The best garden restaurants in Singapore

Our airport, often regarded as one of the best in the world, comes filled with impressive structures and attractions that draw huge throngs of curious crowds. But away from the man-made waterfall and rooftop gardens, there lies a secret garden café that is hidden from plain sight. Hub and Spoke Cafe, located just off Terminal 2, offers a tranquil escape to unwind and grab a bite. The glasshouse-looking space lets in oodles of natural sunlight, and the breezy alfresco veranda comes flanked by plenty of fauna. Tip: look out for a self-watering green wall – adorned with luscious blooms – that makes for a great photo backdrop. Sip on classic kopi and teh (from $1.30) as you pair it with some steamed yam buns ($4.50) or honey butter French toast ($4.40).

Most might know Canopy Garden Dining as a garden escape at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. Now, the restaurant has opened a second, and its biggest, outlet at HortPark – complete with green walls, indoor plants, and plenty of natural light. Wood and teak materials are also used extensively to echo the outdoor inspiration. On its menu, expect to find classic brunch plates and all-day dining options, with highlights of crabmeat linguine, eggs Benedict, and more.

Away from the city, some 100 metres above sea level, lies Arbora Hilltop Garden and Bistro. Its scenic locale, atop Faber Peak, offers a unique dining experience: sample all-day brunch plates while soaking in panoramic views of the Harbourfront neighbourhood, or grab a seat at the breezy alfresco deck that comes surrounded by lush greenery. To pair with the view, choose from its botanical-inspired menu made to reflect the surrounding landscape, which includes the tangy Arbora rojak ($16), tossed with shredded green papaya and mango instead for a lighter, fruit-forward spin on the hawker classic; and pineapple-glazed pork ribs ($28), where the fork-tender meat comes marinated for over four hours in pineapple purée and tomato sauce

If you thought that all the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay has to offer are pretty floral sights then it's time to follow your nose towards a different pleasing scent. Over at the corner of the climate-controlled conservatory lies Pollen, an oasis of Mediterranean flavours and novel ideas. Signature dishes include suckling pig with wild Sicilian fennel and anise myrtle as well as carabinero shrimp rolled in lardo. 

Located on the ground level of The Summerhouse, Wildseed is a café, pâtisserie, and bar all in one. Its verdant setting makes for stunning photos, while black and white pillars provide ample #OOTD opportunities. Menu offerings include a Wagyu beef pie ($14) and smashed avocado with bacon ($18), along with a selection of sweet treats, smoothies and milkshakes.

This place might be less of a garden and more of a farm, but still, you’ll get plenty of access to the bounty growing in this organic space. Produce, grown without any fertiliser and pesticide, are harvested and used in the food served at Poison Ivy Bistro, a farm-to-table eatery located within the compound. The menu changes depending on what’s in season, but highlights include the famous nasi lemak platter (from $12), made with blue pea rice, locally farmed eggs, and farm-fresh tempura, along with all-day breakfast offerings of otah omelette with toast ($8) and chicken cottage pie ($10).

Taking over the kitchen at one-Michelin-starred Corner House is executive chef David Thien, who taps into his unique French-Chinese-Mauritian heritage to offer a new menu filled with surprise and intrigue. The restaurant, located within a regal colonial house, is nestled within the beautiful grounds of the Botanic Gardens. Grab a seat by the window to enjoy the relaxing views. Available for both lunch (from $78 for three courses) and dinner (from $168 for five courses), the meal is presented in “chapters”, accompanied by stories and visuals that explore various ingredients and concepts.

You already know that the PS.Cafe brand serves up reliable brunch offerings, from its famed truffle fries to the toothsome sticky toffee pudding. And to elevate the dining experience further, make a trip down to its Harding Road outlet, which comes with a sprawling backyard space that overlooks the greenery in Dempsey Hill. Feeling lazy? Kick back and unwind in a special lounge chair and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

You’ll need to first walk through the lush rooftop garden by Edible Garden City, located on the severed floor of Funan mall, to get to Noka. Once there, expect a farm-to-table menu that makes use of the produce the nearby garden. Grab the value-for-dollar lunch set ($25) served with assorted fruits, or splurge on the omakase ($120) option that features the freshest catch and finest produce.

Open Farm Community features a wide outdoor space that’s great for some alfresco dining. Its blooming garden, located within its sprawling area, serves more than just a picture-worthy backdrop. Herbs and other vegetable produce are harvested and used in the restaurant’s eco-conscious menu, alongside other locally sourced ingredients like ricotta from Hay Dairies.

After a day of exploring the Botanic Gardens, drop by Bee’s Knees to refuel with its hearty grub. Dine in the comforts of nature at its alfresco seatings, or head on inside, where you’ll find the same natural inspiration within. But for the best seats in the house, request to have your meal at the secret garden, located on level two of the restaurant. There, you’ll find a shaded, air-conditioned terrace that’s decorated by greenery, and oodles of natural light coming in from the clear roof.

The quiet grounds of Gillman Barracks have long been known to provide a scenic, relaxing atmosphere. And over at Masons, the restaurant is housed within a refurbished colonial building that comes flanked by lush surrounding greenery. If the cool weather permits, grab a seat outdoors and savour and eclectic menu that includes luxe-up local classics, handmade thin crust pizza (from $24), fresh pasta (from $18), and more.