Marina Square stands as one of Singapore’s premier dining destinations, conveniently located near City Hall, Esplanade, and Promenade MRT stations. With 18 diverse eateries spanning Japanese, Korean, Western, and local cuisines, this shopping mall offers something for every palate and budget. This comprehensive review explores the standout features, signature dishes, and value propositions of Marina Square’s culinary landscape.
Japanese Dining Excellence
Tenkaichi Japanese BBQ: Panoramic Views Meet All-You-Can-Eat
Tenkaichi Japanese BBQ delivers exceptional value with buffet options starting at $21.90++ for weekday lunch. The restaurant’s Standard Buffet includes free-flow meats for shabu shabu and barbecue, alongside Japanese side dishes. However, the Deluxe Buffet at $49.90++ truly shines, offering Wagyu shabu shabu and an extensive sashimi selection. The panoramic Marina Bay views add a premium touch to the dining experience, making it ideal for special occasions or leisurely weekend meals.
Best for: Groups, special celebrations, seafood lovers
Price range: $21.90++ to $49.90++ per person
Kanada-ya: Award-Winning Ramen with a Twist
This Fukuoka-born ramen chain gained international acclaim through its London outlets before establishing a Singapore presence. Kanada-ya’s signature lies in its slow-cooked tonkotsu broth—thick, creamy, and remarkably rich. The Truffle Ramen ($22.90++) stands out as a bestseller, featuring truffle-marinated pork belly and truffle oil-infused broth. For those seeking intensity without the luxury price tag, the Black Garlic Ramen ($16.90++) delivers fragrant, umami-packed satisfaction.
Best for: Ramen enthusiasts, date nights
Must-try: Truffle Ramen, Black Garlic Ramen
Suki-Ya: Customizable Hotpot Experience
Suki-Ya offers one-hour all-you-can-eat sukiyaki and shabu shabu buffets from $22.90++ for weekday lunch. The customization options are impressive—diners select from various Japanese-style broths, including classic sukiyaki and Tonyu miso, then choose from quality meats like beef cube rolls and short plate. The free-flow vegetables and DIY dipping sauce station add interactive fun to the meal. Note the $3++ weekend surcharge.
Best for: Hotpot lovers, cold weather dining
Price range: $22.90++ to $30.90++ per person
Sukiya Gyudon: Japan’s #1 Gyudon Chain
Sukiya has revolutionized affordable Japanese dining in Singapore with their signature gyudon bowls starting at just $4.90 for a small serving. The Triple Cheese Gyudon ($6.50) and Beef Yakiniku Bowl ($6.90) offer excellent value for money. With chicken and unagi options available, the restaurant accommodates various dietary preferences while maintaining consistently quick service and quality ingredients.
Best for: Quick meals, budget dining, solo diners
Must-try: Classic Gyudon, Triple Cheese Gyudon
Keitaku Mazesoba: Elevating Dry Ramen
Keitaku Mazesoba reimagines traditional mazesoba with bold, creative combinations. The Cheese & Curry Sauce with Charsiew Mazesoba ($17.90++) exemplifies their innovative approach—tossing springy ramen noodles in mildly spicy curry with melted cheese creates an addictive fusion that challenges conventional Japanese flavors.
Best for: Adventurous eaters, fusion cuisine fans
Price range: $15++ to $20++
Sushi-GO: Volume and Variety Champion
With over 150 menu items, including outlet-exclusive dishes, Sushi-GO delivers impressive variety at accessible prices. Most items fall under $10, with sushi starting at just $2.50. Beyond standard nigiri and maki rolls, the menu extends to donburi and petite chirashi bowls topped with fresh seafood, making it suitable for both quick bites and full meals.
Best for: Sushi variety seekers, budget-conscious diners
Price range: $2.50 to $15
Korean Flavors
BHC Chicken: Korea’s Fried Chicken King
BHC Chicken’s Marina Square flagship remains popular despite expanding islandwide. The iconic Bburinkle Chicken ($28.90++) features crispy fried chicken coated in savory seasoning powder, served with creamy dip. The menu extends beyond chicken to include authentic Korean mains like Pork Kimchi Stew ($16.90++) and Kimchi Fried Rice ($9.90++), creating a well-rounded Korean dining experience.
Best for: Sharing meals, Korean food enthusiasts
Must-try: Bburinkle Chicken
Rolling Rice: Homestyle Korean Comfort
This Korean native-run restaurant specializes in gimbap, offering 10 different varieties from $6.90+. The homely atmosphere and authentic flavors set it apart from chain operations. With most Korean mains priced under $15+, Rolling Rice provides accessible entry to Korean cuisine beyond the usual fried chicken and bibimbap.
Best for: Korean food newcomers, light meals
Price range: $6.90+ to $15+
Western & Fusion Dining
Astons Steak & Salad: Value Western Dining
Astons maintains its reputation for affordable Western food with over 60 dishes, including premium sirloin steaks at $29.90 with two sides. The weekday lunch promotions (11:30am-2:30pm) offer exceptional value, combining a main dish with salad buffet access, free-flow soft drinks, and ice cream—perfect for budget-conscious office workers and families.
Best for: Families, lunch deals, steak lovers
Price range: $15 to $35
Orange & Teal: Local Cafe with Political Roots
Run by politician Chee Soon Juan, this cozy cafe offers classic cafe fare with a local touch. The Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken ($17.80++) and substantial Wagyu burger featuring a 200g patty ($21.80++) provide good value. The relaxed atmosphere suits both social gatherings and solo visits, with most mains priced under $30.
Best for: Casual dining, cafe atmosphere
Must-try: Wagyu burger, Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken
Chinese Cuisine
PUTIEN: Fujian Home-Style Tradition
Nearly two decades of experience shine through PUTIEN’s authentic Fujian dishes. The signature tiffany blue walls and wooden furnishings create an inviting family-friendly environment. The Fujian Red Mushroom Seafood Lor Mee ($18.80++) and precisely-timed 100-Second Stewed Yellow Croaker ($16++ per person) demonstrate the restaurant’s commitment to traditional cooking techniques that yield remarkably delicate flavors.
Best for: Family meals, authentic Chinese cuisine
Must-try: 100-Second Stewed Yellow Croaker
Hong Kong Zhai Dim Sum Restaurant: Affordable Cha Chaan Teng
This established frozen dim sum supplier’s dine-in concept brings affordable Hong Kong flavors with nett pricing. Dim sum items mostly fall under $5, including classics like Polo Bun ($2.80) and thick French Toast ($3.80). The HK Wanton Noodles ($7.50) with juicy shrimp dumplings represents solid value for authentic cha chaan teng fare.
Best for: Dim sum lovers, budget dining
Price range: $2.80 to $10
Halal-Certified Options
Beyond Pancakes: Halal Pancake Paradise
This halal-certified cafe centers on pancakes but offers much more. Diners choose between fluffy American flapjacks, thin Dutch pannekoek, or regular buttermilk pancakes in both sweet and savory variations. The menu extends to pastas and galettes, ensuring options for those seeking alternatives to pancake-based meals.
Best for: Brunch, Muslim diners, pancake enthusiasts
Specialty: Varied pancake styles
Kenny Rogers Roasters: Southern Comfort, Halal-Certified
Kenny Rogers delivers affordable Southern-style rotisserie chicken with quarter-chicken meals at $14.90++ including two sides and a house-made muffin. Recent menu additions like OMG Fried Chicken ($15.90++) prepared with less oil and nasi lemak options from $9.90++ demonstrate the brand’s adaptation to local tastes while maintaining halal certification.
Best for: Families, comfort food, Muslim diners
Price range: $9.90++ to $15.90++
Nasty Bakehouse: Halal Pastries & Desserts
Founded by the Nasty Cookie team, this halal-certified bakehouse serves signature chunky cookies alongside unique viennoiseries, tarts, and cakes. The Durian Crescent ($6.80) packed with creamy durian puree and the Kaya Toast pastry ($5.40) with pandan kaya showcase creative local-inspired flavors that appeal to adventurous dessert lovers.
Best for: Dessert, takeaway treats, Muslim diners
Must-try: Durian Crescent, Kaya Toast
Specialty Dining
Haidilao Hot Pot: 24-Hour Hotpot Haven
Haidilao’s Marina Square outlet operates until 6am, making it ideal for late-night cravings. The restaurant offers iconic spicy mala soup, tangy tomato broth, and an impressive ingredient selection spanning meats, premium seafood, offal, and house-made pastes. The extended hours and consistent quality make it a reliable supper destination.
Best for: Late-night dining, hotpot enthusiasts
Notable: Open until 6am
Coco Veggie Nyonya Cuisine: Plant-Based Peranakan
This unique restaurant veganizes beloved Nyonya dishes without compromising flavor. The Baked Nyonya Veggie Fish ($21.90++) with tangy sambal and Nyonya Lemongrass Veggie Chicken ($15.90++) in fragrant rempah demonstrate that plant-based dining can deliver bold, authentic Peranakan flavors.
Best for: Vegetarians, vegans, health-conscious diners
Price range: $15.90++ to $21.90++
Dessert Destinations
Oh My Cow: Local Ice Cream Innovation
This ice cream cafe specializes in locally-inspired flavors. Single scoops at $4.90 offer access to nearly 20 flavors, including the standout Soya Bean & Dough Fritters ice cream that authentically recreates tau huey flavor. The Love Letter Waffle Set ($16) combines two scoops with waffles reminiscent of Chinese New Year love letter biscuits.
Best for: Dessert, unique flavors
Must-try: Soya Bean & Dough Fritters ice cream, Love Letter Waffle
Final Verdict
Marina Square excels as a dining destination through its remarkable diversity and accessibility. The mall successfully balances budget-friendly options like Sukiya’s $4.90 gyudon with premium experiences such as Tenkaichi’s Wagyu buffets. The strong representation of halal-certified establishments (Beyond Pancakes, Kenny Rogers, Nasty Bakehouse) makes it particularly inclusive for Muslim diners.
Japanese cuisine dominates the selection, offering everything from affordable chain restaurants to specialty ramen houses. Korean, Western, and Chinese options provide variety, while specialty vegetarian and late-night venues fill important niches. The concentration of dessert-focused establishments adds appeal for those seeking sweet endings to their meals.
Strengths:
- Wide price range accommodating all budgets
- Strong halal options
- Excellent Japanese dining variety
- Convenient MRT accessibility
- Late-night dining available
- Panoramic views at select restaurants
Considerations:
- Limited traditional Singaporean hawker fare
- Some restaurants require reservations during peak hours
- Weekend surcharges common at buffet establishments
Marina Square remains a reliable, comprehensive dining destination that successfully caters to diverse tastes, dietary requirements, and budgets while maintaining convenient access through multiple MRT connections.