If you haven’t had a walk in a while, the plants, scenery and food in the Botanic Gardens are good enough reasons to head there for a stroll! Don’t forget Cluny Court; this boutique shopping centre sits just on the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and right next to the Botanic Gardens MRT. Cluny Court is brimming with pretty cafes for coffee, croissants and pastries, breakfasts and other delicious food options – here are a few recommendations!
7 recommendations for cafes for coffee and food near the Botanic Gardens
Bao Makers
Cluny Court just got tastier with the newest bao spot in town! Since 2015, Bao Makers has been reimagining the humble bao bun – honouring classic flavours while adding a creative twist. Now, at its latest outlet, the team is bringing back what started it all: perfectly steamed baos and great coffee. On the menu? Signature favourites including Chilli Crab, Blackened Chicken, Chipotle Beef and Truffle Mushroom baos.
Grab a bao after your walk in the Botanic Gardens, or go for the Bao Box with 12 baos in individual holders – perfect for sharing with the family… or not!
Tiong Bahru Bakery
We love popping into Tiong Bahru Bakery at Cluny Court – who can get enough of the store’s buttery croissants, flaky pain au chocolat and the cult-favourite Kouign Amann, all paired with freshly brewed coffee by Common Man Coffee Roasters? This cafe has been at Cluny Court since late 2023, bringing its consistently good French artisanal bakes and cosy vibes.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick treat or settling in for a slow afternoon, you know you’re in for delicious food near the Botanic Gardens.
Brill
Need a post-walk pick-me up? Brill has you covered with delicious coffee, healthy sandwiches, fresh fruits, homemade yoghurt, dessert pots and freshly baked bread straight from the Simply Bread bakery upstairs! This cosy alfresco cafe near the Botanic Gardens is a go-to for locals and tourists looking for a light bite with a laid back, breezy vibe.
It’s also great for soaking in the greenery and people-watching!
Plain Vanilla
If, like us, you have a soft spot for historical architecture, you’ll appreciate Plain Vanilla‘s colonial-inspired entrance that blends in with the Cluny Court building. (Insta fans will definitely want to take some cafe shots here!) Beyond the pretty exterior, it’s also a prime spot to unwind with homely cakes and pastries made from scratch with old-but-gold preparation methods.
Start your day with a warm Smoked Salmon & Dill Savoury Tart or settle in for a slow afternoon with the Butterscotch Banana Cake. Pair it with a coffee, tea latte or fruit cooler for a well-earned moment of pause.
Prairie By Craftsmen
The pet-friendly folks at Prairie By Craftsmen understand how tough it is leaving your dog alone at home when you go out, and after a walk with them at least be able to enjoy a good coffee or food. That’s why this cafe near the Botanic Gardens allows you to bring your canine companion. The menu, which spans breakfast, lunch and dinner, features its newest addition: fresh whole barramundi either baked with housemade spice or prepared en papillote for rich Mediterranean flavours.
The alfresco space is a stunner, and the indoor space makes it one of the most Instagrammable cafes in Singapore. Walk past the bamboo garden and you’re there!
Da Paolo Gastronomia
This two-in-one gourmet cafe and retail store emphasises all-natural flavours and fine ingredients from Europe, and is a handy place to pick up a quick, convenient and high quality meal. If you have a sweet tooth, Da Paolo’s freshly baked pastries are hard to resist. Thanks to a newly perfected recipe and premium French butter, their croissants (like the Almond Croissant and the Pistachio-topped Croissant) are now flakier, lighter and more indulgent than ever.
For savoury treats, you can’t go wrong with a classic Ham & Cheese Croissant. Extra hungry? Try the hearty Egg Brioche Bunwich or the signature Bolognese pasta!
Relish by Wild Rocket
This spot is perfect for those with a hearty appetite – or anyone feeling ravenous after some exercise. There’s the classic Bacon & Double Cheese Beef Burger that everyone loves, but Relish takes things up a notch. Don’t be surprised, for example, to spot a Blue Cheese and William Pear Burger on the menu, which comes topped with poached pear and walnut butter. Is it as odd as it sounds or unexpectedly good?
There’s only one way to find out!
Cluny Court is at 501 Bukit Timah Road. For more info, visit clunycourt.com.
This article about food in the Botanic Gardens appeared in the May 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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Haven’t had enough of cakes and coffee? We also have a list of the best places to go for high tea in Singapore!
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