Whether you’re a freelancer needing a place to work at, or a group of students looking for somewhere to carry out project discussions, it seems that cafes are a top choice. It works out well because after all, you’ll need to keep your tummies full to have the energy to think.
However, with so many cafes in Singapore, how do you know which to head to? We’ve done the legwork and have curated a list of 16 work-friendly cafes with good food, stable WiFi and power plugs.
This comprehensive list features both recently-opened cafes as well as old favourites!
— West —
1. W39 Bistro & Bakery
A cosy cafe identifiable by its distinct white faux wooden wall and yellow-striped counters, W39 Bistro & Bakery is one of the most work-friendly cafes in the West.
Don’t worry about sticking out like a sore thumb because when I dropped by on a weekday afternoon, there were quite a few people working on their laptops or looking deep in discussion.
A must-try here is their Goth Latte ($5) because how often can you find a cup of coffee that’s as black as your soul? (I kid.) Also, the cafe is well-stocked with indie magazines like Kinfolk for you to browse through should you need a little break or some inspiration.
W39 Bistro & Bakery: 39 Jalan Mas Puteh, Singapore 128637 | Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Tues – Fri), 9am – 10pm (Sat – Sun), Closed on Mondays | Tel: +65 9646 5372 | Website | Facebook
2. Superfudo
Superfudo is somewhat of a hidden gem as the small entrance to the cafe means that it’s easy for passers-by to stroll past without a second glance. However, after stepping in, I was surprised by how spacious it actually was.
With an abundance of natural light and lots of greenery, the space exuded a sort of laidback, bohemian vibe. Throw in loads of healthy food options and plenty of power points to the mix and it’s the perfect place for chilling or to get some work done.
If you’re craving something sweet, get their Matcha Bingsu. At just $5, it’s so worth it!
Superfudo: 15 Lorong Liput, Singapore 277730 | Opening Hours: 10am to 10pm (Daily) | Facebook
3. KARA Cafe & Dessert Bar
Upon stepping into Kara Cafe, the first thing that caught my attention was a wall of pink bricks lined with mirrors reflecting the whimsical mural spanning across the entire opposite wall. Together, they make one feel like Alice entering Wonderland.
Sadly, the mains were only so-so during my visit but the ambience more than made up for it. Since this cafe is founded by Sogurt, perhaps opt for their signature desserts instead?
KARA Cafe & Dessert Bar: 617 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 269718 | Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 10.30am – 10pm (Sat & Sun) | Tel: +65 6468 8940 | Website | Facebook
4. d’Good Café
d’Good Café’s Holland Village outlet excels in both food and ambience. Head to the third level if you intend to work there as power points are aplenty and the whole space is filled with abundant natural light, creating a bright and breezy environment.
Minimally, yet cosily furnished, it’s the perfect space for you to get some work done.
When you find yourself in a rut, just pop out to their al-fresco area to get a breath of fresh air and a little break! It’s so beautifully decorated that it just might give you that spark of inspiration.
And of course, the grub is pretty decent as well, which is always a plus.
d’Good Cafe: 273 Holland Ave, #02-01/02, Singapore 278992 | Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Daily) | Tel: +65 6219 9807 | Website | Facebook
5. Jimmy Monkey
Jimmy Monkey‘s primary appeal is its quirky kitchen-like display that, in some corners, resemble scenes from an abandoned and dilapidated factory.
Brunch delights at this Melbourne-inspired cafe include the Miss Bentine and The Hulk. Should you need a mental break from what you’re working on, the books on the shelves are available for patrons to browse through.
Jimmy Monkey: 9 One-North Gateway, #01-51 One-North Residences, Singapore 138643 | Opening Hours: 8am – 6pm (Daily) | Tel: +65 6777 8470 | Website | Facebook
6. Necessary Provisions
Decked out with rustic wood furniture and hints of greenery, Necessary Provisions is illuminated mostly by the sunlight streaming in through the glass panes in the day; forcing you to work harder earlier.
Its fame is veritably unimpeded by its limited menu for this cafe provides you with the essentials, just as its name suggests. For instance, instead of ordering a Latte or Cappuccino, just let the barista know if you want your coffee black or white.
Necessary Provisions: 21 Eng Kong Terrace, Singapore 598993 | Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Weds – Sat), 11am – 6pm (Sun), Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays | Tel: +65 9231 7920 | Website | Facebook
— Central —
7. Starbucks @ Fullerton Waterboat House
Possibly the best Starbucks outlet in Singapore, Starbucks @ Fullerton Waterboat House is spacious and furnished in an industrial chic style.
While it’s far away enough to deter hoards of students, it still draws a sizeable crowd. To ensure that you have access to a power point, probably try arriving in the morning?
Also, the recent addition of Salad Bowls to the menu means that you don’t have to stress about an expanding waistline on top of stressing about work. I can vouch that the Cajun Prawns & Barley Bowl ($8.20) was tasty and filling; and that’s coming from someone who usually loathes salads.
Starbucks @ Fullerton Waterboat House: 02, 3 Fullerton Rd, 01/02/03 The Fullerton Waterboat House, Singapore 049215 | Opening Hours: 8am – 11pm (Sun – Thurs), 8am – 12am (Fri – Sat) | Tel: +65 6910 1193 | Website | Facebook
8. Wakey Wakey
The third instalment by the folks behind Strangers’ Reunion and Curious Palette, Wakey Wakey can be identified at a glance by its large glass panel windows and cosy Scandinavian interior.
Since it’s located a good distance from Bugis MRT station, you probably won’t have to jostle for a seat with students either. However, its location near several offices means that its signature bottled drinks are often sold out so be quick if that’s what you intend to get.
Wakey Wakey: #01-04/05 The Concourse, 302 Beach Road, Singapore 199600 | Opening Hours: 9am – 6pm (Daily) | Facebook
9. dal.komm COFFEE
I can personally attest that the flagship outlet of dal.komm COFFEE at The Centrepoint remains one of the best places in town to get some work done. Even on a weekend, there were still plenty of empty seats with power points within close reach.
Extra points go to its warm industrial look, with soothing Korean OSTs playing in the background. There’s also a great selection of coffees and teas, with interesting variations like the Mojito Black Vitali-Tea (Hot – $8, Cold – $8.50).
dal.komm COFFEE: 176 Orchard Road, The Centrepoint, #01-01/06 and #01-102/103, Singapore 238843 | Opening Hours: 9.30am – 10pm (Daily) | Website | Facebook
10. Mellower Coffee
While Mellower Coffee has several outlets, I would recommend the branch at Robinson Road for its spaciousness. The large floor-to-ceiling windows flood the place with light while its curated furniture is easy on the eyes – a winning combination that provides an extremely pleasant place for you to get hustling.
Mellower Coffee also uses its own original house blend in all the espresso-based items, and one interesting option is the Sweet Little Rain ($9.80).
Mellower Coffee: #01-03, 77 Robinson Road, Singapore 068896 | Opening Hours: 8am – 7pm (Mon – Fri), Closed on Sat & Sun | Tel: +65 6532 2436 | Facebook
11. Afterglow by Anglow
A vegan restaurant that’s off the beaten track is Afterglow by Anglow, which uses only premium ingredients to deliver the most organic food (and fantastic craft beers).
Keep a lookout as the owners themselves, who have assiduously packed the shelves with ready-to-go organic items, may be the ones serving you. For something tried and tested, opt for the Acai Bowl ($15). If you’re up for something a little more special, consider ordering the Raw Crispy Lasagne ($22).
Afterglow by Anglow: 24 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089131 | Opening Hours: 12pm – 10.30pm (Mon – Sat), Closed on Sundays | Tel: +65 6224 8921 | Website | Facebook
12. Toby’s Estate
This one’s for the morning birds as they open doors from as early as 7.30am. For those who’ve lived in Sydney, Toby’s Estate by Toby Smith probably needs no introduction.
Well-known for their Arabica coffee, they take coffee very seriously – evident by how they have both a fast and slow bar to differentiate between the various brewing techniques.
Feeling social during your little coffee breaks? Sit at the long communal tables and chit chat with fellow patrons!
Toby’s Estate: 8 Rodyk Street, #01-03/04, Singapore 238216| Opening Hours: 7.30am – 6pm (Daily) | Tel: +65 6636 7629 | Website | Facebook
13. The Book Cafe
The Book Cafe is essentially a restaurant made to resemble a library, albeit one that’s a lot more comfortable. Just be careful not to accidentally meet someone’s eyes over the top of a book and you should be good to go.
With numerous couches and a laid-back ambience, you’ll easily feel at home while working. Also, if you’re not a fan of the couches, alfresco seating is available here too.
The Book Cafe: 20 Martin Rd, #01-02 Seng Kee Building, Singapore 239070 | Opening Hours:8.30am – 10.30pm (Daily) | Tel: +65 6887 5430 | Website | Facebook
14. Working Title
Along the glorious Arab Street lies Working Title, an archetypal hipster cafe located on the first floor of a backpacker’s hostel.
The cafe is eclectically furnished with a mish-mash of furniture in different hues while a collage of mundane photographs speaks volumes about the sedentary eatery that serves arguably decent food and unique beverages.
This place is great for creative souls who work best when surrounded by a buzz of activity and word on the street’s that they serve some mean burgers and a delicious Bandung Latte ($5).
Working Title: 48 Arab Street, Singapore 19974 | Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 10am – 11pm (Sat – Sun) | Tel: +65 8248 2841 | Website | Facebook
15. Sarnies
Sarnies is the go-to cafe for a hearty English breakfast before one begins work in the CBD, so you know it’ll be a good spot for some studying and grub.
A convivial eatery run by jocund baristas, you won’t go wrong with an order of Smoked Salmon with Scrambled Eggs ($23).
Most people aren’t aware of this secret off-the-menu drink but their enigmatic Orange Mocha is definitely worth a try if you’re willing to venture beyond the ordinary.
Sarnies: 136 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068601 | Opening Hours: 7.30am – 10.30pm (Mon – Tues), 7.30am – 12am (Weds – Fri), 8.30am – 4pm (Sat – Sun) | Tel: +65 6224 6091 | Website | Facebook
16. The Lokal
The Lokal is a spin-off from Sarnies, offering the same delicious coffee in addition to its bestseller, the Roast Beef On Rye ($25).
The humble fan-ventilated cafe occupies the bottom of a shophouse and its interior features bluish geometrical designs redolent of Asian dinnerware. Weekends are absolutely packed though, so to avoid dirty looks from diners, don’t linger around then.
The Lokal: 136 Neil Rd, Singapore 088865 | Opening Hours: 8am – 4pm (Mon – Tues), 8am – 10pm (Weds – Sat), 9am – 4pm (Sun) | Tel: +65 6423 9918 | Website | Facebook
Now that you’ve made it to the end of the list, you may be wondering why we’re only including cafes in the West and Central.
With several Unis located in the West, these cafes are alternatives should students need a break from meeting in school. On the other hand, meeting up in around town is central enough to serve as a compromise for most parties, right?
Armed with the knowledge of so many new places where you can get work done, there’s really no excuse such as feeling stale or bored. Just remember to be a gracious customer and order your fair share of food!
