosa Gateway |
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Telephone |
6577 8888
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Operating Hours |
Thu to Mon: 6pm – 10.30pm |
Fine Dining Restaurant |
The Halia Restaurant |
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Speciality |
Halia – Malay for ginger – is located in the one-hectare Ginger Garden of the Singapore Botanic Gardens. They offer some of the best International cuisines in Singapore, serving a tantalising collection of dishes that are suitable for family gatherings and large groups. From Seafood to Steaks its extensive menu is reflective of the restaurant’s efforts to cater to every palate. |
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Website |
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| Address |
Ginger Garden inside Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road |
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Telephone |
8444 1148 |
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Operating Hours |
Monday to Friday: 9am to 9pm Saturday & Sunday: 10am to 9pm |
Fine Dining Restaurant |
National Kitchen by Violet Oon |
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Speciality |
Celebrate Singapore’s fine flavours at the National Kitchen by Violet Oon Singapore in the iconic historical City Hall building now home to the National Gallery. Treat yourself to a luxurious meal in our grand hall or breezy bite on our scenic veranda. We promise a dining experience to remember. |
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Website |
https://violetoon.com/national-kitchen-by-violet-oon-national-gallery-singapore/ |
| Address |
1 St. Andrew’s Road, #02–01, National Gallery Singapore (City Hall Wing) |
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Telephone |
9834 9935 |
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Operating Hours |
Lunch12PM – 3PM Dinner6PM – 10.30PM |
Fine Dining Restaurant |
EMPRESS |
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Speciality |
Located in the iconic Asian Civilisations Museum, EMPRESS is a fine-dining Chinese restaurant for guests who are looking to have an uplifting and lively dining experience. EMPRESS features dishes that are a mainstay of Cantonese cuisine but does so in a way that blends good ole’ Cantonese flavours with more modern touches. |
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Website |
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Reservations |
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| Address |
1 Empress Place, #01-03 Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore 179555 |
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Telephone |
(65) 6777 7990 |
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Operating Hours |
Mondays to Fridays Saturdays & Sundays |
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Review 1 |
‘Upon arrival, staff arranged a table facing the iconic Singapore river for us, not that we have asked for but we are so appreciative of his kind gesture. Food wise are well worth it. Portions are filling and delicious as well. What really stood out is the service of the staff. Shout out to our server who is ever so prompt, polite and knowledgeable in explaining the dishes and make really good recommendations.’ |
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Review 2 |
‘Had a wonderful dinner at Empress. It was our first time there and the ambience was romantic, food was delicious and the staffs were amazing. As it was a birthday celebration, they even slipped in a little surprise. Thank you so much for making our dinner a memorable one!’ |
Fine Dining Restaurant |
Osia Steak & Seafood Grill |
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Speciality |
The opening of celebrity-chef-and-restaurateur Scott Webster’s Osia Bar and Restaurant in 2010 at Resorts World Sentosa introduces contemporary Australian cuisine to epicureans in Singapore. Composed of healthy, light seasonal dishes featuring the freshest ingredients from Australia as well as the Pacific Rim and Asia Pacific regions, the Osia experience is artfully complemented by sought after New World wines and attentive, delightful service in an elegant yet convivial atmosphere. |
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Website |
https://www.osiarestaurant.com/ |
| Address |
26 Sentosa Gateway, Festive Walk, Resorts World Sentosa |
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Telephone |
6577 6688 / 6577 6560 |
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Operating Hours |
Lunch: 12pm – 2.30pm |
Fine Dining Restaurant |
Fat Cow |
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Speciality |
The luxurious Japanese restaurant serves a handpicked selection of the finest Wagyu from reputable farms around the world, through customized beef experiences; where guests can enjoy their choice of beef over a variety of Japanese preparation methods – Shabu-Shabu, Sukiyaki, Hobayaki or the ever-popular Sumibiyaki (Charcoal-grill). |
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Website |
https://www.fatcow.com.sg/menu |
| Address |
1 Orchard Blvd #01-01/02, Camden Medical Centre |
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Telephone |
6735 0308 / 9452 7814 |
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Operating Hours |
Mondays to Sundays: The luxurious Japanese restaurant serves a handpicked selection of the finest Wagyu from reputable farms around the world Lunch: 11.30am – 3pm (Last order at 2.30pm) Dinner: 5.30pm – 10.30pm (Last order at 10pm) |
Fine Dining Restaurant |
Salt Grill & Sky Bar |
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Speciality |
Australian born and bred Head Chef Jake Kowalewski let the ingredients speak for themselves and is focused on serving only the best Australian produce in a clean and simple manner. The menu showcases Asian classics and premium Australian beef, a 500+ varietal wine selection and hand-crafted cocktails served with a side of stunning views from the heart of Singapore, at level 55 of ION Orchard. |
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Website |
https://www.saltgrill.com/ |
| Address |
2 Orchard Turn, #55-01 ION Orchard |
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Telephone |
6592 5118 |
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Operating Hours |
LUNCH (Mon-Fri) Brunch (Sat, Sun & PH) Dinner (Mon-Sun) Sky bar |
Fine Dining Restaurant |
KIN |
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Speciality |
Kin is a restaurant in the lobby of Straits Clan that serves heritage cuisine by Chef Damian D’Silva. The menu is a retrospective look at the origins of our cuisine, showcasing traditional cooking methods, recipes and ingredients that have been left behind. Paired with an inspired beverage offering and genuine hospitality to complement the simple joys of sitting around the dining table with loved ones. |
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Website |
https://www.restaurant-kin.com/ |
| Address |
Straits Clan Lobby, 31 Bukit Pasoh Rd, |
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Telephone |
6320 9180 |
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Operating Hours |
Lunch Dinner Closed on Sundays |
Fine Dining Restaurant |
Adrift by David Myers |
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Speciality |
Inspired by a passion for food prepared with care and creativity, explore unique dishes meticulously crafted and thoughtfully presented by Chef David Myers and his team. Exciting signature dishes inspired by flavours around the world include the 700g Striploin with Bone Marrow Mash, Alaskan King Crab with Avocado, Bali fish with Samphire, Lala Clams with Chilli and Barramundi with Morning Glory. |
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Website |
https://www.marinabaysands.com/restaurants/adrift.html |
| Address |
Marina Bay Sands, Lobby, Hotel Tower 2 |
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Telephone |
6688 5657 |
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Operating Hours |
Lunch: 11:30am – 3pm (Mon-Fri) |
Fine Dining Restaurant |
JAAN by Kirk Westaway |
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Speciality |
Awarded 1 Michelin Star, JAAN is an internationally celebrated restaurant in Singapore that has established itself as a gastronomic platform with a reputation for handpicking and grooming exceptional culinary talents. Chef de Cuisine Kirk Westaway channels his deeply rooted passion for natural flavours that are reminiscent of his childhood in England. Applying the philosophy ’Reinventing British’, his perpetually evolving menu embodies a seasonal philosophy to showcase British dining in a modern, refreshing light. |
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Website |
https://www.jaan.com.sg/ |
| Address |
Level 70, Swissôtel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Road |
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Telephone |
6874 1488 |
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Operating Hours |
Closed temporarily due to COVID-19, reopening soon |
Fine Dining Restaurant |
SKAI Restaurant |
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Speciality |
SKAI is a refined yet lively contemporary grill restaurant, situated on the 70th floor of Singapore’s acclaimed Swissôtel The Stamford. The iconic city views, seamless service and bespoke beverages make for the perfect ambience to savour the new menu curated by Executive Chef, Paul Hallett, who has blended cutting edge culinary skills with a cooking philosophy honed through years of experience to create a truly personal and progressive fine grill offering. |
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Website |
https://skai.sg/ |
| Address |
2 Stamford Road, Swissotel Singapore |
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Telephone |
6431 6156 |
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Operating Hours |
Temporarily closed due to COVID-19, reopening soon |
Fine Dining Restaurant |
Sushi Jiro |
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Speciality |
Home to one of the finest dining experiences in Singapore, Sushi Jiro serves up authentic Japanese cuisine specialising in fresh handpicked produce air-flown up to 4 times a week from Japan. Renowned for exquisite Sushi and Omakase courses, Sushi Jiro’s Japanese culinary team serves up top quality Japanese seafood in authentic Japanese style. |
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Website |
https://www.sushijiro.sg/ |
| Address |
6 Raffles Blvd, #04-600 Parkroyal Collection |
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Telephone |
6445 3055 |
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Operating Hours |
Daily: 11:30 am to 2:30pm, 6:00pm to 10:30pm |
Fine Dining Restaurant |
Les Amis |
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Speciality |
The 3 Michelin Star Les Amis made her maiden debut back in 1994 as Singapore’s first independent fine dining restaurant.
The team does not purely strive to give guests a “taste of France”. Instead, with a team of in-house Masters, they hope to paint an entire picture of France by relating personal stories about the intricacies of key ingredients.
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Website |
https://www.lesamis.com.sg/ |
| Address | |
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Telephone |
6733 2225 |
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Operating Hours |
Lunch 12.00pm
Monday to Sunday
Last seating at 1.30pm
Last order at 1.45pm
Dinner 7.00pm
Monday to Sunday
Last seating at 8.30pm
Last order at 8.45pm
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Are only rich people allowed to enter or dine at fine dining restaurants?
The reason why people are still under the impression that fine dining is made exclusively for the rich and not for the common man is only due to its high cost. Since they generally cost more, these restaurants are readily available as a dining option for most people who are more affluent in life.
But fine dining restaurants do not discriminate based on one’s wealth and status. Anyone and everyone are welcome to try a culinary experience such as this!
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