The best hidden cafés in Singapore that are off the beaten path

What is it? Hidden rooftop café near Clarke Quay with stunning views of the Marina Bay skyline.

How to find it: First, locate the CMO Building on South Bridge Road, then take the elevator up to the sixth floor. 

Why we love it: This rooftop hideout looks like it’s plucked straight out of the trendy Haebangchon neighbourhood in Seoul. The interiors are well-curated and dripping with prime photo spots, and there’s even a cosy booth on a raised platform by the back. But the main attraction here has to be the view: an unobstructed panorama of the Marina Bay skyline. Two kinds of coffee blends are offered here. The Apache is a darker, chocolatey Brazil and Colombian blend, while the Sunbird is an Ethiopian, Brazilian and Laotian blend with brighter and more citrusy notes. You’re likely to find a plate of the café’s signature brûlée Basque cheesecake ($9.90) on every table, with a perfect caramelised layer on top and a side of Greek yoghurt to cut through the richness.

Address: 50 South Bridge Rd, CMO Building, #06-00, Singapore 058682
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm
Expect to pay: From $5.90 for a white

What is it? Previously home to Alchemist Coffee, the Design Orchard rooftop has now been transformed into a stylish living room-inspired lounge, with communal tables, an open kitchen and a bar counter.

How to find it: Take the lift up to the rooftop on level 3 and turn right.

Why we love it: The café overlooks the busy intersection of Cairnhill and Orchard Road while still remaining slightly off the beaten path. Running the show are the crew behind well-oiled F&B joints like Maxi Coffee Bar, No Sleep Club and Wildcard. Third Floor Social is a step-up from these in terms of location, size and its menu. Sip on a solid cuppa in the day with Costa Rican beans roasted by Maxi Coffee Bar (from $5 for a black), and tuck into hearty focaccia sandwiches ($15 each) or plates of burrata-topped spinach taglioini ($20).

Time Out tip: The space turns into a bar at night, serving up natural wine, cocktails and small plates.

Address: 250 Orchard Rd, Design Orchard, Level 3, Singapore 238905
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 11am-midnight; Sun 11am-7pm
Expect to pay: From $7.50 for a white

What is it? A pocket-sized café in Joo Chiat that sits behind Autocutt Barbershop. 

How to find it: Walk along the back alley lined with potted plants till you reach an entrance with a small sign above that reads “Bee Hoe”. 

Why we love it: The café mainly serves Colombian and Vietnamese beans, and at surprisingly reasonable prices, from $3.50 for a long black, $4.50 for an iced latte, and so on. Vietnamese drip coffee starts at $3, and there are also special creations on the menu, like salted coffee ($5), peanut butter coffee ($5.50), honey egg coffee ($4.50), and coconut coffee ($5.50). Simple bites like bakkwa roti ($4.50) – topped with pork floss – and home-baked omelette muffins ($3.20) are available if you’re peckish.

Time Out tip: Takeaways are encouraged as there’s not much of an indoor space. Outdoor seating is limited – there are a couple of stools but you’ll have to find a spot that’s shaded. 

Address: 55 Joo Chiat Pl, Autocutt Barbershop, Singapore 427779
Opening hours: Daily 8.30am-2pm
Expect to pay: $4 for a latte

What is it? A rooftop terrace café located in Holland Road Shopping Centre.

How to find it: From level one of the shopping centre, spot the lift beside UOB and a money changer then head up to the fourth floor.

Why we love it? This hidden café captures our hearts with its simple, homely atmosphere and gorgeous Scandinavian-inspired interiors. Days where the weather is more forgiving are perfect for dining outdoors in the garden or balcony where the little ones can play in the adorable wooden playhouse. A must-order is the roasted short rib toast ($23) topped with provolone, Russian dressing, chimichurri, and chilli-pickled cucumber. Or keep it simple with the classic avo toast ($19), amped up with chickpeas, rosemary-pickled soy tomatoes, and dukkah. 

Time Out tip: The portobello toast ($18) is simple yet well done, and to get your greens in, we recommend ordering the crispy brussel sprouts to share ($13).

Address: 211 Holland Ave, Holland Road Shopping Centre, #04-03, Singapore 278967
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 9.30am-5pm; Fri 9.30am-9.30pm; Sat-Sun 9am-9.30pm
Expect to pay: From $5.50 for a white

What is it? A petite espresso-based coffee bar within a nail salon in The Cathay.

How to find it: Head up to the sixth floor – the café is tucked away in a corner next to the lobby of The Cathay Residences.

Why we love it: A Slow Cup offers a slice of quiet in the day – think of it as a major upgrade from the boyfriend benches outside women’s clothing stores. Here, guests can grab coffee, matcha, or light bites while waiting for their companions to be done with their nail appointment at the adjacent Painted Nail Bar. A regular white coffee starts at $6, and the joint also offers more unique beverages like its signature Slow Einspanner ($7.50), milky oolong ($6) and the ever-popular strawberry matcha ($8.50). 

Time Out tip: Pawrents are allowed to lounge around with their furkids, provided they’re safely tucked into a pram or carrier

Address: 2 Handy Rd, The Cathay, #06-06, Singapore 229233
Opening hours: Daily 9am-5pm
Expect to pay: From $6 for a regular white

What is it? The first physical café by the people behind the popular home bakery @youkneadcakes.

How to find it: First get to 76 Duxton Road, then enter a nondescript white door and proceed to the second floor. 

Why we love it: Butter Tgt’s adorable space is equal parts cosy and charming, but what we love more are its madeleines ($7.50). They come larger than expected and are wonderfully soft and buttery with a delightful crisp on the edges. Our favourite way to enjoy them is to dunk them in coffee, but to each their own. Citrusy bakes like the lemon pistachio cake ($6.80) are also nicely tart and dense, but for a proper brunch, opt for savouries like avocado and eggs toast ($12) or the three-cheese grilled kimchi sandwich ($14) – we recommend sharing the latter. 

Time Out tip: You’ll probably manage to get a table during weekday lunch hours, but if you’re visiting on weekends, make sure to arrive early to avoid the queues.

Address: 76A Duxton Rd, Level 2, Singapore 089535
Opening hours: Mon 9.30am-6pm; Wed-Fri 9.30am-6pm; Sat-Sun 9am-6pm
Expect to pay: $5 for a white

What is it? One of 11 outlets of the popular local coffee roaster Alchemist, located within a gothic-style building called The Mill. 

How to find it: You first have to make your way to The Mill, which is a 15-minute walk from Redhill MRT or a 15 to 20-minute bus ride. Once there, head up to the second floor. 

Why we love it: The journey to Alchemist is an adventure in itself. You’ll find yourself deep in the throes of industrial Redhill, marvelling at the architectural details of this ‘Batman-like’ building, and then before you know it, sipping on coffee in a Victorian-meets-industrial space. There’s nothing particularly outstanding on the menu – Alchemist serves up consistently good coffee that we know and like, as well as a range of simple pastries to munch on. But if you enjoy filter coffee, ask the barista for their daily special (from $6). 

Time Out tip: Since you’re already in the middle of God-knows-where, better make a trip out of it. The Mill also houses Nonage Gallery – an art gallery that’s free to visit, and is pretty near to some of our other favourite cafés in Queenstown like Rookie’s and Kyuukei Coffee.

Address: 5 Jalan Kilang, The Mill, #02-02, Singapore 159405
Opening hours: Daily 9am-6pm
Expect to pay: From $5.50 for a white

What is it? The first outlet of local coffee brand Coexist Coffee Co., perched on the rooftop of an old industrial building in Hillview. 

How to find it: Once you get to Hillview Building, take the elevator up to the seventh floor, then walk up one flight of stairs to the rooftop. 

Why we love it: The café has been around for a while now, and has since swapped out its initial striking red-and-white interior design to embrace a muted, all-grey aesthetic. There’s also an alfresco rooftop space decked out with camping chairs to enjoy a cuppa while looking out into the distance. The food menu is pretty extensive, but all-time favourites are the buttermilk fried chicken over Belgian waffles ($25) and a localised version of shakshuka with a chilli crab tomato dip and tempura soft-shell crab ($18).

Time Out tip: We recommend visiting on weekdays for a quieter experience. There are also ample parking spaces at the building. Pet owners: do note that pets are not allowed on the premises, even on the alfresco rooftop space.

Address: 48 Hillview Terrace, Hillview Building, #08-00, Singapore 669269
Opening hours: Daily 9am-6pm
Expect to pay: $5 for a white

What is it? A minimalist café by day and vibey wine bar by night in Boat Quay.

How to find it: Look out for an empty wine bottle hanging by the unassuming entrance, then make your way up towards a plywood door. 

Why we love it: Entering the café, you’re immediately transported from the frenzy of Circular Road to a calming space that puts you at ease. This hidden haven runs an all-day programme: café by day, and wine bar by night. While the sun’s out, stop by for simple but well-executed brunch plates, like focaccia with salami, eggplants, artichoke spread and whipped ricotta ($22), or the super stripped-back ‘sweet’ ($16), which consists of homemade sourdough and jams, together with whipped butter and sliced cheese. But whatever you do, don’t forget to order the madeleines ($6 for three), which are made-to-order with a 15-minute waiting time.

Time Out tip: Check out Ceres Haus’ Instagram for occasional special menu items, from caramel pudding, to traditional Teochew png kueh, salami aglio olio, or persimmon pudding.

Address: 18A Circular Rd, Singapore 049374
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 10.30am-5pm
Expect to pay: $5.50 for a white

What is it? A coffee spot in our arts and culture district that often goes unnoticed, seeing as it’s tucked away inside a spa.

How to find it: Look out for the large, unmissable signage along Beach Road that says “SPA CLUB” and head right in.

Why we love it: This unassuming spot is a great alternative if other popular coffee houses in the neighbourhood like Glasshouse, Kurasu, or Clap Café are fully occupied. The aroma of roasted coffee beans hits you once you enter the shop. Canelés are a must-order, and these delightful custard-filled morsels come in flavours like coffee, butter cookie, hojicha, hot cocoa, and the seasonal kaya. Also try the Kardemummabullar (Swedish cardamom buns) – they’re quite the mouthful (both to say and to eat), but are nicely chewy and fragrant, with a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling. 

Time Out tip: Fahrenheit serves local breakfast toast sets with generous spreads of kaya and a hefty knob of butter, and they also do a pretty decent matcha latte. 

Address: 75 Beach Rd, Fu Yuen Building, #01-00, Singapore 189689
Opening hours: Daily 8am-6pm
Expect to pay: From $5.50 for a white