As any expat parent in Singapore knows, finding a quality Sunday brunch that satisfies both adults craving sophisticated fare and children needing entertainment – all without requiring a second mortgage – feels like searching for a unicorn. Well, I'm delighted to report that Sky22 at the Marriott Novena has cracked the code.
Perched 22 floors above the bustling city, this intimate venue offers sweeping views across Singapore's skyline that alone make the journey worthwhile. But it's the thoughtfully curated brunch experience that keeps families returning week after week.
Let's address the elephant in the room – price. At $68++ per adult with 50% off the second adult and just $34++ for children, Sky22's Sunday brunch represents exceptional value in Singapore's notoriously expensive dining landscape. For a family of four, you're looking at roughly $170++ total – a fraction of what comparable hotel brunches demand.
The seafood selection immediately catches your eye, featuring an impressive array of fresh offerings including snow crab, freshly shucked oysters, poached yabbies, scallops, mud crab, and prawns. The quality rivals establishments charging double the price, with everything clearly fresh and beautifully presented.
The sushi station complements the seafood beautifully, while comprehensive salad bars and an artisanal cheese and charcuterie selection cater to diverse tastes.
What sets Sky22 apart is how seamlessly local Singaporean flavours integrate with international brunch staples. The hot live stations showcase this perfectly – imagine delicate shrimp kueh pie tee alongside snow crab popiah and miso halibut mini claypot rice. The live noodle station serves up Sky22's signature laksa lemak that had my Malaysian friends nodding approvingly.
Don't miss the "cook to order" options. The Surf n Turf featuring slow-roasted Australian ribeye beef with tiger prawns proved popular with our children (yes, really!), while the Hong Kong-style steamed cod fillet with superior soy sauce and ginger crisp impressed even this jaded food critic.
Local influences continue through the hot dishes – chilli crab that doesn't compromise on spice, black pepper prawns with proper wok hei and tender roasted pork belly that disappears quickly.
Here's where Sky22 truly shines for families. While many hotels claim to be "family-friendly," Sky22 delivers with both a magician and balloon artist who genuinely engage children throughout the meal. Watching tables of little ones completely enthralled while parents actually enjoyed uninterrupted conversation felt a welcome relief. Even my usually-too-cool older children (ages 10 and 12) found themselves drawn in.
Sky22's Sunday family brunch strikes that elusive balance between quality, value and genuine family appeal. The intimate setting prevents the chaos often associated with hotel brunches, while the carefully curated menu satisfies sophisticated palates without alienating younger diners.
For expat families seeking a regular Sunday tradition that won't drain the children's education fund, Sky22 deserves serious consideration. Book ahead – word is spreading quickly about this hidden gem floating above Novena.
a. 99 Irrawaddy Rd, Level 22, Singapore 329568
e. fnb.courtyardsg@marriott.com
fb. www.facebook.com/sky22restaurant
Did You Know?
Sky22 recently introduced a refreshed à la carte menu that celebrates both local heritage and international flavours, offering everything from comforting Singaporean classics to globally inspired creations. Guests can now enjoy dishes crafted with a balance of authenticity and innovation, making Sky22 a dining destination for more than just brunch. Read more about Sky22’s latest offerings on Expat Choice here
