Since opening in 1998, Au Jardin Les Amis has won a copious number of awards. The Botanic Gardens' fine restaurant is housed in one of Singapore's famous 1920s black and white bungalows; the bar downstairs is a classy place for a drink, and the dining room upstairs has glass-enclosed balconies overlooking the lovely landscaping. Dinner guests may choose from a nine-course degustation menu, four-course table d'hote menu, or an a la carte menu. Each is populated by dishes such as Wagyu beef, Maine lobster, Bresse chicken, and Australian Black Berkshire pork. Desserts are not to be missed ­ if you're a chocolate fanatic, the Guanaja chocolate moelleux with pistachio ice cream is unbeatable.

Hawker food, US style. “Botak” means “bald” in local slang, a tribute to this cheap and cheerful joint’s mixed roots. Come here when you can’t be bothered to get out of your shorts and flip-flops, or when all that air-conditioning has started to give you the sniffles. Expect big portions of American-style food, including hot dogs, salads, fries and burgers, plus the famed Botak Burger. The fish and chips, made from Pacific dory and coated in fine Japanese breadcrumbs, are particularly outstanding. Excellent service, with friendly and helpful waitstaff. Several other outlets in the suburbs.

Singapore has an astounding mélange of restaurants serving every cuisine under the sun. Café Iguana, from the same folks who operate Brewerkz, offers up great Mexican favorites. Everything, from the tortillas to the salsa and guacamole, is made in-house. Fajitas and burritos are deservedly popular, and the homemade avocado ice cream is deliciously different.

An upscale gourmet deli-café that's popular among the ex-pat crowd, Corduroy and Finch buzzes with activity from open to close. High ceilings give the space an airy feel, and allow for a cozy loft that's great for relaxing over a cup of coffee. Breakfast and Sunday brunch are big draws (expect a wait if you haven't made reservations), with extensive choices from hearty egg and meat dishes to lighter fare like fresh fruit and muffins. Lunch and dinner options feature platters of cold cuts and cheeses, pates, seafood, grilled steaks and big sandwiches; the full afternoon tea spread includes pastries, quiche and cake. All sweets (even the ice cream and chocolates) are made in-house, and the deli shelves are lined with a tasty selection of imported goodies.

There are several Crystal Jades around town ­ some are casual stand-alone units, others are in malls, and still others are upscale fine restaurants. They all serve excellent Chinese food from a vast menu of some 150 items. Dim sum Sundays are hugely popular so plan to arrive before 11am to beat the queues.