The most Instagrammable cafés in Singapore

Dawn isn’t just any pretty cafe. They’ve got pretty darn good pastries too. Sprouting unassumingly along the Clarke Quay stretch, you’ve got to keep your eyes peeled to find this unconventional storefront with its name in small print. Quickly becoming one of the more popular cafes that’s populating on our social media feeds, there’s that unfinished aesthetic and charm to it that draws the curious gaze of ongoing passerbys.

This hole-in-a-wall is decked with beige derelict walls, alluring travertine tables and sleek wooden furnishings – strangely reminding us of a Daniel Arsham show. The beverage menu is straightforward as is, standard coffees brewed from single-origin coffee beans from El Salvador, a seasonal selection of slow pour coffees that showcase different tasting notes, cold brew tea, and home-made sodas.

Inspired by Kyoto teahouses, a new Japanese spot Sevens Kissaten has opened up in Tiong Bahru. Opened by real estate developer the Sevens Group, Sevens Kissaten boasts two concepts in one room. During the day, the space becomes a Japanese-style tearoom, and transforms into a Kappo-style omakase – called Sevens Kappo – at night. 

While a traditional Kissaten is usually filled with antique furniture and looks arguably run-down, Sevens Kissaten, however, adopts a modern interior with a minimalistic look and wooden furniture pieces. Japanese lanterns are hung from the ceiling and the huge glass panels automatically brighten up the space.

The coastline of East Coast Park, which stretches some 15km in length, is filled with sandy beaches, scenic trails, and soothing waterfront dining spots.

Its latest addition, East Coast Commune, is a charming café with an inviting interior that taps onto the surrounding landscape as design inspiration. Inside, the high-ceiling pitstop comes decked with rattan-backed chairs, wood-panelled counters, and potted foliage to echo the outdoors. A teal-white colour scheme and marine paintings by a local artist also help lend a tropical, seaside touch to the space. More than just a pretty space for the social media savvy, East Coast Commune is also a family-friendly spot with a play area for kids, a changing room for toddlers, and food for the young’uns.

It’s not a large space over at Pinhole Coffee Bar. In fact, there’s just a handful of tables - alfresco and counter seats along the barista bar. It’s along Purvis Street, near Bugis and City Hall, so it’s perfect for nearby office workers to grab a quick morning joe - especially since it opens at 8am daily. Try the “Hello, Good Morning” ($7), a smorgasbord of their bestsellers. It’s served on a wooden tray, featuring a single shot espresso, 4oz white coffee and a cold brew tea that’s intended as a palate cleanser. 

Enter Guerilla Coffee at Suntec City's Tower Two and you'll immediately feel a sense of calm. Not to say that it isn't bustling with business or anything but the minimalist-style cafe was built in a way where patrons feel comfortable to have a coffee with their friends – but enough nook and crannies for solo customers to feel at home. The stadium-style seating allows the coffee stage to be the main attraction of the space. 

Chin Mee Chin has long been a breakfast institution. Breathing new life to this heritage business is the pastry chef Maxine Ngooi from the Ebb and Flow Group, who is also responsible for the sweet treats at Tigerlily Patisserie located just a few minutes away.

Those craving for a taste of nostalgia will be happy to know that the menu, and even the interior, remains largely the same. Even the original address is retained, and the menu is a delightful showcase of childhood flavours and timeless bakes. Walking into the new Chin Mee Chin feels almost like entering a time capsule: those familiar with the original will recognise the old-world floor tiles, accompanied by similar dining tables and chairs.

Expect to find buns, toasted over charcoal grill just like the yesteryears, then slathered with its signature kaya spread ($2.20). Or relish in familiar finds of plain ($1.60) and chocolate ($1.80) cupcakes. Outside, the new Chin Mee Chin also comes filled with more alfresco seatings, and even spots a colourful retro-style mural.

The Great Mischief, previously nestled within The Great Madras in Little India, has reopened its doors at The National Gallery. Looking like a scene out of a Wes Anderson film, the restaurant boasts pastel-hued interior, gold accents, scallop chairs and terrazzo tables, a leap from the previous decor that had neon lights and turquoise tiles. The refreshed vibe has a good balance of heritage and modernity, mirroring the art gallery.

The restaurant has a Catalan-inspired brunch menu including The Grande ($22), a classic big breakfast with pimento beans and feta cheese and Fancy French ($14), French toast with poached plums, blackberries, custard, and a dusting of cinnamon with yoghurt. For mains, they serve paella and wagyu rump. If you are heading down, try to snag a seat at one of their window nook booth seats. It offers a scenic view of the skyscrapers, perfect for couples on dates.

The directions to Coexist Coffee Co might sound a little dubious, but those who are willing to make the journey will be greeted by a secret rooftop café.

Unlike the dingy decor of the industrial locale, Coexist Coffee Co is a sun-strewn spot that exudes minimalist charm. An impressive cantilevered table splits the space into half: One side is outfitted simply in white, while the other side is splashed with red. Those willing to brave the heat can choose to head outdoors and dine at the rooftop patio, which comes with partial views of the greenery at Bukit Batok Nature Park.

The food features an all-day breakfast selection, including classics of avocado on toast ($14) and a greasy fry-up ($22) of bacon, sausages, and mushrooms. Get the burrata ($10), a milky treat of cheese brightened with balsamic tomato and lashings of honey. Much like the duo-coloured room, the drinks program is an equal representation of coffee- and tea-based options. Choose from the usual espresso-based variants of mocha ($5.50) and piccolo ($4.50), or opt for cups of matcha and hojicha spiked with double-shot espresso ($6.50) for an extra dosage of caffeine.

What the heck is a jaffle? Well, ask the Australians – after all, it was conceived from Down Under. A jaffle, named after the jaffle iron invented in 1949, is basically a toasted sandwich. And Amber Ember, a café located right smack in the middle of Serangoon and Kovan MRT stations, may be the first to bring this slice of Australian gastronomy to our sunny shores. Splashed out in shades of dusty pink and warm neutrals, the Instagrammable café offers six jaffle options with its signature purple sweet potato mash. From the lot, we spy with our little eye Cheesus Loves You ($14), featuring a melted gruyere, emmental and mozarella stuffing, and Nice to Meat You ($15), stuffed with beef pepperoni, pork chorizo and bratwurst. There are also other food items such as Amber's Fried Chicken ($12) for sharing and a range of pastas. Amber Ember takes the coffee culture seriously, where cuppas (from $2.50 for an espresso to $7 for filter) are brewed from single origin Guatemala. And yes, the café is extremely work-friendly with power points and free wifi; what’s more, its relatively ulu location means lesser crowds, so you’ll get a spot there for sure.

Looking for a tranquil spot to have a cup of coffee or have brunch with your girls? Knots Cafe & Living has opened its outlet at the south of Singapore, and the nature-themed cafe is garnering attention among diners.

This quaint spot at Pasir Panjang is similar to its first outlet at Paya Lebar. Amidst the minimalist decor, the space is also full of earthy tones and lush greenery all around. Decorated with steel frames, tiled floors and chandeliers, the cosy cafe is perfect to enjoy a cup of coffee, read a book or catch up with work.

Aside from being a cafe, the place also doubles as a lifestyle store selling plants and furniture. If you have an eye on a table plant while having a serene brunch affair, you can purchase it along with other furniture items that surround you in the store.

If you are looking for a chill spot brimming with plenty of tranquil vibes and lush plants, head down to Knots Cafe & Living. The aesthetically pleasing store and ambience is sure to make you feel like you’re dining somewhere in Bali.

Inspired by the buzzy Australian café scene, the owners of Dewgather sought to recreate their own buzzy coffee spot back in Singapore. Stepping into the 120-seater space feels like entering an indoor oasis; the 3m-long aquamarine-hued coffee bar churns our cups of aromatic brews, while the glass-panelled ceiling and terracotta motifs add a touch of summery vibe.

Need a dose of caffeine? Dewgather serves an exclusive blend that is roasted in-house, using sustainably sourced beans from Brazil and Guatemala, to bring out notes of caramel and chocolate in each sip (from $3). Or try the houjicha latte ($8), with a hazelnut-like aroma that settles into umami, seaweed fragrance.

Do not be fooled by the interior of this zen-like Japanese teahouse. The menu at this café is, in fact, largely dedicated to espresso-based brews. After all, this tranquil hideout, located in an industrial building at Jurong, is opened by Suzuki Gourmet Coffee, one of the oldest roastery on the island that has been around since 1979.

Climb up to the second storey, push open a latticed sliding door, and enter a wood-clad space reminiscent of a chashitsu or traditional tearoom. Adding to its quiet allure are soothing details of bonsai plants and shishi-odoshi, a bamboo water fixture commonly found in Japanese gardens.

Come thirsty but not hungry; the drinks-only menu features a lean selection that shines the spotlight on aromatic brews. The pager on filter coffee might see options of a medium-roast blend from Costa Rica Aquiares Estate ($7.50) or light-roasted Yemen Mocha Matari ($9.50).

Mylo’s is a glasshouse gelato café to open in Gardens by the Bay. The bright, breezy pit-stop comes surrounded by lush greens, and serves up a menu of warm bakes and cool gelato (from $6). From the pozzetti displays, pick from 20 different frozen desserts that range from flavours of pandan and coconut to the indulgent Valrhona chocolate. Then choose to dine indoors, on rattan-backed chairs, or head outdoors to get closer to nature. There are treats for the furry pals, too. Grab pup-friendly peanut butter and honey biscuits or chicken and beef bone broth popsicles.

We may have a perpetual summer in Singapore, but this café at Maxwell Chambers offers an autumnal escape filled with sun-faded leaves. Stepping into Kreams Krafthouse feels like venturing into an indoor park; maple trees, in varying hues of orange and yellow, decorate the ceiling of its roomy interior. Settle down under the canopy of foliage and sip on aromatic brews best paired with some freshly baked scones. Beyond regular espresso-based drinks, highlights from this Korean-inspired café include the Summer Latte ($10), where coffee comes served with a scoop of ice cream, and the Dalgona Latte ($8), its version of the whipped coffee fad that has taken over social media.

It's always a treat when you order at Forty Hands' counter, which is decked with pop culture references (spot the iconic quote from Pulp Fiction) and shelves of literature. There's even a mural that depicts a scene from a British cult TV show alongside the team's favourite coffee-related film quotes at its East Coast branch. Plus, no matter your first order of the day – latte, cappuccino, or flat white (from $6.50) – the coffee connoisseurs here will serve up quality brews made with freshly roasted beans which you can bag home too.

A sweet surprise awaits in the quiet neighbourhood of Kaki Bukit. Hidden within an industrial park lies Nasty Cookie Factory, the first, and largest, dine-in outlet of the homegrown bakery. Choose from an expanded selection of cookies that come filled with a molten centre: there’s the birthday cake ($5.50), created in conjunction with the brand’s anniversary; Matcha Mania ($5.50) with molten matcha lava; and the malty Milo Stylo ($5.50). There’s also a retail nook, filled with cute merchandise of reusable masks, socks, and tote bags for those looking to spice up their wardrobe. And before leaving, head over to the photo booth and strike a pose – the neat rows of Nasty Cookie boxes will make for a sweet addition to your Instagram feed. 

If you're a mega-fan of the TV sitcom Friends, then you'd want to snap a wefie, catching up with your, um, friends. The themed café houses multiple sets modelled after the show, the main one being Central Perk, the cosy coffee shop where the characters would spend all their time. Iconic furniture from the show, such as the Pacman machine, Monica's kitchen and Joey's handcrafted cabinet, are also on display in the 3,300-square-foot space. Food-wise, it serves dishes inspired by the show – think cheesecake from Mama's Little Bakery, which fans will recognise as the cheesecake so good Rachel and Chandler ate it off the floor.

There is a lot going on at Café de Nicole. Not only is it a café, but it's also a flower shop and is pet-friendly to boot. The multi-faceted locale is photo-worthy even from the outside, with its floral arch and glass shopfront. Indoors, twinkling chandeliers and hanging flower baskets add to its whimsical vibe. The dishes served at the café come with flowers picked fresh from the florist corner – there's the picture-perfect rose latte ($7.90), soufflé pancakes (from $15.90) and cheese filling ravioli ($13.90).   

Decked out in white paint and floor-to-ceiling windows that allow plenty of natural light to come through, Glyph is as minimalist as it gets. If you’re a fan of this aesthetic, come by this roastery for coffee and light bites, then proceed to take heaps of 'grammable pictures of yourself or your food within its clean and sleek space. Offering a small menu of beverages, its coffees are priced at $4.50 for black, $5.50 for white and $6 for cold brew, while teas start from $6. Blends are brought in from different countries on a regular basis, and bakes are supplied daily from Carpenter & Cook.

Step into Wishes Cafe and a massive pink sakura tree spanning the entire ceiling welcomes you. This centrepiece adds to the otherwise simple space and creates a backdrop that’s made for the 'gram. Ice-cream is made in-house using fresh milk, with flavours ranging from classics like vanilla and strawberry to uncommon ones like Japanese sweet potato. Get yourself a scoop ($3.50 for single; $6 for double) to pose with under the tree. If you imagine hard enough, you might even feel like you've been transported to Japan.

Keong Saik Road is home to many buzzworthy joints, and Kafe Utu is no exception. It's the café in Singapore to offer a wide variety of African-inspired dishes such as the Swahili fish curry ($29). If Instagram is your main agenda, you’ll be glad to know that the café's wood and leather decor make a good rustic backdrop. It’s also got a rooftop lounge with views of the neighbouring shophouses and the CBD. Don’t miss out on the food, which is equally photogenic – highlights include the ricotta hotcake ($24), Tropical Cloud 9 ($18), and Uguisu ($7), a matcha latte made with matcha powder from Kyoto.

Dempsey's verdant setting is perfect for any 'gram, and Open Farm Community features a wide outdoor space for you to take your perfect shot. Choose from the edible garden filled with herbs and vegetable produce, lawn bowling spaces or stick with the photo-worthy restaurant interiors complete with French windows and patterned tile walls. The focus at Open Farm Community is in sourcing local ingredients that are grown sustainably and ethically.

Located on the outskirts of Changi, this casual dining hotspot is a treasure trove of retro memorabilia. Think antique bicycles, vintage cameras and kerosene lamps. The restaurant itself is spacious and airy, flooded with natural light due to its floor-to-ceiling windows, while surrounding greenery provide ample opportunities for an outdoor shot. The menu includes sharing plates like har cheong gai (prawn paste chicken) ($14), crispy pork ribs ($16) and wagyu cubes ($24), while seafood selections like the grilled octopus ($31), sambal squid ($21) and drunken lala clams ($23) promise to be fresh and filling. 

Sinpopo aims to emulate Singapore as it was in the '80s, with its grilled shophouse storefront, tiled floors and rattan chairs. Much of the furniture is also made by the owners of the brand, a testament to the effort put into this joint. Food here is prepared the traditional way – its nasi lemak rice is steamed in a muslin cloth, and its coffee is made Nanyang-style with the kopi sock.

A café that exists alongside Pedder on Scott's haute-as-hell boutiques would have to keep up appearances – and this Hong Kong import certainly does. With natural light, tatami seating, an eye-catching neon sign and a hand brew bar where you can 'gram your coffee being made, it's a hit with the crowds. Food options include filling mains like the truffle portobello pizza ($24) and pancake tower ($20), while its extensive coffee menu includes a variety of pour over blends, ice drip coffee and house brand cold brews.

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 it has on the menu. And when you're done with your meal, the neon sign outside makes for the perfect backdrop to mark your visit. 

You've definitely seen this one on the 'gram. My Awesome Cafe's unique storefront has captivated many – the Chinese lettering proclaims itself as a medicinal hall, which was exactly what it used to be, and owner Franck Hardy stuck to the '80s Chinese theme, filling the interior with thrifted furniture and vintage dinnerware. Unfinished concrete walls and striking red lanterns complete the look, making this café the go-to location for photoshoots.

Inspired by the easy-breezy Melbournian cafés you find at every corner of Flinders, Bearded Bella's decor is simple and charming. Pastel pink walls, potted plants and a chic shophouse facade make it one for the 'gram. Menu offerings include braised beef cheeks ($24) and cold crab pasta ($20), while its coffee is made from beans roasted in-house by its owner – who just so happens to be an award-winning barista. Its cold brew ($12) even comes in a hip flask that you can take home.

As though its CHIJMES locale wasn't scenic enough, The Glasshouse presents an undeniably Insta-worthy spot with its floor-to-ceiling windows, lush potted plants and minimalist furnishings. The specialty coffee roaster also brings in filter blends (from $7.50) from famous roasteries around the world to accompany its classic toast offerings like the salmon sourdough toast ($9) and avocado dukkah ($10).

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 ($15) and sesame chicken pita ($16), along with a selection of sweet treats, smoothies and milkshakes.

A chic French diner located at Tiong Bahru, Merci Marcel has become a go-to 'gram spot due to its beautiful interior and sun-drenched garden space. It’s the ideal spot to kick back and while the afternoon away. In the day, expect ’grammable brunch requisites such as eggs benedict ($21) made with organic Bayonne ham, alongside more uncommon imports like marinated crab tartine ($18) and ravioles de royans ($18) – a French dumpling pasta filled with Tête de Moine cheese.

This Japanese pastry joint is known for its delicate confections and afternoon tea set, which is served in an open-faced bird cage that is sure to guarantee those likes on the 'gram. Beautiful floral murals adorn its walls, the perfect backdrop for your food shot. Popular cakes include Le Omm ($9) – a matcha souffle sponge filled with Azuki beans, dark rum and matcha mascarpone, as well as the Yuzu Raspberry ($9) – light vanilla sponge sandwiched between layers of yuzu mousse topped with curls of Valrhona white chocolate.