Presenting our ultimate food guide to Bugis and its collection of amazing restaurants, cafes and bars.
Bugis is one of our favourite places to explore, and for good reason. The area is home to Haji Lane, Arab Street and Kampong Glam, where you’ll find plenty of cafes, indie boutiques, fabric shops, nail salons and street art. On your stroll, you’ll pass by familiar icons like the National Library, Malay Heritage Centre and National Design Centre. And if you’re a shopaholic, there’s always the bustling Bugis Street and its surrounding malls. But since we’re here to talk about food, behold: these are our go-to places in Bugis.
Bugis food guide: Best restaurants, cafes and bars
1. Tipo Pizzeria E Trattoria
You may be familiar with Tipo’s pasta bar at Aliwal Street, but we want to shine a spotlight on its outlet on Waterloo Street. Over here, both pasta and pizza take centre stage on the menu. You can choose from the house pizzas on offer, or go ham and build your own pie. Nothing strikes your fancy? Stay safe and order the mains, which include lamb rack and chicken leg. Pick from the selection of mocktails and non-alcoholic wines to pair with your food.
Tipo Pizzeria E Trattoria, #01-08, Stamford Arts Centre, 155 Waterloo Street, Singapore 187962
2. The Fabulous Baker Boy
When it comes to cakes, no one does it better than The Fabulous Baker Boy. Since 2008, this self-proclaimed “big love bakery” has been offering bakes named after celebrities you know and love. Keen to sample the Dua Lipa? It’s a Valrhona chocolate cake filled with buttercream and drizzled with sea salt caramel. One slice is all it takes… Besides cakes, this homely cafe also serves dishes inspired by the founder’s travels and old secret recipes. The laksa pesto pasta’s calling out to us!
The Fabulous Baker Boy, #01-01, Aliwal Arts Center, 28 Aliwal Street, Singapore 199918
3. Hjh Maimunah
You can’t have a Bugis food guide and not mention this Michelin Bib Gourmand! This halal restaurant is most well-known for its nasi padang, which comes with over 40 dishes. There’s something for everyone: from staple selections such as beef rendang and ayam masak merah to the exquisite, like fresh snails in coconut gravy. Don’t forget the side dishes and desserts! If this is all too overwhelming for you, just order the premium ambeng platter to share with your friends.
Hjh Maimunah, 11 Jln Pisang, Singapore 199078
4. Nutmeg & Clove
Elevated Singaporean cuisine is the name of the game at Nutmeg & Clove. Its dinner menu features innovative renditions of classic local dishes. Start with mala sweet potato fries, and then taste the rendang mac and cheese and fried “carrot” cake. Wash it all down with tipples from its latest innovative menu, inspired by beloved local personalities and television characters. We especially love Garden City, a refreshing and herbaceous concoction comprising Hendrick’s gin and infused musk melon.
Nutmeg & Clove, 8 Purvis Street, Singapore 188587
5. Chikuyotei Singapore
Fancy quality Japanese cuisine? Reserve a seat at Chikuyotei. This fine dining place in Bugis is the first unagi restaurant in Japan to be awarded a Michelin star. Have an entire unagi don to yourself if you’d like, or splurge a little on the omakase experience and be surprised at every turn by the adept chefs behind the counter.
Chikuyotei Singapore, #01-01, Intercontinental Singapore, 80 Middle Road, Singapore 188966
6. Fizzy Dayz
Oenophiles, kick back with a glass (or two) at Fizzy Dayz. From the folks behind Nutmeg & Clove and Tess Bar & Kitchen, Fizzy Dayz is perfect for beginners and wine snobs. Have your wine with small plates like duck fat fries, spicy buffalo wings, or something for the table: seafood stew.
Fizzy Dayz, 24 Purvis Street, Singapore 188601
7. Twenty Grammes
If coffee, ice cream and waffles are your dream trio, you’ve come to the right place. The cosy Bugis cafe serves gelato, house-made waffles, cakes, tarts and more. Pretty perfect for Sunday afternoon chillin’, if you ask us.
Twenty Grammes, #01-01, 753 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198721
8. The Masses
Serving French food with an Asian spin – without the stuffiness of fine dining – The Masses offers an ever-evolving menu of exquisite creations. Everything’s intricately made, beautifully plated and totally photogenic. Best of all, they taste just as good as they look. Pair your meal with classic cocktail concoctions or wines for the full experience.
The Masses, #01-02, 85 Beach Road, Singapore 189694
9. Cicheti
A rustic chic shophouse space serving up small plates for communal dining, Cicheti is a fab hangout for fans of Italian cuisine. It’s beloved for its wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas that come in options like filetto (mozzarella di bufala, grana padano, datterinos, evoo, basil) and romana (tomato, fior di latte, anchovies, basil, parmesan). But don’t look past the equally fantastic pastas! Highlights include gnocchi (forest mushrooms, truffle ricotta) and paccheri (pulled beef cheek, soffritto).
Cicheti, 52 Kandahar Street, Singapore 198901
10. Artichoke
One of our fave go-tos, this Middle Eastern-inspired resto is all about innovative creations and flavour bombs. Throwing tradition out the window, chef-owner Bjorn Shen never fails to surprise you with dishes that are so good, you’ll definitely be back for more. Think avocado fattoush, baby squid kavurma, duck kebab skewers, and the famous ‘lambgasm’, a 2.5kg slow-roasted lamb that feeds four and requires a 48-hour pre-order. Show some love to the cocktails, beers and wines, too!
Artichoke, 161 Middle Road, Singapore 188978
11. Sawadee Thai Cuisine
Got a craving for Thai? The warm, elegant eatery has been around since 2001, serving fresh ingredients in a combination of sweet, spicy, salty and sour flavours. Tuck into your fave Thai dishes with classics like tom yum soup, green curry chicken, lemongrass fish, and seafood phad Thai on the menu.
Sawadee Thai Cuisine, #01-01, TQL Suites, 9 Tan Quee Lan Street, Singapore 188098
12. Madame Fan
Located at The NCO Club, a multi-concept space for dining and drinking, Madame Fan is known for its classic Cantonese cuisine that’s authentic and modern. While ensconced in the glamorous restaurant, you’ll enjoy signatures such as braised e-fu noodles, crispy duck, and pan-fried wagyu beef with foie gras. Want a post-dinner tipple? Head to the sleek bar for East-meets-West concoctions that dazzle. Psst: check out the boozy dim sum brunch if that’s your scene!
Madame Fan, 32 Beach Road, Singapore 189764
13. Joo Bar
In the mood for Korean? Joo Bar takes traditional dishes and gives them a whirl in the kitchen, plating up modern treats with a twist. The space is laidback, dark and edgy – great for casual date nights or drinks with friends. Try good grub like warm kimchi tofu and spam, gochujang seafood risotto, and loaded fries, all washed down with jugs of makgeolli in lychee, peaches and honey, mango, Yakult and strawberry flavours.
Joo Bar, 5 Tan Quee Lan Street, Singapore 188094
14. King and the Pawn
Calling all board game enthusiasts! Round up your most competitive friends and have a ball at this cafe-bar. The ambience is cool, the food is served comfort-style, and the drinks feature beers on tap, cocktails and locally-roasted coffee. Oh, and the board games number more than 300, so you can get in on the fun with strategy games, party games and more.
King and the Pawn, L2, 24 Purvis Street, Singapore 188601
15. Earlybird
Yaas, another cafe that loves fried chicken – because why not? A casual dining spot for all-day brunch, Earlybird whips up a mean fried chicken with buttermilk pancakes, surrounded by a halo of chilli maple syrup. It’s the bomb, especially when paired with sriracha tater tots. Alternatively, go for plates of salmon and avo, steak and truffle mash, tom yum prawn pasta, or strawberries and cheese French toast. If you’re popping by for a drink, you’ve got coffees, teas, juices, smoothies and milkshakes to choose from.
Earlybird, 17 Jalan Pinang, Singapore 199149
16. Vatos Urban Tacos
Blending the best of Korean and Mexican food, this Bugis hangout is a great place for chill dinner and drinks. Ya gotta love the fusion creations, including stunners like kimchi pork quesadillas, galbi short rib tacos and Korean po’boy burritos. Oh, and don’t miss out on fruity makgeolli (tequila plus Korean rice alcohol) cocktails or massive Vatos’ Ritas (frozen margaritas with beer or cider)!
Vatos Urban Tacos, #01-03, South Beach Quarter, 36 Beach Road, Singapore 189766
17. Mother Dough Bakery
Let your search for freshly baked artisanal bread guide you to Mother Dough, where the scents of sourdough baguettes and croissants will warmly envelop you. And if your sweet tooth is calling out for satisfaction, take home goodies like danishes, tarts and puffs, depending on what’s the line-up for the day.
Mother Dough Bakery, 3 Jalan Kledek, Singapore 199259
18. En Sushi
Fans of Japanese cuisine, have you checked out En Sushi? Enjoy authentic delicacies made with fresh, quality ingredients in a tranquil and cosy modern restaurant. The menu is extensive, and if you’re here for lunch, be sure to add any of the sets to your meal. What’s a Japanese restaurant without sake? Choose from the curated selection and enjoy.
En Sushi, #01-00A, Midland House, 112 Middle Road, Singapore 188970
19. Ginett
Step into this chic, bistro-style French restaurant for a classy catch-up with friends or an intimate dinner. The place is warm and inviting, with a menu that features charcoal-grilled and dry-aged meats, seafood, cold cuts, cheeses and, of course, French wines. That’s your weekend plan, sorted.
Ginett, Hotel G Singapore, 200 Middle Road, Singapore 188980
20. Overrun
Famed for its chendol soft serve, the family-owned dessert spot offers pocket-friendly ice cream cups stacked with toppings. You’ve probably seen these folks on social media, with cool, ever-changing flavours such as strawberry cheesecake, Snickers, bandung, ondeh ondeh, popcorn caramel and more. Pop by to beat the heat!
Overrun, 18 Baghdad Street, Singapore 199657
21. So France
For a cosy, warm bistro experience, head to So France and order up a storm. Its indoor seating is perfect for intimate gatherings, while the terrace hosts fuss-free alfresco lunches and after-dinner drinks. From breakfast to weekend brunch to dinner, the menu features familiar classics such as duck confit, cote de boeuf and coq au vin, and cold cuts and French cheese that you can nibble on. Best of all, you can step into the gourmet grocery after your meal to stock up on artisanal pantry products, ready-to-eat meals, sweets, teas and more.
So France, #01-51/56, Duo Galleria, 7 Fraser Street, Singapore 189356
22. Symmetry
A popular all-day dining restaurant and bar, this Aussie-inspired hotspot in Bugis is all about good vibes and good food. Whether you’re meeting with brunch buddies or going on your first date, you’ll have a fab time wolfing down the menu’s burgers, pasta, meats and brunch bites.
Symmetry, #01-01, 9 Jalan Kubor, Singapore 199206
23. Gunther’s
Fancy a French fine dining treat? Gunther’s is excellent at what it does, and its namesake chef has the chops to prove it, having spent time in the kitchens of well-known restaurants in Belgium. Every experience here is elegant and unique, with unconventional flavour combinations that are plated beautifully.
Gunther’s, #01-03, 36 Purvis Street, Singapore 188613
24. Atlas
It doesn’t get any more magnificent than this. The lavish lobby and bar, decked out in Art Deco trimmings, offers a sumptuous experience – no matter if you’re having dinner, drinks or light bites. You might think you’re already familiar with the tipples at Atlas, but get ready to be impressed all over again because it’s just launched an all-new drinking menu. Evoking the lively spirit and energy of European Art Deco architecture, these handcrafted tipples are made with innovative techniques and a selection of curious ingredients.
Atlas, Parkview Square, 600 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188778
25. Tom’s Palette
This is not your ordinary ice cream parlour. Tom’s Palette thinks way outside the box with its unusual gelato flavours that you won’t find elsewhere. Besides familiar favourites like chocolate sorbet, salted caramel cheesecake and yuzu, the line-up includes wacky ones such as salted egg yolk, nasi lemak and mango sticky rice. Get yours in a cup or with a cone, waffle or affogato-style.
Tom’s Palette, #01-01, 51 Middle Road, Singapore 188959
26. Working Title – Burger Bar
Burgers, brunch and coffee – that’s what this halal-certified eatery dishes out. Think cheddar and relish mayo layered generously atop nacho chips alongside hulking brioche bun-and-patty combinations starring beef or lamb patties, fried chicken and grilled portobello. Pair your order with truffle fries and caffeine for the ultimate morning meal.
Working Title, 783 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198751
27. Garibaldi
Want a Michelin-starred experience? Pop in your reservation for this sophisticated Italian restaurant and bar in Bugis to enjoy the indulgent experience. It’s perfect for a quiet dinner or romantic date night, thanks to the stellar service and authentic Italian dishes that take you from fresh seafood and beautiful pasta to impeccable meats and decadent desserts.
Garibaldi, #01-02, 36 Purvis Street, Singapore 188613
28. Aburi Kaisen Don Keisuke
Obsessed with donburi? Get your fix right here. Japanese rice straw is cooked Waraki-style, adding a nice smoky aroma to the bowl. The rice is then topped with fresh and raw seafood, and partially flamed ingredients. What happens if you can’t finish the rice? Order the Ochazuke Set, which mixes the leftovers into your soup of choice.
Aburi Kaisen Don Keisuke, #04-01, Bugis+, 201 Victoria Street, Singapore 188067
29. IndoBowl
So you love your Indomie? This halal cafe in Bugis specialises in homestyle Indonesian dishes, made using recipes passed down from generations. Fill up on hearty, flavourful rice plates such as nasi ayam sambal tomat and nasi goreng seafood petai. Or go straight for the Indomie section of the menu to enjoy those instant noodles paired with everything from ribeye steak to lamb chop. And don’t miss out on the homemade sambal for a kick!
IndoBowl, 39 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198487
With these plentiful food options in Bugis, you’ll never go hungry again!
