In this economic climate, we are all ready to be much more… mathematical with our spending. Especially during lunch, for obvious reasons!

And while everyone probably already knows where to get the yummiest and most affordable hawker food items, we’re guessing not everyone knows where to get the most value-for-money lunch sets when they need a fancier venue – like when there are gatherings with more friends, clients, VIPs….

Don’t worry because we’ve done our homework. These spots serve the scrummiest food in the most stylish surroundings at the most - shall we say? - encouraging prices. We have fabulous recommendations, no matter if you're planning to spend:

• Less than $40++ per person
• Less than $60++ per person

PS: If you're inspired, each brand's name is hyperlinked to their press kit! 

If You’re Looking To Spend Less Than $40++ Per Person 

Rooftop destination 1-Alfaro is the perfect place if you want a hilltop mid-day escape with an endless sea view and the most moreish Italian meals.  The Weekday Set Lunch Menu (2 Courses at $30++, 3 Courses at $38++) at the property’s La Torre restaurant offers items with a playful twist like La Torre’s Fried Lasagna – every crispy bite so rich, cheesy and beefy that it’ll trigger every salivary gland you have.

View from La Torre at 1-Alfaro

In FIRE at 1-Atico, savour a gorgeous penthouse view of Singapore’s soaring city skyline alongside umami-licious fire-kissed proteins. Their Gaucho Set Lunch Menu (from 2 Courses at $35++) offers a range of sustainably raised meats such as seabass and free-range spring chicken and – for a supplementary fee – dangerously delicious Argentinian beef. Better yet, those who lunch there get a generous 20% off red and white wines, and champagne by bottle (excluding house pours).

Beef from FIRE at 1-Atico 

Or immerse yourself in the sepia-tinted beauty of lovingly conserved history at Gilmore & Damian D’Silva where Chef Damian pays tribute to a man who, he says, has shaped 95% of him – his beloved Grandad or “Pop”, Gilmore D’Silva. Through carefully revived recipes from Pop, through delicately interwoven design motifs, through meticulously preserved mementos, each meal is a story that honours heritage, family and a timeless spirit of hospitality. Their Set Lunch ($38++ per person) offers traditional Eurasian deliciousness like Pork And Beef Rissoles which star a mixed pork and beef mince massaged with a "secret" spice blend.

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If You’re Looking To Spend Less Than $60++ Per Person

If your favourite cuisine is Japanese, Fat Cow offers high quality ingredients and expert preparation at astonishing prices with their set lunches (from $48++).Every option comes with salad, chawanmushi, miso soup and dessert. Naturally, as a Japanese wagyu specialist, their lunch options offer wagyu options of all kinds. Think a Sous Vide Akune Gold Wagyu Don ($55++) which features slow-cooked slices of this tender cut from the Kagoshima Prefecture – prized for its balanced, refined and exceptionally clean flavour.

Fat Cow - Theatre (interiors) 

Award-winning Italian cuisine, a mesmerising waterfront view and iconic architecture: MONTI, housed in the iconic spherical Fullerton Pavilion, is the perfect spot for a long lunch. While a-la-carte options are available, their Colapranzo Lunch Set Menu (2 Courses, $48++ per person; 3 Courses, $58++ per person) is an easy option for those who want to quickly make decisions and start enjoying themselves. Think flavourful dishes such as the Calamarata All’ Amatriciana featuring a traditional short, thick-ringed pasta carrying a tomato sauce rich with guanciale, red onion and a Pecorino Romano fondue.

Picky palates craving premium beef will find gastronomic pleasure at 54° Steakhouse, especially with their lavish Set Lunch (3-Course, $54++ per person). In a luxe dining room of dark wood and marble, feast on classic starters like French Onion Soup crowned with cheese and truffle croutons and award-winning cuts like Stockyard Angus Striploin, skillfully grilled over open fire.

Foie Gras Chawanmushi with Crab Roe Soup from Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro

Lunchtime is also an ideal way to introduce yourself (and your guests!) to a Michelin-starred restaurant. Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro has a wonderfully generous Executive Set Lunch ($58++ per person, min. 2 persons) – a multi-course meal, available from Monday to Friday exclusive of weekends and public holidays, that is also a thoughtful showcase of their exclusive Chūka Szechwan Ryori style. Dim sum, soup, your choice of a protein-focused main dish and the all-important Mapo Tofu-topped rice as well as a chilled dessert to take any spicy edge off; lunch will see you full and happy!

ADDRESSES

• 1-Alfaro: Labrador Tower, #34-00, Singapore 118479
• 54° Steakhouse: 54 Amoy St, Singapore 069880
• Fat Cow: Camden Medical Centre, #01-01/02, Singapore 248649
• Gilmore & Damian D'Silva: National Gallery Singapore, #01-02/03, Singapore 178957
• MONTI: 82 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049327
• Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro: Hilton Singapore Orchard, Level 35, Singapore 238867