Tucked away in nooks and crannies, these hidden restaurants in Singapore serve up a little mystery with their mains.
Now that we’ve rolled out our guide to secret bars in the city, it’s only natural for us to suss out hidden cafes and restaurants in Singapore that serve up tasty grub. Sometimes, you just want something different from your usual brunch hotspots and popular hawker fare, and we’re here to help you hunt down the most enigmatic of eateries. Join us on a gastronomical food hunt as we sniff out these hidden gems.
Best hidden restaurants in Singapore
1. Abura Kappo
A hidden restaurant within… another restaurant? You heard that right. You won’t spot it in the streets because this hidden restaurant-in-restaurant in Singapore is nestled within Hashida. This is a space for chef Kenjiro “Hatch” Hashida to explore his diverse interests. Abura Kappo‘s menu is bound by the element of oil, an often dismissed ingredient in cooking. Wanna know how it’s showcased? Make your reservations to find out.
Abura Kappo, located within Hashida, 77 Amoy Street, Singapore 069896
2. The Dragon Chamber
Located at an ordinary-looking kopitiam, this Chinese resto hides behind a beer fridge. It’s like a modern version of Narnia, except the interiors and dim lighting give off total secret society vibes. The food is somewhat peculiar, with dishes such as the Dragon Claw of braised crocodile foot with Chinese herbs served in a bowl with a ring of fire (so extra!). If you want something familiar, the wagyu truffle hor fun will hit the spot. Either way, it’s worth a visit, even if it’s just to say you’ve been here.
The Dragon Chamber, 2 Circular Road, Singapore 049358
3. Yorimichi Yakitori Bar
Who knew there was an izakaya in Golden Mile Tower? Located in a quiet nook near the building entrance, this narrow joint truly resembles those watering holes in Japan. Don’t forget to look up and check out the disco ball surrounded by cherry blossoms! Besides the standard grilled skewers, the restaurant offers sashimi, gyozas, and carby options such as unagi fried rice and mentaiko spaghetti. Choose from a selection of sakes, cocktails, and beers on tap to pair with your food.
Yorimichi Yakitori Bar, #01-02, Golden Mile Tower, 6001 Beach Road, Singapore 199589
4. Hub & Spoke Cafe
Don’t be fooled by the address. It’s not located inside Changi Airport. Instead, you’ll find it next to Terminal 2 along the scenic Changi Airport Connector amidst lush greenery. It’s a breath of fresh air compared to the concrete structures. The cafe is outfitted in a glasshouse, filtering in an abundance of natural light through floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Unwind over a cup of local coffee like kopi o and kopi c. The local theme also extends to the food menu with options like nasi lemak, laksa and mee siam. But if you’re hankering for cafe grub, you can always get the mega breakfast plate, duck confit, or pasta dishes.
Hub & Spoke Cafe, #01-T2S-02, Singapore Changi Airport, 60 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819643
5. Gardenasia
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and make your way to the Kranji farm countryside. Essentially a getaway villa of colonial houses, Gardenasia also houses a bistro. Offering a unique farm-to-table dining experience (ingredients are sourced from nearby farms), the menu features an array of salads, and mains like rosemary chicken or seafood pasta. For a full-on holiday, we recommend a staycation so you can soak in the rustic landscape.
Gardenasia, 240 Neo Tiew Crescent, Singapore 718898
6. Shin Terroir
This hot new omakase concept is fronted by a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it door tucked away in an alley. Step in and you’ll be greeted by a stone-lined zen landscape before you enter the intimate ten-seater. The magic happens behind the custom-made three-tier grill from Osaka filled with kishu bincho coals. Get comfy in your seat and enjoy the 15-course menu, where you’ll be presented with everything from chawanmushi to Miyazaki A4 wagyu. Top it all off with sakes and a stunning wine list!
Shin Terroir, 80 Tras Street, Singapore 079019 (enter via the side lane at the shophouse corner)
7. La Ristrettos Coffee Roastery
Masked in an unassuming location on the eighth floor of a medical centre in Novena, this kitsch cafe is a treasure. With its cosy atmosphere and wooden interiors, it just makes you want to huddle up in one of the nooks with a hot cuppa and a good novel. Be sure to try the pancakes and pizzas!
La Ristrettos Coffee Roastery, #08-37, Novena Medical Centre, 10 Sinaran Drive, Singapore 307506
8. Ceres Haus
We adore Circular Road for its various restaurants and bars, which include this hidden gem. Keep a lookout for a cup and an empty wine bottle at a nondescript entrance, where you’ll climb a flight of stairs before entering Ceres Haus. This minimalist space operates as a cafe by day and a wine bar by night, with simple menus so that indecisive folks won’t have to grapple with their orders. Plus, the moody vibes are 10/10.
Ceres Haus, 18A Circular Road, Singapore 049374
9. Coexist Coffee Co.
This cafe takes things up a notch – it’s hidden on the rooftop of an unassuming industrial building in Hillview. Apart from boasting peak views of the vicinity, the space stands out for its aesthetic. Think symmetrical sections split into two polarising colours: red and white. On the menu, you’ve got hearty breakfast plates and locally-inspired dishes like rendang wagyu beef burger and sambal fish and chips.
Coexist Coffee Co., #08-00, 48 Hillview Terrace, Singapore 669269
10. The Flying Squirrel
Squirrel your way through the side alley of Amoy Street and you’ll stumble upon an eatery serving Japanese food. Nosh on sushi, sashimi, gyozas and rice bowls topped with ingredients like eel, beef, and duck.
The Flying Squirrel, #01-02, 92 Amoy Street, Singapore 069911
So, who’s up for a little adventure hunting down these hidden restaurants and cafes in Singapore?
[This article was originally published in 2019 and updated in 2024 by Ashe Liao.]