The best garden restaurants in Singapore

Located in the chic new grounds of Pullman Orchard, Eden is well and truly a fitting reflection of its own name. The modern Asian restaurant is spruced up with lush foliage, giving guests the pleasure of dining in a verdant glasshouse sanctuary. When the spacious dining room is illuminated by natural sun rays during the day, you're promised visually stunning photos. In the kitchen, Asian flavours are playfully showcased and expressed with a contemporary touch while crafted cocktails by Orientalist Spirits are specially curated to pair.

The destination restaurant of the World’s Greatest Butcher Dario Cecchini isn't going to take after a gnarly butchery. Instead, it finds itself in the stylish quarters of the ultra-chic Mondrian Singapore Duxton. The cavernous dining room, spruced up by biophilic spatial elements, is flanked by floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the verdant outdoor garden. Guests are able to unwind in the laidback atmosphere, unexposed to natural elements such as the sun and rain. And while it is predominantly a steakhouse, it doesn't stop the talented chefs from presenting an inventive range of handmade pasta, luscious seafood, crudo and charcuterie, alongside a bold range of progressive wines to pair.

It is very quickly becoming a ritual to have photos taken in the enchanting outdoor garden featuring dream-worthy backdrops before heading in. Inside the old colonial space, the pet-friendly cafe also houses a florist. In the evening – when it is much cooler – head outside and you'll be transported to a whimsical garden that is the perfect set-up for yet another photo opportunity – because vanity. Worked up an appetite channelling runway model realness? Sink your teeth into the succulent 45-day dry-aged beef ($78) or slurp on a squid ink pasta ($23). Try the tea-inspired creations, they pair great with European-inspired cuisine.

This zen garden cafe is a well-kept secret of Yishun Residents and a slice of paradise for early risers and breakfast goers. Surrounded by lush greenery and waterfront views, it sits right smack in a literal garden – that is Yishun pond garden. Expect fuss-free sourdough paired with local Nanyang coffee that won't cost you more than a tenner. What is a local breakfast with a rustic European flair plays to the beat of its own drum. All that's left is a nifty book and you'll be golden. Rise early you must, as the tranquil joint closes early at 2 in the afternoon.

Hidden away in the lush hills of Dempsey is a restaurant that takes you back on a string of memories of the throwback hit reality television show, Survivor – or some might say Lost. Well, the tribe has spoken and this garden restaurant may be leaning more towards a jungle but it is no doubt a gin paradise. Perfect for a kickback session in the al-fresco veranda over a casual mid-afternoon imbibe sesh over boozy drinks and locally-inspired fusion grub. On the weekends, there’s also a bottomless brunch that happens at noon for an all-around jungle boogie time.

What used to be Fennel Cafe in the Flower Dome of Gardens by the Bay has since reopened as Hortus. The new casual restaurant will serve up a menu of light and bright Mediterranean-inspired plates to complement the surroundings of lush blooms. Look forward to falafel in pita ($18), coal-roasted sweet potatoes ($22), and lamb tagine ($29), best finished with an alluring selection of homemade cakes. 

Dine in the company of lush greenery at the new terrace extension of Four Seasons Hotel Singapore’s One-Ninety Bar. The breezy, alfresco space draws inspiration from the nearby Singapore Botanic Gardens, and comes filled with potted plants and wooden furnishings. The food, too, features market-fresh ingredients and plant-based dishes, washed down with refreshing tropical libations.

Le Jardin, which means ‘the garden’ in French, is a blooming wonderland nestled within Fort Canning Park. The floral-themed space comes modelled after chic Parisian cafés: grab a seat at the pet-friendly alfresco terrace, under the shade of trees; or head indoors and dine in the company of lush flora and fauna. Even the dining tables act as mini gardens or terrariums, enlivened with fresh greens for a pop of colour.

Established since 2001, Halia at Singapore Botanic Gardens is tucked away amidst the lush foliage of the Ginger Garden. The restaurant, whose name is synonymous with its location in the Ginger Garden – the word ‘Halia’ is a Malay word for ginger – is one of the first restaurants in Singapore to showcase modern European cuisine with Asian influences. Its unique location within the UNESCO World Heritage Site makes it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

The second outlet of this authentic Vietnamese eatery comes flanked by an alfresco deck, complete with views of a pond and greens that give off a resort vibe. You can even bring your fur kids along, unwind, and dig into a menu of pho, spring rolls, grilled meats, and more.

The hidden backyard garden café at Cluny Court is a sunroom-inspired space filled with various potted greens. Some of the best seats in the house are located underneath the skylight, dotted with overhanging air plants. Settle down outside to soak in the botanical charm of the café, or choose to head indoors (equally cosy) to escape the heat. The café is opened by the team behind Craftsmen Specialty Coffee and the espresso-based brews run the range from the classic flat white to cups of latte flavoured with coconut, macadamia nut, butterscotch, and more. Expect to tuck into the usual hearty selection of pasta, sandwiches, burgers, and meats.

Away from the buzzy Katong street lies a new, tranquil hideout. The Brewing Ground, located on the site of the old Telok Kurau Primary School, offers a quiet spot for those looking to get their coffee and brunch fix. The main highlight at this café: a towering heritage kapok tree that has been around for over 80 years. The glasshouse-inspired space serves an eclectic menu of jazzed-up brunch plates. Must-try dishes include a sourdough that comes topped with eggs, prepped in the style of Japanese omurice ($25), crabmeat and ikura; and a Breakfast Burger ($20), a rendition of the fast-food classic where brioche buns come sandwiched with a pork sausage patty, scrambled eggs, caramelised onions, and cheddar cheese.

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).

This garden-themed café in the heart of Kampong Gelam is a lush hideout away from the heat and crowds. The space is adorned with botanical artwork, hanging plants and blooms everywhere. Food-wise, the menu focuses on halal French-inspired cuisine starting with pastries, mini cakes and – of course – croissants. You can also expect heartier fare like pasta, grilled meats and more if you're looking for something savoury. 

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.

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 former one-Michelin-starred Corner House is executive chef David Thien, who taps into his unique French-Chinese-Mauritian heritage to offer a 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 $128 for four courses) and dinner (from $228 for six courses), the omakase-style meal is presented in “chapters”, accompanied by stories and visuals that explore various seasonal 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 heavily influenced Japanese farm-to-table menu that makes use of the produce from the nearby garden. Stretch your dollar during kaiseki lunch ($120), or splurge on the ($200) dinner 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 an eclectic menu that includes luxe-up local classics, handmade thin crust pizza (from $24), sinful desserts (from $9), and more.