Best cafes in Singapore for good coffee & more!

Most of us at Expat Living are undeniably reliant on our daily caffeine fix, so we’re always searching online for a ‘good coffee near me’! Top that off with delicious brunch food, and you’re set for a great day ahead. Here are some of the best cafes in Singapore for good coffee, all-day breakfast and brunch, and more.

We shortlist some of the best cafes in Singapore

Little Farms

Little Farms Katong sprawls across 6,000 square feet of space. Consisting of a supermarket, butcher counter, and a full-fledged bistro and bar, the gourmet grocer is located in the bustling, heritage-rich Joo Chiat locale.

After you’re done with the grocery shopping, kick back at one of the best cafes in Singapore, with delicious (and healthy!) bites from Little Farms Bistro. It’s all prepared using the same top-quality ingredients found along the supermarket aisles. Available all day and night, menu highlights include light salads, plant-based dishes and, the brunch food favourite, smashed avocado on toast. Wash it all down with a refreshing smoothie or a comforting cup of freshly brewed Allpress coffee from Australia.

NB: There are also Little Farms cafes located at Valley Point Shopping Centre, Holland Village, Tanglin Mall and Serangoon Gardens.

#01-04 Katong Point, 451 Joo Chiat Road
littlefarmscafe.com

The Telegraph by Olivia

Step into The Telegraph, the latest all-day dining destination from the Olivia & Co. family, located in Guoco Midtown. The stylish venue is filled with natural light from floor-to-ceiling and transforms from a cosy cafe serving up brunches and barista-crafted Allpress coffee, to an elegant bistro by night, perfect for evening dining. Inspired by the golden age of communication, The Telegraph by Olivia creates an inviting atmosphere where stories and connections can unfold – whether it’s over a quick bite, a leisurely brunch or a relaxed dinner.

The menu of all-day breakfasts, hearty mains and sharing platters includes standouts like shakshuka, truffle prawn alfredo, miso baked salmon, and coconut-braised beef short ribs. If you’re vegan, just ask, and the chef will accommodate. For those looking to unwind, there are cocktails and mocktails to sip on, or you can explore the curated wine list while dipping into bar bites such as pork ribs and parmesan truffle fries.

If you’re a pet owner, you’re in luck! The Telegraph is pet-friendly, with an alfresco dining area where you and your furry friend can relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere together.

#01-07 Guoco Midtown, 124 Beach Road
8923 8110 | oliviaandco.com.sg/the-telegraph

More of the best cafes in Singapore

Cafe Melba – great for families

If you’re looking for a family-friendly spot serving hearty brunch food and great coffee, check out Cafe Melba’s outlets at Goodman Arts Centre and Mediapolis. Loved for its all-day breakfast plates and kid-friendly atmosphere, the place is popular for all sorts of occasions – catch-up brunches, family dinners and casual lunch dates. Tuck into fluffy buttermilk pancakes, Melba French toast or the full Melba breakfast with the works: homemade pork sausage, eggs, bacon, cherry tomatoes, baked beans, mushrooms, hash brown and toast.

There’s a fab list of coffee and tea, plus wines and cocktails, too.

Blk N, #01-56 Goodman Arts Centre | 6440 6068
1 Stars Avenue, #03-01 | 6352 2721
cafemelba.com.sg

Baker & Cook – best for fresh loaves and brunch food

Popular local artisanal bakery and cafe Baker & Cook has multiple outlets islandwide. The plant-based menu is exclusively available at the Dempsey location (30C Loewen Road), a popular hangout spot for families with kids, especially on weekends. Highlights include the Pizza 10 with “meatballs” made by hand using Impossible mince, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, Spanish onions and rocket, and the Impossible Mushroom Swiss burger, a hearty and filling dish featuring house-made eggless quinoa buns.

Other brunch options include Eggs Benedict, Avo Smash, and Dutch Baby Pancakes. For drinks, opt for an Allpress espresso-based coffee, a cold press juice or a smoothie. And don’t forget to grab a bag of freshly baked breads on your way out!

Multiple locations islandwide
bakerandcook.biz

Tiong Bahru Bakery – best cafe for flaky croissants

Best known for its range of French pastries and artisanal breads, Tiong Bahru Bakery has come a long way since its first outlet opened in 2012. Everything is baked fresh with premium ingredients like French butter and flour. Get your coffee fix with a side of history at Tiong Bahru Bakery Foothills (Fort Canning Park, 70 River Valley Road, #01-05) which is housed in the former River Valley Swimming Complex, one of the earliest public pools in Singapore (officially opened in 1959).

Exclusive menu items include the sourdough croissant served with a creamy and crunchy crémeux praline filling. There’s also the nutmeg teh halia, a locally inspired drink of ginger tea perfumed with spices. Sip on good coffee from Common Man Coffee Roasters, while indulging in a croissant (or three!). We can’t think of a better way to spend the weekend!

Multiple locations islandwide
tiongbahrubakery.com

Baristart Coffee – best cafe for Japanese sweets

With a handful of outlets in Singapore, Hokkaido-based cafe Baristart Coffee has gained popularity for serving indulgent Japanese-inspired desserts and good coffee. Sort your caffeine fix and sweet tooth craving with its cream puffs and barista-brewed coffees, which incorporate rich and luscious full cream Hokkaido BIEI Jersey milk.

65 Tras Street | #04-01 Wisma Atria | 1 Keong Saik Road | 1 Hill Street
baristartcoffee.sg

Yeast Side – best cafe for sourdough bakes and good coffee

As its name suggests, Yeast Side focuses on bakes and coffee in the day. From 4pm, the trendy nook transitions to a local watering hole with 12 rotating craft beers and hand-stretched pizzas – yum!

If you like moist and dense cakes that aren’t overly sweet, try the banana bread and carrot cake topped with cream cheese and walnuts (a personal favourite!). Other bestsellers are the cinnamon-spiked sourdough sticky buns, alongside brunch food like smoked salmon ricotta tartine. You can also choose to recreate the cafe experience at home by ordering one of their sourdough loaves. For online orders, delivery costs $15 with no minimum spend.

Kap Mall, Lyf Farrer Park and Exeter Road 
yeastside.sg

Swee Lee Social Club – great cafe for music lovers

Love music and coffee? This cosy location lets you have both! A cafe, lifestyle and music store-in-one, you can get your caffeine fix and fill up with light all-day brunch food such as hummus and tomato toast, plus a neat selection of freshly made waffles in must-try flavours like caramelised banana, mixed berry and, our regular go-to, cookie crumble.

Wash it all down with a great coffee; the signature menu features handcrafted brews like the Bittersweet – a refreshing mix of espresso, yuzu, soda and ice – and Melbourne iced coffee, a creamy concoction of iced macadamia nut latte with ice-cream.

Blk 3B River Valley Road, #01-06 Clarke Quay
experience.sweelee.com/cafe 

Apartment Coffee – best cafe for coffee lovers

If you’re a coffee enthusiast, this local haunt will need little introduction. Opened since October 2018, the bright and spacious spot is helmed by owner Yeo Qing He, who won the Singapore Brewers Cup and placed sixth at the World Brewers Cup. No wonder it’s been touted as one of the best cafes in Singapore for a quality brew!

Apartment Coffee is more than just another cafe; the stylish studio and roastery focuses on telling the story behind each cup of coffee served. Coffee lovers can check out the monthly subscription, which lets you choose up to three bags of filter roast (200g) and up to three bags of espresso roast (300g) to be delivered to you each month.

139 Selegie Road
apartmentcoffee.co

Best cafes in Singapore – a reader’s recommendation

Newcomer HELEN HARVEY has been discovering some cool coffee spots and keeping track of her favourites so far!

Bee Hoe Cafe

A Joo Chiat must-visit, tucked away in a little back alley. Check out the Vietnamese egg coffee or the iced peanut butter coffee – you won’t regret it! 55 Joo Chiat Place | IG @beehoecoffee 

Frankie & Fern’s

A Holland Village favourite, bright, airy and filled with plants, as the name suggests. This rooftop spot is perfect for a hearty brunch. There’s also a delightful selection of cakes. #04-03 Holland Road Shopping Centre, 211 Holland Avenue | frankienferns.house 

Hellu

A cosy, hole-in-the-wall cafe where you can enjoy signature creamu coffee, paired with one of their croffles. The hot chocolate is also delicious. 137 Amoy Street, #01-05 Far East Square | IG @hellu_coffee

Nitty Gritty

A tasty fusion of Singaporean and American soul food! This cafe boasts a varied menu including duck confit grits, toasted sesame fried eggs and an apple fritter pancake set. 21 Teo Hong Road, #01-01 | thenittygritty.sg

Pout

A sleek, minimalist cafe with gorgeous views of Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer. Get there when it opens to beat the queue! 50 South Bridge Road, #06-00 | pout.cafe

Liked this article on the best cafes in Singapore for good coffee and brunch food? Visit our Wine & Dine section for more ideas and inspiration.