For this view of NDP fireworks, some pay... $2,000

Diners are spending plenty of cash for spots at restaurants overlooking this year's National Day Parade (NDP), including its fireworks.

It is the final parade which will be held at The Float at Marina Bay.

At restaurant and lounge Ku De Ta, guests have to spend a minimum of $2,000++ for a minimum of four guests for a spot at a "premium table".

A spot on Sky on 57's outdoor terrace would set you back $988++ for five guests. This includes canapes and champagne.

The premium tables and terrace offer the best views of the fireworks from these restaurants, located at the top of Marina Bay Sands.

Despite the hefty prices, take-up rates are high, said seven restaurants The New Paper checked with.

For most, the reservation books are almost full.

Guests like Mr Alan Kendall reckon the ambience and view are well worth the money.

The regular, who has been celebrating National Day at Ku De Ta with his wife Hilda and friends for the past three years, said: "We usually get the National Day menu with wine and drinks. It's definitely worth the cost.

"We are bringing more friends this year. The view is unbeatable and you get to see the jets fly and the fireworks.

"They give out flags and gifts to get you into the spirit. The energy at the restaurant is fantastic."

But others think that a great view does not have to come with an expensive price tag.

Said 26-year-old product manager Peter Loh: "I think paying hundreds and thousands for a meal is difficult to justify."

BIG SUM

Entrepreneur Royston Koh, 29, added: "$2,000 is really quite a sum to pay to watch the NDP.

"I didn't get tickets for the parade this year.

"But I would rather enjoy the festivities from the comfort of my own home and in the company of my loved ones."

A spokesman for Spanish eatery Catalunya, located at Collyer Quay, said the restaurant is happy to have hosted diners the past two years. They have enjoyed the fireworks display in its "backyard".

"Guests can also come back in December and be wowed by the fireworks over our New Year's Eve countdown party held every year at the Marina Bay floating platform," she said.

---

We usually get the National Day menu with wine and drinks. It's definitely worth the cost. We are bringing more friends this year.

- Mr Alan Kendall, who has celebrated the day at Ku De Ta

---

CATCH THE VIEW

Zafferano

Where: Ocean Financial Centre, Level 43, 10 Collyer Quay

Call: 6509-1488

Prices: Five-course National Day Menu at $128++ (outdoor seating) and $108++ (indoor seating).

Sky on 57

Where: 1 Bayfront Avenue Marina Bay Sands SkyPark

Call: 6688-8857

Prices: West Terrace package at $988++ for five people.

1-Altitude

Where: 1 Raffles Place

Call: 6438-0410

Prices: For a table with a view of Marina Bay, the minimum spending is $200 per person. There is also a cover charge of $49 (inclusive of two drinks).

Ku De Ta

Where: 1 Bayfront Avenue Marina Bay Sands SkyPark

Call: 6688-7688

Prices: Premium tables with the best view cost a minimum spend of $2,000++ and a minimum of four people.

Kinki Restaurant + Bar

Where: 70 Collyer Quay

Call: 6533-3471

Prices: The Rooftop drinks package is priced at $549++ for 8 people with a table reservation, including two bottles of Moet & Chandon champagne, a bottle of Belvedere vodka or Glenmorangie Original whisky.

The Pelican Seafood Bar & Grill

Where: 1 Fullerton Road

Call: 6438-0400

Prices: The Pelican Deck drinks package is priced at $549++ for 8 people with a table reservation, including 2 bottles of Veuve Clicquot Brut champagne, a bottle of Belvedere vodka or Glenmorangie Original whisky.

Catalunya

Where: 82 Collyer Quay

Call: 6534-0188

Prices: Minimum spending of $160 per person.