[Review] Quality Meets Convenience at Centro, Shaw Lido’s Multi-Concept Dining Space That Stays Open Till Midnight

It is not easy to find a reasonably priced meal in the heart of Orchard Road that extends late into the night, but the newly opened Centro at Shaw Theatres Lido is here to fill this gap. Created in consultation with veteran restaurateurs Stephanie Hancock and Guy Wachs from the acclaimed Wild Honey, this multi-concept dining destination combines modern Australian ease with approachable global flavours.

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Operating as a lively social hub tailored for connection and comfort, the venue houses an Espresso & Matcha Bar, a Grab & Go counter, a Cocktail Bar, and a seated Dining Room. The dining room itself offers an inviting 50-seat experience framed by floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bustling Orchard Road, complemented by modern furnishings.

Notably, the restaurant stays open until midnight daily, providing a much needed sanctuary for late night diners. This comes especially convenience if you are feeling hungry just before a midnight movie at Shaw Lido.

All prices at Centro are presented with no GST, offering great value for guests seeking quality food and drinks in the city centre. Furthermore, it is incredibly hard to find a venue in this area where no single item on the menu exceeds S$30. As an added bonus, moviegoers purchasing the S$40 premiere tickets receive a S$15 food and beverage credit to utilise at any of the F&B offerings at Centro, seamlessly integrating the culinary and cinematic experiences.

The menu is essentially a thoughtfully curated collection of elevated cafe food, designed to offer comfort and satisfaction without overwhelming the palate. We were told that all the ingredients they use are sourced from trusted suppliers such as Hubert’s Butchery.

For drinks, the beverage programme features specialty coffees from Toby’s Estate, ceremonial grade matcha from The Matcha Project, signature cocktails inspired by cinema, and an extensive range of non alcoholic drinks and mocktails.

We began our tasting session with the Miso-Labneh Onion Dip (S$14), a delightful vegetarian starter. Served alongside crispy Spanish potato crisps, the dip provides a creamy and savoury profile that awakens the appetite. It is so good we use it to dip our fries too.

Following this, we sampled the Italian Style Meatballs (S$14). Bathed in a rich, slow-cooked tomato sauce and topped with parmesan, these meatballs are comforting, straightforward, and hearty.

Moving on to the mains, the Ambassador’s Salad (S$20) is a vegetarian option that caters to health conscious diners and vegans. It features a wholesome mix of roasted cauliflower, baby spinach, pearl couscous, quinoa, and creamy goat cheese. Tossed with almonds, za’atar, and a lemon tahini dressing, the salad offers a soothing textural crunch and a bright, zesty finish.

For something more indulgent, the Fish & Chips (S$22) presents beer battered barramundi accompanied by a lemon myrtle tartare sauce. The batter is adequately crisp and golden, though the execution remains firmly within the realm of standard cafe expectations. Great comfort food.

The Classic Steak Frites (S$30) sits at the very ceiling of their price point, featuring 200g of Australian grass fed sirloin served with house french fries and a zesty chimichurri sauce. While the steak is cooked to a reasonable standard, it is the overall accessibility and competitive pricing of the dish that makes it highly appealing for a casual dinner in town.

Dessert brings a playful and thematic nod to the surrounding cinema environment.

The Popcorn Sundae (S$16) is the undisputed signature sweet treat, combining decadent salted caramel popcorn ice cream with popcorn brittle, rocky road, and a rich salted caramel sauce. It is undeniably indulgent and serves as a perfect companion for a movie night out.

Alternatively, the Lemon Posset Pudding (S$12) provides a lighter and more refreshing conclusion to the meal. Garnished with fresh blueberries and a crunchy pistachio brittle, the sharp citrus notes lingers through, leaving a clean palate.

Overall, Centro delivers exactly what it sets out to deliver. The food is wholly acceptable, presenting familiar and elevated cafe dishes that hit the mark for an uncomplicated, casual outing. These are complemented with a great ambiance, highly attentive service, and the unbeatable location. Whether you are grabbing a quick bite before a screening or settling in for a late night supper after the credits roll, Centro offers a warm, welcoming space that the Orchard Road precinct has long needed.

Centro Dining

Address:
Shaw Theatres Lido, 350 Orchard Road
5th, 6th level, Shaw House, Singapore 238868

Operation Hours

Restaurant
Open daily 12 noon to 12.00am

Espresso & Matcha Bar
Open daily 9.30am to 10.00pm

Grab & Go
Open daily 9.30am to 10pm (On weekends and PH – 30 minutes after the last show)

Cocktail Bar
Open daily 9.30am to 11.30pm

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