Top 10 "All-Day" Cafes in Singapore : The brunch & nature lover's guide

 

When the lockdown started, little did we know that we would be in this state for a long 9 over months. With nowhere to go and borders closed, we were left with just 1 option - to explore the little red dot all by ourselves. I decided to explore cafes in Singapore as a weekend family and friends activity (bear in mind the restriction of 5 has been applicable since the onset of Phase 2). 

This is a comprehensive guide for people who want to explore the cafes and take some time out away from home (especially since home has been our office too in the last few months). With Phase 3 coming up soon and more people planning activities to wind up the year, I have listed some amazing cafes with pictures. Below is my recommended list (not in the ranking order):

1) The Coastal Settlement

Located in serene, peaceful surroundings, this café is sure to take your breathe away. Like a hidden gem in Singapore, one cannot imagine such a place in the concrete jungle. Perfect for weekend brunches, dates, or even spending a lonely time with a book, this place outshines all other cafes in Singapore in ambience. The café even allows pets and if you are an ardent animal lover, be sure to visit the café and make new friends. There is a huge lawn overlooking the jetty and it is a perfect picnic spot for many families with children.

Website: https://www.thecoastalsettlement.com/
Cuisines offered: Western, Seasonal local, Vegetarian, Multi-cuisine, Coffee/Tea and Alcohol.
Best for: Couples, Families, Loners, Peace-Seeking souls,...

2) Wildseed Cafe @ The Summerhouse

Private Dome @ Summerhouse

Seletar Aerospace is not an accessible area for obvious reasons. There are no high rise buildings in the vicinity owing to the airport restrictions. The cafe has a huge space and is the 1st in Singapore to offer unique dome dining. Couples may book the dome (with special menu) for their celebrations, men may want to use the venue for wedding proposals, friends may just decide to celebrate their friendship in this place.

The Wildseed Cafe

The place has been decked up for Christmas and is sure to take your breathe away. Enjoy the fresh air and have a lovely evening out here.

Must Haves: The beers are always at a promotion and the cheese sticks are super good.

Website: https://www.thesummerhouse.sg/wildseed-cafe/
Cuisines offered: Western, Vegetarian, Coffee/Tea/Soft Drinks and Alcohol.
Best for: Couples, Friends

3) PS Cafe - Ann Siang Hill

This cafe located in the heart of CBD is bound to take anyone with surprise. The restaurant is located up the Ann Siang Hill amidst other restaurants and bars yet it is secluded in its own way. There is a courtyard and often you find birds chirping their way out here. Indeed a surprise in the heart of the city. 

Must haves: The cafe offers one of the best Sangrias and chocolate cakes. Be sure to try both when you are there.

Website: https://www.pscafe.com/pscafe-at-ann-siang-hill-park
Cuisines offered: Western, Vegetarian, Coffee/Tea/Soft Drinks and Alcohol.
Best for: Couples, Friends, Colleagues on a break, Loners, Peace-Seeking souls,...

4) Halia @ the Botanical Gardens

Picture taken from The Peak Magazine

Halia has the most unique location of all. It is located inside the Botanical Gardens and just besides the Ginger Gardens. Halia in Malay language means "Ginger". The cafe offers unique floral and garden view with local cuisine one can relish. Their high tea is very popular.  

Many of Halia's menu is ginger based (as the name suggests). This is the only halal certified cafe in my list. It is recommended to start your Botanics walk from Botanical Gardens MRT and wrap up at Halia (other end) before heading out via the Orchard gate.

Inside the Orchid Gardens

Website: https://thehalia.com/
Cuisines offered: Western, Vegetarian, Local Cuisine, Cuisines with ginger infusion and Coffee/Tea/Soft Drinks

**This is a halal certified cafe. No alcohol is sold.
Best for: Couples, Friends, Families, Loners, Peace-Seeking souls,...

5) Food for Thought @ The National Museum 

One of the cafes located in the National Museum of Singapore with artistic surroundings. You may visit the museum and off late the famous Doraemon structures, then finish the session with a visit to the cafe. Most people spend a few hours at the museum as it has a lot to offer. The cafe is a perfect addition to the venue. Food for Thought has another outlet at Jacob Ballas' Children Garden and has a specially curated menu for little children known as "Food for Tots". Surely, a lot of thought has gone in to make this special for families and children.

Must haves: Pancakes and French toasts are a must-try. Delicious and wholesome.

Website: https://foodforthought.com.sg/
Cuisines offered: Western, All-Day breakfasts, Vegetarian (limited options), Coffee/Tea/Soft Drinks and Alcohol.
Best for: Families and Friends

6) Stellas @ The Changi

Overlooking the East Coast beach, Stella's is located far away from civilization. Little did I know that there are stunning cafes in this part of the island. Located next to the sailing club, there are many cafes along the route. However, Stella's offers one of the best views and food. This is a very family and pet friendly cafe. 

We witnessed the cafe decorated for a solemnization ceremony. With restrictions around, many people could not have grand and elaborated weddings. Such cafes come to rescue of the people by providing a romantic ambience for the occasion. The cafe faces east and does not offer very good sunset pics but if you are out early jogging or cycling, this may be a great sunrise spot (though the cafe wont open that soon).

We tried the pizza and the grilled food - it was really delicious (especially with Stella Artois). 

Website: https://stella.com.sg/
Cuisines offered: Western, Grills, Vegetarian (minimal choices), Coffee/Tea/Soft Drinks and Alcohol.
Best for: Couples, Families and Friends

7)Whisk & Paddle

View at the Sunset Point - Punggol

This Cafe is located next to Sungei Serangoon at Punggol Riviera. Close to Lorong Halus, the cafe offers stunning river views and great food. Fondly known as Cafe by the River, Whisk n Paddle is a perfect choice for people to spend their weekends by the river. One may even finish a long walk along the riverside before ending the session with an all-day breakfast at Whisk n Paddle.

Recommended Route: Walk from Punggol MRT to Whisk n Paddle at the Punggol Riverside. If you want to walk more, cover the Coney island in between.

Must Haves: Their all day breakfast and pancakes with some chilled beer.

Picture taken from Tripadvisor

Website: http://whiskandpaddle.com.sg/
Cuisines offered: Western, Vegetarian, Coffee/Tea/Soft Drinks and Alcohol.
Best for: Couples, Friends, Family-friendly

 

8) Ola Beach Club

Located at the Siloso Beach, this café has its own swimming pool for kids to plunge in. With beach vibes on, this is a must visit place for all beach lovers. The cafe has a Hawaiian theme and plays peppy music for one to enjoy a beach party. One can sit here for hours and hours with food and drinks. The café offers western cuisine with some vegetarian options.

Website: https://www.olabeachclub.com/
Cuisines offered: Western, Vegetarian, Coffee/Tea/Soft Drinks and Alcohol.
Best for: Families and Friends

9) Wheeler's Estate

Picture taken from: SG Magazine

Another cafe at the Seletar Aerospace that boasts the space and lawn. Affiliated to its sister company, Wheeler's yard, the Estate offers a slightly different menu and a totally different ambience. The outdoor Alfresco Lawn Cafe gives you the best sunset views whereas the indoor cafe offers cozy dining area.

Best known for its steak for meat lovers, the Wheeler's is a popular choice for youngsters to spend their evenings out. They are currently offering Christmas menu - Santa's Big Belly feast.

Website: https://www.wheelersestate.com/

Cuisines offered: Western, Vegetarian, Soft Drinks and Alcohol.
Best for: Couples, Family-friends, Friends, Large gatherings

10) Wild Honey

Set in the heart of the city, Wild Honey is one of the most accessible cafes to residents and tourists. I visited the Mandarin Gallery outlet which is at the Mandarin Orchard Hotel. The cafe has a modern decor and overlooks the Orchard Road. Sitting by the window, I could relish on the good food while admiring the Xmas decorations at the Orchard Road. The place is busy so do make a reservation before you plan the visit.

The menu is wide and offers a multi cuisine breakfasts ranging from Mexican to Californian.

Must Haves: Any selection from the All-Day Breakfast.

Website: https://wildhoney.com.sg/

Cuisines offered: Western, All-day breakfasts, Festive Menu, Vegetarian / Vegan, Soft Drinks and Tea/Coffee
Best for: Couples, Family-friends, Friends.

The above is just a recommended list based on my personal choice. There are plenty of more cafes and brunch places to explore which I am yet to visit. Those are on my 2021 to-visit list. 

Note: Due credits for pictures have been provided.