Grand Copthorne Waterfront’s Festive Dining: A Full Day of Riverside Indulgence
Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore has just launched three new dining concepts that transform throughout the day—from globally-inspired lunch sets and elevated afternoon tea to Japanese izakaya evenings. Combined with their lavish Christmas and New Year’s Eve buffets, this riverside gem has become Singapore’s newest destination for both everyday indulgence and festive celebrations. I recently spent 24 hours experiencing a dining journey, and here’s why you should book your festive gathering here.
Why Grand Copthorne Waterfront Stands Out
What makes this dining experience special isn’t just the food—it’s the riverside setting and the seamless day-to-night progression. The Lobby Lounge transforms from a casual lunch spot to an elegant afternoon tea venue, then evolves into a vibrant izakaya by evening. For mature travellers seeking convenience, you can enjoy multiple dining experiences without changing locations, all while overlooking the Singapore River.
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My 24-Hour Dining Journey
Check-In Welcome at the Executive Club Lounge
After checking in, I was directed straight to the Executive Club Lounge on the 29th floor rather than the main reception. The floor-to-ceiling windows immediately caught my attention—the panoramic river views are stunning.
The staff served me a refreshing mocktail while I enjoyed the view. It’s a small touch, but starting your stay with a drink and a view makes a genuine difference. The lounge atmosphere set the tone for the entire stay—relaxed, attentive service without any rush.
Afternoon Tea with Pryce Tea (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
The Waterfront Orchid—a bespoke tea blend created exclusively for the hotel—sets the tone with floral, aromatic oolong notes. What makes this afternoon tea exceptional is the unlimited scone trolley featuring buttermilk classics and the signature Millennium Earl Grey Tea Infused Scone. The seasonal sweets include wagyu beef sliders and raspberry lychee delights.
At $68++ for two with sparkling tea or $108++ with champagne, it’s competitively priced for Singapore’s afternoon tea scene.
Pre-Dinner Cocktails at the Executive Club Lounge
Before heading to Sansara for dinner, I returned to the Executive Club Lounge for a proper cocktail. Evening cocktails are included for club guests, which is excellent value. I ordered a Singapore Sling—and she made it perfectly balanced, not too sweet.
Watching the sun set over the Singapore River with a cocktail in hand felt like the ideal way to transition from afternoon to evening.
Dinner at SanSara
I’ll be honest—I rolled out of SanSara rather than walked out. Every single dish was exceptional, and the staff’s knowledge made the experience even better. They explained each dish’s regional origins and cooking techniques without being overbearing, striking that perfect balance between informative and warm.
We started with Tali Hokkaido scallops that were seared beautifully, then moved to Mutter Darakash ki Tikiki (green pea patties) that had a delicate crispness. The Kutti Lal Mirchi Murgh Tikka delivered proper heat without overwhelming the chicken’s smokiness. But the star was Sansara’s Nasila Dungar Lal Maas—slow-cooked lamb that fell apart at the slightest touch, rich with Rajasthani spices.
For vegetables, the Sailana Shevand (dill preparation) and Sarson ka Saag paired with Makai di Roti were comfort food elevated to restaurant quality. The Bhuna Pyaz aur Kaju ka Pulao—caramelised onions and cashews studded through fragrant rice—deserved its own spotlight. They also served an olive and goat cheese dish that bridged Mediterranean and Indian flavours surprisingly well.
We finished with Gajar ka Halwa, the traditional carrot pudding that was warming and not overly sweet. Fair warning: pace yourself better than I did, or book this for a special occasion when you can afford to indulge completely.
Breakfast at the Executive Club Lounge (7:00 AM – 10:00 AM)
The Executive Club Lounge sits on the 29th floor with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning river and city views. You can opt for breakfast here rather than the buffet downstairs at Food Capital—it’s quieter, more intimate, and perfect if you’re not in the mood for buffet crowds.
The lounge benefits extend beyond breakfast—afternoon tea and evening cocktails are included when booking a suite making it worthwhile if you’re planning multiple meals at the hotel. The atmosphere is professional yet relaxed, ideal for getting work done between meals or simply enjoying the view with a coffee.
Lunch at The Lobby Lounge (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
The next day, I tried their Flavours by the River lunch sets. The Thai Tiffin with basil chicken and Tom Yam rice delivered authentic Bangkok street food flavours for just $15++. The Japanese Bento with chicken katsu and the signature Yong Tau Foo Set (available with clear soup or laksa broth) offer excellent value. Robertson Quay residents and office workers get 10% off—a thoughtful touch for regulars.
Beyond Dining: Hotel Facilities Worth Your Time
Between meals, the hotel offers proper wellness facilities. The swimming is perfect for morning laps before breakfast. There’s a well-equipped gym if you need to offset the festive indulgence, and Saturday morning yoga sessions add a mindful start to your weekend. The padel courts, run by an external operator, have become quite popular with the Robertson Quay crowd and hotel guests looking for something beyond typical hotel recreation.
Five Things to Do Around Robertson Quay
The hotel’s location makes it easy to explore beyond your dining schedule:
1. Morning Walk Along the Singapore River Canal Start your day with a peaceful walk along the canal path that runs right past the hotel. The flat, shaded path stretches in both directions—head towards towards Havelock Road for a quiet stretch of the walking path.
2. Great World Shopping Mall (10-minute walk) This recently renovated mall is far more interesting than typical shopping centres. Beyond the usual retail brands, speciality food shops, and a cinema. The basement food hall includes everything from Japanese ramen to Hainanese chicken rice. It’s air-conditioned, which matters in Singapore’s heat, and the rooftop garden offers unexpected greenery.
3. Riverside Walk to Clarke Quay The fifteen-minute stroll along the Singapore River takes you past public art installations and under the Alkaff Bridge’s colourful arches. Time it for late afternoon when the heat eases. It’s about 2 kilometres to walk the full Robertson Quay to Clarke Quay section.
4. Fort Canning Park This historic hilltop park offers shaded walking trails, colonial-era ruins, and the Battle Box museum. It’s a twenty-minute walk from the hotel and provides welcome greenery in the city centre.
5. Zion Riverside Food Centre (12-minute walk) This is where you’ll find some of Singapore’s most legendary hawker food. The char kway teow is so good that even the Prime Minister has been spotted queuing here—and yes, expect a long queue, especially during lunch hours. Beyond the char kway teow, the fried carrot cake and roast duck rice are equally deserving of the wait. Arrive before 11:30 AM or after 2 PM to avoid the worst of the lunch rush.
Festive Season Highlights
Christmas Day Buffet (25 December)
$108++ per adult, $54++ per child. Expect roasted turkey with gravy, gammon ham, beef striploin, fresh seafood on ice, and festive desserts from log cakes to Christmas pudding. MyMillennium members save 30%.
New Year’s Eve Buffets (31 December)
Lunch: $98++ per adult Dinner: $128++ per adult (featuring nitrogen raspberry meringue) Both include carving stations, miso-baked salmon, and truffle butter chicken roulade.
Festive Takeaway Sets
Can’t make it in? Order their Signature Lychee Raspberry Yule Log ($85+) or traditional Christmas Rich Fruit Cake with alcohol ($58+) for home celebrations.
Riverside Izakaya Nights (5:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
By evening, The Lobby Lounge transforms into a Japanese izakaya with skewers from $4.50++ and cocktails from $10++. The wagyu beef with shoyu and unagi teriyaki are standouts. Pair them with sake, umeshu martinis, or the playful Rojak Fizz cocktail. Robertson Quay locals get 10% off here too.
Practical Information
Location: Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore, Robertson Quay Reservations: +65 8168 1539 / +65 6233 1338 or [email protected] Getting There: A short walk from Clarke Quay MRT (NE5), or taxi to 392 Havelock Road
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book just afternoon tea without staying at the hotel? Absolutely. The Lobby Lounge welcomes walk-in guests and outside reservations for all dining concepts—lunch sets, afternoon tea, and izakaya nights.
Are the festive buffets suitable for dietary restrictions? Yes, the hotel accommodates vegetarian, halal, and allergy requirements with advance notice. Contact the dining team when booking.
Is there a dress code for the dining venues? Smart casual works perfectly for all dining venues. The riverside setting is relaxed yet refined—no need for formal attire even during festive dinners.
Ready to Experience Riverside Dining?
Grand Copthorne Waterfront has created something rare in Singapore—a dining destination that works for quick business lunches, leisurely afternoon teas, date-night izakaya sessions, and grand festive celebrations. The riverside location adds magic to every meal, especially as the sun sets over the Singapore River during izakaya hours. Add in proper wellness facilities and a neighbourhood worth exploring, and you’ve got more than just a meal—you’ve got a proper urban retreat.
Book your festive dining experience now—Christmas and New Year’s Eve slots fill quickly.
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