They say that in a relationship, courtship never really ends. It’s true, a fancy date night is much-needed every now and then, even for married couples. Whether your anniversary is coming up or bae ’s birthday is up next on your calendar, here are 9 fancy restaurants under $50/pax to celebrate a special day. 

From a Paris-themed cafe to a garden bistro on the 17th floor, get your money’s worth at these atas yet affordable restaurants. 

After a chill day spent shopping at Orchard Road, make your way to Joie Restaurant for a Japanese-European fusion meal that’s also vegetarian. Their 6-course set lunch starts from $39.80, while the 7-course set dinner starts from $69.80. The sets come with a starter course, side dishes, soup, main, dessert and drink.  

The restaurant, situated at the rooftop garden on the 11th floor of Orchard Central, also has private rooms which come at no additional cost. It can seat 5-16 people – perfect for those who’re planning a big birthday celebration.  

Must-trys: Gratinated Champignon with Mozzarella, Charcoal Coated Tempura Platter, and Grilled Summer Mushroom Steak on “Pu-Ye” Hot Stone – included in the set dinners. Address: 181 Orchard Road, #12-01 Orchard Central, Singapore 238896 Opening hours: 6pm-10pm, Daily Telephone: 6838 6966

Sol & Luna is a beautiful garden bistro among lush greenery. It’s situated on the 17th floor of CapitaSpring’s Green Oasis where the rooftop sky garden is.

They have 6 different menus including ones for breakfast, weekend brunch, weekday lunch and dinner. There’s also an all-day menu with classic Parisian pastries and dessert, and a high tea menu (from $28/pax) which includes free-flow black coffee or tea. 

They serve dishes from Italy, France, Portugal and Spain. Image credit: Sol & Luna 

You have the option of either indoor or alfresco dining – pick the latter if you’d like to enjoy your meal with a view of the CBD. While you’re there, check out the wedding gallery, 1-Arden on level 51, if you’re planning to pop the question soon. Must-trys: Wagyu Bavette ($36) and Apple Pie Croissant ($10). Address: 88 Market Street, #17-01 CapitaSpring, Singapore 048948 Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-12am | Sat 8am-12am | Sun 8am-5pm Telephone: 8031 4316

Overeasy is another option if you like alfresco dining – this time overlooking the Marina Bay skyline.

The alfresco dining area is really pretty with the lights at night. Image credit: @overeasysg

They have a weekend brunch menu serving classic mains at an affordable price, like Smashed Avocado Toast ($19) and California Pancakes ($19). Their signature wagyu beef burger, The “To-Die-For” Burger ($27) is also a hot favourite, with other options including an Impossible Burger ($29) and The Truffle Burger ($29).

They’re open till 1am from Wednesday to Friday, so you can take your time sippin’ your cocktails while admiring the nighttime views.

Must-trys: Spicy Buffalo Wings ($17) and The “To-Die-For Burger” ($27). Address: 1 Fullerton Road, #01-06 One Fullerton, Singapore 049213 Opening hours: Mon-Tue 12pm-3pm, 5pm-11pm | Wed-Fri 12pm-3pm, 5pm-1am | Sat 11am-3pm, 5pm-1am | Sun 11am-3pm, 5pm-11pm Telephone: 9129 8484

At Merci Marcel’s garden terrace, you’ll feel like you’re dining in a European back alley. With hanging potted plants and comfy sofa seats, it’s the place if you’re looking for a sweet spot between fancy and chill.

From fresh acai bowls to seared foie gras, the French restaurant’s menu has an extensive list of nosh for you to choose from. They also have an 8-page long drinks menu which boasts options like organic wine, rose et champagne and special concoctions imported from France. 

If you’re feeling boujee , zoom in on their French Bakery, which has Parisian bakes and a Bakery Assortment For Sharing ($19), or the Cheeses & Charcuterie, where there’s a daily selection of cheeses directly imported from European artisan producers. If you’re one to love breakfast foods, you’ll be glad to know that their brunch menu is available till 5pm.

Must-trys: Ravioles de Royans ($18) and Poached Eggs with avocado on sourdough bread ($23) Address: 56 Eng Hoon Street, #01-68, Singapore 160056 Opening hours: 8am-10.30pm, Daily Telephone: 6224 0113

Merci Marcel Tiong Bahru website . Check the location of all Merci Marcel outlets .

Binary is a spacious 45-seater gastrobar basked in warm lighting. It’s located at a less busy corner of Orchard, a perfect pit stop to get away from the hubbub of city life.

The restaurant has many vegetarian options including vegetarian mac and cheese ($14) and the Impossible Kofta kebab ($18). They also have an extensive drinks menu with options like draught beer, tequila, and mocktails from $12. 

What’s raved about is their fluffy homemade kubaneh bread served with garlic butter and kombu butter. The tiger garlic prawns are also a unique favourite – you have an option to have it as a side dish ($18) or as a main course ($38), where it’ll come with thermidor or creamy mentaiko. 

Must-trys: Homemade Kubaneh Bread ($14) and Seafood Laksa Pasta ($14). Address: 390 Orchard Road, #01-01A Palais Renaissance, Singapore 238871 Opening hours: Sun-Tue 11.30am-10.30pm | Wed-Sat 11.30am-12am Telephone: 9363 0101

Serving authentic Italian cuisine, La Scala Ristorante is known for its handcrafted stone oven baked pizzas and homemade pasta. Don’t miss out on their daily set lunch available from Monday to Friday, 11.30am to 2.30pm. It’s only $21 for a 2 course meal and $26 for a 3 course meal that includes a soup, main course and dessert. 

Located within The Capitol Kempinski Hotel, it’s the perfect place for a fancy dinner, if you’re planning a staycay here.

Must-trys: Spaghetti Costiera ($27) and Branzino al Vapore ($33). Address: 13 Stamford Road, #01-86 The Capitol Kempinski, Singapore 178905 Opening hours: 11.30am-2:30pm, 6pm-10pm, Daily Telephone: 6715 6877

Celebrate your anniversary at The Masses, who’ve recently created their own label of whiskey to mark their 5th anniversary – you’ll get $10 off for every bottle you buy.

That’s not the end of the celebration. They’ve come out with a new “5th year anniversary” menu with brand new dishes including lobster pasta ($35) and Summer Truffle Tart ($18).

The menu includes Asian fusion dishes such as the Iberico Secreto ($29.90) and Quail “chicken rice” ($24.90) which are grilled in a lychee wood Josper Oven. Come for lunch on weekdays if you’d like to try their set lunch ($35.90) which comes with a starter, a main dish and a complimentary beverage.

With a menu that changes every 4 months, it’s a place to bookmark if you ever want to come back for seconds. 

Must-trys: Purple Cabbage ($17.90) Address: 85 Beach Road, #01-02, Singapore 189694 Opening hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm, 5.30pm-9.30pm | Sun 12pm-3pm, 5.30pm-9pm Telephone: 6266 0061

Since 1963, Shashlik Restaurant has been firing up delights such as grilled skewered meat and deep-fried “corndog” chicken. And while they did take a lil’ break in 2015, they’ve now reopened for good. 

Even their desserts are literally set on fire – we recommend the Baked Alaska ($18), an ice cream meringue cake which will be flambéed with dark rum in front of your eyes. Call the restaurant in advance if you wanna add a special touch to the dinner table with a customised cake.

If you’re here on weekdays, check out their weekday set lunch which features specials such as Hae Bee Hiam Pasta ($19.50) and Shashlik’s Hainanese Pork Chop ($21.80). Each main comes with a choice of soup and coffee or tea.

Must-trys: Borscht Soup ($12), Russian Coffee ($22), Baked Alaska ($18) and Cherry Jubilee ($28). Address: 545 Orchard Road, #06-19 Far East Shopping Centre, Singapore 238882 Opening hours: Tue-Sun 12pm-3pm, 6pm-10pm (Closed on Mondays) Telephone: 6732 6401

For dessert-dining, House On The Moon has got really fancy stuff that’ll definitely satisfy your sweet tooth. Their signature dessert, Moon Walk ($25), is a yoghurt dessert with a hint of nut butter and coconut, and if you’re a fan of black forest cake, try their limited edition Black Forest ($25). 

The Eclipse 5-course set is priced at $38/pax and comes with finger food, soup, dumplings, and your choice of dessert. 

Must-trys: Moon Walk ($25) and Black Forest ($25). Address: 1 Selegie Road, #01-13 GR.!D, Singapore 188306 Opening hours: Tue-Sun 12pm-3pm, 6.30pm-10pm ( Closed on Mondays) Telephone: 8280 4327

With this list of fancy restaurants under $50/pax, there’s no more holding back; it’s time for a surprise date night with boo without having to bust your bank account. You’ll have plenty of options, not just for delish grub, but also chio backdrops to soft-launch your relationship on Instagram .  

Cover image adapted from: @overeasysg, @mercimarcel,  @joierestaurant

219 Kallang Bahru, #04-00 Chutex Building, Singapore 339348

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