The best restaurants and cafés with Instagrammable neon signs

As one neon sign inside proclaims, BRICKS Gastrobar is the place for 'good times, fun times'. This chill hangout spot in the heart of River Valley serves up hearty mains like fish and chips, bangers and mash, and beef bourguignon. But many come for its outstanding selection of award-winning craft beers from around the world, rotated bi-weekly, and bespoke cocktails. To sweeten the deal, prices listed are nett. 

'Rise and Grind' says its neon sign, and rise and grind you shall. Paddy Hills makes the perfect perk-me-up spot with brunch offerings that include the Mediterranean flatbread ($18), a mix of rib-eye meatballs, pomegranate and sunny-side-up on flatbread, along with starter bites like cauliflower fritters ($13) and truffle fries ($14). The café manually brews its coffee using the V60 and Aeropress, and the neon sign outside perfectly encapsulates their love for coffee – as well as the best way to start the day. 

Located at the idyllic Robertson Quay, Botany's menu is a blend of local and Western cuisine. But before you examine the menu for the best meal to satiate your hunger, snap a photo against its wall of lush foliage, complete with a jazzy neon sign. Tuck into plates of chicken congee ($12), muesli ($13), French toast ($15), or homemade beef burger ($22) that goes well with appetisers like the otah chips ($15).

The Dark Gallery is all about one thing and one thing only – chocolate. We're talking chocolate ice-cream, chocolate pastries, chocolate drinks, chocolate desserts, and more. But prior to that sweet, sweet indulgence, head to its Ngee Ann City outlet for brightly lit neon icons occupying the back wall. It's best to snap one for the 'gram while enjoying your decadent chocolate treat. Perhaps its single origin chocolate ice-cream ($5 per scoop), made daily in small batches.

When walking along the river by the Esplanade, it's almost impossible to miss Alter Ego and its giant neon sign. The joint is, as its name suggests, the 'darker' side of A Poke Theory, serving up indulgent grub like their signature pizza fries ($14) – thick-cut fries topped with smoked pepperoni, three-cheese sauce and a helping of house-made bacon ketchup. Its Insta-worthy thick shakes ($10 each) also draw in the crowds, with flavours like matcha, malt, peanut butter and salted caramel. 

From its high ceilings and concrete floors to its wooden-topped chairs and tables, Five Oars Coffee Roasters takes industrial-chic to a whole new level. Its food isn't shabby either: Valrhona chocolate pancakes ($20), mentaiko mac and cheese ($21.50), and chicken rosti ($17) are just some of the delectable dishes they have on the menu. And when you're done with your meal, its neon sign outside makes for the perfect backdrop to mark the occasion of your visit. 

Millennial pink walls, neon signs, and colourful juices – what more could you need for the perfect Instagram photo? Sugarfin’s aesthetically pleasing all-pink interior decor makes for a cute backdrop for a picturesque pit-stop for the ‘gram. While you're at it, grab a couple of healthy bites as well as its signature juices at $10 a pop. 

With retro style diner booths and old-school counter seats, this classic American diner offers a quintessential stateside experience that is Instagram worthy at every corner. A 'Nice Buns' sign sets the tone, but for more, check out the bathroom signs for a quick mirror selfie. For the women, the sign says – '99 problems but a man ain’t one', and for the men – 'shake it off' (you know what it means!).

The mix of a simple neon burger outline paired with an arrow creates an air of vagueness left for customers to wonder and wander into Burger Joint itself. Snap a pic outside the establishment against the white wall for a cheeky OOTD, then head in and chow down on its juicy hamburgers ($17.10), cheeseburgers ($17.80), bacon burgers ($19.10) and bacon cheeseburgers ($19.80).

You’ll surely exclaim aloud “I Want It All” when you're at Cake Spade. With their gorgeous cakes and the hot pink neon sign framed by artistic wall decor, there are loads of picture-perfect opportunities. Capture as many photos as you want, and load it up on your feed for the likes.

Muchachos, home of the cheeseburger ($16.50), burrito ($12-$13.50), and quesadilla ($12). To wrap it all up in a fresh tortilla, Muchachos asks the real question in bright neon lights: "What are we feeling today, fam?". This Mexican cantina serving up Cali-Mex grub eatery is decorated with neon lights all around, creating an almost surreal atmosphere. 

The Great Madras – where the great neon signs are at. This little boutique hotel with just 34 rooms houses some of the best signs you can get in town. From the iconic flamingo sign to the encouraging 'Go Everywhere, Do Everything', the perfect lit backdrop is created for the 'Easy like Sunday Morning' sign to live up to its saying. Also, don't miss the Great Madras Swimming Club sign on a pink wall complete with an outline of a synchronised swimmer above the rounded entrance to the pool area is the most Instagram worthy picture just waiting for you.

Casual diner, bar, Instagram-worthy background – all used to describe this establishment found on Beach Road. The place draws you in with its neon red sign stating 'Happy Food Inside' with an arrow pointing into the restaurant, but the 'Live colourfully' sign in blue is what completes the look. While you're at it, devour signature mains like duck confit ($16.90) and claypot braised Angus beef cheek ($19.90).