Even though Singapore is an urban city, we are still well-known for our gardens and green spaces by many, and for good reason. Despite all the concrete and well-established infrastructure, we still have plenty of lush greenery. Because of that, it makes perfect sense to dine in a garden restaurant in Singapore.
As diners, it’s no longer just about the food, but about the ambience too. If a restaurant has lush greenery or it’s tucked away in a beautiful garden, that’s the kind of al fresco dining I’d go for in a heartbeat.
This list of 13 Singapore garden restaurants will give you more ideas on where to go next, be it for a social gathering or a lovely date.
1. Corner House
Enchanting on many fronts, Corner House in Singapore’s Botanic Gardens evokes the romance of a special historical location amongst the greenery. You can also take a relaxing stroll after your meal to experience nature’s gifts.
E J H Corner lived here when he was Assistant Director of the Botanic Gardens from 1929 to 1945, which is how Corner House derived its name. Designated as a Conserved Building, the house has been modernised to accommodate a restaurant, but the main elements of its original architecture still remains.
There are four beautiful spaces: Reading Corner, Claret Corner, Whispering Corner and The Verandah.
Corner House: 1 Cluny Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens, (Nassim Gate Entrance) Singapore 259569 | Tel:+65 6469 1000| Opening Hours: 12pm – 3pm & 6.30pm – 11pm (Tue to Sat), 11.30am – 3pm & 6.30pm – 11pm (Sun), Closed on Mon | Website
2. Masons
Masons is located within the beautiful and historic ground of Gillman Barracks, a collection of art galleries and restaurants. Situated just off the AYE near the Alexandra Retail Centre (Labrador Park MRT), it is a great spot to relax and enjoy the ample greenery, to simply escape the doldrums of city living.
The main dining room is air-conditioned and accommodates up to 60 pax. The Lounge and Bar can fit 20 pax, the Verandah Lounge takes between 16 to 24 people and the Outdoor Alfresco seats 54.
Masons: 8 Lock Road, Gillman Barracks, Singapore 108936 | Tel:+65 6694 2216 | Opening Hours: 11.30am – 11pm (Mon to Wed), 12pm – 11pm (Thu), 11.30am – 11pm (Fri to Sun) | Website
3. Pollen
At Pollen, your epicurean journey begins with a personalised buggy service from the Gardens By The Bay arrival plaza.
Discover unique gourmet offerings thoughtfully crafted by Executive Chef Colin Buchan and his team. You can bask in spectacular views of the Marina Bay skyline and waterfront, as Pollen’s experienced service professionals take care of your every need.
After your meal, enjoy complimentary access to the Flower Dome and wander in the Mediterranean garden filled with exotic flowers and plants.
Pollen: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, #01-09, Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore 018953 | Tel: +65 6604 9988| Opening Hours: 12pm – 2.30pm, 3pm – 5pm & 6pm – 10pm (Wed to Sun), 12pm – 2.30pm & 6pm – 10pm (Mon), 9.30am – 9pm (Tue) | Website
4. PS.Cafe (Harding Road)
PS.Cafe is a cosy cafe hidden far within Dempsey. Despite originally starting as a clothing shop, this charming and quaint spot quickly gained popularity for their hearty takes on savoury cafe classics. They’re just as well-known for their truffle shoestring fries and decadent cakes, puddings and tarts.
Detailed interiors, lush surroundings, friendly service and generous portions all contributed to the fame and recognition of this homegrown Singapore brand. This eventually turned into the go-to place for diners looking for a casual spot away from the crowds.
PS.Cafe is the place for weekend brunches and lazy afternoon teas, romantic dates and friendly celebrations in a beautiful tropical setting.
PS Cafe: 28B Harding Road, Singapore 249549 | Tel: +65 9070 8782 | Opening Hours: 8am – 11pm (Sun to Thu, PH), 8am – 12pm (Fri to Sun, eve of PH) | Website
5. Rabbit Hole
Step out of the city and into a lush wonderland at Rabbit Hole on Harding Road, within the quiet greenery of Dempsey.
Whether it is an intimate dinner with loved ones, special celebrations or throwing a truly unique party, there is no place that matches the otherworldly elegance of The White Rabbit’s Rabbit Hole located just outside the restaurant. A spot of tea in the garden, anyone?
Rabbit Hole: 39C Harding Road, Singapore 249541 | Tel: +65 6473 9965 | Opening Hours: 6pm – 11.30pm (Tue to Thu & Sun), 6pm – 12.30am (Fri & Sat), Closed Mon | Website
6. Riders Cafe
Riders Café is a restaurant serving delicious contemporary comfort food, with casual and relaxing vibes. The space gives off a lovely rustic charm that’s bound to please nature lovers. Nestled within Bukit Timah Saddle Club, this is definitely one favourite cafe to chill at, although it’s pretty hard to get to, so you’ll need to drive. Horses and monkeys are a frequent appearance here too.
Riders Café aims to bring good food to their customers, and the inspiration behind their menu is a combination of favourite brunch classics and elegant dishes.
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Rider’s Cafe: 51 Fairways Drive, Singapore 286965 | Tel: +65 6466 9819| Opening Hours: 8am – 9pm (Sun to Thu), 8am – 10pm (Fri & Sat), Closed on Mon | Website
9. The Halia
The Halia (Malay for ginger) is aptly located in the one-hectare Ginger Garden within Singapore Botanic Gardens, where over 250 species of gingers with their stunning foliage and colourful flowers thrive.
The Halia boasts an unobtrusive dining room with full-height glass windows, allowing guests to dine in the garden whilst still comfortably nestled in cooling, shaded surroundings. Decades-old majestic palm trees surround the restaurant, a testament to the classic beauty of the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
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The Halia: 1 Cluny Road, Ginger Garden, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore 259569 | Tel: +65 8444 1148 | Opening Hours: 9am – 9.30pm (Wed & Thu), 9am – 10pm (Fri), 10am – 10pm (Sat), 10am – 9.30pm (Sun & Tues), 9am – 10.30pm (Mon) | Website
8. Open Farm Community
Sitting on 35,000sqft of green-land, Open Farm Community aims to unite local farmers and chefs to spearhead local farming and sustainable living.
With plenty of outdoor seats with a farm-like ambience, patrons can look forward to dining out in the open air. There’s also great natural lighting with wooden tables for great food shots!
Open Farm Community: 130E Minden Rd, Singapore 248819 | Tel: +65 6471 0306 | Opening Hours: 12pm – 4pm & 6pm – 11pm (Mon to Thu), 12pm – 4pm & 6pm – 12am (Fri), 11am – 5pm & 6pm – 11pm (Sat), 12pm – 4pm & 6pm – 11pm (Sun) | Website
9. Da Paolo Bistro Bar
Da Paolo Bistro Bar by Da Paolo Group is among the five establishments currently owned by the family-run business. Residing on Rochester Drive, a leafy and meandering road that reminds me of Malcolm Road/Chancery Lane, the gastropub serves contemporary European cuisine and signature cocktails.
If the weather is tame, I’d recommend the simple al fresco seating that shares the lush forest. The same can be said of neighbouring restaurants of the rather picturesque Rochester Drive, an area ideal for beery afternoon rewinds. Otherwise, the modern indoor dining room of Da Paolo where we sat for a taste of the crowd favourites should serve one just fine.
Da Paolo: 3 Rochester Park, Singapore 139214 | Tel: +65 6774 5537 | Opening Hours: 11.30am – 2.30pm & 5.30pm – 11.30pm (Mon to Sat), 11am – 10pm (Sun) | Website
10. Boufe Boutique Cafe
Located in Phoenix Park, Boufe Boutique Cafe aims to blend simplicity and serenity. Their furniture and architecture see a strong minimalistic design while the outdoors contrast with wild greens. Having walked all the way in from the main road under the scotching hot sun myself, this place was still well worth the effort.
There’s actually a shuttle service from the main road to the cafe, just call in and check with the staff or ask the security personnel (I only found out thereafter). Other than the cooling, nice indoor settings, you can opt to take a seat outside under the tentage and bask in the warm tropical breeze of Singapore. It feels like you are right out in nature.
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Boufe Boutique Cafe: 308 Tanglin Road, #01-01, Phoenix Park, Singapore 247974 | Tel: +65 6734 7656 | Opening Hours: 9am – 8pm (Daily) | Website
11. Timbre @ Gillman
Timbre @ Gillman is located in the area of a former military barracks (just like Masons) and has recently been turned into a contemporary art scene. The space is relatively quiet, in a good way. The interior comprises a small sea of outdoor tables, both low and high tops, and a stage area. Tables aside, once you arrive at Timbré the first thing that catches your eye is the sprawling outdoor play area.
The open space is enclosed by beautiful, thick green foliage with a brightly coloured bouncy castle centrepiece. This makes Timbre a popular weekend destination for families looking to enjoy a good meal and cold drink while letting the kids roam freely.
Timbre: 9A Lock Road, Gillman Barracks, Singapore 108926 | Tel: +65 6694 4201 | Opening Hours: 4pm – 11pm (Tue to Thu & Sat), 4pm – 1am (Fri), 12pm – 9pm (Sun)| Website
12. Botanico
Botanico by The Garage at Botanic Gardens is another quaint bistro nestled in the heart of Singapore’s nature park. Just a short walk from Botanic Gardens MRT, the solitude of Botanico amongst all the green makes it hard to miss.
Before entering, you are greeted with a rustic stone pavement that leads you into the humble establishment. The interior has a modern contemporary theme, from the furniture to the snow-white walls.
The best part is the hidden outdoor bar that would be the perfect spot for a catch-up with friends over some drinks. The outdoor space also makes an ideal hangout spot for big and small groups alike.
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Botanico: 50 Cluny Park Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore 257488 | Tel: +65 6264 7978 | Opening Hours: 6pm – 10pm (Wed to Sun), Closed on Mon & Tue | Website
13. Toby’s Estate
Toby’s Estate resembles the classic look of a Melbourne cafe, and the al fresco set-up is a clear winner when debating your seating options. The tables are nestled alongside trees and under patio umbrellas equipped with fans to keep you cool regardless of the weather.
At the very most if the heat becomes unbearable, they have a charming interior for you to seek refuge in and cool off with a refreshing iced beverage.
While they tend to pack up pretty early on the weekends, the establishment is an ideal spot for work lunch meetings and those looking to wind down over a cuppa. Toby’s Estate offers the best of both worlds, as they have reached the perfect equilibrium between cafe aesthetic and good food.
Toby’s Estate: 8 Rodyk Street, #01-03/04, Singapore 238216 | Tel: +65 6636 7629 | Opening Hours: 7.30am – 5pm (Sun to Thu), 7.30am – 6pm (Fri & Sat)|Website
