Our top 10 cafes in Singapore

We love to take it upon ourselves to go a-hunting for the nicest little cafes in town. Be it fancy, well-reviewed places or total holes-in-the-wall, we love finding new cafes to pop into and tune out in. Although this might seem like an all-too-popular endeavor, shared with fellow Singaporeans, we’d like to think we’re a little different in some respects. For one, good coffee and instagram-worthy coffee art aren’t the only things we look for in a good cafe. We consider cafes that generally receive hype for one quality, like their good coffee, and lack considerably in some other aspect, like their food, sup par. There are, however a few noteworthy places we have visited that have given us both and possibly even more. And here, we have listed ten of our mutual favourite picks, in no particular order.

Common Man’s Coffee Roasters

Anything but common, this place makes some killer brews and all-day breakfast. Even if you’re  not the biggest coffee drinker, we recommend you sample any brew you can get your hands on . For good reason, their waiting lines are long, but move fairly quickly, although we would recommend booking in advance. Each of their dishes could feed a mini army and unless you plan on working out very hard after it, you might consider sharing your meals. Great food and ambience. Our only point of contention is the slow service.

Address: 22 Martin Road #01-00, 239058

Oriole Cafe & Bar

Oriole already proudly boasts two outlets, in prime locations and is opening its third soon. Lauded for having the ‘best fish & chips in town’, the cafe and bar also serves great cocktails, beef cheeks, delectable deserts and wine.

Address: 96 Somerset Rd, 238163

Roosevelt’s Diner & Bar

Although in theory, as the name would suggest, this joint is more of a diner than a cafe, it resembles an all-American cafe both in look and in terms of what they serve. Let’s not forget their speciality coffees. Amazing buttermilk waffles and an all-day breakfast menu, amongst other things, this cafe/diner/bar is an all-in-one dining experience for any time of the day.

Address: 331 New Bridge Road, #01-02 Dorsett Residences, 088764

Artistry

Located along a row of shophouses-turned-restaurants, bars and costume shops, Artistry sticks out like a sore thumb – but in a very good way. It’s brown exterior makes it stand out and sets it apart from the other cafes and food places lining the street. Artistry features the work of up and coming artistes – both local and international and hosts some pretty great DJ nights. To add to that list, they have a  great beer collection.

Address: 17 Jalan Pinang, 199149

With a Pinch of Salt

When you step into this cafe, you’re immediately reminded of a doll’s house. Its utterly cute pinstripe design, with a Perankan touch, is a perfect complement for its name. Don’t be fooled though. this place doesn’t just serve sweet desserts, touched up prettily. It serves all sorts of food – from escargot to steaks to pork ribs to soft shell crab pasta. The extensive menu is one of the things we love most about the cafe, apart from the great service. We also love the fact that the owner, Kyra, tries to be at the cafe as often as she can and she goes from table to table to get to know her guests better. And the prices? Reasonable beyond belief! It really doesn’t get any better than that.

Address: 297 Tanjong Katong Rd, Singapore 437080

Ronin

This cafe opened up pretty recently and has already become of the best cafes in town. “Ronin” means ‘a masterless samurai’ and much like an independent fearless samurai, this newbie has shown it is here to stay. They do great eggs and Genovese coffee. Not to mention, their decor is tasteful and indie, without being over-the-top.

Address: 17 Hong Kong Street

Penny University

This gem in the East Coast is a must-visit. Amongst the many great food places one can find in the east, this cafe is easily one of the best finds. Artisanal coffees done to perfection, free wifi and a great chill space for students and non-students alike, Penny University started the cafe culture in the East Coast and all we can say is, we hope it will stay for many, penny years to come.

Address: 402 E Coast Rd, 428997

Department of Caffeine

For a coffee, waffles and pulled pork sandwich fix, in a setting that resembles a five-star-hotel kitchen and dining area, pay a visit to this relatively newly opened cafe in Duxton. Relax and unwind with friends and while your time away as you eat and mingle at this fancy but down-to-earth space.

Address: 15 Duxton Rd, 089481

Strangers Reunion

Expect a long waiting line, but expect the wait to be worth it. Why? Well, the food is fantastic (both price wise and taste wise) and to convince you further, the co-founder is none other than Singapore’s National Barista Champion Ryan Tan. So apart from great choices of food like buttermilk waffles, and meticulous coffee art, you can truly pay your respects to your first love – coffee.

Address: 37 Kampong Bahru Rd, 169356

Next Door Cafe

Another great East Coast find, this cafe, owned by a Serbian gentleman who made Singapore his home more than a decade ago, and is now a second home to most patrons. This place is particularly special because of its collection of great beers, with brews from all over the world. Wash down carefully prepared meals of pork, duck and fish (to name a few) with a beer or two.

Address: 699 East Coast Road, 459061

Diya-Maya Tsering Bhalla