The best tropical-themed cafes and restaurants in Singapore

Looking for a tranquil spot to have a cup of coffee or brunch with your girls? The nature-themed Knots Café & Living is just the spot to make you feel like you're on a leisurely trip to Bali. The space is decorated with steel frames, tiled floors, chandeliers, and lots of earthy tones and lush greenery all around. It's the perfect laidback setting to enjoy classic brunch fare, like the signature Knots Waffle Brekkie ($22), which comes with smoked beef sausage, sautéed mushrooms, and scrambled eggs. What we like best is that the place also doubles as a lifestyle store selling plants and furniture – the very ones that surround you in the store. 

Like its sister cafés Ronin and The Plain, Punch appeals to your senses even before the food arrives. White furniture, marble and wood give its interior a clean, minimalistic look that's popular on Instagram. Those who prefer a lush, tropical feel should request to sit in the open courtyard, where you can dine under a canopy of hanging ivy. Punch's menu has had a bit of a makeover – try the hefty grilled cheese sandwich ($15) served with a punchy tomato soup, or heavier lunch items like the kani ebi laksa burger ($24), which sees a crab and prawn patty with laksa coleslaw sandwiched between potato brioche buns from Burnt Ends. 

Mylo’s is a new glasshouse gelato café to open in Gardens by the Bay. The bright, breezy pit-stop comes surrounded by lush greenery, 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.

The next time you're at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, you can rest and refuel without leaving the greenery behind at Canopy HortPark. This beautiful garden café has been designed to bring diners closer to nature – think biophilic design elements like green walls, a pet-friendly alfresco area, creepers and air plants draping from the ceiling, and abundant sunlight streaming in through the floor-to-ceiling windows to bring it all together. The menu is just as satisfying, with classic brunch plates and all-day dining options. Beat the summer heat with cold angel hair pasta ($42) coated in truffle-butter sauce, topped with scallops, salmon roe, and a drizzle of truffle oil; or full up with hearty mains like the smoke-kissed grilled Spanish pork ($27). There's a kids menu too, to keep the young ones kicking with joy. 

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 plenty of lush foliage, giving guests the pleasure of dining in a verdant glasshouse sanctuary. When the spacious dining room is illuminated by sun rays, it quickly becomes a prime spot for some amazing photos. Looks aside, Eden restaurant serves up some fun, contemporary Asian plates too. Familiar condiments and dishes – rich satay peanut sauce and spicy Thai coconut curry – get paired with the likes of grilled lamb rack and crispy salmon skin respectively. Don't miss out on Eden's series of crafted cocktails by Orientalist Spirits – flavours like spiced pineapple, oolong and miso roots the drinks firmly in Asia. 

Instead of dining in a tropical-themed restaurant, why not dine in an actual tropical garden setting? That's what you get at Halia, a beloved restaurant that's tucked away in the lush foliage of the Ginger Garden in Singapore Botanic Gardens. It is also one of the first restaurants in Singapore to blend modern European and Asian influences in its food – try it all with Halia's buffet menus (from $28 per person) or communal feast menus. 

If you haven't been, Jyspy's new home in One Fullerton is a stunning waterfront-facing location. Obvious boho-chic decor aside, its weathered panels and statement hanging lamps have taken cues from scenic Japan. The vibe screams classy seaside resort – with sophisticated, photogenic food to match. Jypsy is known for signature dishes like salmon tacos and a nest of fries, created to look like a kakiage dish of tempura. 

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).

Buffet restaurant Ginger serves up a locally inspired spread – all while providing a feast for the eyes. The tropical-clad interior comes inspired by the name of the restaurant, complete with specially commissioned wallpapers, potted plants, and natural furnishings. It provides a tranquil environment to enjoy a free-flowing spread of chilli crab, slow-braised beef rendang, satay, laksa, and more. 

This French eatery is as photogenic as it gets. Potted plants line the rattan bar and there’s garden space out back that’s drenched in sunlight. It’s a beautiful place to kick back and while the afternoon away. In the day, expect ’grammable brunch requisites such as eggs benedict ($21) and French toast ($17) alongside more uncommon imports ravioles de royans ($18). As day turns into night, the menu changes as well. The focus shifts to French social dining, which just means you’re supposed to order different dishes to share ($18).

French Fold is a picture-worthy crêperie located along Telok Ayer. The shophouse café has been spruced up with Scandinavian furnishings and plenty of natural fixtures. For the best seats in the house, settle down under the skylight. The cosy nook comes flanked by potted fauna, and a stunning wallpaper depicting a lush topical landscape. Choose from a series of savoury galettes and sweet crepes , washed down with a neat selection of red, white, and bubbly.

The East Coast precinct is known for a lot of famous local food, there's a handful of Katong laksa shops, Mr and Mrs Mohgan's crispy prata at Joo Chiat and more. If you're looking to take a break from the rich and flavourful stuff, make a quick trip to Beriwell where you can choose from a range of dairy-free, vegan and gluten-free acai desserts. On the menu, you can find smoothies, soft serves and the regular acai bowls. Get transported to an idyllic tropical island with rattan chairs, jungle-print wallpapers and botanical-themed cushions. We don't blame you if you want to stay a little longer even when you're done with your sweet treats.