Budget
Deli Moroccan
Run by a Malay-Moroccan couple, this no-frills eatery serves up the best couscous and tagines in Singapore at ridiculously low prices — the most expensive dish on the menu is $6.50. Show up early, since service is slow and they tend to run out of the good stuff, and avoid on rainy days since there's very little indoor seating.
Golden Mile Claypot Rice
A humongous claypot bowl packed with rice, chicken and thick dark sauce will cost you just $5, but prepare to wait while they make it. You may want to opt out of the super-salty dried fish if you're not previously familiar with the stuff though.
Sajis Indian Food
Known for its Indian rojak, deep-fried goodies served with an amazing peanut dip. Halal.
Zam Zam
One of Singapore's best-known restaurants for all sorts of Muslim-Malay food. Celebrating their 100th year operation in 2008. Try their legendary murtabak, a type of stuffed pancake eaten with curry, although the nasi briyani spiced rice is also pretty good.
There is a large hawker centre at the intersection of Albert and Waterloo Sts, and plenty of others scattered through the area.
Midrange
Next Door Cafe
A european style cafe perfect for pizzas, sandwiches and salads. Also offers a wide range of alcoholic & soft drinks. Books, magazines and boardgames also available. Perfect place to chill out for lunch, dinner & any time in between! Place does not exist anymore; not sure if the place has been renamed.
Ajisen
A Japanese chain offering reasonably authentic Japanese ramen noodles — definitely worth trying if all you've had before are the instant kind.
Sofra Turkish Café & Restaurant
Somewhat localized but cheap and tasty Turkish treats.
Sufi Turkish Restaurant
Authentic Turkish cuisine in the heart of Arab Street, Sufi serves up some of the best kebabs in town. Get away from the crowd and ask to sit in the back garden area! Shisha is also available at $12.
Le Pont de Vie
This relaxing retro styled shop house serves Mediterranean cuisine, with an unusual twist and good wines at reasonable prices.
Diandin Leluk
Authentic greasy spoon Thai food by Thais for Thais, so steer clear if you can't handle the spicy stuff. The phad thai here is probably both the cheapest and the best in town.
Bugis has a wide selection of restaurants catering to every taste. A highlight is the area near Arab Street, which specializes in halal Muslim food with quite a few Middle Eastern eateries too, most of which offer shisha water pipes as well. Golden Mile Complex, on Beach Rd, is favored by the local Thai population and consequently serves the cheapest and most authentic Thai food in town.
Olive Tree
Serving Mediterranean cuisine, it has seafood and brunch buffets. Nice ambience but prices are a little high.