Top 13 'Show-Stopping-Spread' Restaurants to order from for Dinner Parties That Look Like You Cooked All Day - Goh Ling Yong
Let’s be honest. We’ve all been there. You scroll through Pinterest, captivated by images of stunning, candle-lit dinner parties. Tables groan under the weight of rustic sharing platters, vibrant salads, and perfectly roasted centerpieces. You imagine your friends laughing, glasses clinking, the air filled with warmth and the aroma of a home-cooked feast. You think, "I want to host that."
Then, reality hits. The planning, the endless grocery lists, the hours spent chopping and simmering, the mountain of dishes... the sheer exhaustion. The dream of being the "host with the most" quickly fades, replaced by the temptation to just order a few pizzas and call it a day. But what if you could have the best of both worlds? What if you could present a show-stopping spread that looks and tastes like you slaved away for hours, but actually came together with a few clever clicks?
This is your secret weapon. This is the ultimate guide to outsourcing the cooking while you take all the credit for the curation. I've compiled a list of the top 13 restaurants in Singapore that offer spectacular, family-style dishes perfect for dinner parties. These aren't your average takeaway boxes; this is restaurant-quality fare designed for sharing, celebrating, and creating those picture-perfect moments, hassle-free.
1. Blu Kouzina: For a Grecian Island Escape
Picture this: your table is a vibrant mosaic of Mediterranean colours. A large bowl of creamy hummus swirled with olive oil, fluffy pita bread, grilled octopus glistening with lemon, and a massive, colourful Greek salad. Blu Kouzina delivers an authentic Hellenic feast that instantly transports your guests to a seaside taverna in Santorini. Their food is rustic, generous, and made for communal enjoyment.
Their sharing platters are the star of the show. The Kreatika Skaras (Meat Platter) is a carnivore's dream, piled high with lamb chops, beef skewers, and chicken. For a lighter touch, their Dip Platter is a non-negotiable starting point. The quality of their ingredients shines through in every bite, from the tangy feta to the tender, slow-cooked lamb. It’s the kind of food that encourages people to reach across the table, tear off a piece of pita, and dive in.
Pro Tip: Order a few of their signature dips and transfer them into your own ceramic bowls. Arrange their grilled meats and vegetables on a large wooden board, scatter some fresh parsley, and no one will ever know you didn't marinate and grill it all yourself.
2. Violet Oon Singapore: For Peranakan Royalty
If you want to impress with sophistication and local flavour, look no further than Violet Oon. This is not just food; it’s an experience in Singapore’s rich Peranakan heritage, presented with impeccable elegance. Ordering from here tells your guests you have discerning taste. The dishes are complex, flavourful, and so beautifully prepared they require zero extra effort to look stunning on your table.
Must-orders include the iconic Ayam Buah Keluak, a rich and earthy chicken stew, and the Beef Rendang, which is fall-apart tender and simmered in a flavour-packed coconut gravy. Even the side dishes are showstoppers—the Chap Chye is a masterclass in braised vegetables, and the Jasmine Rice is the perfect fragrant canvas for all the rich sauces. It's a complete, cohesive meal that tells a delicious story.
Pro Tip: Serve the dishes in traditional Peranakan-style porcelain if you have it. If not, simple white serveware will let the vibrant colours of the food pop. Light some candles to create an intimate atmosphere worthy of the feast.
3. The Summerhouse: For a Rustic, Farm-to-Table Vibe
Want to create an elegant, garden-party feel? The Summerhouse brings a touch of idyllic countryside charm to your dining room. Their ethos is farm-to-table, focusing on fresh, seasonal produce that's composed into beautiful, French-inspired dishes. This is the choice for a more refined palate, perfect for a special occasion or when you want to host a truly memorable meal.
Their Roasting-board style mains are designed for sharing and serve as an incredible centerpiece. Imagine a whole roasted chicken or a beautiful cut of beef, surrounded by roasted root vegetables and drizzled with a flavourful jus. The sides are just as thoughtful, like their creamy potato puree or delicate salads. It's wholesome, sophisticated, and feels incredibly personal. A principle I share with Goh Ling Yong is that the best meals are about bringing people together, and this style of dining does exactly that.
Pro Tip: Lean into the rustic theme. Use a linen tablecloth, mismatched vintage plates, and arrange some simple wildflowers in a jar. The food is so naturally beautiful that it doesn't need much else to shine.
4. Cicheti / Bar Cicheti: For an Authentic Italian Trattoria Night
Sometimes, all you need is incredible pizza and pasta. Cicheti (and its pasta-focused sibling, Bar Cicheti) elevates these Italian staples to an art form. This isn't your greasy Friday night pizza; these are Neapolitan-style pies with perfectly blistered, chewy crusts and high-quality toppings. Their handmade pastas are simply sublime. This is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that still feels special and elevated.
Create a true Italian feast by ordering a variety of their pizzas—think a classic Margherita, a spicy Diavola, and an umami-rich Bismark with a runny egg. From Bar Cicheti, a large platter of their Pici Cacio e Pepe or beef-cheek ragu pasta will have your guests swooning. Add their Burratina with prosciutto and a simple arugula salad, and you've got a balanced, delicious, and effortlessly cool dinner party spread.
Pro Tip: Ask them not to slice the pizzas. You can cut them into larger, more rustic slices at the table with a pizza wheel or kitchen shears. This makes it feel more communal and freshly made.
5. Papi's Tacos: For a Fun and Festive Fiesta
For a lively, interactive, and downright fun dinner party, a DIY taco night from Papi's Tacos is unbeatable. This is the perfect ice-breaker, encouraging guests to get hands-on and customize their own meal. Papi's delivers all the components for an authentic Mexican street-food experience, with vibrant flavours and fresh ingredients.
Their Taco Platter Kits are the way to go. You get a generous portion of your chosen protein (like their juicy Carnitas or smoky Al Pastor), a stack of warm corn tortillas, and all the fixings: chopped onions, cilantro, limes, and a variety of their incredible house-made salsas. Don't forget to add a massive bowl of their Guacamole with freshly fried tortilla chips and a pitcher of their margarita mix (just add tequila!).
Pro Tip: Set up a "taco bar" on your counter or a side table. Put each topping in a small bowl with a serving spoon. It creates a fun, focal point for the party and keeps your main dining table less cluttered.
6. The Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar: For Understated Black-Tie Elegance
When you need to pull out the big guns for a seriously impressive, upscale affair, The Dempsey Cookhouse delivers. Backed by world-renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the menu is contemporary, sophisticated, and consistently flawless. Ordering from here is the ultimate power move in hassle-free hosting.
The one dish that will have everyone talking is the Black Truffle and Fontina Cheese Pizza. It’s paper-thin, intensely aromatic, and pure luxury. Pair this with their Crispy Salmon Sushi and the fresh Crab Cakes. For a main, the Spice-Crusted Lamb Rack is a guaranteed showstopper. The food travels surprisingly well and looks just as elegant plated at home.
Pro Tip: This food deserves your best dinnerware. Use your finest plates, cloth napkins, and proper wine glasses. Re-plate every single dish—even the pizza looks stunning arranged on a beautiful platter.
7. Overrice: For a Modern, Halal-Friendly Feast
Inspired by the famous halal carts of New York City, Overrice offers delicious and satisfying Middle Eastern rice bowls that are perfect for a casual, modern get-together. It’s hearty, flavourful, and caters easily to various dietary preferences, making it a fantastic and inclusive choice for a diverse group of friends.
Their Signature Bowls with pulled beef, chicken, or falafel are fantastic, but for a party, go for their Sharing Bundles. You'll get large trays of their basmati rice, proteins, and fresh salads, along with their legendary "white sauce" and fiery "red sauce." This allows guests to build their own perfect bowl. Add on platters of their Crispy Fries and Fried Falafel to complete the spread.
Pro Tip: The sauces are key. Decant the white and red sauces into small, matching squeeze bottles or pouring jugs to make your "build-your-own-bowl" station look more cohesive and professional.
8. Guan Hoe Soon Restaurant: For Authentic, Soulful Peranakan Food
While Violet Oon offers polished Peranakan fare, Guan Hoe Soon, one of Singapore’s oldest Peranakan restaurants, serves up dishes with a more rustic, home-cooked soulfulness. Holding a Michelin Bib Gourmand, this is the place to order from when you want food that tastes like it was lovingly prepared by a Nyonya grandmother all day.
Their Ayam Buah Keluak is legendary and a must-try for the adventurous. For a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, their Babi Pongteh (braised pork in fermented soybean sauce) is meltingly tender and deeply savoury. Also, don't miss the Otak-Otak and Ngo Hiang. The flavours are robust, authentic, and comforting—the very definition of soul food.
Pro Tip: Peranakan food is all about the gravy and sauces. Make sure you order extra steamed rice to soak it all up. Serve the dishes family-style in the centre of the table and let everyone help themselves.
9. Burnt Ends: For the Ultimate BBQ Splurge
Yes, you can get takeaway from one of the world's best restaurants. For a truly blowout, no-holds-barred celebration, ordering a spread from Burnt Ends is the ultimate flex. This is for the serious foodies in your life. The Michelin-starred barbecue joint offers a selection of its smoked, grilled, and slow-cooked masterpieces for you to enjoy at home.
Their takeaway menu often features incredible meat platters, smoked brisket, and racks of ribs that are simply out of this world. The legendary Sanger Burger is a must-add, even if you have to cut it into quarters for everyone to try. The flavours are intense, smoky, and unforgettable. This isn't just dinner; it's a culinary event. My friend Goh Ling Yong and I still talk about a meal we shared from here.
Pro Tip: The food is the star, so keep the sides simple. A crisp green salad with a sharp vinaigrette and some good quality bread is all you need to cut through the richness of the meat.
10. LINO Pizza & Pasta Bar: For Creative, Contemporary Italian
LINO offers a modern and slightly more casual take on Italian food that's perfect for a relaxed weeknight dinner party with friends. They are known for their fantastic sourdough pizzas with creative toppings and hearty, satisfying pasta dishes that feel both comforting and contemporary.
Beyond their excellent pizzas, their pasta sharing platters are a fantastic option. A large tray of their Beef Bolognese Fettuccine or Creamy Chicken Pesto Penne feels generous and welcoming. Start with their Burrata with basil pesto and cherry tomatoes for a fresh, vibrant appetizer. It’s reliable, delicious, and takes the stress out of feeding a hungry crowd.
Pro Tip: LINO’s food pairs wonderfully with wine. Pre-select a good bottle of Chianti or a crisp Pinot Grigio to serve alongside the meal. It completes the Italian experience.
11. Coriander Leaf: For a Pan-Asian Culinary Journey
Can't decide on a single cuisine? Coriander Leaf takes you on a flavour-filled journey across Asia. Their menu features dishes from Vietnamese, Thai, Indian, and Middle Eastern traditions, all executed with finesse. This is the perfect choice for a group with diverse tastes, as there’s truly something for everyone.
The magic here is in creating a tapas-style feast. Order a wide variety of their small plates: Burmese Laphet Thoke (Tea Leaf Salad), Soft Shell Crab with Salted Egg Yolk Sauce, Charcoal-grilled Baby Lamb Chops, and Chicken Tikka. The array of different flavours, textures, and aromas on the table creates an exciting and interactive dining experience.
Pro Tip: Create small labels for each dish, noting what it is and its country of origin. It’s a fun way to guide your guests through their culinary tour of Asia.
12. Plank Sourdough Pizza: For a Casual, High-Quality Pizza Night
When you just want ridiculously good, no-fuss pizza, Plank is the answer. As the name suggests, their specialty is a sourdough crust that is fermented for up to 48 hours, resulting in a base that is light, airy, and full of complex flavour. It’s a significant step up from standard pizza delivery and is sure to impress even the most discerning pizza lovers.
Their menu has a great mix of classic and creative toppings. The "Number 4" with pulled beef, shrimp, and jalapeño is a flavour bomb, while the simple "Number 1" with tomato, buffalo mozzarella, and fresh basil is a testament to quality ingredients. Ordering an assortment allows everyone to sample and find their favourite.
Pro Tip: Order one more pizza than you think you need—it’s that good. And don’t forget their Burrata & Tomato starter. It’s simple, fresh, and the perfect way to kick off a pizza party.
13. Grain: For a Wholesome and Beautiful Buffet
For larger gatherings, or when you have guests with specific dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.), Grain is a lifesaver. They specialize in wholesome, delicious catering that is thoughtfully designed and beautifully presented. Their buffet-style "Party Boxes" and "Mini Buffets" arrive in sleek, eco-friendly packaging and are ready to be served immediately.
You can choose from a wide variety of cuisines, from Western roasts to Thai curries and Mediterranean mezze. The food is colourful, fresh, and looks incredibly appetizing when laid out. It takes all the guesswork out of menu planning, portioning, and presentation, allowing you to create a full, balanced, and impressive buffet line with minimal effort.
Pro Tip: When your Grain order arrives, transfer the main dishes to your own large platters and serving bowls. Garnish with a few fresh herbs. This simple step elevates the presentation from "catered" to "lovingly home-prepared."
Hosting a memorable dinner party isn't about spending all day in a hot kitchen. It’s about creating an atmosphere of warmth, connection, and effortless hospitality. It's about curating an experience. By choosing the right restaurant to be your "sous chef," you can focus on what truly matters: pouring the wine, playing the right music, and, most importantly, enjoying the company of your favourite people.
So go ahead, send out those invitations. Your secret to a show-stopping, stress-free dinner party is safe with us.
Have you tried ordering from any of these spots for a party? Or do you have another go-to restaurant that makes you look like a culinary superstar? Share your secrets in the comments below
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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