MICE Dining at its best

Over the years, HRM has explored some of Singapore's best dining options for staff parties and incentive meals. With such variety, it's impossible to declare just one as the best. But this guide shows there is a perfect venue for every situation

Organising a staff event at a restaurant requires a great deal of consideration. There are a number of factors involved: will the menu be healthy? What will the ambience be like? How much will it cost? And how accommodating is the restaurant to corporate parties and meetings?

Different groups have different priorities. Depending on the size of your party, the dining preferences of your staff and your budget, the choice of restaurant varies. HRM has therefore considered two years worth of restaurant reviews to suggest the best choices for your many needs.

Best variety
Where can you pile a plate with sushi, tandoori chicken, vegetarian lasagna and roast beef all at once? Carousel at Royal Plaza on Scotts is the answer. The restaurant's name is based on the concept that diners rotate from station to station, in search of the meal they're truly craving. This is a good choice for larger staff functions, representing different dietary needs and preferences.
If buffet-style dining is too informal for your tastes, our next recommendation is Coffee Lounge. The options are limited to Singaporean cuisine but everybody knows there's no end to the choices in local food. The meals are served in four, five and six-course sets and menus are rotated weekly.

Most festive
A relaxing dining experience is nice but if it's party time, you don't want to have to whisper. HRM finds Esmirada as the best place to celebrate anything - be it a welcome party for new staff or a reward for your highest achieving team. The Mediterranean restaurant is known for hosting traditional Zorba celebrations - a well-known Greek fiesta of dancing, music and, believe it or not, plate-smashing.

Healthiest
It's never easy to find a balanced but delicious meal. If you don't want to choose between the two, consider visiting Wood Restaurant. The concept here is simple: all of the food is cooked on wood. This means less oil, less fat and a cooking method which retains the food's nutrients and rich natural flavors.
A close runner-up is Tatsuya. Its fresh fish is top of the line and well-cooked with natural ingredients. Customers are assured a meal which is satisfying without being guilt-inducing.

Best value for money
Cutting your budget doesn't mean doing away with good cuisine as well. You can have both at Jade of India. The extensive menu of Indian food comes with reasonable price tags so staff will feel pampered, but the business won't be shortchanged.
Any other option? You can still be thrifty at Rakuzen. Tantalising fusion dishes alongside traditional Japanese menu items provide variety without breaking the bank.

Most flexible arrangements
In Singapore, there is no shortage of restaurants with appealing menus and ambience, but the requirements change when you consider hosting a corporate gathering. Reasonable costs and diverse menus are of little use if the restaurant can't accommodate your event needs.
HRM picked Hai Tien Lo for its flexibility. The entire venue can accommodate 170 people, with five private rooms ranging in capacity from 12 to 100 people. Rooms can also be customised according to your requirements.
Shang Palace comes in second for having ample space for your various corporate events. Six private dining rooms can host company lunches or more formal corporate entertainment.

Where to go, who to call?