With brunch spots seemingly in every corner of the city, it’s clear that this highly pleasurable and leisurely midday meal has become somewhat of an institution in Singapore. From cosy establishments that whip up a mean ricotta pancake to bottomless boozy offerings, brunch options are dizzying and aplenty in the city.
For those extra-special celebrations like a birthday, anniversary or a romantic date however, we’ve got just the places for you. Whether it’s a sky-high rooftop brunch experience or some laidback alfresco dining in a charming heritage building, these restaurants tick all the boxes for a delicious meal in a beautiful setting. Read on for our selection of brunch spots perfect for any special occasion.
1. The White Rabbit
Tucked away in the dining enclave that is Dempsey Hill, The White Rabbit is a charming restaurant that remains a popular haunt for romantic brunch dates and intimate celebrations. Located in a conserved chapel from the 1930s, its stylish and inviting space – think high ceilings, stained glass windows, and an expansive, light-filled interior – makes it a particularly pleasant spot. Its weekend brunch boasts a decadent smorgasbord of dishes from oysters and a lobster croque monsieur to standard grub like an eggs Benedict and a fry up.
2. Fennel Café by Pollen
Boasting sweeping views of the iconic Marina Bay Sands and Singapore Flyer, Fennel Café at the Flower Dome is perfect for times when you want to pull out all the stops. You won’t find the standard brunch suspects here; this all-dining café cranks out a delicious Mediterranean-style menu with mouth-watering starters and light bites such as a watermelon and feta salad or a toasted panini with leg ham or tuna; and mains like the must-try shakshuka and a za’atar roasted salmon. The café is also known for its freshly baked pastries and homemade sweet treats, which can be devoured in the lush garden setting.
3. Publico Ristorante
For laidback vibes and delicious Italian nosh, pull up a chair at Publico. This buzzy quayside establishment is well-loved for its hearty dinner menu, but its weekend brunch menu is certainly worth leaving the duvet covers for. Standout dishes include the eggs diavola; smoked salmon and ricotta brioche topped with a poached free-range egg; or any of its woodfired pizzas for sharing. Enjoy your brunch indoors or at its delightfully leafy alfresco area. Bonus points: its diet-inclusive menu also caters to vegetarians and gluten-free diners, so everyone can dine happy.
4. PS. Cafe
With five outlets across the island, PS. Cafe is an institution in Singapore in its own right. Ask any Singaporean and they’ll tell you that its truffle shoestring fries, for one, have garnered somewhat of a cult following. Tuck into classic brunch fare like its fluffy pancakes, chorizo hash, or croque madame. Once you’ve had your fill, wash it down with a glass of freshly pressed juice, specialty coffee or, if a booze-fuelled brunch celebration is what you’re after, its impressive array of cocktails, wines and sangria.
5. Madame Fan
For a brunch affair that’s a little different, swing by this East-meets-West joint located at the trendy NCO Club. Its indulgent weekend Cocktail Dim Sum Brunch menu is a bottomless spread of Cantonese-style sharing plates, which you can wolf down along with its highly-raved cocktails. Munch your way through decadent eats like a black truffle dumpling, crispy duck roll, jasmine tea smoked pork ribs and more; cocktail lovers will also relish its punchy fusion tipples such as the Yu Cha (with gin, vermouth, green tea and herbal liqueurs) or Tian Mi Mi (whiskey, smoked camomile liqueur, mandarin, black peppercorn).
6. Panamericana
If your idea of a brunch is one that involves a hearty meat-filled affair with ocean views, venture from the city to Panamericana, a casual grill restaurant nestled in Sentosa Golf Club. This Argentinian and Latin American restaurant specialises in farm-to-fire cuisine – expect juicy and succulent cuts of grilled, roasted and charred meat. Pick your poison from its stellar selection of cocktails and wine, which are the perfect pairing for this epic feast.
7. Caffe Cicheti
This modern osteria has a striking foliage-filled interior that’s bedecked in an Instagram-worthy tropical print. Park yourself here for a weekend date and sink your teeth into its brunch offerings, which run from fluffy ricotta hot cakes served with fresh berries and drenched in maple syrup to a reimagined Italian take on the all-American grilled cheese, which is made using melted provolone, cheddar, parmigiana and fior di latte.
8. Botanico
Housed in the Garage, a 1920s art deco conservation building that’s located in Singapore Botanic Gardens (incidentally, Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site), this café has old-world charm ideal for a low-key and intimate celebration or date. Its menu, which lists a medley of fusion items such as an assam laksa ceviche and a “hae bi hiam” conchigile, uses fresh produce and ingredients. While you’re here, be sure to try its brunch bestsellers. The Botanico “Big Breakfast”, which lives up to its name, is a hearty platter of eggs served with sourdough, grilled avocado and kurobuta sausage, while the Iberico “Chee Cheong Fun” is its modern take on the classic rice roll.
9. Stellar at 1-Altitude
Brunch with a side of views – that’s what you’ll get at this alfresco spot on skyscraper One Raffles Place’s rooftop. Every Sunday, partake in its ultimate sky-high brunch where you can choose from either its communal set or à la carte menu. Brunch here is a classic but – literally – elevated affair: starters like a smoked salmon bagel Benedict and Iberico cold cuts sit next to hearty wood-fired mains like the sustainably sourced grilled red snapper served with charred leeks and the Australian Wagyu rump cap.
Please check the establishments’ respective websites for opening hours as well as booking and seating requirements before visiting, and remember to adhere to safe-distancing measures while out and about.
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