10 Best Buffets in Singapore

Perfect for birthday dinners or romantic celebrations, Basilico is one of those places you really look forward to dining at. Aim to come on a weekday night, and enjoy what they call a "semi-buffet" — a buffet spread of antipasti and desserts, and a choice of one main. Immerse yourself in a wonderful world of breads (go for the squid ink), cheeses (don't miss the truffle!) and charcuterie (parma ham with rockmelon) to start with. For your main, a juicy Sicilian rack of lamb is a good choice, and so is the decadent Risotto al Porcini. You won't be disappointed with their range of desserts — think chocolate ganache tart, sorbets, crème brûlée, pistachio cakes, and more. Lunch served on weekdays ($55++); a semi-buffet during weekday dinners ($88++); and buffet brunch is served on weekends ($98++).

The first thing to do upon arriving here is to try and snag the table with a view of the Singapore flyer. Then, begin your adventure with Edge's seven live food theatres. Spoil yourself with some tandoori chicken, sashimi of all kinds, super tasty satay, freshly shucked oysters, roast beef and even dim sum! You'd be glad to know that despite the vast variety, the quality remains high. Their dessert spread would make any child wide-eyed with Nyonya kuehs, pastries, ice cream, brownies and a live station for crepes and waffles. On weekdays (from $48 for lunch or from $68 for dinner), Edge offers various buffets with a focus that differs from day to day. Champagne brunch is served on Sundays ($178).

Located in Hotel Miramar is this gem of a Japanese restaurant that serves an affordable a la carte style buffet dinner ($38++). Go crazy with fresh slices of salmon, yellowtail, swordfish and tuna sashimi; they're known for their freshness. But don't fill up on just sashimi! The spread here is rather extensive — they serve sushi (handrolls, maki, nigiri), tempura, yakitori, soba, udon, katsudon, and side dishes like chawanmushi, edamame and salads as well. The food here can't hold a candle to what you'll get at more specialised Japanese restaurants, but for the price you pay, it's pretty darn decent.

For some mid-day elegant decadence, head to Cafe L'Espresso at Goodwood Park Hotel with a bunch of friends with sweet teeth. Cafe L'Espresso is no stranger to the high tea scene in Singapore; it's been around for ages and has consistently served superb high tea. Start your luxurious mid-day snacking with some tea sandwiches, croissants, cold cuts, hors d'oeuvres, but don't fill up on them. A highlight you need to save space for is their lovely warm scones served with jams and clotted cream. Finally, tackle the dessert tables. Wash everything down with a pot or two of hot tea and laze the day away in style. English afternoon tea buffet ($45++) is served everyday, with two seatings from Friday to Sunday and on public holidays.

Lime serves both Southeast Asian and International cuisines, and both are superb. You might want to start off with bread rolls slathered in Echire butter (yes, that gorgeous French butter), or perhaps by fixing up your own rojak. There is a whole section dedicated to Peranakan cuisine, with items like Ayam Buah Keluak, Babi Pongteh, and Itek Tim. From their Chinese Wok-fried dishes, go for the Curry Leaf Chicken. Also expect international favourites like pizza, roasts, salads and pastas. Finally, for dessert, dip your skewers of fruit / marshmallows / anything you like into their iconic matcha white chocolate fountain! Traditional desserts worth trying are the Nyonya kueh, bubur hitam and durian pengat. Buffet lunch ($48++) and dinner ($62++) served daily, save for Sundays where a more extensive brunch buffet ($98++) is served.

Straits Kitchen specialises in local cuisine and offers a spread of some of the most popular Singaporean dishes in a comfortable setting. The selection here isn't very wide, but they certainly focus on quality. Expect Chinese, Indian, Malay, Peranakan and Middle-Eastern live stations. Certain highlights include their prata with excellent curries from the Indian kitchen, Ayam Buah Keluak and Mutton Rendang from the Peranakan section, and the irresistible Goreng Pisang for dessert. Also go for the Ice Kachang here, it'll remind you of all the reasons why this dessert is so well-loved. All their kitchens are Halal-certified. Buffet lunch ($45++) dinner ($55++) are served daily.

This one is strictly for the adults. Sunday brunch ($150++) at the Manhattan Bar at Regent Singapore is no doubt a feast fit for kings (and queens). Just stepping inside says it all — the decor is grand but welcoming, luxurious, and elegant. Live out those dreams of decadent Sunday brunches slurping down freshly shucked oysters, scooping up smoked foie gras, tucking into various cheeses, smearing your bagels, cutting into fluffy pancakes... The list goes on. You can expect very good cocktails to go with your food — you'll even get to customise your Bloody Mary with your favourite hot sauce and garnishes. Of course, a cocktail brunch isn't complete without boozy desserts!

This is almost quite literally a stairway to heaven for dim sum lovers. Hai Tien Lo's weekday lunch buffets ($56++) for specialty dishes with limited servings per person (or per table), on top of their wide selection dim sum items. Highlights include the classic XLB, the intriguing Steamed Pork and Prawn Dumplings with Black Truffle, their signature Steamed Spinach Dumplings with Prawn Paste and Dried Scallops, and the lovely Chilled Mango Sago with Pomelo. With its grand ambience and good service, this is a good choice for small family celebrations. Bear in mind that the weekend brunch ($68++) is even more extensive!

The Line is arguably one of the most well-known places in Singapore for a solid buffet that offers an extensive spread without compromising quality. Seafood lovers — be prepared to indulge. Tackle all the fresh seafood first — oysters, mussels, prawns, lobsters, scallops, crabs, and fresh sashimi. Featuring 16 kitchens that dish out great food all round, it's hard to compete with the variety and quality here. You should always be strategic when it comes to buffets, so start with the items you love most, even if that means dessert before seafood! Buffet lunch ($58++) and dinner ($76++) are served daily; champagne brunch ($158++) is served on Sundays.

To thoroughly enjoy Korean BBQ, you have to love your meats marinated and grilled. K.Cook is probably the most affordable Korean BBQ buffet around. It's nothing fancy, but it's good enough if what you're looking for is a place for dining in a group, and if you really love meat. There are plenty of cuts of marinated meats — beef short ribs, pork collar, pork belly, beef bulgogi, beef ribeye, chicken, spicy chicken — as well as prawns and squid. If you need a break from the meats, go for the hot dishes like japchae, Korean rice cakes, and Korean pancakes. You definitely get bang for your buck, along with a lovely BBQ scent in your hair. (Lunch - $14.90++, Dinner - $24.90++)