Forget about biscottis – these days, we all want our cappuccinos with a side of Wi-Fi. Whether you’re looking to catch up on some e-mails or Instagram a picture of your latte art, we’ve got a list of the best cafés with free Wi-Fi in Singapore.
Best sandwiches: Sarnies
With a name like Sarnies, you can bet that their sandwiches are top-notch. The smoked Kurobuta ham with cheddar cheese sandwich is our lunchtime staple! Head down there in the mornings or late afternoons for some quiet me-time. Or better yet, make a trip down during the weekend for the decadent espresso martini.
Sarnies, 136 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068601, p. 6224 6091. Open Mon & Tue 730am-6pm, Wed-Fri 730am-9pm, Sat & Sun 9am-4pm.
Best for taking in some art: Gallery & Co. Café
Gallery & Co. is a painfully hip, retail-art-F&B space occupying the entire frontage of the City Hall Wing of the National Gallery Singapore. Here, you can find Gallery & Co. Café – a casual all-day dining spot. Helmed by Chef Sufian Zain of Restaurant Ember, the cafeteria’s menu aims to showcase the unique flavours of Southeast Asia. After rummaging through drool-worthy, well-designed products including books, design collectibles, and prints at the store, you can enjoy savoury bites, cakes, coffee and sweet treats from carefully selected vendors and artisans – perfecto!
Gallery & Co., #01-05 National Gallery Singapore, Singapore 178957. Open Sun-Thu 10am-7pm; Fri-Sat 10am-10pm.
Best post-shopping spot: Jones the Grocer
Uncomplicated fare and decent coffee is what’s on the menu at Jones the Grocer and – even better – the ION Orchard and Mandarin Gallery branches are prefect spots to recharge after a session of retail therapy. Still not satisfied with your shopping loot? Pick up a couple of artisanal jams, chocolates, and pasta while you’re there. You’ll need to ask for the Wi-Fi password here, but the staff readily give it up.
Jones the Grocer, various locations.
Best family-friendly hangout: Kith
Chill out and tuck into the mouth-watering selection of breakfast dishes, pastas, and pastries while you let your little tots loose at Kith. With a large outdoor seating areas and play corners for kids, this is every family’s ideal spot for lazy weekend brunches and post-playdate pick-me-ups.
Kith, various locations.
Best happy hour experience: Merchants
Vino lovers, take note: Merchants is the perfect spot to extend your lazy weekend brunch all the way ’til happy hour. Not just replete with over 200 artisan wines (which Merchants is famous for), this wine store, café, and bar will satisfy all your voracious muchies. Day-long brunch dishes, soups, salads, and cheese platters anyone?
Merchants, 52 Duxton Rd, Singapore 089516, p. 6222 1162. Open Mon-Thur 8am-11pm, Fri 8-12am, Sat 9-12am, Sun 10am-6pm.
Best-tasting coffee: Jimmy Monkey
With a true-blue Melbournian at its helm, you bet that Jimmy Monkey is passionate about its coffee. Brewed by the Ferrari of all espresso machines, expect perfectly-blended cups of Joe which will impress even the pickiest of connoisseurs. But if coffee’s not your cup of tea (no pun intended!), try dishes off the café’s Lazy Weekend menu, like the Miss Bentine eggs benedict, to keep your appetite at bay.
Jimmy Monkey, 9 one-north gateway, #01-51 one-north residences, Singapore 138643, p. 6777 8470. Open Mon-Fri 830am-830pm, Sat & Sun 830am-6pm.
Best chill-out space: L’etoile
Like its name, L’etoile is a star in its own right. Inspired by Japanese indie cafés, this whimsical lifestyle space offers diners a quiet spot to relax over Cordon Bleu-quality desserts and all-day brunch dishes. And if you’re in the mood for shopping after a cuppa, take a gander at the retail corner downstairs for one-of-a-kind curios and crafts.
L’etoile, 160 Owen Road, Singapore 281953, p. 6298 2872. Open Mon-Fri 11am-10pm Sat, Sun & Public Holidays 9am-10pm.
Best pet-friendly joint: Happy Daze
Happy Daze is a sports bar, board game café and deli all rolled into one. Here’s another one for the animal lovers: besides your favourite Asian and Western dishes, this pet-friendly bistro serves up some healthy doggie meals so you can enjoy your food with your pooches!
Happy Daze, 11 Maju Ave, Singapore 556689. p. 6285 2885.
Best Eastside contender: Penny University
This quaint coffeehouse in Katong is perpetually crowded during the weekend – and with good reason. We can’t get enough of its amazing selection of desserts, like the to-die-for chocolate caramel pie. Grab a slice, a cappuccino, and settle down for a lazy afternoon of total indulgence.
Penny University, 402 East Coast Road, Singapore 428997, p. 6345 9055. Open Tue-Thu 830am- 6pm, Fri-Sat 830-12am, Sun 830am-1030pm
Best for a mid-work break: Elements & Co.
CBD white-collars need some chill-time too, so it’s great that Elements & Co. has popped up on Cecil Street. Definitely the go-to café for the health-conscious in town, it offers a healthier (but still tasty and nutritious) selection of food and drinks. Try its Mediterranean quinoa salad ($11), perfect for fellow vegetarians. If you’re going for something heavy, Mama’s Cod Fish Risotto ($13) will do the trick. Stellar menu items apart, Elements & Co is a great place catch up on a little Netflix during your lunch break thanks to its convenient location.
Elements & Co., 137 Cecil Street, #01-02, Singapore 069537, p. 6221 6437. Open Mon & Tue 8am-6pm; Wed-Fri 8am-8pm. Closed on weekends.
Best all-rounder: Toby’s Estate
This one’s a no-brainer. Toby’s Estate gets brownie points for getting everything right. Killer gourmet coffees, delish brunches, stellar views of the river, and to cap it all off – free Wi-Fi! Don’t forget to pick up a packet of their signature coffee beans to recreate a bit of java magic back home.
Toby’s Estate, 8 Rodyk Street, Singapore 238216, p.6636 7629. Open Mon-Thu 730am-630 pm. Fri-Sat 730am-10pm, Sun 730am-9pm.