MELT CAFÉ

Mandarin Oriental Singapore, Level4, 5 Raffles Avenue, Marina Square, S(039797) TEL: 6885 3500 mandarinoriental.com/singapore

The dining room is cavernous and the buffet spread extensive at Melt, yet some clever interior design makes the dining room feel more intimate than it really is—and we mean that in a good way. The tables are well-spaced apart and floor-to-ceiling windows offer a lovely view of the greenery outside. Attentive service staff clear plates and offer new cutlery almost as soon as guests set down their forks and knives, or take a pause from eating. And pause you must, for the smorgasboard, which includes everything from European and Asian delights to cold seafood, fresh oysters and Singaporean delicacies, is sweeping. Save room for the exquisite sweets, fruit and Nonya kueh on offer at the impressive dessert station, which the restaurant dubs its “pastry theatre”.