Your guide to 36 of the best cafes in Singapore

By Rowena Jo August 8, 2024
Your guide to 36 of the best cafes in Singapore
Photos (clockwise from left): Phyllis Leong/HungryGoWhere, Abdul Rahim Anwar/HungryGoWhere, Suzukicoffee.com.sg, The Signature Patisserie/Instagram

Any self-respecting cafe goer would know that this city has no shortage of cafes. With so many popping up every month, there’s definitely something for everyone. 

Coffee enthusiasts, you’ll find yourselves spoilt for choice with robust cups of Joe, while brunch goers can indulge in aesthetic cafes serving inventive dishes in a plethora of different ways — eggs Benny move aside, cos cafes nowadays are offering more than just that. 

Using our foodie senses, we’ve rounded up a list of 36 spots we love — for brunch, a quick coffee, or even for a leisurely afternoon of people watching. Save this ‘cos this list will be all you need.

1. Acoustics Coffee Bar 

61 Neil Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (8.30am to 5.30pm)

2 Owen Road
Open: Monday to Thursday (8.30am to 5.30pm), Friday to Sunday (8.30am to 10pm)

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Phyllis Leong/HungryGoWhere

Why visit? Designed to give you the perfect audio experience, Acoustics Coffee Bar has incorporated acoustic panels on its walls to minimise echo and improve the overall sound system in its cafe. With this little touch, you can enjoy quality conversations, chill music or just give your senses a break from the bustling sound of the city. 

No cafe is complete without a top notch menu so trust that your sense of taste is in for a treat, too. The cafe serves an expansive all-day brunch menu along with mains that include meats, pastas, salads and more. 

Crowd favourites: If you go hungry, the Acoustics breakfast (S$24) is a big breakfast that serves sourdough, chipotle sausage, maple glazed bacon, mushrooms, scrambled egg and a salad. Balanced, hearty and absolutely satisfying. 

If you’re looking for a snack to share, the truffle tots (S$15) is an easy crowd pleaser. These addictive tater tots, tossed in premium truffle oil, salt, pepper and grated grana padano (cheese) are great for sharing, but we won’t blame you if you want a serving all to yourself.

2. Alice Boulangerie

Icon Village, 01-05, 12 Gopeng Street
Open: Monday to Saturday (8am to 9.30pm) Sunday (8am to 6pm)

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Alice Boulangerie

Why visit? With so many cafes in Singapore, Alice Boulangerie makes the list just based on its croissants alone. Founded by a mother-daughter duo with a penchant for all things sweet and baked, this Tanjong Pagar cafe is where you’ll find delicate French pastries carefully curated to the local palate. 

If pastries are your jam (pun intended), stop by for big, fresh, flaky pastries made with a touch of innovation and generous dollop of French butter. From flat croissants (yes, flat!) to its famous gula Melaka cinnamon roll, we’re sure you’ll find a pastry that’ll hit the spot. Alice Boulangerie also serves up a mean brunch menu with classic brunch staples and a little bit more. 

Crowd favourites: Some mornings you just want a sinfully delightful sugary pastry and for that, the gula melaka cinnamon roll (S$8) is an easy choice. But if you’re team savoury, we loved the bacon truffle potato pain suisse (S$8) while avocado toast lovers rated the burrata pesto avocado toast (S$22) as their number one choice.

3. Ami Patisserie 

27 Scotts Road
Open: Tuesday to Friday (11.30am to 6pm), Saturday and Sunday (11am to 6pm)

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Ami Patisserie

Why visit? Ami Patisserie is where the food of the west meets the ingredients of the east. Beautiful European-style pastries are delicately crafted with Japanese influences to create the perfect tea time experience. The best part? You get to enjoy all of it within a rustic, Kyoto-style teahouse. 

Choose from an array of sweet and savoury treats, crafted by head patissier Makoto Arami, and wash it down with your choice of premium coffee, tea or the iced Valrhona chocolate. 

Crowd favourites: For anyone who loves a good burrata, the burrata cheese and parma ham croissant (S$14) is a good choice while those who are team sweet over savoury can pick up the  almond pain perdu (S$18.50).

Read about our visit to Ami Patisserie.

4. Arc En Ciel Patisserie

37A Neil Road, Second Floor
Open: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday (1pm to 5.30pm), Friday to Saturday (12.30pm to 6.30pm)

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Abdul Rahim Anwar/HungryGoWhere

Why visit? Arc En Ciel (pronounced as “ar-kon-see-ell”) is a Paris-inspired dessert parlour, born from the love of eating delicate sweet treats in the park on warm Parisian days. The interior of the space is reflective of just that with its lush plants and pebble stone floors. 

During the day, the menu offers mousse cakes and tea mocktails while the night concept serves plated desserts and tea cocktails (alcoholic). 

Crowd favourites: During the day, get the Elijah (S$11.50), a lovely tangy white chocolate lime mousse, inspired by the nostalgic flavours of the quintessential Singaporean childhood classic, the Solero ice-cream. 

Come sunset, try the Antoine (S$15) which is a lovely blend of white wine infused pears, caramel, almonds and sweetened with honey. 

Learn more about Lin Jiawen, the owner of Arc En Ciel.

5. Atlas Coffeehouse 

6 Duke’s Road 
Open: Tuesday to Sunday (8am to 7pm)

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Atlas Coffeehouse/Instagram

Why visit? Atlas Coffeehouse sees a regular crowd made up of a mix of brunch goers, nearby residents and the local cycling community. It’s a weekend hotspot well-loved for its large hearty brunch menu and quality brews. Despite its relatively fancy setting, it is one of the more affordable cafes in Singapore with mains ranging from S$16 to S$25. 

With so many things going for it, it’s not uncommon to have to queue for about 10 to 15 minutes for a spot here, especially on the weekends. 

Crowd favourites: Slow mornings are best with the Gentleman’s Relish (S$16.80), with soft scrambled eggs, vine tomatoes, tomato chutney, compound butter, honey mascarpone, and sourdough. You’ll also notice that everyone’s getting the wurst rosti (S$23), a potato rosti with bacon fennel pan sauce, cheese frank, sunny side up eggs and tomato chutney — you should, too!

6. Cafe Found 

Ngee Ann City, B1-16 to 24, 391 Orchard Road 
Open: Monday to Sunday (10.30am to 8pm)

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: @knifingthrufood/Instagram

Why visit? If minimalistic chic is your aesthetic, Cafe Found is one of the best cafes in Singapore for you. It’s nestled within the Editor’s Market, the fashion centre of Orchard and makes for the perfect spot to rest your tired feet while sipping on an iced coffee. 

We especially love the cafe for its half and half toast, where customers can have one piece of toast, cut into two, topped with two two different toppings — the classic scrambled eggs and cheese, and the honey mascarpone and Japanese strawberries are our top choices. 

Crowd favourites: Get two flavours on one slice with the half and half toast (S$16), then finish it off with its unique gelato croffles (S$18) or the delectable lavender basque cheesecake (S$7.50) — whichever dessert you choose, you can’t go wrong!

Here’s our list of more cafes in Takashimaya to explore.

7. Cafe Gui

Royal Square Novena, 02-10, 103 Irrawaddy Road
Open: Tuesday to Saturday (9am to 6pm)

278 South Bridge Road
Open: Monday to Tuesday (10.30am to 6.30pm), Thursday to Saturday (10.30am to 9.30pm), Sunday (10.30am to 4.30pm)

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Phyllis Leong/HungryGoWhere

Why visit? Cafe Gui brings Korean-Japanese cuisine into a space dominated by western fare, making it stand out in the cafe scene. 

Even though it has two outlets, they’re both strikingly different. The one in Novena has an all-white chic concept that is modern and minimalistic while the outlet in South Bridge has a more rustic vibe with dark wood features and traditional Korean decor — pick your outlet depending on your cafe-hopping vibe of the day. 

Crowd favourites: The dosirak rice box (S$15.90), at its South Bridge outlet, is Cafe Gui’s bestseller. It consists of premium luncheon meat, a sunny egg, kimchi with pork, and seaweed rice. For the uninitiated: A dosirak is a container of rice, meat and veggies that is shaken to mix then enjoyed as all the components have been evenly mixed. 

For a touch of sweetness, the Japanese Hojicha pudding (S$7.90) made with an in-house Hojicha syrup is a definite bestseller.

8. Cloud 

1a Duxton Hill, 01-01
Open: Tuesday – Sunday (10am to 6pm)

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Cloud/Instagram

Why visit? Designed for coffee aficionados with a penchant for that raw, unfinished aesthetic, Cloud serves up feel-good coffee and pastries in an industrial-like setting. For anyone who is easily overstimulated by the city, Cloud is a great space of respite. 

In the mornings, you can find patrons sipping a cup of joe or grabbing one to-go. Get your very own Cloud experience when you swing by to people watch and clear your head, with caffeine in one hand and a sea salt chocolate cookie in the other. 

Crowd favourites: There’s minimal thinking here with its straightforward menu so get a cup of coffee (from S$3), any of Cloud’s cookies (from S$2) and a slice of banana cake (S$5) — you’ll be in for a lovely treat.

9. Columbus Coffee Co 

220 Upper Thomson Road 
Open: Tuesday to Saturday (9am to 10pm), Sunday (9am to 7pm)

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Columbus Coffee Co/Instagram

Why visit? There are many cafes along the Upper Thomson stretch, but Columbus Coffee Co stands out with its calm, earthy tones with bright lighting — we easily can see why it’s a popular spot for families and co-working groups. While it serves up a delightful brunch menu (9am to 3pm), diners can also enjoy hearty mains that include burgers, pastas, and donburi during this time and after brunch hours. 

It’s also worth mentioning that coffee is serious business here, so pair your meal with your coffee of choice. Choose from a nice variety of coffee styles or opt for the drip coffee with a selection of beans ranging in caffeine strength and flavour profiles. 

Crowd favourites: When rice is life, opt for mentaiko salmon donburi (S$20.50) for a nice balanced meal of japanese rice served with aburi mentaiko salmon, crispy egg, ikura, chives and nori. 

If quintessential cafe fare is your jam, the hotcakes & passionfruit (S$15) is an easy choice for a stack of diner-style pancakes served with passionfruit curd, blueberries and a drizzle of maple syrup. 

10. Common Man Coffee Roasters

Multiple stores available islandwide. 
Open: Operating hours vary across stores

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Common Man Coffee Roasters

Why visit? Common Man Coffee Roasters roast, sell and serve high-quality grade Arabica coffee, ensuring every cup is brewed to perfection. Having mastered the art of coffee, its beans are sold wholesale and the brand is easily recognised across Singapore and Malaysia. When it comes to the menu, the perfection you see in coffee continues to their food. 

During the day, you will find a stunning brunch menu and once the sun sets, the kitchen switches gears to offer a casually elegant affair along with a wine list that’s not to be missed. 

Crowd favourites: For breakfast, the ox cheek eggs benedict (S$28) is a nice twist to a classic brunch staple. Beautifully poached eggs with a hollandaise sauce, topped with tender braised ox cheeks, this dish is perfect for a luxurious slow morning. 

From the night menu, the duck & foie gras pie (S$38) is lovely for sharing. It features a medley of flavours that come so beautifully together as it combines duck, foie gras, black truffle, burnt apple puree, orange miso sauce and finished with an arugula and fennel salad.

11. Cowpresso Coffee Roasters 

Sun Court, Lorong Kilat, 01-07 
Open: Monday to Thursday (10am to 8pm), Friday and Saturday (8am to 10pm), Sunday (8am to 8pm)

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Cowpresso Coffee/Instagram

Why visit? For anyone who takes their coffee seriously, Cowpresso Coffee Roasters is where you’re meant to be. It doesn’t just serve up coffee but offers the full works with a retail corner selling machines, coffee beans, capsules, and everything you’d need to make your own cuppa. 

Along with a comprehensive selection of beverages, you’ll find freshly baked pastries, toasts and a small menu of bites and mains. It’s the perfect spot for a quick bite or to grab a coffee to go. 

Crowd favourites: Satisfy your morning caffeine fix with the nitro brew on tap (from S$10) or for the non-coffee drinkers, the Ghana cocoa chocolate (from S$6.20) is just as lovely. Pair your beverage with its soft and fluffy housemade brioche doughnuts (from S$4.90).

12. Crown Bakery & Cafe

Crown Centre,  557 Bukit Timah Road, 01-03
Open: Monday to Sunday (7.30am to 9pm)

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Crown Bakery/Instagram

Why visit? Founded on the belief that bread can be healthy and delicious sans the need of harmful additives, preservatives, and other nasties, Crown Bakery & Cafe is well-loved for its fresh, wholesome bread and delectable brunch dishes. The cafe is helmed by a Japanese master baker Katsuei Shiga who has brought over Japanese techniques and methods, guaranteed to give you satisfaction in every bite. 

On the menu you will find everything you could want from a cafe, from brunch staples, and mains to pastas, and insta-worthy desserts. While there, you’re also likely to see nearby residents swing by for a loaf of ciabatta, some bagels or even a box of beautiful pastries and warm cookies, it’s truly a neighbourhood gem! 

Crowd favourites: Dine like royalty with an order of the queen’s eggs Ben (S$17.45). Similar to eggs benedict, you will enjoy a lovely sourdough English muffin, poached eggs, shaved honey baked ham served with a luxuriously creamy hollandaise and a side salad. 

To sample a variety of baked goodness, the pastry & cookie box (S$22.90) offers four different cookies, two mini croissants and two mini pain au chocolat. We know the bakes can be uber tempting, but we think this makes for a lovely gift, too!

13. Delicatesse

102 Tanjong Pagar Road 
Open: Monday to Sunday (1pm to 10.30pm)

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Evan Mua/HungryGoWhere

Why visit? You know that feeling when your desserts are so pretty, that you must take pictures first and then very slowly cut into them? Delicatesse specialises in crafting delicate French desserts that give you that exact emotion as you look at its offerings. 

Located at Tanjong Pagar, this quaint spot serves up a small but good-looking selection of beautiful pastries, cakes and tarts — it’s the place to be for a unique yet indulgent sweet treat.

Crowd favourites: The strawberry Saint Honore (S$10) is an easy favourite that’s chewy, fresh and not overly sweet. In place of the usual puff pastry are strawberry macarons, a nice little touch that makes this a one-of-a-kind find in Singapore. 

The Asian-inspired dessert lovers will love the matcha Mont Blanc (S$10) a common French chestnut puree treat, with rich matcha in its place, complimenting the almond base perfectly.

14. Drips Bakery Cafe 

82 Tiong Poh Road, 01-05
Open: Monday to Friday (10am to 10pm), Saturday to Sunday (9am to 10pm)

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Drips Bakery Cafe/Instagram

Why visit? Drips Bakery Cafe at Holland Village serves up an all-day breakfast menu with all the usual breakfast suspects from avocado toast to even the very local nasi lemak. Aside from being a great breakfast spot, it is also known for its speciality in tarts and buttery pastries, made with 100% pure butter. 

It offers a nice variety of tarts with the fresh fruit tart being the most popular, especially when you’re looking for something sweet for those days when you’re just craving dessert. 

Crowd favourites: It was hard to pick a favourite but our top three, which are also major crowd pleasers, are the seasonal fresh fruit tart (S$15.30), fresh yuzu tart (S$12) and pistachio mascarpone (S$14.20).

15. Elijah Pies

803 King George’s Avenue, 02-216
Open: Monday to Friday (10am to 6pm), Saturday to Sunday (10am to 4pm)

7 Tanjong Pagar Plaza, 01-102
Open: Monday to Wednesday (10am to 6pm), Thursday to Sunday (10am to 10pm)

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Phyllis Leong/HungryGoWhere

Why visit? If quaint, feels-like-home type cafes are what you look for, Elijah Pies at Tanjong Pagar is your spot — this is the brand’s first dine-in space after operating as a takeaway-only kiosk for a while. It’s warm, quirky and so comfy that we think it’ll be hard to get up and leave after polishing a few slices of pie. There, you can find a selection of sweet and savoury pies, each made with familiar flavours that are combined and elevated to be uniquely exclusive. 

The innovation doesn’t stop at its pies, though. Elijah Pies also has a fun little drinks menu studded with choices such as strawberry matcha and a vanilla pistachio drink. 

Crowd favourites: The Nutella pie (S$7.50) is easily a crowd favourite for being just that, a Nutella pie — who doesn’t love Nutella, am I right? Sinfully indulgent, nostalgic and perfect for a rainy day. For something more elevated, the wild berry lavender pie (S$7.90) is light and refreshing, with fresh berries and hints of lavender swirled into a generous yogurt topping.

16. Flag White

106 Jalan Jurong Kechil 
Open: Monday (10am to 9pm), Wednesday to Friday (10am to 11.30pm), Saturday and Sunday (9am to 11pm)

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Flag White SG/Instagram

Why visit? Have you ever wanted to sit in a cafe in Singapore for dinner? If you’re craving eggs, mushrooms, bacon, and bread at 8pm, then you get eggs, mushrooms, bacon, and bread at 8pm! 

Flag White offers an all-day DIY brunch menu along with other savoury items including burgers, lasagna, and pork ribs too. Pair it with a coffee or bottled kombucha to complete your meal and you’re likely to leave satisfied. 

Crowd favourite: Keep it easy, classic, and tailored to your preferred taste with the mix & match brunch (starts with eggs at $2) or hit the fixed menu for the quinoa kale burger stack (S$15). You’ll get a crumbed quinoa kale patty with a sunny side up egg, capsicum, crispy onion shavings, cheddar and a delicious thai chilli aioli.

17. Flock Cafe 

78 Moh Guan Terrace, 01-25 
Open: Monday to Sunday (8am to 8.30pm)

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Chewwwie/Instagram

Why visit? If you love a good coffee, Flock Cafe is easily one of the best cafes in Singapore to grab some. It gets rave reviews for its coffee, wide breakfast menu, and its housemade burgers.

If you’re a brunch-goer, you’re likely to find a bit of a crowd on the weekends with a steady stream of patrons. To ensure you enjoy a space to get a bit of work done, come by on weekdays for good food and stable Wi-Fi. 

Crowd favourites: Come hungry and fill up on the housemade burger (S$18) made with a beef patty, crispy bacon, and all the trimmings. 

If burgers are not your vibe, the Club pancakes (S$17.80) is a savoury pancake complete with cheese, ham, sausage, eggs and a side salad, perfect for breakfast, lunch and brunch!

18. Good Egg by Bearded Bella

SBF Center, 01-01, 160 Robinson Road  
Open: Monday to Friday (7.30am to 5.30pm)

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Good Egg by Bearded Bella/Instagram

Why visit? When you’ve got a hankering for a Melbourne-style brunch, Good Egg by Bearded Bella should come to mind. Unpretentious, quirky and one of the many pretty cafes in Singapore, this small cafe serves up a mean French toast, good eggs, and legit coffee. All of its dishes come with a little unique touch, such as a rosti taco or even a doughnut burger.

If you run on caffeine, it does coffee really well and the cafe even has a coffee subscription you can sign up for, so you can enjoy your favourite brew at home! 

Crowd favourite: Start with a coffee of your choice, available from S$4.50 and tuck into a classic brunch. The sliced avocado toast (S$17) is the Melbourne staple but since it’s hot and humid, the Cooler than A/C (S$14) would probably be a wiser choice — it’s a vegan chia pudding with an acai berry base topped with banana, dark chocolate, granola, hazelnut sea salt butter, and fruity pebbles. 

19. Hey Slow Joe

1 Tessensohn Road, 01-10
Open: Monday to Friday (8am to 5pm) Saturday to Sunday (8am to 6pm)

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Abdul Rahim Anwar/HungryGoWhere

Why visit? Just as its name suggests, Hey Slow Joe is where you go to slow down with a cuppa joe. It’s easily one of the best cafes in Singapore simply because you’re reminded to take a break from the bustling city and slow down in a cosy little space. 

Pop-in for your caffeine fix and a sweet treat, either to unwind and dine-in or for a quick grab-and-go as you start your day. The space is small, though, so be prepared to squeeze or stand around. Either way, the friendly owners are sure to make you feel at ease, regardless. 

Crowd favourites: An easy favourite is the cuppa joe (S$8), an iced cappuccino made with cold foam, giving you that cool creamy finish. Pair it with one of its cakes or tarts and you’re good to go. 

For something sweet and nutty, the pecan tart (S$8) is served warm and goes perfectly with an iced coffee. 

Read about the three founders of this quiet cafe.

20. Japan Rail Cafe

Guoco Tower, 01-20, 5 Wallich Street
Open: Monday to Thursday (11am to 9pm), Friday to Saturday (11am to 9.30pm), Sunday (11am to 8pm)

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Japan Rail Cafe/Instagram

Why visit? If you want to fly off to Japan but your bank balance doesn’t allow for it, head to Japan Rail Cafe instead. It’s a unique cafe in Singapore that pays homage to Japanese food, culture and well, train stations! The interior is decked out in soft brown tones, replicating that calm and serene feel you’re likely to experience when in Japan. 

On the menu you will find a small variety of rice based dishes, refreshing drinks and Japanese sake, guaranteed to transport you away from the busy city of Singapore.

Crowd favourites: If matcha lattes are your love language, the Kyoto uji matcha latte (S$6) is a definite must-try. Pair it with the bestselling watashino curry rice (S$17) and you’re set for a rainy afternoon.

21. Knots Cafe & Living

Citilink Warehouse Complex, 01-08, 102E, Pasir Panjang Road
Open: Monday, Wednesday to Friday (10.30am to 9pm), Saturday to Sunday (9am to 9pm)

160 Paya Lebar Rd, #01-07
Open: Tuesday to Sunday (9am to 9pm)

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Knots Cafe & Living/InstagramBest cafes in Singapore

Why visit? Knots Cafe & Living is a unique cafe in Singapore that combines the love for food, flowers, and furniture. You can dine-in and shop for beautiful handpicked decor pieces and flowers, all under one roof. Step in and you will find yourself surrounded by lush living art pieces in the form of moss walls, flower bouquets and unique trinkets with the smell of freshly brewed coffee wafting in the air. 

Its wide menu ensures there’s something for everyone whether you’re in the mood for pizza, pastas or brunch. As a grazer, I personally loved that the bites menu was well curated to include things such as truffle fries, camembert cheese platters and a charcuterie board. 

Crowd favourites: Come hungry and tuck in when you order the Knots waffles brekkie (S$26.40). It requires a 15 minute waiting time so you know you’re getting fresh-off-the-grill buttermilk waffles with smoked beef sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs and some veggies. 

The drink menu is just as impressive with an artisanal tea (S$7.50) menu that offers 7 flavours to choose from.

22. Little Rogue Coffee

336 Tanjong Katong Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (8.30am to 6pm)

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Little Rogue Coffee/Instagram

Why visit? Little Rogue Coffee was given its moniker by the owners who were inspired by the cheekiness of their children. Keeping in theme, the cafe has a lovely homely feel with soft lighting, plants in every corner, and a kids play area. 

It doesn’t just pass the vibe check, the food is great, too — everything on the menu has a special twist on it, even the most ordinary croissant is served with kombu butter, making it extra special. 

Crowd favourites: Kick off the morning with the soft scrambled eggs with ikura (S$18) or go meaty with the galbi-jjim (S$20), or Korean braised beef. For this item, the beef is used as a sandwich filling, and it also comes with kimchi, cheddar cheese and a sunny egg on sourdough bread.

23. Monk’s Brew Club 

57 East Coast Road
Open: Monday and Tuesday (8am to 5pm) Wednesday to Sunday (8am 10.30pm)

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Monk's Brew Club/Instagram

Why visit? More than just a brunch spot, Monk’s Brew Cafe in Joo Chiat is one of the many cool cafes in Singapore, thanks to its multi-purpose event space and deliciously wide menu.

You can pop-by for brunch or dinner, to get some work done, or have a couple of cocktails at night. With so much to do, we can see why it’s such a hotspot throughout the day. 

Crowd favourites: Tuck into a full spread with the breakfast hot plate (S$24). It comes with all your must-haves: Chicken sausages, tomatoes, crispy bacon, potato tots and veggies, served with bread and your choice of eggs. 

For a tipple that packs a punch, try the Death By Morning (S$20), the in-house take on the classic espresso martini.

24. Nowafter Cafe

Design Orchard, 03-01, 50 Orchard Road, 
Open: Monday to Sunday (10am to 7pm)

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Gary Lim/HungryGoWhere

Why visit? Hailing from Gangnam, Korea, Nowafter Cafe is a little monochrome-themed spot on the roof of Design Orchard, right in the heart of Singapore’s shopping district. It’s a cute cafe in Singapore, where everything is black and white, including its food! 

With a small menu on display, patrons are known to come here to escape the heat, especially after a long day of shopping, or even settle down with a book while enjoying a cup of coffee or a sweet treat. 

Crowd favourites: On particularly warm days, the sourdough waffle gelato (S$15) is a bestseller. It features a charcoal infused sourdough waffle topped with a gelato of your choice, the more popular being the matcha gelato. 

As a thirst quencher, the uji matcha einspanner (S$9.50) comes highly recommended. Matcha connoisseurs would know that uji matcha is the best grade of matcha, giving you a smooth and earthy palate without that astringency you get from lower grade variants.

Here’s our in-depth take on Nowafter cafe.

25. Paaru

195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace, 01-61
 Open: Monday, Thursday and Friday (9am to 6pm), Saturday and Sunday (8am to 6pm)

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Cheong Shu Juan/HungryGoWhere

Why visit? Nestled in a former police barracks, Paaru is a little Japan-inspired hidden gem that makes for a quaint little escape from the chaos of the city. 

With an open kitchen concept, on-theme decor, and a lovely minimalist menu, it’s where you go with your BFF in tow to fix that casual Japanese craving. 

Crowd favourites: A Japanese cafe is only as good as its shokupan (milk bread) so the classic eggs on shokupan (S$13) is the best way to taste it — light, scrambled eggs are dredged over generously thick slices of fluffy bread that makes for a satisfying breakfast. 

The white coffee (S$6) comes highly recommended and best paired with one of its bread items to complete your morning. 

We visited Paaru and this is what we thought.

26. Plain Vanilla 

Multiple stores islandwide.
Open: Operating hours vary across stores

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Plain Vanilla/Instagram

Why visit? If a cupcake a day kept stressors away, Plain Vanilla would easily be the most famous cafe in Singapore. Founded in 2011 as a humble store making good old-fashioned cupcakes, it now has six stores across the country. More than just serving up artisanal cupcakes, it has expanded to include a lovely brunch menu. 

The red velvet has consistently been a bestseller but if you love chocolate, the dark chocolate ganache is topped with 70% bittersweet dark chocolate ganache and Valrhona cocoa nibs; both taste and texture!

Crowd favourites: With a handful of flavours to choose from, the red velvet, dark chocolate ganache and vanilla bean are highly recommended. It’s hard to stop at just one, so treat yourself and pick up a box of six cupcakes (S$27).

27. Prairie by Craftsmen

Multiple locations islandwide.
Open: Operating hours vary across stores

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Prairie by Craftsmen/Instagram

Why visit? Great for a hearty brunch, an artisanal lunch, or just to savour a beautifully luscious dessert, Prairie by Craftsmen was designed with the idea of bringing people together to create, hence the name “craftsmen”. 

Whether you create moments, memories, or pack on a few extra pounds, you’re likely to have a great time. Menu items differ across stores but you know what they say, brunch is always a good idea!

Crowd favourites: The big breakfast (S$22) is hearty and wholesome with eggs, pork sausage, baked bacon, baby potatoes and veggies served with sourdough. 

If you have a soft spot for smoked salmon, you will love the salmon rosti (S$22). On the plate you will find Norwegian smoked salmon, US potato, sunny side up, a lazy salsa, and sourcream with a side salad.

28. PS Cafe

Multiple stores islandwide.
Open: Operating hours vary across stores

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: PS Cafe

Why visit? With 10 locations in Singapore, PS Cafe must be doing something right! It’s not just a cafe, it takes things a step higher with a more opulent cafe space surrounded by lush greenery, designed with social gatherings in mind. 

The menu has slight variations from one outlet to the other, along with exclusive dishes for each outlet. Nevertheless, you’ll find cafe staples such as salads, sandwiches and bites to pizzas, pastas and hearty mains. 

Crowd favourites: A cafe isn’t complete with some sort of an egg-focused brunch item and the PS big breakfast (S$29) does not disappoint. It comes with two eggs (of your choice), smoked bacon, spinach, toast, baked beans, a sausage, veggies and our personal favourite, a honey truffle dressing. 

For peckish crowds, the crispy Typhoon calamari (S$22) is made with a delicious batter coating infused with pepper, garlic and fermented black bean paired with a lemon chilli dip. It’s great for sharing and likely to keep you wanting more.

29. Suzuki Cafe & Roastery

8 Chin Bee Avenue 
Open: Tuesday to Friday (10am to 5pm), Saturday and Sunday (10am to 4pm)

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Suzukicoffee.com.sg

Why visit? With so many Aussie-style cafes in Singapore, Suzuki Cafe & Roastery stands out in the crowd as a Japanese coffee connoisseur. Founded in the district of Kojimachi in 1944, this cafe didn’t just expand to Singapore, but also brought along its legacy of brewing techniques and flavour profiles that ensures perfection in every cup. 

Pair good coffee with an interior that’s inspired by a modern Kyoto teahouse and you know you’re in for a good morning. 

Crowd favourites: As coffee enthusiasts, we love the coffee flight (S$9) option, it serves the single origin coffee of the day in black and white. If you’ve got a liking for matcha, the dirty matcha (S$9) is a must-try. It’s made with Hokkaido fresh milk, giving you a rich mouth-feel and deeper milky flavour.

30. Swee Lee Cafe 

1 Vista Exchange Green, 01-10
Open: Monday to Sunday (10.30am to 7.30pm) 

Block 3B, River Valley Road, 01-06
Open: Monday to Sunday (10.30am to 7.30pm) 

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Swee Lee Music/Instagram

Why visit? More than just a cafe, Swee Lee Cafe is where food and music come together. There’s a listening station, artist lounge, event space,and a beautiful concept store with a selection of guitars and other music related equipment. 

The cafe itself is a space for music lovers to connect while sipping on a specialty coffee brew, a unique cocktail or enjoying a bite from the food menu consisting of classic breakfast staples, waffles and easy snacks. 

Crowd favourites: Good ol’ classics are great so try the grilled cheese (S$15) for a snack then give your taste buds a treat with a fun little drink. 

The kaya Cloud (S$8) is a pandan and jasmine green tea that’s infused in a cold brew and mixed with evaporated milk, kaya cloud and a kaya butter sprinkle. Hard to imagine, but lovely to experience.

31. The Coffee Code

37 Neil Road
Open: Monday to Thursday (11am to 10pm), Friday and Saturday (11am to 11pm), Sunday (10am to 10pm)

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Evan Mua/HungryGoWhere

Why visit? Easily one of the more aesthetic cafes in Singapore, The Coffee Code is sleek and trendy, serving vibes and unique gastronomic affairs. The brand was founded in east Malaysia and made its way to Singapore in late 2023.

Expect to find cafe staples such as waffles that’s fancied up with local flavours such as bak kwa, nian gao, or black rice. Cafe food is not complete without something to sip on so you can trust there’s a lovely coffee menu alongside a variety of non-caffeinated drinks including a refreshing soda series. 

Crowd favourites: The bak kwa waffles (S$18) is a must-try for a unique sweet and savoury treat. 

If you’re unsure, get it to share and fill up on the substantial Big Daddy breakfast (S$24) that’s famed for its deliciously silky scrambled eggs that’s served with sausages, turkey bacon, mushrooms and baked tomatoes.

We visited Coffee Code and this is what we thought.

32. The Signature Patisserie 

Sun Court, 21 Lorong Kilat, 01-01
Open: Tuesday to Friday (9am to 5pm), Saturday and Sunday (8am to 5pm)

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: The Signature Patisserie/Instagram

Why visit? At The Signature Patisserie, muffins are serious business. What started as a humble business selling muffins from classic yellow trays at events has now culminated in a brick-and-mortar store in Beauty World. 

While locals often come by for a midday pick-me-up muffin, the store also has a delightful selection of fusion mains with options ranging from tom yum pasta to har cheong gai waffles. 

Crowd favourites: Almost like fried chicken and waffles, the har cheong gai waffles (S$22) serves up prawn-paste chicken chunks with belachan aioli alongside waffles for an explosive fusion experience. 

If you’re popping by for a snack over a meal, the cherry chocolate chip muffin (S$3.20) and matcha cream cheese muffin (S$3.70) is known to be a hit.

33. Tiong Bahru Bakery

Multiple stores islandwide.
Open: Operating hours vary across stores

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Victoria Bok/HungryGoWhere

Why visit? Every Tiong Bahru Bakery outlet is strategically nestled in a neighbourhood, something we can all appreciate about a good cafe in Singapore. With pastries and drinks that cater to a diverse crowd, you’ll find anyone here, from friends catching up over coffee, to solo diners savouring a moment of peace and a pastry. 

Tiong Bahru Bakery is known for flaky, handmade croissants and pain au chocolats that hit the spot but don’t fill up on just the sweet treats — the menu offers a handful of savoury items, too. From the familiar taste of egg mayo and smoked salmon to the exquisite chicken rillette and mango-chilli sandwich, it’s likely you would be making a couple of trips to sample it all. 

Crowd favourites: You can’t go wrong with the staples and TBB, as it is affectionately termed, does it perfectly. Pick up the pain au chocolat (S$5.70), almond croissant (S$7.00) or for something more savoury, the brie and roasted mushroom croissant (S$15.30).

34. Vernacular Coffee

100 Guillemard Road, 01-02
Open: Monday to Sunday (8.30am to 5.30pm)

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Evan Mua/HungryGoWhere

Why visit? Vernacular Coffee has perfected its craft in three things: coffee, viennoiseries and vibes. It’s easily one of the best cafes in Singapore for a coffee and pastry, with its coffee choices focusing on quality picks from around the region, and its pastry selection carefully curated to match its selection of brews. 

The selection of pasties are split between sweet and savoury, with each category promising the same thing — unbridled flaky goodness. You’ll find all the usuals from fruit danish and croissants to more unique choices such as a danish with pulled pork, pickle & hot mustard. 

Crowd favourites: For those who like to play it safe, the blueberry & vanilla chantilly (S$8) is the perfect pairing of mild sweetness and light, airy cream. While those with a streak for adventure can give the medjool date & goat cheese (S$12) pastry a go. Pair it with a coffee (from S$5) and you’re good to go. 

We visited Vernacular Coffee and here’s our thoughts on the space.

35. Whiskit Bakery & Cafe

Helios, 01-08, 11 Biopolis Way
Open: Monday to Friday (8.30am to 5pm) and Saturday (11am to 5pm)

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Whisk It/Instagram

Why visit? Whiskit Bakery & Cafe is one of those places dedicated to the sweeter things in life — it’s a small bakery cafe that specialises in cakes, cupcakes, tarts, and sweet pastries. What sets Whiskit apart from its fellow sweet treats counterparts  is that it has a vegan pastries menu that offers fruit-based tarts and a chocolate hazelnut tart.

Crowd favourites: Celebrate special events with the full sized choco berry cake (S$58) made with chocolate biscuits with a layer of roasted hazelnut bits enveloped with a decadent dark chocolate mousse topped with fresh berries.

For a bite of all its best bits, the assorted mini tarts platter (S$50) get you 25 bits of goodness with a mix of 5 flavours including salted caramel, matcha raspberry, fresh fruit, ondeh-ondeh and the hazelnut speculoos. 

36. Wild Honey 

333A Orchard Road, 03 – 01
Open: Monday to Sunday (9am to 9.30pm)

Lyf Bugis, 01-00, 200 Middle Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (9am to 9.30pm)

Best cafes in Singapore
Photo: Wild Honey/Instagram

Why visit? Recognised as one of the best cafes in Singapore, Wild Honey has won several awards for serving up a mean brunch.. The cafe combines the owners’ love for travel and all things breakfast so you’re guaranteed a good time with a wide menu featuring global breakfast options. 

Taste flavours of the world from a Japanese-style okonomiyaki omelette and Spanish eggs, to Middle Eastern shakshuka and Norwegian smoked salmon with avocado. 

Crowd favourites: The Tunisian breakfast (S$25) is easily a favourite thanks to the lovely combination of spicy shakshuka, chorizo, eggs and signature brioche with a chopped salad on the side. We especially loved it because a vegetarian version is available, too. 

For a different style of eggs, the Turkish breakfast (S$24) of baked eggs with a garlicky yogurt hits the spot. as well!

For the latest on the food scene, read about a new hole-in-the-wall cafe in the east, Hideout Coffee Bar, or check out the new instant noodle cafe Midnight Noodle Club at Farrer Park.

Most of these cafes are on the GrabFood Delivery Service and offer free delivery (up to S$3 off) with GrabUnlimited. 

Do explore the GrabFood Dine Out service for awesome deals.   

Alternatively, book a ride to these best cafes in Singapore. 


Rowena Jo HGW Writer

Rowena Jo

Author

Rowena is always on the prowl for coconuts, coffee, and cocktails. She's perpetually dehydrated and often forgets that water is the source of life; water, not gin.

Read More
Scroll to top