Family-friendly cafes are nice, but sometimes you just want to treat yourself to a specialty coffee and snap some nice pics at an aesthetic cafe
Coffee. It’s a simple, yet necessary ritual. We’re putting it right up there with meditation and the best facials in Singapore, and it definitely makes for a daily mum-time moment. While family-friendly cafes are nice to take the kids to, sometimes mum and dad want to go for some specialty coffee! So if you’re looking for the next spot for a mummy get-together or just a hole in the wall to pop in while waiting for the kids’ tuition class to end, we’ve put a list together of what we deem the best specialty coffee in Singapore.
The best specialty coffee shops in Singapore
1. Vernacular Coffee
A well-known name with specialty coffee enthusiasts, Vernacular Coffee has opened a new outlet at Selegie that has a modern, dark, and cosy vibe to it. Just how I like my coffee! They have a ton of options to choose from, with beans from locations like Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and more. And what’s a coffee mum date without a sweet treat – their Purple Sweet Potato cake and Ivory Raspberry Dome look almost too good to eat.
Where: Vernacular Coffee, 189 Selegie Road, Singapore 188332 and 100 Guillemard Road, #01-02, Singapore 399718
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2. Blue Bottle Coffee
If you’re into the bright and clean aesthetic, the newly opened Blue Bottle Coffee cafe might be your new go-to coffee spot! Personally, I’m more a fan of the dark and cozy vibes when it comes to cafes, but there’s also something alluring about such a clean-looking space. Fun fact, they’ve been in Singapore before – they opened a pop-up in August 2024 at the exact same location! We’re a big fan of their Drip Coffee, although it will cost you $10 so come prepared.
Where: Blue Bottle Coffee, 252 North Bridge Road, #01-01, Raffles City, Singapore 179103
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3. % Arabica
Coffee aficionados in Singapore went absolutely cray when this popular Japanese coffee chain opened its first outlet here, and rightfully so. % Arabica prides itself in quality coffee beans that are harvested from its farm in Hawaii, furthering the brand’s philosophy of making the best specialty coffee possible. We recommend the Spanish latte, which is super strong and will keep you bright-eyed and raring to go after a quick sip. Plus, the minimalist decor makes it a perfect place for your coffee ‘gram – yes, there is such a thing!
Where: % Arabica, various locations in Singapore
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4. Baker & Cook
Like a big pair of knickers, coffee at Baker & Cook can best be described as comfortable. It’s nice knowing that when you visit any of its outlets, you’re going to get a reliably decent cup of coffee that isn’t too strong. It uses Allpress beans, and every cup of coffee is served with a tasty little square of brownie (hot tip: never let the kids get wind of this, otherwise you will forevermore be handing over your brownie to the mini dictators).
Where: Baker & Cook, multiple locations across Singapore
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5. Atlas Coffeehouse
These guys take coffee very seriously, and you can taste it. Atlas Coffeehouse is a big believer in specialty, specialty coffee and is constantly honing its craft. Visit Atlas Coffeehouse on a weekend, and you’ll usually find a queue of eager coffee drinkers snaking out the door. Mid-week though, the vibe is relaxed and tables are more easily scored. Must-tries from the brunch menu include pancakes and mushrooms on toast.
Where: Atlas Coffeehouse, 6 Duke’s Road, Singapore 268886
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6. Kith Cafe
A group of people living in the same area and forming a culture with a common language, customs, economy, etc… This is how the dictionary defines Kith. We’ll add to some of the best coffee in Singapore. While it’s sad to see some of their locations closing up, their Marina Square outlet is perfect if you ever want to drop the kids off at the indoor play area Kiztopia!
Where: Kith Cafe, 6 Raffles Blvd, #01 – 10, Singapore 039594
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7. Plain Vanilla
Ain’t nothing plain about this place. Primarily a bakery, expect a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. It’s just so pretty! The philosophy behind Plain Vanilla is to take baking back to basics, but in the best way, using the best ingredients. Its approach to coffee is the same. It’s a rich, creamy, unpretentious brew, and we definitely approve.
Where: Plain Vanilla, multiple locations across Singapore
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8. Tiong Bahru Bakery
A visit to Tiong Bahru Bakery is like a little slice of happiness. Add in a cup of its yummo coffee and it’s a perfect way to start the day. The whole team takes pride in making an outstanding cup of specialty coffee and for the uninitiated, the bakery’s got a nifty diagram of the various coffee types stuck on the wall (we’ve recently been introduced to the joy of the ‘Magic’ – give it a try next time you’re there). It goes without saying that this place does ah-mazing baked goods. Pick of the bunch is the hard-to-say but oh-so-easy-to-eat Kouign Amann.
Where: Tiong Bahru Bakery, multiple locations across Singapore
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9. Little Farms Bistro
Sweet, smooth, and creamy is how we’d describe a coffee at the Little Farms Bistro. This cute series of neighbourhood stores has a focus on fresh, quality ingredients, and its coffee is no exception – it uses Allpress beans and also offers dairy-free milk options
Where: Little Farms Bistro, Katong Point, 451 Joo Chiat Road #01-04, Singapore 427664
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10. Free the Robot
Free the Robot is located in prime hipster territory. If you’re after a side of atmosphere with your specialty coffee, head to Free the Robot in Telok Ayer and hang out with Bailey the dog and his humans. The coffee is totally drinkable (not too strong, not too hot, just right) and the location is perfect for a wander after your caffeine hit.
Where: Free the Robot, 118 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068587
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11. Jewel Coffee
Make no bones about these beans – they’re sourced from all over the world, and new blends are constantly added to their impressive selection. Jewel Coffee makes our list because this is drinkable – nay, delicious – coffee that’s available in various outlets across our fair island. You can even get a decent cup of joe at the airport now!
Where: Jewel Coffee, multiple locations across Singapore
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12. Jimmy Monkey
The delightful Jimmy Monkey was borne out of a desire to re-create the feel of a Melbourne cafe right here in Singapore. Job done! Jimmy Monkey serves up some of the best specialty coffee in Singapore and that’s in part thanks to Singapore’s first Slayer Espresso machine (not sure what that is, but we’re impressed nonetheless). After you’ve downed one or two flat whites, we highly recommend the soft-boiled eggs with Vegemite and cheese soldiers or The Hulk (it’s up there as the best avocado on toast in Singapore).
Where: Jimmy Monkey, One-North Residences, 9 One-North Gateway #01-51, Singapore 138643 and Park Place Residences at PLQ, 2 Paya Lebar Road #01-10, Singapore 409053
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13. Common Man Coffee Roasters
This coffee store has been the top supplier of coffee beans to other cafes, so it only makes sense to feature it in this list! Its philosophy of bringing delicious, quality roasted coffee to caffeine addicts is a humble statement – its coffee is just out of this world. Aromatic, light, strong yet bright… if you’re a coffee connoisseur, you would know what we’re talking about. Its outlet in Stanley Street sells doughnuts too, if you’re looking for something sweet to pair with your coffee. Joe and dough, such a perfect combo.
Where: Common Man Coffee Roasters, multiple locations across Singapore
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14. Chye Seng Huat Hardware
How good is it when you can have a delicious coffee in a beautiful setting? Double win! Chye Seng Huat Hardware serves up delicious specialty coffee, which it rotates seasonally based on what’s available in growing regions along the coffee belt. The shop is situated inside several old metal and hardware companies, giving it an industrial yet welcoming vibe. To top it off, the menu is delish, with lots of innovative dishes. Our current fave is the charred cauliflower salad. Healthy food heaven in a bowl.
Where: Chye Seng Huat Hardware, 150 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207563
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15. Bacha Coffee
If you have an afternoon off from work and the kids – rare, we know – gather up your friends and head down to this coffee boutique in ION Orchard. It boasts more than 200 single-origin coffees, flavoured coffees, fine blended coffees, and even naturally decaffeinated coffees… It’s the caffeine equivalent of TWG Tea, we reckon. Spend some time soaking in the opulence of the cafe and enjoying a good, strong brew. You can also grab a few bags of coffee beans to take home or gift them to your friends.
Where: Bacha Coffee, ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn #01-15/16, Singapore 238801
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16. The Coffee Academics (Permanently closed)
Hong Kong’s famous hip coffeehouse has been serving the best coffee since 2012, all thanks to its top-quality coffee beans sourced from the world over. The Coffee Academics has been the recipient of many international accolades in the professional coffee industry, so you know this brand means business.
Where: The Coffee Academics, outlets including Ocean Financial Centre, Millenia Walk, and Marina Bay Financial Centre
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17. Open Farm Community (Permanently closed)
Ahhh… open space. Fresh air. A garden. A playground. Hell, there’s even a couple of bunnies and a posse of chickens! Coffee at Open Farm Community is from the very reliable Common Man Coffee Roasters, so you know it’s going to be good. The baristas here take care to make a creamy cup of joe, and you can even opt for their house-made almond milk! The coffee is good, the setting is delightful, and that sandpit gives you at least 15 minutes to sup your lovely latte in peace.
Where: Open Farm Community, 130E Minden Road, Singapore 248819
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Hello, hey Joe, enjoy your cuppa coffee, yo!
