IMAGINE someone sipping from a coconut shell as they sit in a restaurant overlooking the sea, with a breeze wafting in and the cry of seagulls in the distance.

You would think that they are at a tropical resort in Bali, wouldn't you? Well, think again.

Visitors to newly opened Villa Seafood Galleria restaurant here, at the top of Labrador Nature Reserve overlooking the seafront, are enjoying this very scene.

The only difference is that rather than Indonesian cuisine, they are tucking into fusion Chinese creations. So the coconut contains seafood soup boiled in its kernel.

The restaurant is one of several upmarket harbour and sea front eateries making waves on the Singapore dining scene.

Beachfront Italian restaurant il Lido on Sentosa helped kickstart the trend when it opened in February last year.

It has proven to be a hit. Spokesman Lynne Yeow says the 100 seats in its outdoor area are always fully booked in the evenings.

Though Singapore is an island, restaurants here have been slow to take advantage of the surrounding scenery.

Operations manager Cecilia Low of Chinese restaurant Bosses at harbourfront megamall VivoCity explains: "Though a sea view is nice, from a business point of view, the number of people visiting the area is important, too."

But the tide is fast turning. At least four restaurants by the sea have opened since October last year: Villa Seafood Galleria, Barnacles Restaurant and Bar at Sentosa's Siloso Beach, Pier Eleven in Marina South (main picture) and The Palms in the Changi Beach Club.

Recently opened VivoCity itself boasts a slew of restaurants with harbourfront views. Enjoy a hearty dimsum breakfast at Bosses as giant ships hove into view or chat over dinner at Go India with the background sound of lapping waves. Restaurants tell LifeStyle sea views are definitely a drawcard for customers.

Barnacles communications manager Christina Tan says: "The view's especially good for dinner as you can see the sunset and you're very near the sea.

"You can even see the sea from inside the restaurant and it gives a relaxed feel which helps people enjoy their meal."

The 68 seats in Barnacles' outdoor area overlooking the South China Sea are in "very high demand", she adds.

Over at Villa Seafood Galleria, customers "love it" there because of the great sea view and natural greenery, says Mr James Eow, event executive of tourism and leisure company Singapore Explorer. It opened both Villa and Pier Eleven early this year. The latter has an alfresco area that seats 60.

Villa can seat up to 30 people outdoors, but customers can enjoy a sea view from inside the glass-enclosed restaurant.

Mr Eow says his company chose the unusual locations because it wanted to bring the ambience of little-known natural enclaves to its customers.

Senior executive manager Dave Purba of Go India says VivoCity's waterfront location was one of its considerations when deciding to bid for the tender.

However, for others like Chinese restaurant Malan Yi Pin Feng Wei, which opened in the Esplanade Mall: Colours by the Bay in February this year, the sea was not as important.

The tourist crowd was the No. 1 factor, says restaurant manager Alex Gan, who adds: "It's a good location, but our customers do not usually comment on the sea view."

Despite the attractiveness of waterfront dining, it has not always been smooth sailing. Gusty winds can cause havoc for outside diners, while Mr Purba says noise from the horns of passing ships can be annoying.