Have you ever been out on a first date, only to find that you or your partner keep on bumping into people who you both recognise? If your answer is yes, then it's time to unveil the clandestine world of charming cafes perfect for those early sparks of romance. These hidden gems not only offer delectable brunch options but also provide an intimate ambience, setting the stage for memorable first-date moments!
1) The Coastal Settlement
I know what you're thinking: "My god, this cafe kena camouflaged!" Situated on the fringes of Changi, this laid-back dining gem is a nostalgic haven filled with retro treasures.
Check out their delicious mix of western and local dishes like their Prosciutto Pizza and Truffle Eggs and Mushrooms. Why not order a few mains to share with your date?
đ 200 Netheravon Rd, Singapore 508529
â° Mon - Fri, 10.30am - 11pm | Sat & Sun, 8.30am - 11pm
â Reserve a table here!
2) Chye Seng Huat Hardware
It's highly likely that you'd pass by this transformed hardware store. We would too, but after you've seen its interior, I think that you'd agree how difficult to deny its irresistible industrial charm!
With a 360-degree coffee bar on the first floor, this store hides a coffee school and retail space on its second floor! Check out their delicious breakfast menu, or indulge in one of their many coffee-based beverages with your beau!
đ 150 Tyrwhitt Rd, Singapore 207563
â° Daily, 8.30am - 10pm
3) Burp Kitchen & Bar at Bedok Reservoir
Ah, there's nothing quite like a cafe where you can enjoy a lovely brunch with your date on this unqiue patio overlooking the waters after a run around the reservoir.
A must-try would be this cafe's Chicken & Waffles, alongside its delish Breakfast Rosti and Crab & Shrimp Roll. Don't forget to visit during happy hour to get a taste of their cocktails, too.
đ 740 Bedok Reservoir Rd, #01-3165, Singapore 470740
â° Mon to Fri, 12pm - 12am | Sat & Sun, 10 - 12am
4) Tiong Bahru Bakery - Safari
Yes, I know it's giving Mandai's Bird Paradise. This Safari-themed cafe opened by Tiong Bahru Bakery is easily one of the best places to visit for a quick Instagram OOTD, but do be warned that it can be pretty warm under the tentage!
Now, onto the food, there's always the usual Tiong Bahru Bakery signature Crossiants to indulge in. If you're looking for something a little more themed to your surroundings, their exclusive beverages and desserts like a commemorative Zebra-inspired Wild Safari Cake are also up for grabs if you wanna share with your date!
đ 130E Minden Rd, Singapore 248819
â° Daily, 8am - 6pm
5) Artichoke
Welcome to Artichoke, a Middle Eastern-inspired New School Kebab and Mezze Bar in the heart of Singaporeâs Arts and Heritage district, helmed by chef-owner Bjorn Shen! If your date enjoys testing out new cuisines, this is the perfect place to bring them.
The cuisine here is a delightful play of creativity, taking cues from Middle-Eastern tastes and elements. Picture inventive delights such as Jewelled Hummus, a reinvented date 'pudding,' or indulge in the complete Artichoke experience with the Chef's Tasting Menuâ all set against a musical backdrop featuring the vibes of 60's soul and 90's hip-hop!
đ 161 Middle Rd, Singapore 188978
â° Tue - Fri, 5.30 - 10.30pm | Sat & Sun, 11.30am - 3.30pm and 5.30 - 10.30pm | Closed on Mon
â Reserve a table here!
6) Canteen by Trapeze Rec. Club
Trapeze Rec. Club, a 4-storey membership-based wellness club situated in Tanjong Pagar, caters to fitness enthusiasts with its diverse range of services. From yoga studios, gyms, outdoor saunas, cold plunges, and reflexology to consult rooms and in-class programming, it serves as an all-in-one wellness hub.
Canteen by Trapeze Rec. Club offers a limited menu featuring toasts, coffee, and smoothies made from healthy and organically sourced ingredients. Ayurvedic yoghurt bowls with sweet and savoury options are also available, incorporating elements like Ashwagandha, Macca, and Moringa. Noteworthy is the Hummus Avocado toast with almond butter hummus, avocado slices, and a unique topping of Lao Gan Ma chilli oil!
đ 27 Tg Pagar Rd, #02-00, Singapore 088450
â° Mon - Fri, 8.30am - 6pm | Sat & Sun, 9am - 4pm
â Reserve a table here!
7) Monument Lifestyle
Welcome to your home away from home! Monument Lifestyle in Tiong Bahru, though primarily known as a clothing and accessory store, houses a hidden gem of a café. The store showcases local designer brands that change quarterly, ensuring a constant stream of new offerings for regular patrons.
Now, onto the highlight of Monument Lifestyle: Schmear Bagels. Originating from Sentosa Cove in 2017 and renowned for its New York-style bagels, the menu offers a selection of Bagels in plain, sesame, cheddar, and "everything" options, priced at $4.50 each! Monument Lifestyle's coffee selection also features beans from Four Barrel Coffee, one of San Francisco's esteemed coffee roasters.
đ 21 Yong Siak St, Singapore 168651
â° Mon to Tue, Thu to Sun, 9am - 6pm | Closed on Wed
â Reserve a table here!
8) Nylon Coffee Roasters
Situated within the Everton Park public housing complex, this small-scale coffee bar and roastery, known for its seasonal blends, has won the hearts of coffee enthusiasts! With a modern and spacious interior that maintains its reputation for excellent coffee, Nylon Coffee Roasters features various seating areas, long benches and high tables for quick chats.
Known for its consistently reasonable prices since 2012, the coffee menu rotates based on seasonal availability, and the café actively collaborates with coffee producers, fostering relationships by visiting farms and cooperatives. Nylon Coffee remains a go-to spot for a smooth and balanced cup, praised for its aromatic richness and absence of a strong acidic aftertaste.
đ 4 Everton Park, #01-40, Singapore 080004
â° Wed - Fri, 8.30am - 4.30pm | Sat & Sun, 9am - 4.30pm | Closed on Mon and Tue
9) Stay Gold Flamingo
Café in the day, bar at night! I wouldn't be too surprised if you walked past the establishment at first glance.
Flamingo, the café, boasts a lively atmosphere, serving a streamlined menu of granola, sandwiches, pastries, and artisanal coffee in the morning to afternoon . The Stay Gold bar, which comes to life after 5 pm, offers a more extensive setting for patrons, accommodating up to 90 people. The café's menu features outsourced pastries, such as the Raspberry Macaron and Tartlet Citron, while the bar, known for its strength in alcoholic beverages, provides a diverse selection!
đ69 Amoy St, Singapore 069888
â° Mon - Fri, 8am - 4.30pm and 5pm-12am | Sat, 5pm - 12am | Closed on Sun
10) Colbar
We're ending this list off old school with Cafe Colbar! The Colbar Cafe, situated on Whitchurch Road, stands as a historical institution with a unique past dating back more than 60 years. Although the cafe has been at its current location since the mid-2000s, its building, including wood panels, roof tiles, flooring, and furniture, preserves the charm of a bygone era.
The menu, primarily featuring Singapore-style "Western food," offers a glimpse into the past. Although deemed somewhat pricey, the experience transcends the culinary aspect, allowing you and your partner to step back in time and appreciate the historical charm of Colbar.
đ 9A Whitchurch Rd, Singapore 138839
â° Tue - Sun, 11.30am - 8.30pm | Closed on Mon
Final Notes
The allure of these tucked-away gems lies not just in their culinary delights but in the intimate settings that foster meaningful conversations and shared laughter. So, venture forth, create memories, and let these cafes be the backdrop to your blossoming love stories. Here's to many more delightful brunches and countless moments of connection! đ€«đ
with Love,
The Dateideas Team