20 Best Cafes in Singapore: Your Ultimate Guide to Cafe Hopping
Stylish and characterful cafes continue to pop up across Singapore, bringing fresh energy to the city’s vibrant cafe scene. From Instagram-worthy interiors to exceptional coffee and indulgent treats, there is no shortage of charming spots to explore.
This guide highlights 20 standout cafes — from iconic favourites to hidden gems — thoughtfully selected and organised by style and concept.
Time to embark on a cafe-hopping adventure!
The All-Time Classics You Cannot Miss
① PS.Cafe: The Ultimate Classic
PS.Cafe is one of Singapore’s most iconic and stylish cafe brands, widely regarded as a true classic in the local cafe scene.
With 10 outlets across the island, convenient spots for a sightseeing break include the Marina Bay Sands outlet, the One Fullerton location near Merlion Park, and the Palais Renaissance outlet on Orchard Road.
For a tranquil weekend escape, the Dempsey Hill flagship on Harding Road — surrounded by lush greenery — and the breezy East Coast Park outlet by the sea are highly recommended.
Offering a versatile all-day menu that spans everything from breakfast and brunch to dinner and decadent desserts, this undisputed icon truly has it all.
② The Providore: Stylish Urban Oasis
The Providore is a chic, modern cafe with 6 locations across Singapore, many of which are set in the heart of office and shopping districts. Each branch offers a stylish, polished setting that feels like an inviting urban oasis.
Alongside its food menu, the cakes deserve a special mention. The display counter is filled with beautifully crafted favourites, from strawberry shortcake to Mont Blanc, all as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
Beyond the dining area, the adjoining retail corner is definitely worth a visit. It features a thoughtfully curated selection of artisanal imported groceries and chic homewares — making it the perfect spot to pick up a unique gift or a gourmet treat.
The Providore
③ Merci Marcel: French Flair in Singapore
Founded by a French couple, Merci Marcel first opened in Tiong Bahru before swiftly expanding to Orchard, Chinatown, and the East Coast — quickly establishing itself as a stylish local favourite.
Bathed in warm sunlight and surrounded by vibrant colours, the space is ideal for a leisurely brunch or a relaxing coffee break.
The menu, infused with French flair, features a variety of dishes that pair beautifully with a cafe latte or a glass of wine.
Merci Marcel
④ PRAIRIE by Craftsmen: Coffee Haven
PRAIRIE by Craftsmen is a concept cafe created by Craftsmen Specialty Coffee, a brand well‑known for its exceptional coffee.
With two locations — one in River Valley with a pink interior and the other in Joo Chiat with calming blue tones — each cafe offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a weekend escape.
PRAIRIE by Craftsmen
Industrial-Style Cafes with an Urban Edge
⑤ Brawn & Brains: Industrial Hideout
Brawn & Brains Coffee is a local staple rooted in neighbourhoods like Geylang and Lavender.
Its industrial space, defined by raw concrete and black iron accents, exudes a cool, minimalist vibe.
Boasting an extensive menu of both quality brews and hearty fare, it is a fantastic destination for a leisurely brunch.
Brawn & Brains Coffee
⑥ Twenty Eight Cafe: Stylish Hidden Gem
Tucked away on the edge of the Bras Basah district, Twenty Eight Cafe enjoys a peaceful setting surrounded by art schools and museums.
Set roughly midway between Rochor, Bencoolen, and Dhoby Ghaut MRT stations, it is about a 10-minute walk from each and easy to reach from multiple directions.
Inside, the space feels sleek and modern, reminiscent of an art gallery or creative studio. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the cafe is thoughtfully equipped for both comfort and convenience:
- Spacious layout with ample seating.
- Reliable Wi-Fi & power outlets at select tables.
- Open from 7:30am, ideal for early starts.
- Wide-ranging menu of impressive quality.
While it’s a short walk from the nearest stations, the cafe more than makes up for it with its many charms — a hidden gem well worth seeking out.
Twenty Eight Cafe
Specialty Coffee Roasters for the Perfect Cup
⑦ Common Man Coffee Roasters: Katong’s Coffee Hub
Since its founding in 2013, Common Man Coffee Roasters has been unwavering in its pursuit of exceptional specialty coffee.
Its reputation is well established — popular cafes like Forty Hands and Wild Honey also serve its beans, a testament to its quality and consistency.
The Joo Chiat outlet, housed in a beautifully restored Peranakan-style shophouse, makes for an ideal stop while exploring Katong.
Common Man Coffee Roasters
⑧ Chye Seng Huat Hardware: Refurbished Industrial Gem
Chye Seng Huat Hardware is the flagship store of Papa Palheta, a long-established Singaporean coffee specialist renowned for its premium beans and expert roasting.
Housed within a former hardware store, this uniquely repurposed space features both a cafe and an on-site roastery.
Alongside classics like lattes and cappuccinos, the menu features an appealing selection of hand‑poured filter coffee, cold brew, and nitro coffee — a lineup sure to satisfy even the most discerning coffee lovers.
Located in the vibrant and ever-changing Lavender district, it’s the perfect hub for a cafe-hopping adventure through the neighbourhood.
Chye Seng Huat Hardware
⑨ Five Oars Coffee Roasters: Effortlessly Stylish Cafe
Located along Upper East Coast Road, Five Oars Coffee Roasters is a beautifully designed space with a bright, airy atmosphere. With its seamless blend of semi-outdoor terrace seating and a spacious interior, the cafe strikes a stylish yet laid-back balance.
The food menu is equally appealing, ranging from generous brunch plates to indulgent sweet treats.
In addition to its East Coast outlet, the cafe also has a branch in the city centre at Tanjong Pagar.
Five Oars Coffee Roasters
⑩ Alchemist: Coffee Craftsmanship
Alchemist, once a modest coffee stand, has grown into a renowned roastery with 12 outlets across Singapore.
Its flagship store sits within a well-restored building recognised as part of Singapore’s Architectural Heritage.
A clear reflection of confidence in its craft, the menu is intentionally minimal, focusing on coffee and a curated selection of pastries.
Specialty brews take centre stage, making Alchemist a must-visit for anyone keen to experience its distinctive approach to coffee.
Alchemist
Bakery Cafes for the Ultimate Breakfast
⑪ Plain Vanilla: Home of Iconic Cupcakes
Located about a 10-minute walk from Tiong Bahru MRT station, Plain Vanilla sits tucked into a quiet corner of a low-rise HDB neighbourhood. This beloved bakery-cafe draws a steady stream of customers from early morning.
The entrance, with its wide-open facade, is framed by delicate dried flowers suspended from the ceiling. Inside and out, the aesthetic is effortlessly refined, offering design inspiration at every turn.
The menu is brimming with tempting treats, making it hard to choose — yet the cupcakes stand out as the clear highlight.
With over a dozen varieties available daily, these cupcakes remain Plain Vanilla’s most celebrated signature — an all-time favourite that keeps regulars coming back time and again.
⑫ Tiong Bahru Bakery: Legendary Croissants
Tiong Bahru Bakery, true to its name, is rooted in the charming neighbourhood of Tiong Bahru.
When it first opened, it was one of the few authentic French-style bakeries in Singapore — a pioneer that has remained a leading presence in the local baking scene for over a decade.
The bakery’s croissants, often hailed as the best in Singapore, are just the beginning — each day, the display cases brim with an irresistible selection of freshly baked delights.
With 20 locations across Singapore today, the sight of its charming Chinese-character logo, “中峇鲁” (meaning Tiong Bahru), is always a welcome cue to stop by.
Tiong Bahru Bakery
⑬ Keong Saik Bakery: Local Classics Reimagined
Originally established on Keong Saik Road near Chinatown, Keong Saik Bakery now operates 2 outlets in Bencoolen and Holland Village.
Its inventive line-up of breads and pastries blends local flavours with Western-style baking, giving Singaporean classics like Kaya Toast and Nasi Lemak a modern twist.
An ideal spot for both breakfast and a relaxed coffee break.
Keong Saik Bakery
Garden Cafes for a Peaceful Escape
⑭ Wildseed Cafe: Tranquil Garden Retreat
Wildseed Cafe now has four locations across Singapore.
Each outlet offers a charming garden setting, surrounded by lush greenery and housed within beautifully preserved heritage buildings — an inviting escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
The outdoor terrace is pet-friendly, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely brunch or an elegant afternoon tea on a relaxed weekend.
Wildseed Cafe
⑮ Le Jardin: Secret Garden on the Hill
True to its name — French for “the garden”— Le Jardin is a cafe-restaurant set amidst the lush greenery of Fort Canning Hill.
The venue features three distinct areas: a sun-drenched outdoor terrace, an indoor dining space adorned with fresh and dried flowers, and a breezy veranda.
Its menu spans breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering a wide variety of dishes throughout the day.
With its romantic ambience, Le Jardin is a perfect destination for dreamy dates or relaxed get-togethers with friends.
Le Jardin
⑯ Cafe Kreams: A Slice of Autumn
Cafe Kreams is a picture-perfect, Korean-inspired cafe located on the first floor of Maxwell Chambers, just steps away from Tanjong Pagar MRT station.
The moment you step inside, you are transported to a breathtaking wonderland filled with vibrant autumn foliage. Bathed in soft, dappled light, this tranquil sanctuary provides the ideal setting to unwind and embrace a peaceful moment.
The menu features a diverse range of options, from savoury mains to indulgent desserts. Its fruit-based treats and drinks — a feast for both the eyes and the palate — are not to be missed.
Hidden Indie Gems with Creative Flair
⑰ My Awesome Cafe: Charmingly Chaotic
My Awesome Cafe sits at the eastern edge of Chinatown, along the same street as the historic Thian Hock Keng Temple.
The original “中華醫院” signage — a reminder of the building’s past as a Chinese medical clinic — remains on the facade, offering a glimpse into its heritage.
Inside, exposed concrete walls are offset by countless lanterns suspended from the ceiling, while antique medicine cabinets sit alongside quirky plush toys.
This eclectic fusion of eras and cultures invites visitors into a space that feels offbeat with just a hint of the surreal.
My Awesome Cafe
⑱ Symmetry: Urban Hideaway
Symmetry is a cafe and restaurant just a 10-minute walk from Bugis MRT Station, nestled in the vibrant Kampong Glam area.
The exterior, with its striking green doors set against white walls, immediately catches the eye.
Inside, the space blends exposed brickwork, pop art accents, and industrial-chic furniture to create a cool yet cozy atmosphere — a perfect tucked-away retreat.
The menu draws inspiration from the Australian dining scene, offering modern and creative dishes. A particular highlight is the Eggs Benedict, a perennial brunch favourite that never fails to impress.
Symmetry
Zen-inspired Cafes for Tranquility
⑲ Hvala: Japanese Tea Haven
Hvala is a modern teahouse cafe specialising in Japanese tea, with several locations across Singapore.
The interiors embrace a minimalist Zen aesthetic, featuring floors laid with white gravel and stepping stones, alongside tatami mats and wooden areas.
While matcha remains a firm favourite, the menu also offers an extensive selection of premium Japanese teas, including green tea, hojicha, and genmaicha.
Hvala
⑳ Suzuki Gourmet Coffee: Hidden Gem in the West
The small cafe, tucked away within a factory in Singapore’s western industrial district, is a hidden gem run by Suzuki Gourmet Coffee, a long‑established coffee roastery founded in 1979.
Stepping through the traditional noren curtains reveals a serene sanctuary that stands in striking contrast to its industrial surroundings. Inside, the space showcases a modern Zen aesthetic, crafted with light wood, shoji screens, and intricate latticework.
Suzuki Gourmet Coffee
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