10 Cafes with the Best Ambience in Singapore

Sometimes you visit a café because you’re craving for that one particular dish by them… and sometimes, you just want a nice place to relax, chill and forget about the world for a good few hours. For the people who belong to the second category, we’ve rounded up a list of cafes with some of the best ambience in Singapore. Whilst we might be miles behind Korea and Melbourne in terms of café culture, we’re slowly but surely improving!

1. Sunday Market

Sunday Market, with its fire-engine red bicycle proudly displayed on the wall and its bar stool cushions upholstered in a fine camo print, exudes an undeniably cool vibe without being intimidating. The menu at Sunday Market also sets it apart from your generic hipster café – think adventurous (or questionable, depending on which side of the coin you’re looking at) sounding items such as sirloin rendang toast, and savoury pancakes with roasted duck and garlic hoisin. If you’re looking for something different, you know where to go. Sunday Market, 22 Lim Tua Tow Road, Singapore 547772

2. Wimbly Lu

How can any list of cafes with the best ambience be complete without the crowdpleaser that is Wimbly Lu? We all know that the café industry in Singapore is extremely competitive, but with great food and great ambience, Wimbly Lu is one place that has got it right on all counts. Treat yourself to some desserts below the pretty fairy lights – and just in case you've been living under a rock, it’s common consensus that the waffles served here are unbeatably light and fluffy. Go forth and indulge. Wimbly Lu Chocolate Café, 15-2 Jalan Riang, Singapore 358987

3. Working Title

Taking a single step into this café could possibly make your blood pressure drop by a few counts – that’s how relaxing it is. Working Title is dimly lit, with chill indie music playing softly in the background. On any given day, many patrons here are guests from the backpackers’ hostel above, so that also contributes to the general laid-back atmosphere and feel-good vibe. The cafe is best known for its impressive selection of craft beers, so if you’re in the area, pop in for a nightcap. Working Title, 48 Arab Street, Singapore 199745

4. The Muffinry

The Muffinry occupies a tiny, narrow shophouse. But for the amount of space that they have, they certainly make it count. The moment you step in, you’re overcome by intense cookie smells that will put that famous cookie chain to shame. Whilst we’re not sure about the allegations floating around about that famous signature cookie scent being manufactured, one thing that we do know is that The Muffinry bakes its muffins from scratch every morning and that they’re preservative free. The people behind The Muffinry also sure know how to engage with their consumers – there’s an old typewriter on display and you can get stationery from the staff to type out messages and pin it to their cork board. Might be a sweet place for a first date! The Muffinry, 112 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068581

5. Wild Honey

With its intriguing menu consisting of breakfast selections from all over the world, Wild Honey is no stranger to café-hoppers. The staff is friendly and the clientele consists of well-dressed girlfriends having brunch, good-looking couples on dates and the solitary person enjoying her meal with a magazine. Sink into the comfy couches and soak it all in. Wild Honey has an extensive food menu, but if you’re just after drinks, they do teas, mocktails and cocktails as well. Wild Honey, Scotts Square, 6 Scotts Road #03-01, Singapore 228209

6. Dong Po Colonial Cafe

There was a time when everything mandarin and oriental was thought of as uncool, as we embraced Western influences with open arms. Well not any more – and Dong Po Colonial Cafe is the perfect evidence of that. The café is dedicated to re-living the past, with its walls clad in Chinese-style paintings, an assortment of old knick-knacks on display, and Chinese music playing softly. A perfect place to reminisce over some teh and kaya toast. Dong Po Colonial Café, 56 Kandahar Street, Singapore 198904

7. Made by Lauren Jasmine

It’s no secret that our national past time is shopping. So it makes clear sense that one of the cafes on this list would be a café cum boutique! Made by Lauren Jasmine offers not just good coffee and snacks, but also a gorgeous range of stylish yet work-appropriate clothes. This is the place to go to if you want to enjoy some alone time. Place your order downstairs, then steal away to the second level to enjoy your coffee with some peace and quiet. Take your time to browse over the racks of clothes while you’re at it. Made by Lauren Jasmine, 47 Amoy Street, Singapore 069873

8. La Ristrettos

La Ristrettos sticks out like a sore thumb amongst the clinics in Novena Medical Centre, but we’re not complaining! The atmosphere here is decidedly homey, with the brick walls, wooden furniture and a large communal table right that is reminiscent of family reunions, sitting right smack in the middle of the café. Have a seat by the huge glass windows for a view of a pretty decent garden to go along with your coffee, or just dine alfresco if the weather’s good. La Ristrettos, Novena Medical Centre #08-37, Singapore 307506

9. The Little Prince Creamery

The Little Prince Creamery was previously located at Somme Road, but has since shifted to a quiet corner of Toa Payoh. The café is dedicated to Le Petit Prince – for those of you unfamiliar with this, it’s a novella by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, and a classic that’s highly regarded worldwide. We love this place for its whimsical décor (the illustrations on the walls are hand-drawn, talk about dedication!) and its serenity. The Little Prince Creamery, Toa Payoh Lorong 6 Block 47, #01-134, Singapore 310047

10. PS. Cafe at Palais Renaissance

There’s no missing out on PS Café when you’re rounding up a list of cafes with the best ambience. Each of their four branches is decorated differently and this particular one at Palais Renaissance is extremely elegant, without being intimidating. If you have the time, sit down to a casual lunch on a weekday with your favourite people, when it’s the least crowded. Don’t be surprised when the hours just fly by. Palais Renaissance, #02-09A, Singapore 238871

Written by Cherie Foo (Images are writer's own) See Also: Check out these new spots for your cafe adventures Love coffee? Indulge in your favourite coffee with cute latte art!