Looking for a place to dine that’s far from the madding crowd yet near enough to town? Don’t bypass these exciting options at The Grandstand.

Old-timers may remember visiting the former Singapore Turf Club in Bukit Timah to watch horses racing and place a bet or two. These days, the buildings and grounds have been revamped to accommodate a lifestyle hub housing a plethora of shops, restaurants, as well as service and entertainment outlets.

The hub has been nostalgically named to reflect its past — the two buildings that form the hub were the grandstands facing the race course of the turf club. Offering a respite from the bustle of the city, the premises also houses a mall for pre-loved cars.

While not readily accessible without a car, the drive leading to The Grandstand ­— through a winding road and past open fields — is scenic. Best of all for motorists, parking needs are well taken care of, with a generously spaced car park that can hold 3,800 vehicles!

Ristorante Da Valentino

Started in 2005 by Chef Valentino, Ristorante Da Valentino was located at Rifle Range Road before moving to its current site at The Grandstand. Considered one of the finest Italian restaurants on the island by gastronomes, this family owned-and-managed establishment has expanded from being a 45-seater to a 134-seater with numerous seating options for differently sized groups: three private rooms, two semi-private rooms, and five alcoves. In addition, diners can choose to eat al fresco. There is also a well-stocked bar for pre-dinner aperitifs and post-dinner digestifs. Despite being much larger, the restaurant has, thankfully, retained its relaxed vibe.On the menu, classic Italian dishes — enhanced by Chef Valentino’s creative touches — predominate. His penchant for perfection can be seen in the importing of small quantities of seasonal ingredients from Italy that are used on the day of arrival, so diners are able to savour their freshness.

200 Turf Club Road
#01-19 The Grandstand
Singapore 287994
Tel: 6462 0555

Opening hours:
Lunch:
Mon–Fri: 12pm–2.30pm (last order: 2.15pm)
Sat–Sun: 12pm–3pm (last order: 2.30pm)

Dinner:
Mon–Sun: 6pm–10.30pm (last order: 10.30pm)

Website: 
http://www.ristorante-da-valentino.com/

Ah Yat Seafood Restaurant

Offering more than 100 types of bounty from the ocean, this restaurant is a seafood lover’s dream come true. Not only do diners get to pick live catch from the tanks, they can also state the cooking styles they prefer. Those not keen on seafood are well catered for: the restaurant also offers a selection of Hong Kong-style dishes, including more than 28 varieties of dim sum.The capaciousness of this dining outlet makes it an ideal choice for large groups and family gatherings. VIP rooms complete with KTV facilities are also available for diners who wish to let loose their inner Madonna.

200 Turf Club Road
#03-01/02 The Grandstand
Singapore 287994
Tel: 6883 2112

Opening hours:
Lunch:
Daily: 11.30am–2.30pm

Dinner:
Daily: 5.30pm–10.30pm

Website:
http://ahyatrestaurant.com.sg/

Casa Roma Ristorante Pizzeria

Established in 1996 as Ristorante Roma, the restaurant was renamed Casa Roma to better reflect its cosy, homey ambience. Despite the casual vibe, food standards here are high, with many of the ingredients imported directly from Italy to maintain freshness and authenticity.

No celebration is complete without wine, and Casa Roma delivers with a comprehensive list featuring vino from different regions of Italy, particularly spotlighting those from Piemonte.

200 Turf Club Road
#01-08 The Grandstand
Singapore 287994
Tel: 6464 8509

Opening hours:
Lunch:
Tue–Sat: 11.30am–3pm
Sun & PH: 11.30am–3pm

Dinner:
Tue–Sat: 6pm–10.30pm
Sun & PH: 5pm–10pm

Closed on Mon, unless it falls on a PH
Last order: 30 minutes before closing

Website:
http://casaroma.com.sg/

Dancing Crab

Modelling itself after seafood establishments from Louisiana, USA, Dancing Crab exudes a chilled-out vibe — just the kind of place to hang out with friends and family on a laidback weekend.

The menu is a combination of American and Singapore-styled seafood dishes. Backed by the Tung Lok Group, Dancing Crab sources its shellfish from the same vendors used by the group’s top-drawer seafood restaurants. As such, you can expect mouth-watering items such as Boston lobster and Dungeness crab. Another crowd-pleaser is the finger-licking chilli crab bread bowl accompanied by country bread.The generously portioned combos and appetisers — e.g. the baller and live Dungeness crab, the crab nachos and popcorn shrimp po’ boy, etc — practically scream “Share me!”, so go in a large group to spread the bounty.

200 Turf Club Road
#01-20/21 The Grandstand
Singapore 287994
Tel: 6466 3303

Opening hours: 
Lunch: Daily: 11.30am–3pm (last order: 2.30pm)
Dinner: Daily: 5.30pm–10pm (last order: 9.30pm)

Website:
http://www.dancingcrab.com.sg/