Singapore’s coffee scene is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself. From minimalist hideaways in the heart of the city to leafy garden cafés tucked into quiet neighbourhoods, there’s no shortage of beautiful places to sit down with a quality cup. As a professional barista and full-time café explorer, I’ve sipped my way across the island to bring you this guide to the best cafés in Singapore—where every visit promises great coffee, unique vibes, and a little inspiration.
1. Atlas Coffeehouse
Tucked away near the Botanic Gardens, Atlas Coffeehouse strikes a perfect balance between modern café chic and warm neighbourhood charm. Inside, natural light floods the spacious interior, highlighting its dark wood accents and warm brass details. While the coffee is always on point—crafted using blends from local roaster Two Degrees North—it’s the food that surprises you. Their butterscotch banana pancakes are a signature for a reason, and if you’re more of a savoury brunch person, their creamy mushroom toast is rich, earthy, and full of umami flavour. Whether you’re stopping by after a morning walk or planning a relaxed brunch with friends, Atlas is the kind of place that keeps you coming back.
Address: 6 Duke’s Road, Singapore 268886
2. % Arabica (Arab Street)
If you’re someone who appreciates aesthetics as much as espresso, % Arabica on Arab Street is your dream destination. With clean lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, and that iconic % logo, this Japanese-born brand offers a minimalist yet luxurious coffee experience. But beyond the Instagrammable vibes lies a serious dedication to coffee craft. The baristas here work with precision, serving smooth espresso shots, lattes with silky microfoam, and their popular Spanish latte—which offers a subtle sweetness that balances beautifully with the espresso’s brightness. It’s always bustling, but worth the wait.
Address: 56 Arab Street, Singapore 199753
3. The Glasshouse
Located within the peaceful CHIJMES complex, The Glasshouse is a haven for anyone looking to slow down. Surrounded by greenery and styled with wood, concrete, and glass, it feels like a cross between a modern greenhouse and a Scandi café. The coffee program here rotates frequently, featuring beans from top international roasters. Their hand-brewed pour-overs are some of the best in town—clean, balanced, and thoughtfully extracted. On the food front, their open-faced tartines, particularly the smoked salmon option, are beautifully presented and packed with flavor. It’s an ideal spot for a slow brunch or a reflective solo coffee session.
Address: 30 Victoria Street, #01-03 CHIJMES, Singapore 187996
4. Apartment Coffee
Apartment Coffee is where the serious coffee nerds go. Located along Lavender Street, this white-walled, minimalist café is all about coffee education and thoughtful brewing. Every cup is made to highlight the nuances of origin—expect delicate acidity, floral aromas, and baristas who love explaining their process if you ask. Their pour-over selection rotates regularly, showcasing beans from Ethiopia, Panama, Kenya, and more. The experience here is intentionally stripped down—no complicated menu or sugar syrups—just a calm, focused space to enjoy coffee at its purest.
Address: 161 Lavender Street, #01-12, Singapore 338750
5. Hello Arigato
On Upper Thomson Road, Hello Arigato blends Japanese café culture with a Singaporean twist. The interior is cozy and warm, with blonde wood, industrial finishes, and just the right amount of natural light. The star here is the sando—particularly the Gyu Sando, which features tender, marinated beef between slices of soft Japanese milk bread. Their coffee is well-executed, often featuring blends that lean nutty and chocolatey, and their matcha and hojicha lattes are just as popular. It’s a great café to bring friends or enjoy a quiet lunch alone with your laptop.
Address: 227 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574359
6. Chye Seng Huat Hardware
Few cafés have as much street cred as Chye Seng Huat Hardware, lovingly referred to as CSHH by locals. This industrial-chic coffee bar is housed in a former hardware store and is now the flagship café of PPP Coffee, one of Singapore’s top specialty roasters. It’s got everything—a roastery, a brew bar, a tasting room, and even a rooftop garden. The space is buzzing with energy, especially on weekends, and the coffee is consistently excellent. Their cold brews are legendary, and the baristas here love showcasing single-origin espressos that push flavour boundaries.
Address: 150 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207563
7. Punch
Punch feels like a secret garden tucked just outside Singapore’s business district. A courtyard with leafy plants welcomes you into a calm, modern space where clean design meets cozy comfort. The menu is brunch-forward but elevated—ricotta pancakes, beef burgers with sweet potato fries, and miso mushroom toast are all standout dishes. Their coffee program is tight, featuring well-pulled espresso shots and beautifully balanced long blacks. Punch is a place where you can get great food, great coffee, and a moment of quiet all in one go.
Address: 32 North Canal Road, Singapore 059288
8. For The People
With a sleek, open-concept layout and gorgeous natural light, For The People feels like the kind of café where ideas come to life. Located in the Jalan Besar area, it’s a favourite for creatives, students, and remote workers alike. The coffee leans classic—nutty flat whites, smooth lattes, and filter brews made with attention to detail. But what keeps people coming back is the food. Their creamy miso pasta and fried chicken burger are wildly popular, and the atmosphere is always buzzy but never overwhelming.
Address: 11 Hamilton Road, Singapore 209182
9. Percolate
Over in the heartlands, Percolate has built a loyal following as Bedok’s go-to spot for artisanal coffee and local flair. The café is small, cozy, and community-driven—its baristas always ready to chat about beans or recommend a pastry. Their iced white is a crowd favorite, made with a house blend that balances bright acidity with smooth chocolate notes. Local collaborations mean their pastry case is always stocked with surprises—think ondeh ondeh cakes or taro-infused tarts from homegrown bakers.
Address: 136 Bedok North Avenue 3, #01-152, Singapore 460136
10. Symmetry
Equal parts café, bar, and restaurant, Symmetry brings a touch of sophistication to the Bugis area. With Parisian bistro vibes, soft lighting, and cozy seating, it’s ideal for brunch, dinner, or even date night. Their coffee is strong and expertly made, and you can even order it spiked—an espresso martini, perhaps? Their truffle mushroom toast is rich and hearty, and the cocktails flow as smoothly as the espresso. If you’re looking to elevate your café experience, this is the place to be.
Address: 9 Jalan Kubor, #01-01, Singapore 199206
Final Brewed Thoughts
Singapore’s café scene is thriving, and there’s never been a better time to explore it. Whether you’re after a perfectly brewed V60, a fluffy Japanese sando, or simply a beautiful place to spend an afternoon, these cafés offer a wide range of experiences for every kind of coffee drinker.
And as any barista will tell you, it’s not just about the beans or the brew method—it’s about the experience. So take your time, explore the neighborhoods, chat with the baristas, and find your new favorite café one cup at a time.
