Who knew there’d be so many incredible food spots down one street? Here’s the very best Neil Road has to offer.
Neil Road is one of those streets in Singapore that completely transforms from day to night. During the day, it’s bright and buzzy with people exploring the area for a sunny lunch. At night though? You’ll find people dressed to the nines, visiting bars and pre-drinking before a night out at a club. The secret to all its liveliness? The variety of cafes, bars, and other restaurants in the area, of course!
Neil Road’s food spots: Cafes, restaurants, and bars
1. Restaurant Born
Yes, Neil Road is so cool that this ‘hood even has a Michelin-starred restaurant. This contemporary Chinese restaurant is the brainchild of chef Zor Tan who cut his teeth at places like Restaurant Jaan, Restaurant Andre, and Sichuan Moon. His cuisine is expressed through nine guiding principles – birth, roots, memories, craft, relationship, vicissitudes, time, progress, and legacy. Choose between the Chef’s Menu or the Experience Menu and enjoy dishes peppered with French and Chinese influences.
Restaurant Born, 1 Neil Road, Singapore 088804
2. Side Door
This quirky bar could be considered the neighbourhood bar of the area. Run by a husband and wife duo who take on the kitchen and the bar respectively, expect simple but creative cocktails and bar bites that pack a punch. The hospitality is next to none, as the team makes you feel like a guest in someone’s home. We recommend checking out the cocktail and tapas pairing where each drink comes with a fun little bite.
Side Door, 3 Neil Road, Singapore 088805
3. Glasshouse
For a bit of respite, turn to the Glasshouse. This stunner of a cafe is a fan favourite, often filled with crowds on the weekends. You’ll find typical brunch plates available here, like a big breakfast, bagels, waffles, and even an assortment of tartines. Meanwhile the dinner menu boasts a selection of salads, pastas, and burgers. Don’t be surprised to see us here We plan on stopping by for a cuppa and to share some pastries.
Glasshouse, 136 Neil Road, Singapore 088865
4. Pastaria Abate
This little spot on Neil Road is where it’s at for homey Italian cooking. Recipes are passed down through generations, and the chefs have even been taught by the family’s very own nonna. The pasta is handmade with traditional hand pulling and stretching methods, sometimes flavoured with ingredients like porcini and squid ink. Choose your pasta and then browse through the plethora of sauces to go along with it. If you’re facing some decision fatigue, just ask any of the friendly team for recommendations.
Pastaria Abate, 86 Neil Road, Singapore 088846
5. Caracara
This stylish hideaway boasts gourmet dishes served up with expertly brewed coffee, and that sounds like magic to us. You’ll be wowed by the wood interiors and warm lighting inviting you to take a seat. It’s casual but elegant, making it a top pick for us when it comes to a lunch date or catchup. After selecting your drink of choice (you can even pick the type of beans used in your coffee!), tuck into Japanese-inspired dishes like sandos, rice bowls, and sides.
Caracara, 77 Neil Road, Singapore 088903
6. The Coffee Code
Don’t be surprised if this cafe seems familiar because its popularity in Sarawak has led it to open its very first Singapore outlet. Decked out in neutral colours and a very pretty concrete bench, it’s definitely quite the looker. But IG-worthy aesthetics aside, The Coffee Code is also known for its food. Specifically, the flower shaped waffles topped with chicken bak kwa. You can even add black rice or nian gao (glutinous rice cake) to give it some added texture.
The Coffee Code, 37 Neil Road, Singapore 088822
7. Apiary
If you spot a bunch of people sitting along the sidewalk, it’s likely you’ve stumbled across Apiary. It is the go-to ice cream spot in the area, especially if you’re looking for an easy dessert option after dinner. Flavours vary at each location, but what doesn’t change is the fact that you can get it with brown butter waffles or a brownie.
Apiary, 84 Neil Road, Singapore 088844
8. The Store
You might end up walking past The Store if you don’t know what you’re looking for. But as long as you keep your eye out for the green door, you’ll be just fine. It’s unassuming, but reveals a stunningly cosy bar with 90s music playing in the background to set the ambience for a chill hangout. Be warned that it can get crowded because it’s so loved.
The Store, 11 Neil Road, Singapore 088809
9. Noa by Olivia
From the Eastern Mediterranean to South Europe and even North Africa, everything about Noa by Olivia captures the essence of Mediterranean locales. Who can say no to an interior as vibrant as this one? Opened by the same team that created Olivia, you’ll end up having a dining experience like no other. Each dish draws inspiration from the team’s rich cultural heritage and travels. Psst: you can’t walk away without trying the cheesecake. It’s phenomenal.
Noa by Olivia, 83 Neil Road, Singapore 089813
10. Bu Bu Gao Sheng Pancake
For the uninitiated, min jiang kueh is a beloved street side snack that constantly steals our hearts. It’s a fluffy pancake with crispy edges, typically filled with crushed peanuts. However, you can find a lot of stalls stuffing these with spreads like chocolate and kaya. Bu Bu Gao Sheng Pancake is one of them! You’ll find yourself coming back for these treats any time you’re in the area.
Bu Bu Gao Sheng Pancake, 120 Neil Road, Singapore 088855
11. Shake Shack
One of the highlights of Neil Road has gotta be Shake Shack, taking up a gorgeous white building that can’t be missed. You’ll get satisfyingly juicy burgers, crispy crinkle cut fries, hot dogs, and milkshakes all in one spot. And if you’ve got room, remember to order up the creamy concretes to end on a sweet high.
Shake Shack, 89 Neil Road, Singapore 088849
12. Yak Kin Mookata
Nothing beats some steaming hot mookata, even if it’s sweltering in Singapore. Yak Kin Mookata offers both platter and a la carte options so you can order a variety of things to eat. Plus, some good news for the night owls – this spot stays open till 3am so you can get your grilled meat fix after you finish polishing off your drinks at the nearby bars.
Yak Kin Mookata, 120 Neil Road, Singapore 088855
13. The Populus
Only good things can be found at The Populus. Dishes are inspired by the world, that’s why you’ll find rosti, harissa baked eggs, rice bowls, and pasta all in one menu. A hot spot among cafe-goers, you’ll be back time and time again for the coffee and ambience. If you love the coffee so much, you can buy a bag of coffee beans or powder. The beans are roasted every week and delivered the very next day to ensure freshness.
The Populus, 146 Neil Road, Singapore 088875
14. Horangi
Luxury and sophistication inspired by the nightlife in Seoul can be found at Horangi. Step in and be transported to South Korea with the interior decorations, and inspired drinks and food. If you’re lucky enough, you might even be entertained with magic tricks and a ton of jokes from the bartenders. Drinks and a show? We’d love nothing more.
Horangi, 67 Neil Road, Singapore 088898
15. Arc-en-Ciel Patisserie
In the mood to indulge in a sweet treat? Head to Arc-en-Ciel for some of the best. This mousse cake specialist knows how to make cakes look good and taste even better. Flavours here rotate each season to showcase produce at its very best, so you’ll have something new to try every time. You can even enjoy a unique cake pairing with a friend where you’ll be treated to three desserts and three teas to go with it.
Arc-en-Ciel Patisserie, 37A Neil Road, Singapore 088822
16. Kamoshita
If you miss the warm and hearty taste of oden in Japan, we’ve found a restaurant that specialises in exactly that. Kamoshita is a Japanese spot specialising in both hot and cold oden. Just like when you visit Japanese convenience stores, you can pick and choose the ingredients you want to go in your stew. Our typical picks are half boiled eggs, radishes, fishcakes, and dumplings. And if you aren’t in the mood for oden, go for the side dishes, noodles, and rice bowls instead.
Kamoshita, 5 Neil Road, Singapore 088806
17. Jing Hua Xiao Chi
You can never have enough dumplings, especially when they’re as delicious as the ones from Jing Hua Xiao Chi. Sticking with the traditional roots of honest to goodness Jing Hua cuisine, these Chinese dishes will steal your heart. Get pan fried, steamed, and boiled dumplings to share with a group of friends so you can try everything! Oh, and we recommend giving the Chinese pizza a try.
Jing Hua Xiao Chi, 21/23 Neil Road, Singapore 088814
18. Enclave Bar
Previously located in Golden Mile Complex (aka Singapore’s very own Little Thailand), Enclave Bar still retains its effortlessly cool vibe despite its move into this happening area. It’s still pretty hidden, tucked away on the second level of a shophouse along a bustling street. The menu is switched up every month to keep things fresh, but you can expect some Thai flavours added to the mix.
Enclave Bar, 55A Neil Road, Singapore 088892
19. Tea Chapter
You’ll enter a whole new world when you step into Tea Chapter, a three-storey shophouse dedicated to all things tea. Filled with Eastern furnishings, the brand celebrates Chinese heritage and roots. It preserves the elegant and traditional art of Chinese tea making, and has hosted many familiar faces including Queen Elizabeth II.
Tea Chapter, 9 Neil Road, Singapore 088808
20. Acoustics Coffee Bar
Acoustics Coffee Bar is a familiar face to any regular cafe hopper, having moved from its cosy Ang Mo Kio location to a big boy spot in Neil Road. The space is conducive for both conversations and if you’re looking for a place to do some work on a weekday. Have your cameras ready because the latte art here is extra adorable!
Acoustics Coffee Bar, 61 Neil Road, Singapore 088895
21. Plain Vanilla
Cupcakes are just the tip of a delicious iceberg when you visit Plain Vanilla. It serves up a full assortment of bakes along with brunch plates and mains like pasta. Its Neil Road location even has an alfresco seating area if you prefer getting some fresh air. The best way to experience this spot is in the mornings with a breeze, ordering granola bowls or toasts for a light but satisfying breakfast.
Plain Vanilla, 167 Neil Road, Singapore 088888
22. Fieldnotes
These cakes inspired by nature are so pretty, we can’t bear to eat them! Minimalist in design, cakes from Fieldnotes are baked daily and made with only the freshest ingredients. If you’ve got a celebration coming up, stop by to browse the selection of whole cakes before making your purchase. Can’t resist the temptation of the sweet treats on display? Settle in and take a break with some tea or coffee and the cake of your choice.
Fieldnotes, 41 Neil Road, Singapore 088824
23. Tantric
If you haven’t been to Tantric, then you haven’t seen the true essence of Neil Road. This vibrant spot is one of the few gay bars in Singapore, and is still standing after more than a decade. It can get crowded with groups of friends pre-drinking before hitting up hot parties, but that just adds to the bar’s charm and energy!
Tantric, 80A Neil Road, Singapore 088842
Ready to explore Neil Road and all it has to offer?
