The best alfresco restaurants and cafés in Singapore

What is it? This casual Italian bistro is another fixture along Robertson Quay, boasting riverfront views, a pet-friendly outdoor area and a wide menu of pizza and pasta.

Why we love it: Its interior offers an Italian escape – think granite floors laid in bold geometric patterns that call to mind the country’s many piazzas. But if you're all about dining alfresco, grab a seat outdoors and soak in the breeze under the fairy lights. There, dramatic green walls double up as vertical gardens, and furniture set in neutral hues helps channel coastal vibes. The 10-inch wood-fired pizzas are a must-order, featuring sustainable wheat germ 0 flour and a 48-hour-fermented, house-made dough. Flavours like the burrata, cherry tomatoes, arugula ($32) and tartufata with smoked scamorza, mozzarella, porcini mushrooms and black truffle are especially popular ($38).

Time Out tip: While the sun-soaked patio sounds appealing, we recommend dining outdoors in the evening – those parasols do little to shield you from the scorching heat.

Address: 1 Nanson Road, Singapore 238909
Opening hours: Mon-Thu noon-11pm; Fri-Sat noon-10pm; Sun noon-10pm

What is it? A seaside restaurant at East Coast Park by ex-Braci chef Mirko Febbrile, serving uncomplicated Italian fare.

Why we love it: Breezy holiday vibes are strong here, and the food is an assemblage of familiar Italian dishes. The baked focaccina (from $18) is a must-order alongside San Marzano tomatoes or fresh buffalo mozzarella. The small plates feature seasonal ingredients like Cardoncelli mushrooms ($21) or charred red peppers and Cantabrico anchovies ($18). For a dash of novelty, desserts are pushed out in adorable carts, and we recommend you go for the cannoli or burrata gelato.

Time Out tip: Grab a seat by the live pasta bar to watch fresh pasta (from $23) prepared before your eyes. Lesser seen variations like mafaldine and orecchiette are also available.

Address: 1300 East Coast Parkway, East Coast Park Area F, 468964
Opening hours: Mon-Wed 5.30pm-10.30pm; Thu 11.30am-3pm, 5.30pm-10.30pm; Fri-Sun 11.30am-10.30pm

What is it? Club Street Laundry is anything but a laundromat, but the restaurant does pay homage to its past life as Hup San Laundry, frequented by second-generation immigrants nearly a century ago.

Why we love it: If you’re looking for a place to people-watch, Club Street Laundry fits the bill perfectly. The breezy, open-concept bistro has high tables perched along walkways, staring out at the charming shophouses around the neighbourhood. The menu is positioned as modern-Australian, but Chef Justin Hammond throws in influences from all around the world as well as his personal memories. Highlights include flame-grilled beef cheeks which sit atop a bed of buttery mash ($33) and charcoal-grilled sea bream ($31). 

Time Out tip: Retreat into Hup San Social Club once you’re done with dinner. It's a snug 12-seater bunker busting out delicious cocktails by award-winning bartender June Baek.

 Address: 98 Club St, #01-01, Singapore 069467
Opening hours: Tue-Fri 5pm-midnight, Sat noon-midnight

What is it? Taking over the corner unit where Three Buns Robertson Quay by Potato Head used to be, Carnaby is a modern British bistro helmed by former Potato Head executive chef Adam Penney.

Why we love it: A breezy waterfront locale and solid English nosh – what's there not to love? In the evenings, the outdoor terrace is the perfect spot to unwind with an icy pint in hand. And on Sunday afternoons, Carnaby transforms into a lively hotspot for families to enjoy a traditional Sunday Roast. This signature dish of roasted Angus beef, served with potatoes, vegetables, horseradish cream and an excellent Yorkshire pudding ($39), is also available throughout the week. But on weekdays, you get to enjoy a one-for-one deal when you purchase a bottle of wine.

Time Out tip: Don't miss out on the burgers – the Three Buns legacy lives on, and the stacks are as juicy and well-crafted as they were before. 

Address: 60 Robertson Quay, The Quayside, #01-01, Singapore 238252
Opening hours: Tue 5pm-10pm; Wed-Fri noon-10pm; Sat 11am-3pm, 5pm-10pm; Sun 11am-3pm, 5pm-10pm

What is it? After a short hiatus, this soaring Italian restaurant at Marina Bay Sands is back in action, sporting a summery new vibe and menu.

Why we love it: Pick a spot indoors, along the scenic alfresco terrace, or at the bar and lounge – each one offers a different atmosphere, but all are equally stylish. While favourites like the wagyu-veal-pork meatball ($39) and signature 20 layer chocolate cake ($34) make a comeback, new dishes with coastal flair have been added to the list – think plenty of fresh seafood-focused plates including grilled octopus ($34), jumbo shrimp ($45), and a malfadine seafood alfredo ($45) with shrimp, scallops, and lobster butter. 

Time Out tip: Lavo's party brunch with live DJs and dancing is back. Keep up on the latest programmes on Lavo's Instagram.

Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Marina Bay Sands, Tower 1, Level 57, Singapore 018956
Opening hours: Sun-Thu 11.30am-midnight; Fri-Sat 11.30am-1am

What is it? The laid-back eatery by chef Julien Royer overlooks open fields and has a 25-label gin line-up.

Why we love it: Dempsey Hill’s newest restaurant is made for chill hangs. Shrouded by lush greenery and parked right behind the former chapel that houses Claudine, La Terrace is another French dining concept by chef Julien Royer. Inspired by the picturesque terraces of Provence, La Terrace overlooks open fields and lets in lots of natural light and breeze – while providing shade – with its semi-alfresco design. Menu-wise, the restaurant focuses on French home-style sharing plates to match its convivial environment – think simple, classic flavours that still pack a satisfying punch.

Time Out tip: If you’re celebrating a special event, book the 12-seater private room that’s decorated with preserved flowers. 

Address: 39C Harding Rd, Singapore 249541
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-9.30pm; Fri 11.30am-3pm; Sat-Sun 11.30am-9.30pm

What is it? With four locations across Singapore, each outlet of Wildseed Café delivers a slightly different experience, but with the same lush, garden-themed design, relaxed brunch plates and pet-friendly surroundings. 

Why we love it: Wildseed Café at The Summerhouse in Seletar Aerospace Park is where to flock to for Singaporean-inspired dishes at a spot that's slightly off the beaten track. Its most central location is The Garage at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, where the menu hones in on wellness-focused dishes. Then there's The Alkaff Mansion, where the alfresco dining area sits underneath gorgeous arches, and the kitchen puts out Spanish-inspired plates. Lastly, Wildseed Café at 1-Flowerhill in Sentosa is the latest to join the group, with stunning floral decor and a breezy outdoor seating area that overlooks the Sentosa Sensoryscape.

Time Out tip: Occasionally, afternoon tea is available at The Alkaff Mansion. The $68 set for two comes with around 10 sweet and savoury bites, paired with coffee or tea. Find out more at the website.

Address: The Summerhouse, The Alkaff Mansion, 1-Flowerhill, The Garage
Opening hours: View all locations and opening hours here

What is it? Casual Mexican restaurant with two locations in Singapore – Robertson Quay for a more pared back vibe overlooking the Singapore River, or Customs House for a stunning view of Marina Bay. 

Why we love it: While the view and lively ambience are great, the signature dishes hold their own. At Customs House, dig into tacos with the usual fillings of baja fish, carne asada, prawn and even a vegetarian option with the lion's mane mushroom al pastor. The mango ceviche with sustainably-farmed seabass is another good shout. And if you're visiting for a birthday celebration, you might get lucky with a plate of complimentary churros. Equally popular are the chicken quesadilla and elotes over at the Robertson Quay branch.

Time Out tip: Don't miss El Loco Hour, happening daily from 3pm to 7pm. Across both outlets, margaritas, beers and wine go for $10 each, with sunset snacks like chips and salsa, smoked cheese quesadilla and more.

Address: Robertson Quay, Customs House
Opening hours: See all Super Loco outlets and opening hours here

What is it? Laid-back beer microbrewery and smokehouse with three locations across Singapore.

Why we love it: This casual gastrobar puts out consistently great food and beer, and its Changi Village outlet is a must-visit. The warehouse-like space on the eastern reaches of Singapore pours out a range of ales, porters and stouts. The outdoor alfresco area is lined with wooden benches for communal feasts, and by nightfall, it's lit up with fairy lights, which really gets the vibe going. Closer to town, there's the Gillman Barracks outlet, which doubles up as Singapore's first vintage vinyl bar, with plenty of live music performances. And if you want to wind down after work, the South Beach outlet helps with just that.

Time Out tip: Head down to Gillman Barracks on Wednesday evenings for Waxy Wednesday, and get your groove on to nostalgic hits from the 70s and 80s. 

Address: Changi Village, South Beach, Gillman Barracks
Opening hours: See all locations and opening hours here

What is it? Located some 100 meters above sea level at Faber Peak, this romantic restaurant is flanked by lush rainforests and sweeping views of Harbourfront and Sentosa Island. 

Why we love it: As you take in the gorgeous views, indulge in Dusk’s selection of hearty mains and sharing plates – most European-style dishes with Asian touches. Signatures include the tiger prawn capellini – a perennial favourite here; Hokkaido scallops; braised beef cheek; and pan-seared Atlantic salmon. Round off the meal with a classic Guinness chocolate cake. Next, check out the recently refreshed Mirabilis Bar for floral and fruit-forward cocktails (from $18) to end the night.

Time Out tip: You guessed it – the ideal time to visit is at... dusk. To get here, you'll need to purchase a cable car ticket up to the restaurant or drive in. Once you've arrived, grab a seat at the open deck to enjoy prime views of the setting sun and cable cars. 

Address: 109 Mount Faber Rd, Mount Faber Peak, Singapore 099203
Opening hours: Daily 4pm-11pm