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Dine at Singapore’s highest restaurant, perched on the 70th floor of Swissôtel The Stamford, and you quickly realise SKAI is all about elevation. This sky-high dining room has long been a favourite for special-occasion splurges, and its latest iteration keeps the wow factor firmly intact. Think modern grill cooking with a Japanese accent, top-tier produce, and views so good they’ll have you pausing mid-bite.
The vibe
SKAI feels like the dream penthouse living room. Floor-to-ceiling windows wrap around the dining room, offering a cinematic sweep of Marina Bay Sands, the Esplanade and the CBD glittering below. Come at sunset and you’ll get a front-row seat to the city’s daily light show. Inside, the spacious 130-seater takes a quiet cue from modern Japanese design: clean lines softened by green foliage, maple accents and a warm, minimalist sensibility that somehow manages to feel both polished and homey. Sink into one of the plush sofas with your date, or perch on a tall bar stool with a cocktail in hand and the city at your feet. It’s relaxed, refined and just dramatic enough to remind you that you’re dining in the clouds.
The food
Start with the Tuna Bar, featuring sushi and sashimi of premium tuna flown in twice weekly from Tokyo's Toyosu Market. It’s a good start before indulging in the four-course Chef’s Tuna Menu ($198), which is also a solid way to get acquainted with what SKAI does best. The menu kicks off with bluefin tuna paired with black radish and finger lime.
Then you have a choice between the Hokkaido scallop or seared foie gras – I picked the former and can see why it’s such a crowd-pleaser. They’re paired with shredded potato chips that crackle with every bite, adding texture and turning the dish into something oddly addictive, like a very fancy version of your favourite snack.
For mains, you’re choosing between luxury and comfort. The wagyu striploin is deeply beefy, while the miso black cod is all glossy flakes and mellow sweetness. Dessert arrives in the form of a piña colada-inspired creation, offering a breezy finish after a line-up of bold flavours.
The drink
SKAI’s drinks programme is as good as the food. The wine list spans Old and New World labels, with enough variety to please both seasoned oenophiles and casual sippers. Cocktails lean refined rather than flashy, designed to complement the menu instead of stealing the spotlight. If you’re unsure, the team is more than happy to steer you towards a pairing that works with your meal or your mood.
Time Out tip
Don’t just come for dinner. SKAI’s thematic afternoon tea experiences are worth pencilling into your calendar too – word on the street is that a beloved childhood character is set to take over very soon. Past editions have featured the likes of Paddington Bear and Peter Rabbit, and they were as charming as they sound.