It takes a great deal of effort to plan a memorable date when there are so many variables to consider – affordability, food, ambience, service and time.
Time and affordability would most likely stand out when weighing all the factors mentioned earlier.
You would hope that the date turns out amazing. Otherwise, you would have waste your precious time and wishing that you could spend it during something more meaningful and fulfilling.
Affordability does not mean austerity. You will not want to look too shabby by going to a cheap place and turn your date off.
At the same time, it will be advisable not to set the hurdle too high by starting off the relationship with an expensive date. Hence, it is important to strike a balance when it comes to cost.
In order to ease up your planning, we came up with a list of 8 cheap restaurants (S$30/pax and below) situated at accessible locations that we think can help you to optimise the time spent with your date.
Read on to find out more.
#1: Platypus Cantina
Source: Website
If you are looking for quality in terms of food, ambience and taste, Platypus Cantina has it all.
In a niche of its own, the decor is carefully set up to transport you to a different landscape to give you wonderful dining experience.
They serve a variety of authentic Mexican dishes such as their signature Tacos (Soft Wheat Tacos and Masa Corn Tacos), Quesadillas (their Josefina’s Enchiladas de Pollo, in particular, is worth a try), and Burrito Bowls.
Platypus Cantina is located just above Bugis MRT. You will just need to head up to the ground floor once you exit from the MRT station.
Bus stops are situated near Bugis Junction as well so you will not need to be afraid of getting lost.
Address:
200 Victoria St, #01-90/91 Bugis Junction, Singapore 188021
Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday – 11:30am to 10:30pm
Friday to Saturday – 11:30am to 11:30pm
Sunday – 11:15am to 10:30pm
Tel: 6333 4434
#2: Hans Im Glück
Source: Website
With its unique forestry outlook, it is little wonder that Hans Im Glück has gained popularity with over 4 outlets in Singapore. It offers an enchanting space and has a variety of interesting burgers and drinks that will put you in the good books of your date.
With just an additional S$5 on top of the burger of your choice, you will be able to enjoy the restaurant’s set that comes with a side order of your choice, a cold and hot drink.
Alternatively, you can order the same meal with an alcoholic beverage of your choice with an additional S$9 to your entire meal.
Locations:
9 Raffles Place. #01-01 Republic Plaza, Singapore 048619
VivoCity #01-57, Harbourfront Walk, Singapore 098585
Although there are 4 branches across Singapore, we have decided to insert branches that are easily accessible.
The Republic Plaza is located within the Central Business District (CBD). From Raffles Place MRT, it is a 2 minutes walking distance, with exit D being the nearest.
The VivoCity branch is located within the shopping mall itself. What’s more, it is situated just above Harbourfront MRT station.
Opening Hours:
Saturday to Wednesday – 11 am to 12 am
Thursday to Friday – 11 am to 1 am
Tel: 9750 1488
According to Google, people typically spend an hour to two across all branches.
#3: Two Hana
Source: Website
Located in the heartlands, Two Hana offers an array of Korean-Western fusion dishes that will make you drool. It is a nice, cosy and well-designed cafe that will give a wonderful date experience.
There is a value-for-money weekday set meal (S$15) consisting of the main course, a side dish, and a drink.
Some recommended dishes to try would be the Striploin Bap (S$13), the Braised Gochujang Lamb Shank (S$24), and the Korean Cauliflower Fritters (S$9).
Food is prepared fast here so you will have more time to interact with your date.
Two Hana is located within Tampines Central, with the MRT station and Bus Interchange situated nearby.
According to Google, people typically spend 5-45 minutes here.
Address:
2 Tampines Central 5, #01-21, Century Square, Singapore 529509
Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday – 10 am to 10 pm
Friday – 10am to 10:30pm
Saturday – 9am to 10:30pm
Sunday – 9am to 10pm
Tel: 6260 4321
#4: Saveur
Source: Website
Saveur offers a casual environment for a wonderful date. You will be able to enjoy restaurant-quality French cuisine at an affordable price.
Popular selections from the menu would be the Saveur Pasta (S$9) and the Signature Duck Confit (S$19)
Saveur offers a 3-course lunch set at S$24 with starters, mains and desserts. You will be able to add on drinks from flavoured sodas (S$3) to house pour wine (S$9).
Saveur Restaurant is located just 4 minutes away from Bugis MRT.
There are familiar landmarks nearby such as National Library Building (located just opposite the stretch of road where the restaurant is) and Bras Basah Complex that can help you find your way easily.
If you’re taking the bus, there is also a bus stop opposite Bras Basah Complex.
Address:
5 Purvis St, #01-04, Singapore 188584
Opening Hours:
Daily – 12pm to 10pm
Tel: 6333 3121
According to Google, people typically spend 1-2 hours here.
#5: 49 Seats
Source: Website
49 Seats offer great food at an affordable price, served by friendly staff. Its interior design boasts a fascinating industrial-chic decor.
The environment makes it ideal for a casual yet romantic date.
You will not want to miss out their most popular fusion dish, Tom Yum Seafood Pasta (S$14.90) that is guaranteed to savour your taste buds.
There is also a weekday Lunch Happy Hour, similarly priced, which you can order any one of the main courses topped with a drink and a bowl of soup.
The good news is that there is no GST or service charge.
49 Seats is located within The Centrepoint. If you’re taking the MRT, it is just 4-minutes walk away.
Address:
The Centrepoint, 176 Orchard Road #01-49, 238843
Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday – 11:30 am to 2:30 am
Friday to Saturday – 11:30 am to 5 am
Sunday – 11:30am to 11pm
Tel: 6225 4332
According to Google, people typically spend 1-2 hours here.
#6: PizzaExpress
Source: Website
This popular UK Pizza chain serves authentic Italian Pizza.
It offers a cosy and comfortable environment for you and your date to take your mind off work.
Their thin and crispy Romana Pizzas are served with a generous portion that will decently feed the both of you.
If you are not up for pizza, you can also try their other popular choices such as Linguine Granchio Con Panna (S$25) and Lobster and Crabmeat Ravioli (S$28).
Most of their mains are priced below S$30, reasonably priced for its portion.
PizzaExpress is located within Scotts Square, just 2 minutes away from Orchard MRT, with exit A being the nearest.
Address:
6 Scotts Rd, Scotts Square, #B1-08/09, Singapore 228209
Opening Hours:
Daily – 11:30am to 10pm
Tel: 6538 0083
According to Google, people typically spend 10 minutes to an hour here.
#7: Zaffron Kitchen Westgate
Source: Website
If you have a taste for Indian Cuisine, then you may not want to miss Zaffron Kitchen. It is opened by the owners of Prata Wala and has gained popularity amongst expats and locals alike.
Food selections from the menu are priced moderately. Butter Chicken (S$17.50) will definitely be worth the try.
It is basically Chicken Tikka marinated in a delightful yoghurt and spice mixture and simmered in a rich tomato, cashew nuts, butter flavoured gravy accented with dry fenugreek.
More crowd is expected on a Thursday at the Westgate branch but you would not have to worry about spending time to wait and frustrating your date.
Zaffron Kitchen is conveniently located within Jurong East Central. Westgate is a 2 minutes walking distance away from Jurong East MRT. The Bus Interchange is easily accessible as well.
Location:
3 Gateway Dr, Westgate, #01-20, Singapore 608532
Opening Hours:
Weekdays: 11am-3pm; 5pm-10pm (Closes at 10:30pm on Friday)
Weekends: 11:30am-10:30pm
Tel: 6465 9880
According to Google, people typically spend 5-30 mins at the Westgate branch.
#8: Wildfire Burgers
Being the winner of the Asia Burger Challenge in 2015, Wildfire Burgers offer a wide range of delicious burgers such as the Truffle Mushroom Burger, Shabu Burger, and SRF Wagyu Burger which are reasonably priced.
If you and your date have a sweet tooth, their Burnt Cheesecake is worth a taste. It holds the perfect balance of cheese, flavour, and texture, making every bite a piece of luxury to savour.
Wildfire Burgers is located at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) Campus, just a 2 mins walk from Bencoolen MRT.
Location:
80 Bencoolen St #01-15, NAFA Campus 1 Wing A, Singapore, 189655
Opening Hours:
Weekdays: 11:30am-3pm; 5:30pm-9pm
Weekends: 11:30am-9pm
Tel: 91982673
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it is about making a connection. You won’t expect a relationship to progress without taking the first step.
If you are keen on making this first step, Fabrique Love is always ready to lend a helping hand.
Here, we offer two simple, thoughtful but fuss-free dating services: Personalized matching dates and Dating Events.
We hope this list of 8 cheap restaurants will help you in planning a memorable date. Have we missed any restaurants that are worth the mention? Do feel free to leave us a feedback.
