Your Neighbourhood Guide: The best cafes, coffee houses and brunch spots in Singapore for your next stopover

Siglap & Katong

Craftsmen Specialty Coffee
These quaint coffee connoisseurs in Siglap, huddled within a charming store filled with whimsical details like Danish pottery and nutcracker dolls, serve a seriously potent cuppa Joe. And once you’re done getting googly-eyed at the décor, order anything from hazelnut and butterscotch lattes, to espresso and cortado – they’ll have it. Oh, and did we mention they’ve got white truffle buttermilk waffles? Sold.
Craftsmen Specialty Coffee, #01-01 Siglap V, 2 First Street, Singapore 458278, p. 9658 0769. Open Sun-Thu 8am-9pm, Fri-Sat 8am-10.30pm.

Dutch Colony Coffee Co.
This coffee house serves a mean cup of coffee and divine brunch selections. Together with a great ambience and interior design [look, glass ceiling roofs!], this is the go-to spot for a date with a good book.
Dutch Colony Coffee Co., 113 Frankel Ave, Singapore 458230, p. 6448 5852.

Wheeler’s Yard
This industrial-warehouse café with amazing interiors and ambience is a favourite among cyclists. We can spend the entire day here with a book in hand and a steaming hot cuppa latte. It’s pet-friendly too!
Wheeler’s Yard, 28 Lorong Ampas, Singapore 328781, p. 6254 9128. 

Monniker
Two things makes Monniker unique: its decor style inspired by a “Victorian steampunk airship” as well as an experiential kitchen and dining concept that sees a special themed menu each weekend. Some of the weekend menu concepts are Mumbai Spice and Kitchen Science. Follow them on Facebook for regular updates.
Monniker, 387 Balestier Road, Singapore 329795.

Bedok

Percolate
Percolate is an unpretentious joint for coffee connoisseurs. The café, which recently expanded, stocks a decent range of coffee beans from all over the world including Workshop Coffee Co. London. Go there for brunch and have their buttery croissant filled with either egg mayo, curry chicken or smoked salmon.
Percolate, 136 Bedok North Avenue 3, Singapore 460136, p. 8259 0316.

FatCat Ice Cream Bar
Deconstructed strawberry cheesecake, mojito cocktail spheres and chocolate jardin; these are a few of FatCat’s fancy menu offerings. This chi-chi café even hosts degustation sessions. Upmarket bites in the ‘burbs – why not?
FatCat Ice Cream Bar, #01-25, Block 416 Bedok North Avenue 2, Singapore 460416, p. 6241 0830. 

RouteSixtySix
If you’re in the East [specifically, around the Bedok area] and need some house-brewed coffee, red velvet waffles and honey lavender ice-cream to perk you up, give RouteSixtySix a go. Named after the well-known US highway, this industrial-inspired café offers coffees ranging from $3.50 to $5.50, and waffles starting from $5.90 with flavours such as buttermilk, charcoal and red velvet.
RouteSixtySix, #01-122, 412 Bedok North Ave 2, Singapore 460412, p. 9752 0054.

D’zerts Café
Sweet tooths will love D’zerts Café. The spacious cafe serves a wide array of pastries as well as gelatos, and they also do a satisfying cuppa java. We recommend ordering their Deliciously Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake and Mango Passion.
D’zerts Café, 30 Jalan Pari Burong, Singapore 488696, p. 6448 6707. 

Craftsmen Specialty Coffee
Whether you’re looking for a classic latte or more delicate brews like V-60, Chemex, Siphon, or a cold brew, they’ve got it all. Budding baristas can get their shopping done here; the cafe stocks a decent range of coffee brewing equipment and accessories, along with beans from one of our favourite local roasters – Dutch Colony Coffee Co.
Craftsmen Specialty Coffee, #01-06 Eastwood Centre, 20 Eastwood Road, Singapore 486442, p. 9658 0769.

Badoque
It may be small, but this quaint, Muslim-owned shoebox café nestled behind Simpang Bedok serves generous portions of Mediterranean dishes like salmon spaghetti, Beef Bongo and pan-fried salmon with mashed potatoes. Their 5cm thick, succulent beef ribs slathered in creamy brown sauce are totally worth getting your hands dirty for.
Badoque, 298 Bedok Road, Singapore 469454, p. 6446 6928.

Buona Vista

Jimmy Monkey Cafe & Bar
These guys were one of the first to set up shop in the area. The Australian-style hangout is mostly known for its brunch items such as French toast and eggs benedict, but many coffee aficionados make the journey to try blends made with their legendary Slayer espresso machine – a rather elusive piece of equipment in the industry.
Jimmy Monkey Cafe & Bar, #01-51 One-North Residences, 9 One-North Gateway, Singapore 138643, p. 6777 8470.

Long Black Cafe
There’s a little bit of everything here at Long Black Cafe. Their lunch specials are ever changing, and with stuff like a pork tonkatsu sandwich, tandoori lamb chop and quesadillas, there’s a good mix of cuisine types to try. Drink-wise, their coffee blends hail from Brazil, India, Ethiopia and Guatemala, If you prefer your liquids spiked, there’s a small range of cocktails to throw back. You should know, though, they’re only open on weekdays.
Long Black Cafe, #01-02 Centros, 20 Biopolis Way, Singapore 138668, p. 6478 9945.

Nosh
Nosh is one of our favourite hideouts in the west. Head to its cosy cafe of The Noshery on the first floor for an affordable brunch in a leafy space, or head to Greenhouse for a sumptuous meal – dishes include Pan Roasted Barramundi and Braised Beef Short Ribs –  under the stars.  Nosh also has a bar stocked with a great selection of wine, premium spirits and curated cocktails – so cheers!
Nosh, 9 Rochester Park, Singapore 139220 

Paddy Hills
An Aussie-inspired café by day and tapas bar by night, Paddy Hills boasts a hidden location away from the bustle of city crowds. Be sure to order up the best-selling berry ricotta hotcakes served with maple syrup, and coffee hand-brewed with Tiong Hoe specialty coffee beans.
Paddy Hills, 38 South Buona Vista Road, Singapore 118164, p. 6479 0800.

Curbside Cafe & Wine Bar
The small, tightly curated menu is great for the indecisive. It currently has three caffeine options, and they’re all made using beans from Yahava Koffeeworks. Eggs and toast, cod fish and chips, mac and cheese, truffle fries, red velvet cheesecake brownie [a must-try] are some of the items to choose from.
Curbside Cafe & Wine Bar, #01-21 Nucleos, 21 Biopolis Road, Singapore 138567, p. 8181 1805.

Bodacious Bar & Bistro
Big, bold, and bodacious best describes this under-the-radar cafe’s grub – think wagyu beef stew topped with mash, steak and fries and duck confit. Major plus points for the floor-to-ceiling windows and breezy atmosphere despite the industrial decor style.
Bodacious Bar & Bistro, 70 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138547, p. 6778 9585.

The Lawn Salad & Grill Cafe
Don’t want to miss out on the cafe-hopping fun, but watching your diet closely? Have your cake and eat it too at The Lawn: a health-conscious salad stop where you can customise your green bowl with an array of toppings and grilled meats. We’re not talking plain steak cubes and grilled chicken, by the way – chow down on items like maple-infused chicken breast and chargrilled prawns.
The Lawn Salad & Grill Cafe, #01-07 Nanos, 31 Biopolis Way, Singapore 138669, p. 6478 9739.

Revolution Coffee
At Revolution, you can be sure your coffees will be solid ones, as founder Ajie uses Sydney’s famed Single Origin Roasters’ Reservoir Blend here. For the grub, he has brought in Shen Tan [formerly from Ujong and Wok & Barrel] to help conceptualise a delishly tempting menu. Try the pancakes with gula melaka butterscotch or the bacon pasta littered with cured fatty pork for a tempting treat.
Revolution Coffee, #01-03A Infinite Studios, 21 Media Circle, Singapore 138562, p. 6777 2110.

Clementi

The Tiny Roaster
Built on an intense passion for coffee, The Tiny Roaster is both a coffee roasting studio and handcrafted brew java bar. While they take real pride in their craft and only stock quality green coffees sourced from across the world, these guys are no java snobs. Come down for a cupping session and see for yourselves.
The Tiny Roaster, 106 Clementi Street 12, #01-62, Singapore 120106.

Buttercake n Cream
Planning to pair your coffee with a proper meal and dessert? Buttercake n Cream serves Western and Italian dishes like beef burgers and seafood aglio olio as well as homemade desserts, alongside freshly roasted premium coffee that’s bound to tantalise your taste buds. Plus, with its flora-surrounded décor, you’ll feel like you’re back in Bali!
Buttercake n Cream, #01-52, Blk 106, Clementi St 12, Singapore 120106, p. 6777 3477.

Everton Park

Marble Bistro
Say hello to Everton Park’s newest tenant. Like its name suggests, Marble Bistro is a casual 28-seater eatery where you’ll find plenty of marble touches around the space. Don’t expect your average café here: helmed by a team of Culinary Institute of America-trained chefs [in partnership with Singapore Institute of Technology], Marble Bistro’s menu is inventive: think devilled eggs served in a bell jar, a mushroom macchiato, and fish & chips featuring aburi eel.
Marble Bistro, 6 Everton Park, #01-18, Singapore 080006, p. 9795 7262.

Just Want Coffee
Like its name suggests, this joint is the perfect no frills hideaway for a caffeine fix. Look beyond the simple interior or menu – coffee connoisseurs will be pleased with the vast selection of premium coffee beans from all over the world and different brewing methods.
Just Want Coffee, #01-27, Blk 1 Everton Park, Singapore 081001, p. 6225 8115. Open Mon-Fri 830am-6pm; Sat & Sun 10am-6pm.

Holland Village

Sunday Folks
This café has it all: gorgeous décor and Insta-worthy desserts. The menu here is constantly changing, with creations like the artfully plated Spring Medley and the Japanese winter-inspired KYOTO that features matcha white chocolate, Madagascan vanilla ice cream and a selection of handmade sweets.
Sunday Folks, #01-52 Chip Bee Gardens, 44 Jalan Merah Saga, Singapore 278116.

The Monocle Café
Niche lifestyle and magazine brand Monocle has set up a café, office and retail store in sunny Singapore. Yay! Housed in a two-storey shophouse apartment, the café screams hipster, but in a good way.
The Monocle Cafe, 74 Jalan Kelabu Asap, Singapore 278267, p. 6475 1816.

Hatched
However you like your eggs, the folks at Hatched will give a comprehensive egg-ducation with their egg-centric menu of brunch classics like eggs Benedict, dippy eggs & soldiers, and a customisable full breakfast menu. In the mood for something unusual? Try the sleepover hatched special – grilled bananas and streaky bacon sandwiched between a thick French brioche toast, drizzled with maple syrup.
Hatched, 267 Holland Avenue, Singapore 278989. p. 6463 0012.

Breko Café
Throw a stone anywhere in Singapore, and chances are it’ll crack the windows of a café serving all-day brunch. Holland Village is no exception, so if it’s a brunchy bite you’re craving, head down to Breko’s and tuck into a variety of waffles or their classic brekkie in a pan. Want something less brunchy? Not a problem; Breko also offers a broad selection of mains like burgers, steak and pan-fried salmon.
Breko Café, 38 Lorong Mambong, Singapore 277694. p. 6468 4424. 

Hougang

Hatter Street Bakehouse & Café
Walking distance from Kovan MRT, this whimsical bakehouse and café doesn’t serve any savoury grub. Instead, you’ll find a wide array of fluffy waffles and delectable cakes. The real selling point for us is the fun and friendly staff who never fail to make everyone feel welcome.
Hatter Street Bakehouse & Café, #01-333, 212 Hougang Street 21, Singapore 530212, p. 6988 4591. Open daily 1-10pm.

Lola’s Café
Along a quiet row of nondescript shophouses near Kovan MRT sits this cosy eatery that’s big on brunch and beer [music to our ears]. For a neighbourhood spot, their selection of craft beers, categorised into light, hoppy, roasted and sweet, is pretty amazing – cult labels like Brewdog and Magic Hat are on the menu. Go for the Full Monty Breakfast, which includes scrambled eggs, toast, bacon, ham, and a huge sausage, if you’re there for brunch.
Lola’s Café, 5 Simon Road, Singapore 545893, p. 6284 0349. 

Flavour Flings
Sick of the usual brunch fare? Then swing by Flavour Flings; the humble café whips up a delicious serving of eggs casserole – de Marie’s Baked Eggs – that’s served with warm slices of baguette.
Flavour Flings, #01-1348, 121 Hougang Avenue 1, Singapore 530121, p. 6286 0051.

Seletar

Wildseed Café & Bar
Together with The Summerhouse, Wildseed is a café nestled within the hot, new dining enclave of Seletar Aerospace Park. Thanks to its original colonial architecture and tranquil gardens, the space oozes with old-world charm – total Instagram fodder! Expect a menu of hearty brunch bites, sandwiches, cakes, pastries, and freshly roasted coffee. It gets better: Wildseed transforms into a bar at night and even has an in-house florist, Poppy Flora Studio.
Wildseed Café, 3 Park Lane, Singapore 798387, p. 6262 1063. Open Tue-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat-Sun 9am-7pm.

Wheeler’s Estate
Consisting of a restaurant, café, bar, and events space, Wheeler’s Estate is every café-hopping, latté-sipping, brunch-loving foodie’s dream come true: it is set on two acres of lush greenery in a cluster of beautifully restored colonial bungalows at Seletar Aerospace Park – need we say more? Menu-wise, Wheeler’s Estate serves up brunch staples like avocado on sourdough toast, and heartier mains such as Tomahawk steak and a suckling pig feast
Wheeler’s Estate, 2 Park Lane, Seletar Aerospace Park, Singapore 798386, p. 6262 0001.

Mountbatten

Brawn & Brains
Hidden behind Singapore Badminton Hall is this cosy little coffee house, Brawn & Brains. Drop by for a dose of caffeine that’s easy on your pocket after a hot yoga sesh at Yoga Inc, located right next door!
Brawn & Brains, 100 Guillemard Road #01-02, Singapore 399718, p. 6348 0501. Open weekdays 9am-7pm, weekends 930am-7pm.

Punggol

Cravings
This quaint café is brimming with good vibes. Besides mouth-watering desserts, Cravings also opens their doors and kitchen space for parties and home-bakers alike.
Cravings, #01-05, 6 Tebing Lane, Singapore 828835, p.8685 8786.

Whisk and Paddle
This massive open-air bistro provides tranquil views of the river and its surrounds. On the menu is a whole host of comfort grub, including macaroni and cheese, pulled pork soft tacos and Eggs Benedict smoked salmon served atop waffles. It’s also a charming watering hole in the evening; come here to kick back over cocktails and bar bites.
Whisk and Paddle, #01-01, 10 Tebing Lane, Singapore 828836, p. 6242 4617.

Queenstown

Tiong Hoe Speciality Coffee
You might be surprised to know that this specialty coffee house started back in 1960. Yes, Tiong Hoe was hipster before hipster was even a thing. Besides serving a mean cuppa, Tiong Hoe also conducts coffee appreciation workshops for coffeephiles. These guys have so much respect for their craft that prices are on a tipping basis. Give Tiong Hoe a go if you’re in pursuit for the perfect roast.
Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee, #01-1133, Block 170 Stirling Road, Singapore 140170, p. 6473 1133. Open Mon-Fri 830am -530pm, Sat 9am-4pm.

The Milky Way Homemade Ice Cream and Coffee
Unpretentious is the word for this cosy neighborhood ice cream parlor run by Campus Superstar alumnus, Renfred Ng. Serious about quality, the creamy gelatos here are made in small batches to ensure freshness and taste. We appreciate that their buttery waffles are served in half portions, giving us more space for ice cream. Get a scoop of their Sicilian Pistachio, Strawberry Cheesecake, Straciatella, or all three!
The Milky Way Homemade Ice Cream and Coffee, #01-333, Block 48, Tanglin Halt Road, Singapore 142048. 

Serangoon

Arbite
Had enough of Bali’s champagne brunches? Dial down the decadence with Arbite’s pared down fare. Two standouts include the Gula Melaka Tiramisu, as well as smoked salmon pancakes served with basil cream cheese, watermelon, almond flakes and toasted sesame, topped with a poached egg.
Arbite, 66A Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 555962, p. 9456 3807.

Wimbly Lu Chocolates
For those with a sweet tooth, Wimbly Lu Chocolates is the place to be. Add some spark to your date night at this whimsical, chocolate-y café. We love their waffles [crispy on the outside, soft on the inside] with homemade ice cream and could have it any time of the day.
Wimbly Lu Chocolates, 15-2 Jalan Riang, Singapore 358987, p. 6289 1489. 

Jalan Besar

AEIOU
At first glance, AEIOU appears to be an antique shop. But step in, and you’ll find a quirky café decked out in all manner of vintage hodgepodge-ry. AEIOU’s appeal goes beyond the décor – the café’s signature drink is the avocado coffee, served in repurposed Absolut Vodka bottles, making it perfect for that Instagram-worthy shot.
AEIOU, 111 King George’s Avenue, Singapore 208559. p. 6291 2698.

Chye Seng Huat Hardware
Housed in an Art Deco shophouse, Chye Seng Huat Hardware is a specialty coffee shop that’s home to Singapore’s first 360-degree coffee bar. If the heat’s getting to you, sit down to a bottle of this café’s smooth, cold-brewed coffee for a perk-me-up. Also on the menu are brunch treats like the pandan gula melaka pancake, and the hangover-slaying Papa’s Breakfast with spicy Italian pork sausage, portobello mushrooms, grilled tomato, and hash brown served on a slice of toasted wholemeal bread.
Chye Seng Huat Hardware, 150 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207563, p. 6396 0609.

The Bravery
This Muslim-owned cafe has got to be one of our top favourites. Its no-signboard, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it location hides a precious secret: the Bullesye steak: the best halal steak we’ve EVER had. It’s served with a sunny side-up, grilled spiced root vegetables and a mysterious, delicious sauce we can’t help smothering it with.
The Bravery, 66 Horne Road, Singapore 209073

Butter Studio
There’s nothing we love more than the buttery smell of baked goods, and that’s what pulled us into Butter Studio. Cupcakes here are all-round winners – try the red velvet – and they get extra points for the nostalgic décor.
Butter Studio, 147 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208865, p. 6294 7115.

The Refinery
You don’t just get one type of experience at The Refinery – you get three. The establishment is split into three levels; the first floor houses a yakitori restaurant, the second floor is home to a bespoke cocktail bar, and the third is where you’ll find a craft workshop. What’s not to love?
The Refinery, 115 King George’s Avenue, Singapore 208561, p. 9111 1210.

Tiong Bahru

Whisk Café
Owned by local patissier, Tricia Lim, expect mouth-watering desserts and pastries from Whisk Café – some would say their croissants are better than those from Paris! Like Bali, good scones are also hard to come by in Singapore, but our taste buds were reeling in joy when we got to try Whisk’s Earl Grey and Candied Orange scones.
Whisk Café, #01-15, 58 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 160058, p. 6222 6543.

Forty Hands
These guys were the pioneers in Tiong Bahru’s gentrification. Even though their speciality is coffee, the sandwiches here are pretty damn fine too; they’ve recently added a Pork Katsu Sandwich on their menu. Come early as this place gets full by mid-day.
Forty Hands, 78 Yong Siak Street, #01-12 Singapore 163078, p. 6225 8545. Open daily 730am-530pm.

Toa Payoh

Creamier
Creamier serves two of our favourite things – ice cream and coffee. Based in one of the oldest heartlands in Singapore, the simple café attracts everyone from all walks of life. We love their Earl Grey lavender ice cream, but then again, who can say no to Earl Grey and Lavender? Definitely not us.
Creamier,#01-835 Block 128, Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, Singapore 310128, p. 6250 1476. 

Shrove Tuesday
It’s a sin if you don’t order a cup of their coffee from Shrove Tuesday – the beans are flown in from Italy and are carefully sourced from the owner. Serving wholesome grub at a steal, this brightly-coloured café makes for a nice hang-out with the mates.
Shrove Tuesday, #01-32, 94 Toa Payoh Lorong 4, Singapore 310094, p. 6258 2254.