Travelling to see the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend? Here are our top picks for restaurants and bars to nourish yourself amongst all the festivities
F1 fever is back and we're not only excited to see our favourite drivers battle it out on the race track from September 20 to 22—the entertainment lineup, which seems to get better every year, is worth screaming about too, with acts like Gwen Stefani, Muse and the legendary Red Hot Chili Peppers set to take the stage.
Note, they’re performing at the Padang Stage at Zone 4, while other acts are spread out across the different zones, including Fatboy Slim at The Wharf Stage and Texas at the Sunset Stage, at Zone 1.
With so much to take in, it would be smart to have your dinner and post-concert supper plans in order. Here are our top suggestions, for both the food and convenience. Relax, indulge and leave the hard racing to the professionals.
See also: The Best After Parties During F1 Singapore Grand Prix 2019 Weekend
1/9 Aura
Aura’s prime location at the National Gallery Singapore and its proximity to the Padang stage makes it a go-to spot for F1 revellers who plan to watch artists like Fatboy Slim and Lighthouse Family over the race weekend. Best to fuel up on carbs and the restaurant has plenty of artisanal pasta dishes to savour, like tagliolini with scampi, tarragon and smoked paprika, and pappardelle with oxtail, mushrooms and borettane onions.
If time permits, purchase the free-standing ticket and get two complimentary drinks. Choose from their selection of whites, reds, house pour spirits or beers. Available on September 20, 5 pm to 1 am.
Aura, 1 St. Andrews Road, 05-03 and 06-02 National Gallery Singapore, +65 6866 1977
2/9 Forlino
Before going B-A-N-A-N-A-S over Gwen Stefani, take advantage of this restaurant’s F1 Extravaganza brunch on Saturday (12 pm to 2.30pm), featuring a hearty Italian spread that’s enough to keep you filled up for the rest of the day.
Come with more friends and an empty stomach, be sure to try the zizzona di battipaglia (buffalo mozzarella with heirloom tomatoes, basil, pesto, aged balsamic vinegar) and misticanza (mesclun salad with artichoke, fermented beetroots, balsamic dressing) before going big with the mains.
Who can resist the classic risotto finished in a gigantic parmigiano wheel, or rolled pork belly marinated with dill, fennel, garlic and rosemary and then slow-roasted? End with a selection of Italian cheeses or perhaps a triple chocolate layer cake, if you don't already have your heart set on the ever-popular tiramisu. The menu is also served for dinner on Friday (September 20).
Forlino, 1 Fullerton Road #02-06, One Fullerton, Singapore, +65 6690 7564, reservations@forlino.com
3/9 Level 33
If you booked the weekend pass to catch Swedish House Mafia (Friday), Muse (Saturday) and Red Hot Chili Peppers, do also consider taking advantage of Level33’s F1 Terrace Promotion (6 pm to 10 pm) from Friday to Monday, for free-flow house-brewed beers, house wines and soft drinks.
Be prepared for a case of the munchies and enjoy executive chef ArChan Chan specially prepared sharing menu (available September 21 and 22, 6 pm onwards). It comprises delectable bites such as kingfish sashimi cured in lager and decked in salmon roe, chilli padi and sweet ginger dressing; as well as Iberico pork jowl accented with grilled fermented leeks. There's also a chocolate tart with stout ganache and strawberry to finish with.
Level 33, 33-01 Marina Boulevard, Tower 1 Marina Bay Financial Centre, Singapore, +65 6834 3133
See also: 5 Best Singapore Slings, Including The Original At Long Bar, Raffles Hotel Singapore
4/9 Spago Bar & Lounge
Don’t waste that natural adrenaline high after an exhilarating performance by your favourite band, and head down here for post-concert tipples paired with delectable bites. Dig into plates of laksa spring rolls and crispy Japanese fried chicken kara-age sprinkled with lemon juice and dipped in kewpie togarashi aioli, among others.
These are best had with inventive cocktails with playful names. Love You Long Time is a vodka-based concoction with tangerine, Thai basil and sparkling sake, while Forbidden Kiss is a blend of gin, fresh raspberries, rose elixir and lemon. Who says you can't be cheeky and classy at the same time?
Spago Bar & Longue, L57 Sands SkyPark, Hotel Tower 2, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, +65 6688 9955, spagoreservations@marinabaysands.com
5/9 Edge
Sunday is all about the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and if you’re a fan, you’d know how energetic their shows can get. Make sure you have enough energy to last you through the night by satiating yourself at this Sunday Brunch, which includes an option of unlimited Veuve Clicquot champagne or rosé.
Feast on a smorgasbord of dishes, including melted Swiss raclette, which you must have with the traditional accompaniments of potatoes and gherkins; sous vide citrus thyme crayfish with vanilla pear puree and basil oil; and beef prime ribs with Bordelais jus. Stay for desserts and choose from the chocolate taco, blueberry cream cheese and flambéed honey pineapple.
Edge, 7 Raffles Boulevard, Level 3, Pan Pacific Singapore, +65 6826 8240, dining.ppsin@panpacific.com
6/9 Skai
Here’s another weekend brunch option to consider if you’re looking for a lunch place near the race circuit. Executive chef Paul Hallett makes it worth your while by enhancing the spread, starting with the seafood on ice station which now has lobsters and three types of oysters: Majestic Irish, Geay’s special from France and Coffin Bay from Australia.
Load up on proteins and carbs, too, especially if you're planning to catch back-to-back shows. You might not have to have just one variety, as Hallett has prepared hot and cold plates that are perfect for sharing. Choices include pork belly with octopus, smoked tomato and fennel; tiger prawns on a bed of kimchi rice and nori; and, of course, the signature Skai steak paired with hand-cut chips and peppercorn sauce.
Skai, Level 70, Swissotel The Stamford, Singapore, +65 6837 3322, skai@swissotel.com
7/9 Summer Pavilion
If all these brunches have you craving for good ‘ol Cantonese food, the good news is that executive Chinese chef Cheung Siu Kong has also crafted Singapore Grand Prix set menus, available only during the F1 weekend.
Dinner starts at 6.30pm, so you’ll have enough time to fuel up and head to the Padang to catch the last act of the night. Just let the chef know if you're in a rush, but be sure to make time for the double-boiled abalone and superior soup with bamboo pith; the pan-fried Hokkaido scallop with black caviar; and poached vermicelli with Dong Xing grouper fillet in lobster broth. If you think the timing is too tight, have this for lunch instead.
Summer Pavilion, The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, 7 Raffles Avenue, Singapore, +65 6434-5286, rc.sinrz.summerpavilion@ritzcarlton.com
See also: The Best Weekend Brunches To Try In Hong Kong This Summer
8/9 Zafferano
Before heading to the circuit on Sunday for the final hurrah, partake in this champagne brunch festivities from 2 pm to 5 pm that include a winning panorama of the area. Other than the unlimited pours of champagne, spumante, beer and house wines, you’ll also enjoy a lip-smacking Italian spread of familiar favourites.
From the antipasti, you have cured salmon drenched in tartare sauce and studded with ikura caviar; gratinated Hokkaido scallops with saffron bread coating, dill and pine nuts; and burrata cheese paired with pesto and Japanese tomatoes. Your mouth will surely be watering by the time you hit the live station, which serves roasted black Angus striploin and roasted seabass.
Zafferano, Ocean Financial Centre, Level 43, 10 Collyer Quay, Singapore, +65 6509 1488, info@zafferano.sg
9/9 Wolfgang Steakhouse
Some delicious food and drinks before hitting the circuit for your weekend dose of entertainment is always a good idea. This is a good spot as it’s not too far from the venue but affords you a bit of peace and quiet as you savour some osetra caviar with Taittinger champagne to start, available at a special price for the weekend.
And because you’re already at a popular steakhouse, you might as well make it a feast and have their signature steaks; there's the USDA prime black Angus ribeye with a Cajun rub accompanied by creamed spinach and mashed potatoes. There's also the dry-aged sirloin served on a bowl of rice tossed with bell pepper, onions and black pepper sauce.
Wolfgang Steakhouse, 1 Nanson Road, #02-01 InterContinental Singapore, Robertson Quay, Singapore, +65 6887 5885, reservations@wolfgangssteakhouse.sg
See also: New Study Reveals Asia Pacific's Most Popular Travel Destinations