Welcome to the World of Seafood Restaurants Near Merlion Park
The area around Merlion Park isn’t just home to Singapore’s most iconic statue—it’s also a paradise for seafood lovers. As you stroll along the waterfront or through Clarke Quay’s vibrant streets, you’ll find countless eateries offering everything from traditional chilli crab to modern seafood fusion.
Seafood restaurants near Merlion Park cater to a wide range of palates, whether you’re craving fiery sambal flavours or creamy chowders with a Southeast Asian twist.
Café 23: The Star of Seafood Restaurants Near Merlion Park
Among these, Café 23 at Park Regis Singapore is a standout. This cozy yet elegant restaurant merges Singaporean staples with Western techniques, creating seafood dishes that feel familiar and adventurous at the same time.
Location and Vibe
Just a 10-minute walk from Merlion Park, Café 23 is ideally located for both tourists and locals. Inside, you’ll find a warm, contemporary space with polished wooden furniture, earth-toned lighting, and a relaxed ambience that invites you to stay awhile.
Menu Direction
While rooted in local flavors, Café 23’s menu adds flair through ingredients like citrus aioli, laksa foam, and garlic-butter sous-vide techniques. The result is a lineup of seafood dishes that elevate Singaporean heritage cuisine.
Top Fusion Dishes at Café 23
If you’re dining at Café 23, here are the dishes every seafood lover should try:
Laksa Chowder: A creamy bisque version of Singapore’s spicy laksa noodle soup, minus the noodles but full of prawns, coconut milk, and a blend of laksa leaves and lemongrass.
Sambal Prawn Pasta: Fettuccine tossed in a spicy sambal cream sauce with grilled prawns on top. The perfect East-meets-West bite.
Chilli Crab Classic: Sweet and spicy sauce over meaty mud crab, served with fried mantou buns to soak up every drop.
Each of these dishes blends familiarity with culinary creativity, making Café 23 one of the most distinctive seafood restaurants near Merlion Park.
The Making of a Signature Dish
What sets Café 23 apart from other seafood restaurants near Merlion Park isn’t just the ingredients—it’s the attention to detail in how every dish is prepared. For instance, their chilli crab isn’t a one-size-fits-all recipe. Chefs here fine-tune the spice level and sweetness to match the local palate while also accommodating tourist preferences.
Crafting the Laksa Chowder
Instead of just mixing laksa paste into a soup base, the kitchen at Café 23 slow-cooks its laksa broth for hours. Coconut milk is added at the perfect moment to balance out the spice, and instead of noodles, they use freshly poached prawns and finely diced vegetables to maintain texture.
How Café 23 Balances East and West
In a multicultural city like Singapore, blending cuisines isn’t just popular—it’s expected. Café 23 manages to do it with elegance, making it one of the best fusion-style seafood restaurants near Merlion Park.
Fusion Philosophy
Café 23 believes in respecting traditional flavors while exploring new textures and techniques. Sambal, laksa, ginger, and lemongrass are featured prominently—but are sometimes introduced through unexpected formats like foam, jus, or glaze.
Popular Pairings
Chilli crab with garlic truffle fries
Laksa chowder paired with sourdough garlic toast
Sambal prawns and a side of parmesan risotto
The Foodie’s Map of Seafood Restaurants Near Merlion Park
If you’re planning a seafood crawl near Merlion Park, here’s a quick guide:
Café 23 – Fusion seafood in a refined, modern setting
Jumbo Seafood – Traditional chilli crab with waterfront views
Palm Beach Seafood – Luxurious dining right at Marina Bay
TungLok Seafood – Authentic Chinese seafood with timeless recipes
Makansutra Gluttons Bay – Hawker-style seafood at wallet-friendly prices
Comparing Café 23 to Other Seafood Restaurants Near Merlion Park
Let’s explore how Café 23 holds up against some popular peers:
| Restaurant | Signature Style | Must-Try Dish | Average Cost (SGD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Café 23 | Fusion Asian-Western | Laksa Chowder | 35–55 | Creative seafood dining |
| Jumbo Seafood | Traditional Singaporean | Chilli Crab | 60–90 | Tourists & large groups |
| Palm Beach Seafood | Upscale Chinese | Wasabi Prawns | 70–100 | Romantic dinners |
| TungLok Seafood | Chinese fine dining | Salted Egg Prawns | 50–80 | Local heritage cuisine |
Must-Try Local Seafood Dishes Near Merlion Park
While at Café 23 or elsewhere nearby, don’t miss these staples:
Hainanese Fish Head Curry – A spicy coconut-based curry with tangy tamarind.
Salted Egg Calamari – Crunchy squid rings tossed in a creamy salted egg yolk sauce.
White Pepper Crab – A peppery, aromatic alternative to the chilli crab.
Exploring the Seafood Culture of Singapore
Singapore’s seafood traditions are tied to its coastal heritage. Most restaurants, including Café 23, rely on daily seafood deliveries from regional suppliers. This ensures freshness and quality in every bite.
Seafood in Singapore is also known for its bold seasoning—chilli, pepper, ginger, and garlic are dominant spices, often paired with acidic notes like lime and tamarind for balance.
Dining Ambience at Café 23
Café 23’s atmosphere adds to the experience. Here’s what to expect:
Décor: Modern furnishings with wood and metal finishes.
Seating: A mix of cozy tables for two and larger tables for groups.
Service: Friendly, attentive, and multilingual—great for tourists unfamiliar with the cuisine.
What to Drink With Your Seafood
Pairing matters when enjoying complex dishes like sambal prawns or seafood curry.
Mocktails: Try a minty lime cooler or mango-based fizz.
Local Beer: Tiger and Archipelago are light lagers that pair beautifully with chilli crab.
Infused Waters: Lemongrass and cucumber water is offered to refresh your palate between bites.
Café 23’s Hotel Dining Edge
Being inside Park Regis Singapore, Café 23 offers added value:
In-Room Dining: Available for many seafood items.
Guest Discounts: 20% off for hotel guests on ala carte menus.
Seamless Reservations: Book via the hotel website or concierge.
Seasonal Specials and Events at Café 23
Each month, Café 23 introduces a chef’s special, often a seafood-focused dish highlighting seasonal ingredients. Past highlights include:
Chili lobster pasta in July
Soft-shell crab tacos during Singapore Food Festival
Saffron-infused seafood risotto for Christmas week
Tips for Tourists Eating at Seafood Restaurants Near Merlion Park
Mind the Spice: Ask your server for mild versions if you’re spice-sensitive.
Allergy Alerts: Inform the staff of any shellfish allergies—most places are accommodating.
Order to Share: Most seafood dishes come in large portions and are great for group tasting.
Why Café 23 is Perfect for All Occasions
This isn’t just a tourist spot. Café 23 caters to:
Couples: Romantic ambience and refined menu.
Families: Flexible dishes and calm environment.
Business Lunches: Quiet corners and efficient service.
How to Get There From Merlion Park
Getting to Café 23 is simple:
Walk: 12–15 minutes through Boat Quay or Clarke Quay.
MRT: Clarke Quay Station (NE5) is the closest.
Taxi: A quick 5-minute ride from Merlion Park.
Final Foodie Verdict: The Best Seafood Experience Near Merlion Park
For those seeking bold flavors, creative presentation, and a memorable atmosphere, Café 23 is easily one of the best seafood restaurants near Merlion Park. It’s not just a meal—it’s a culinary story that fuses heritage with innovation.
FAQs
1. What’s the most unique dish at Café 23?
The laksa chowder—a rich, creamy version of Singapore’s beloved laksa noodle soup.
2. Is Café 23 budget-friendly?
Moderately priced for its quality. Guests at Park Regis enjoy extra savings.
3. Are there vegetarian dishes on the menu?
Yes, the menu includes vegetarian options and customizations are available.
4. Do I need to book in advance?
Booking is advised, especially during evenings and weekends.
5. Is the menu kid-friendly?
Yes, they offer simpler dishes and accommodate dietary needs for children.
6. Is Café 23 open for lunch and dinner?
Yes, both meal services are available with different specials offered throughout the day.
