5 of the best modern restaurants in Singapore

The growing popularity of progressive cooking techniques such as sous vide and spherification are producing unique dishes intriguing diners all around with sense of theatre and the unexpected.

Smokes, foam, liquid nitrogen and anti-freeze are among the favourite weapons of choice in this revolution of cooking. Rebelling against the classic culinary rules of the past, these creative chefs - with greater control in molding the form, shape and taste of each ingredient - are reinterpreting traditional European classics with modern cooking techniques or by melding distinct ingredients from other cuisines.

Over the years, a host of modern European restaurants experimenting with these new revolutionary cooking techniques have similarly popped up all around Singapore. Among the numerous Michelin star chefs setting up shop on our sunny shores, here are the top five modern European restaurants that have received the highest praise from food lovers and critics alike.

TIPPLING CLUB

Serious about their food but one of the more fun fine dining restaurants in town, Tippling Club offers up modern gastronomy with a touch of theatre. A telling mark of success in Singapore' cut-throat F&B industry is the numerous awards it has received over the years. Ranked 11th in Asia by Asia's 50 Best Bars 2017 and 27th in Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2017, the restaurant's knack for experimentation has drawn in a steady stream of diners. One of the most innovative dishes created by chef-owner Ryan Clift's is the foie gras - not pan-seared as is the common preparation, but piped and served as cream atop a spiced gaufrette.

38 Tanjong Pagar Rd, Singapore 088461

BLACKWATTLE

Taking the stiffness out of fine dining, Blackwattle serves up one of the most scrumptious Australian cuisines in a relaxed, casual setting. Borrowing its name from a unique species of trees native to Australia, the restaurant is the brainchild of Clayton Wells, head chef and owner of award-winning Automata in Sydney. With a wealth of experience working for the culinary luminaries that helm the Quay in Sydney, Tetsuya's as well as Momofuku Seiōbo, Chef Clayton Wells brings to the table bold flavours inspired by his travels. Expect to see unique dishes like the grilled Fremantle octopus with XO sauce and red vinegar, brought together by the squid ink and fennel puree underneath - a personal recommendation by Chef Clayton himself.

97 Amoy St, Singapore 069917

OTTO RISTORANTE

The sophisticated Michelin star Italian restaurant nestled right in the heart of the CBD within Maxwell Chambers is a perfect venue to impress business clients or a romantic celebration. Consistently packed to the rafters, this classy establishment serves amazing authentic Italian dishes with a modern elevated twist. Steadfast pasta favourites among discerning diners include the Boston lobster linguine and the spaghetti with sea urchin and grey mullet bottarga.

32 Maxwell Road, #01-02/03 Maxwell Chambers, Singapore 069115

GAIG

One of the rare few places in Singapore serving up phenomenal Catalan cuisine is Gaig Restaurant - an outpost of the Michelin Star Spanish restaurant of the same name in Barcelona. The original restaurant in Barcelona helmed under Chef Carles Gaig has been awarded with one Michelin Star since 1993 in the Spain's edition of the guide. In Singapore, the casual space at Stanley Street is managed by Chef Charles's daughter, also the family's fifth generation. The menu that features tapas, paellas, and classic Catalan stews, with ingredients mainly imported from Spain as well as local suppliers, speaks volumes of the cuisine's authenticity.

16 Stanley St,Singapore 068735 Stanley St, Singapore 068735

JAAN

Perched on the 70th floor of Swissotel The Stamford, JAAN is an elegant restaurant dedicated to showcasing innovative modern French cuisine. The ornate interior that boasts a resplendent silver free-form chandelier is eclipsed only by two things: the breath-taking view of Singapore and the exquisite food. Relish signature creations such as the rosemary smoked organic egg with chorizo iberico and celeriac puree, while soaking in the view of the Marina Bay area.

2 Stamford Road, Level 70, Equinox Complex, 17888

This article was first published in BLLNR.