Are you permanently on island time? You'll want to check out these tropical and garden-themed cafes in Singapore.
Yes, we live on an island. But there are days where it sure as heck doesn’t feel like it. Compared to our neighbours like Phuket and Bali, Singapore is a city of the future with its skyscrapers, high tech-gizmos and a speedy pace of living. For times when beaches, parks and nature spots just don’t cut it, we seek an escape. Enter tropical and garden-themed cafes in Singapore – these special spaces instantly put us in an island state of mind.
Best tropical and garden-themed cafes in Singapore
1. Kara Cafe & Dessert Bar
Dreamed up by the folks behind Sogurt, Kara Cafe & Dessert Bar presents itself as a homely tropical haven. Its walls are papered in tropical foliage designs, hiding imaginary creatures drawn by local artist and designer Mark Wee. You can dig into savoury grain bowls, grilled cheese toasties and artisanal soft-serve desserts at this cosy cafe. We also love that it has a range of botanical and floral ice cream flavours to suit its garden cafe theme, sporting delish creations such as lavender maple.
Kara Cafe & Dessert Bar, 617 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 269718
2. French Fold
Feeling crepe-y? Head down to French Fold at Telok Ayer. It’s a gorgeous crepe concept (brought to you by the people behind Merci Marcel) that’s equal parts tropical, modern and chic. Think galettes with savoury fillings like ham, sauteed mushrooms and pork sausages, or sweet crepes covered in salted caramel or brown sugar with butter. If you’re feeling fancy, pair your crepe of choice with a glass of wine or a refreshing tipple!
French Fold, 204 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068640
3. Jypsy One Fullerton
This bohemian coastal-inspired space was once under the wings of the well-loved PS.Cafe. Now, it’s set within its own flagship location at One Fullerton, showcasing a contemporary yet casual approach to Japanese cuisine. This is the place to be if you’re looking for an aesthetic cafe that also affords you sweeping vistas of the bay! We can spend hours here just admiring the view.
Jypsy One Fullerton, #01-02/03, One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Road, Singapore 049213
4. Punch
Don’t underestimate this little cafe along North Canal Road. Its food and coffee truly pack a punch! Take a good book with you and sip on a divine cup of joe within its gorgeous interiors (think high concrete walls decked in greenery). If you’ve got a sweet tooth, treat yourself to fluffy brioche french toast topped with strawberries and white chocolate. It also serves some wickedly good brunch staples that include creamy scrambled eggs, juicy pork sausages and wilted spinach.
Punch, 32 North Canal Road, Singapore 059288
5. Merci Marcel
The cafe on everyone’s lips naturally has the hippest interiors around. Its original Tiong Bahru spot is divided into two sections: the indoor bar and resto, and the light-filled alfresco area for brunch and intimate dinners. Plenty of tropical feels to go around! From the wall art of palm leaves and abundant potted plants to glam rattan, gold and pastels, it’s one stunning space. Just as sleek and lush are its Club Street and Orchard locales.
Merci Marcel, available at multiple locations including Tiong Bahru and Club Street
6. Wildseed Cafe
A gorgeous floral cafe, Wildseed brings its tropical theme to two locations, both of which sit amidst quiet nature. Its decor is an ode to the garden, with foliage and flowers decking out the space, complemented by a menu of coffee, cakes and weekend brunches.
Wildseed Cafe, available at multiple locations including The Alkaff Mansion and The Summerhouse
7. Walking on Sunshine
Taking the garden to the city, this Orchard Road hangout is a hair salon, retailer and cafe all rolled into one foliage-infused space. Salon patrons get complimentary salads, pastries and beverages, which is a nice treat. But we’d pop by anyway for the lovely cafe. Sip on coffees and teas as you nibble on all-day brunch bites, pizzas, pasta and burgers. And admire the gorgeous interior while you’re at it. Beautiful blooms and potted plants hang from the ceiling, while vibrant greens cascade down walls, making the tropical cafe a tranquil spot in the middle of a bustling street.
Walking on Sunshine, #03-07, Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road, Singapore 238896
8. Botany
An elegant garden cafe at Robertson Quay, Botany sits next to M Social Singapore. The chill alfresco dining area is peppered with benches and pockets of greenery, while its indoor space features a lush green wall, plush furniture, marble trimmings and hanging greens. Quite the sweet spot for an afternoon of work or a casual catch-up with friends. On its menu of wholesome goods, you’ll find organic pasta, Aussie grass-fed beef, Asian fusion bowls, all-day breakfast items and smoothies. Not to mention plant-based cakes, burnt cheesecakes and an assortment of pastries to go with your coffee or tea.
Botany, #01-03, 86 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238245
9. PS.Cafe Raffles City
All PS.Cafe’s outlets are lovely spaces brimming with greenery and cool vibes. But we particularly love the Raffles City one for its breathtaking architecture, light-filled corners, accessible location and verdant green centrepiece. This hangout ticks all the boxes for a relaxing afternoon! Especially when you pair it with a cuppa and one of those double chocolate blackout cakes. Of course, weekend brunches are even better. ‘Nuff said.
PS.Cafe Raffles City, #03-37, Raffles City, 252 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179103
10. The Garage
We can’t quite get enough of The Garage. This lush dining spot merges its garden surrounds with Singapore’s islandscape into one hot locale. On the ground floor, you’ll find Bee’s Knees, a casual, family-friendly cafe decorated with terrazzo and tiled walls, foliage and wooden furniture. Up the stairs sits Botanico. High-ceilinged and elegant, the plant-filled space is connected to a lovely outdoor garden bar with botany-inspired cocktails.
The Garage, 50 Cluny Park Road, Singapore 257488
11. Don Ho Social Kitchen and Bar
Let’s start with the interior – it hits the right balance between downtown polished and modern tropical. Step in for dinner and you’ll immediately notice the statement-making wallpaper and palm plants peppering the corners. Blink again and you’ll see the rest of this hip space. Take a seat in a plush booth and spend your time wining and dining surrounded by brass and gold accents, baked in the warmth of dim lighting.
Don Ho Social Kitchen and Bar, 1 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089109
12. Knots Cafe and Living
Focusing on flowers, furniture and food, this garden cafe is where you can feast on wholesome dishes in a homely setting. Simply pick a green corner to settle in and watch the world go by with a coffee and pastry in hand. It’s an idyllic spot to escape from the bustle of the city.
Knots Cafe and Living, available at multiple locations including Paya Lebar and Pasir Panjang
Head to these garden cafes in Singapore for a tropi-cool time!
