Once housing the wealthy man’s offices, warehouses and jetties, this laidback space along the Singapore River is unpretentiously elegant and quaint. If you are looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of Clarke Quay and Boat Quay, Robertson Quay is the place to come to for a quiet coffee and cake affair in the day, and to enjoy a pleasant dinner at one of the many commendable restaurants by night.

An eclectic mix of international restaurants that offers alfresco dining, this refined space is further jazzed up by arts houses, charming hotel cafes, exquisite wine bars, specialty bakeries and ritzy condominiums.

• The art of eating

  Most of these establishments only come alive at night, so do make your appointment at the many restaurants and cafes only after 6pm . Take your pick from the many reputable restaurants that are along the banks of the Singapore River like the fine-dining Australian restaurant the Rivercafe (41 Robertson Quay), homely Mamma Lucia Restaurant ( 11 Unity Street #01 - 07 Robertson Walk) that serves up heartwarming pasta and pizza affairs and many others that host their own unique dining experiences. Look forward to savouring other unusual cuisines like the Persian Banoo Restaurant ( 7 Mohammed Sultan Road ) and French and Vietnamese Fusion affairs from Le Tonkin Restaurant and Lounge ( 18 Mohammed Sultan Road ).

• Little Japan ?

  Coined to be the new Japanese Dining Hub of Singapore, Robertson Quay boasts of more than 8 Japanese restaurants in the area. Modestly quaint with a large Japanese clientele patronizing these establishments, these restaurants exude authenticity that is also irresistibly alluring to both locals and expatriates alike. Furnished to carefully preserved the styles of a restaurant from Japan , each of these restaurants are born out of love for the Japanese culture and cuisine. From the Sumiyaki Charcoal Grill of the Aburiya Restaurant (60 Robertson Quay #01-03 The Quayside) to the myriad of simple Japanese dishes offered in Z’en Japanese Cuisine (205 River Valley Road #01-75 UE Square), the range that is available for choice is extensive.

• Have your cake and eat it too

  Those looking for the perfect spot to chill out over a cuppa and satisfy the craving for that desired chocolate fudge cake; just make your way down to this idyllic stretch. The celebrated bakery and cafe, The Patissier (4 Mohammed Sultan Road #01-01) and Le Amis’s Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolatier (11 Unity Street, Robertson Walk #01-09) that everyone is familiar with exists alongside other newer establishments like the French owned The Chocolate Factory (80 Mohammed Sultan Road #01-11 The Pier on Robertson Quay) and Dimbúlah Coffee (60 Robertson Quay) that serves up quality Australian coffee and simple tea cakes. Those who fancy something more Asian can head to Bon Goût (60 Robertson Quay #01-01 The Quayside), which is a Japanese café with a dining with books concept. An ideal spot for a lazy afternoon, fanatics of Japanese books, magazines and anime will find themselves engrossed with this little paradise that is warm and vibrant.