The popular artisanal bakery and patisserie Lavender from Johor Bahru is finally crossing over the causeway to set up shop on our sunny little island. The opening is slated to be 17 April 2019 at Jewel Changi Airport.

Founded way back in 2000, they have come a long way since then and have expanded from a humble bakery to a cafe, bistro and restaurant business. They will be opening up just a bakery here in Singapore for the time being.

Lavender is well-known for its desserts and cakes that are made from Japanese and French pastry making techniques. The result is premium quality confectioneries that are an absolute treat to the senses.

The food here is a fusion between modern European, French, Italian and Japanese cuisines so you can expect to sink your teeth into a number of unique creations that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. They also have a pretty extensive array of drinks to go along with your pastries and cakes.

So, get ready to indulge yourselves in some really high-quality desserts and pastries!

Lavender Bakery Singapore

78 Airport Boulevard
Jewel Changi Airport
Singapore 819666
Nearest Station: Changi Airport

Read: Jewel Changi Airport Food Directory – 111 restaurants, cafes and eateries to dine at.

Hardly anyone enjoys the idea of returning to work on Monday after an entire weekend of pure relaxation and fun. But such is life, isn’t it?

Thankfully, there are more ways than one to alleviate said Monday blues and one of the best ways we know how is to treat ourselves to a solid cafe meal. Taking into consideration the full-works, from artisanal coffees, teas to a plethora of over-the-top cafe grub, if there was ever a way to cheer us up on a dull workday, those would surely help.

Here is our guide to 20 cafes in Singapore that open on Mondays for you to treat yourself on a dreadful, soul-crushing Monday.

% ARABICA

While % Arabica is known for its stellar cups of coffee, the brand’s venture at Chip Bee Gardens has introduced a food section to their menu so you can enjoy some scrumptious nosh that pairs perfectly with their soothing cups of coffee. This is also the only % Arabica outlet in the world to have a food menu.

44 Jalan Merah Saga, #01-58
Singapore 278116
Tel: +65 6261 4516
Sun to Thu: 8am – 6pm
Fri & Sat: 8am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village

CLINTON STREET BAKING COMPANY

Hailing all the way from New York City, Clinton Street Baking Co. is where you can look forward to a range of classic New York-style brunch fare including the esteemed Chicken & Waffles (S$21++) which features huge pieces of crisp-skinned, tender chicken nestled atop a fluffy buttermilk waffle.

Should you be looking for a sweeter treat to conclude your meal, the Pancakes with Warm Maple Butter (S$19++) is another signature dish of their that you ought to try.

31 Purvis Street
Singapore 188608
Mon to Thu: 8.30am – 6pm
Fri & Sat: 8am – 9pm
Sun: 8am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Bugis/Bras Basah

EARLYBIRD CAFE

Earlybird Cafe is one of the newest additions to the slew of cafes that Jalan Pinang is home to. Minimalist exterior and aesthetically-pleasing bird-themed interior aside, Earlybird Cafe serves quality grub that is worth forgoing your diet for.

Their Chicken and Pancakes (S$19) may just be enough to have you ditch chicken and waffles altogether—this dish really hits all the right chords in terms of flavour! Get their adorable Flower Pot Tiramisu (S$8.50) to end of your meal on a sweet note.

17 Jalan Pinang
Singapore 199149
Mon to Thu: 8am – 9pm
Fri: 8am – 9.30pm
Sat: 9am – 9.30pm
Sun: 9am – 8pm
Tel: +65 9788 6858
Nearest Station: Bugis

FIVE OARS COFFEE ROASTERS

Boasting an aesthetically-pleasing botanical interior, impeccable service, amazing coffee and plenteous food offerings, Five Oars Coffee Roasters is definitely a new café in Singapore worth checking out.

Five Oars offers a tantalizing range of brunch fare—from interesting spins such as the Mentaiko Royale (S$21) to sweeter options such as the Valrhona Chocolate Pancakes (S$19.50). Coffee-goers will not regret getting a cuppa coffee as an accompaniment to their meal as they source their coffee beans from Ethiopia and Brazil.

39 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088462
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

KEONG SAIK BAKERY

This is where you can find traditional, nostalgic yet contemporary bakes all under a single roof. The walls of Keong Saik Bakery are covered in a wallpaper that speaks about the heritage of the Keong Saik area which might just sweep you over with a sense of nostalgia.

Their menu mainly comprises a range of crusty croissants, bread and fluffy cakes. The Sor Hei—a black and white Danish pastry—would go highly recommended if you are looking for a light bite. Otherwise, opt for their all-day breakfast set which comes with a cup of coffee or tea, 2 soft-boiled eggs and a bun of your choice.

41 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089146
Tel: +65 6909 3199
Daily: 8am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park

KURASU

Kurasu is a hidden gem located within Odeon Towers that serves speciality coffee from selected roasters around Japan. Originally starting out as an online homeware store, the brand shifted its focus to coffee and opened its first physical store in Kyoto in 2016.

Their Singapore outlet serves the same lineup of coffee as their branch in Kyoto, so you get to taste their superbly aromatic brews in our sunny shores. Matcha lovers must get a cup of their Matcha Latte, which promises to satisfy even the most discerning of taste buds.

331 North Bridge Road
#02-01, Odeon Towers
Singapore 188720
Mon to Fri: 9am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 6pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

POPPY POPS

This café situated on the rooftop of JEM in Jurong East will bewitch you with its charms. Furnished with modern elements including gorgeously lit bulbs and entwining vines, the cafe exudes a tranquil outdoor vibe perfect for a chill night out with your girlfriends.

Poppy Pops allows you to get creative and make your own DIY popsicles, where you can choose a topping and coating of your choice.

#06-03 JEM
52 Jurong Gateway Road
Singapore 608549
Tel: +65 6262 0339
Mon to Thu, Sun: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Jurong East

//

TWENTY EIGHT CAFE

Decked with minimal white walls and whitewashed window grilles, this spacious and modern industrial-themed cafe is a hidden-gem situated within the folds of Wilkie Road away from the bustling city.

Fully equipped with plenty of charging ports around, we reckon that Twenty Eight Cafe is an ideal spot for one to get some work done while sipping on a cup of coffee. Their menu is rather simple, albeit limited, offering several brunch items that will definitely fill you up.

28 Wilkie Road
Singapore 228051
Tel: +65 9720 2828
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

DRIPS BAKERY CAFE

Drips Bakery Cafe has been around for years and it is one of the usual go-to spots people who love sweet, freshly baked tarts and bread.

No one leaves Drips Bakery Cafe without getting a taste of their speciality tarts. Their signatures include avocado tarts, berry tarts and salted caramel tarts. If you are looking for a heavier meal that is more filling, fret not as Drips Bakery Cafe also serves a range of brunch fare.

#01-05, 82 Tiong Poh Road
Singapore 160082
Tel: +65 6222 0400
Mon to Thu, Sun: 11am – 9.30pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

THE BRAVERY CAFE

This Muslim-owned cafe situated just a stone’s throw away from Lavender MRT station is one that will impress you with their warm and intimate ambience coupled with tasty food. It is also one of the cafes in Singapore that provides a laptop-friendly environment for students and workers.

Their menu offers an extensive array of savoury treats, including all-day breakfast items such as the Bagel Set (S$14.50) and heartier mains such as steak and pasta dishes that are not overly expensive.

66 Horne Road
Singapore 209073
Tel: +65 9388 2973
Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun: 9am – 6pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 10pm
Closed on Tuesdays
Nearest Station: Lavender/ Bendemeer

THE LOKAL

The LoKal is an Australian Restaurant-Bar that aims to serve comfort house-made Aussie food to their guests. The kitchen is helmed by Aussie Chef Darren Farr, the mastermind behind the healthy and hearty brunches such as the Smashed Avocado with Ricotta and Steak & Eggs.

You can also look forward to a myriad of Australian wines, monthly beer specials and easy drinking cocktails at The LoKal’s bar.

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

136 Neil Road
Singapore 088865
Tel: +65 6423 9918
Mon & Tue: 8am – 4pm
Wed to Fri: 8am – 10pm
Sat: 9am – 10pm
Sun: 9am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar/ Outram Park

TOBY’S ESTATE

Toby’s Estate Signature Café & Roastery at Rodyk Street is founder Toby Smith’s first venture outside of Australia, where a team of world-class coffee experts is dedicated to creating and serving remarkable coffee every day.

At Toby’s Estate, you can enjoy some of the best coffees from all over the world and explore the amazing tastes and aromas of their coffee through different brewing methods. The aroma of coffee simply draws you in!

8 Rodyk Street
Singapore 238216
Tel: +65 6636 7629
Daily: 7.30am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Fort Canning

DAPPER COFFEE

The swanky interior of Dapper Coffee at Amoy Street resembles a cool British pub. The coffee aroma that filled the air was alluring and we were thankful for the good range of different coffee to choose from.

73A Amoy Street
Second floor
Singapore 069892
Tel: +65 9005 4790
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm
Sat: 8am – 3pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

FLAVOUR FLINGS

Nestled in Hougang, just a short 5-minute walk from Kovan’s McDonald’s, this humble cafe is the birthplace of Singapore’s nationwide salted egg yolk phenomenon. Their menu focuses primarily on brunch fare with eggs being the centrepiece of most of their dishes.

If you’re keen on melty, decadent cheese, then do try their Beef Steak with Cheese Raclette.

Blk 121 Hougang Avenue 1
#01-1348
Singapore 530121
Tel: +65 6286 0051
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Mon, Thu to Sun: 11.30am – 4pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Wed: 11am – 4pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Hougang/Kovan

KITH CAFE

Perhaps one of the most popular home-grown cafes in Singapore is Kith Cafe. Having expanded to several parts of the island, you can find them everywhere now and for good reason.

Their menu offerings are stellar and their coffee is simply solid. Whether you hankering for pizza, pasta or a full-on breakfast platter, there’s bound to be something to tickle your fancy.

6 Raffles Boulevard
Marina Square #02-49
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6352 4393
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

ONE MAN COFFEE

One Man Coffee is a speciality coffee concept that focuses on the art of extracting great coffee from fine coffee beans. We kid you not, their coffee is one of the best around.

But as stunning as their humble brews and latte art let us not forget about their sensational lineup of food as well. Their Gashaus Eggs and Berries French Toast come highly recommended and are perfect to have during brunch.

215R Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574349
Tel: +65 9658 1685
Mon, Wed to Sun: 9am – 5pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Marymount

Photo credit: SPRMRKT

SPRMRKT (CLUNY COURT)

Founded less than a decade ago at McCallum Street, homegrown brand SPRMRKT can now be found at Cluny Court right next to the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Diners can expect a menu of simple all-day-brunch delights as well as a myriad of fancier offerings.

We simply adore their Oven-Baked Eggs and various pasta offerings, but if you’re looking for something a healthier, you can consider one of their many wholesome SPRGRN Bowls too.

501 Bukit Timah Road,
02-13 Cluny Court,
Singapore 259760
Tel: +65 9736 4170
Mon to Thu: 8am – 8pm
Fri to Sun: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens

THE POPULUS COFFEE & FOOD CO.

Opened by the folks behind Two Degrees North Coffee Co. and the now-defunct Department of Caffeine, The Populus Coffee & Food Co. is a hot favourite among Singaporeans for their good coffee and better food.

You see, The Populus Coffee & Food Co. is everything a good cafe should be—a neat decor with plants and natural sunlight, comprehensive food menu with wholesome meals and homemade desserts, and a brilliant cuppa.

146 Neil Road
Singapore 088875
Tel: +65 6635 8420
Mon to 9am – 7pm
Tue: 9am – 4pm
Wed to Fri: 9am – 10.30pm
Sat: 9.30am – 10.30pm
Sun: 9.30am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park

THE TIRAMISU HERO

Aptly named, The Tiramisu Hero is a cute yet heartwarming cafe tucked along the stretch of Tyrwhitt Road. Everything about this cafe screams cute and sweet, and this goes likewise for the amazing spread of savoury and sweets on their menu.

They serve one of the best Tiramisu in Singapore.

121 Tyrwhitt Road
Tel: +65 6292 5271
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Lavender

TWO BAKERS

Two Bakers is one of the few cafes that does its savoury dishes and desserts really well. The two chefs here are Le Cordon Bleu Paris-trained so you can be sure that their food here is of a pretty high standard.

88 Horne Road
Tel: +65 6293 0329
Mon to Thu: 8am – 6pm
Fri to Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Lavender

Garosu-gil is possibly our favourite area in Seoul. The hipster neighbourhood is where you will find quaint cafes, lifestyle boutiques, local labels, cosmetics shops and several international brands. The tree-lined street has a certain charm to it that makes you want to hang around the area a little longer.

With all the options available, you can easily spend a day there with your friends as you cafe hop, try on different designer clothing together and take a stroll down the lively street. What’s more, there is always a hidden gem lurking at every corner, waiting to be discovered.

This guide to 21 Cafes In Garousu-Gil You Must Visit When In Seoul will give you an overview of the best cafes you are able to find there.

BASILUR TEA AND COFFEE

There are many simple joys in life and we do not need fancy food and alcohol every day. Just an iced tea and a comfortable space to sit back and watch the world go by.

Basilur Tea And Coffee is one of those. Occupying the second and third level of a building in Garosu-gil, the space is perpetually packed but strange enough, the crowd does not overwhelm. And the splendour of the drinks house sure took our breath away.

Sinsa-dong Gangnam-gu 2nd floor 554
Seoul, South Korea
Daily: 9am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa

CAFE DE PARIS

Despite being hidden in an alley that is not visible from the main street, Cafe de Paris is hard to miss with its striking blue exterior and Parisian-style huge windows. Elegant and chic, Cafe de Paris is where the locals hang out to people watch while hiding away from the crowd on the main street.

The food menu is simple though, as the cafe is more for casual drinks such as European coffee and tea. What is evidently popular is their signature Mango Smoothie (W16,000).

551-2 Sinsa-dong
Gangnam-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +822 514 8282
Daily: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa

COFFEESMITH

This is one huge coffee house to visit when you need a drink. We took a while to digest the comprehensive drinks menu, but more than that, we were taken in by the sheer grandeur of Coffeesmith. It is easily one of the most elaborate coffee house in Garosu-gil with its multi-level outlet, and the fragrance of their brew lured us in.

The menu has drinks for both caffeine and non-caffeine drinker. Pick from a wide range of coffee, teas and juices, and read a magazine as you idle the afternoon away.

536-20, Sinsa-dong
Gangnam-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 3445 3372
Mon to Thu, Sun: 9am – 1.30am
Fri & Sat: 9am – 2.30am
Nearest Station: Sinsa

DEUX AMIS PATISSERIE

Deux Amis Patisserie is a terrific patisserie serving gorgeous cakes and tarts that will make anyone weak in the knees and it is one of our favourite places to go for desserts in Seoul. Try their Strawberry Tiramisu Tart and Caramel Cake.

535-9 Sinsa-dong
Gangnam-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 3443 0030
Nearest Station: Sinsa

DISH ROOM BY DORE DORE

We are absolutely in love with Dish Room. It was one of those love-at-first-sight moments for us, and we knew we had to step in for a midday perk-me-up. Priding themselves to serving a menu that emphasizes “eat well, live well”, Dish Room by Dore Dore has a display of salads and healthy warm food to pamper its patrons.

What would get your attention, we reckon, is the stunning cakes display. They are tall and majestic, and any cake lover will be sold. From rainbow to many other layered cream cakes, Dish Room by Dore Dore is a must-go when in Garosu-gil.

546-18 Sinsa-dong
Gangnam-gu,
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 02 511 2115
Nearest Station: Sinsa

IKOVOX COFFEE

Another cafe that pays homage to good coffee is Ikovox Coffee. It may seem like an unassuming corner unit in one of the smaller streets of Garosu-gil, but it sure is no less popular among locals and tourists alike. The outlet is always packed with coffee lovers who just need a relaxing space to settle down with friends while sipping a seriously good cuppa.

Ikovox Coffee is definitely your thing if you are serious about coffee.

I Tae Won 1 Dong, 140-863
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 2790 5578
Daily: 8am – 12am
Nearest Station: Itaewon

GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK

The name of the cafe does not quite make sense and we raised our brows when we first heard about it. Plus, it requires a bit of walking from the main side of Garosu-gil. But take that stroll and you will be welcomed by a small yet stunning cafe.

The monochrome-theme cafe is known for their cheesecakes, and while we thought it was just slightly underwhelming, it is still a nice and quiet space for a little break from all that walking. The coffee is pretty decent, by the way!

161 Road in Gangnam Nonhyeon 41
Sin Sa Dong
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 70 4220 2014
Nearest Station: Sinsa

KOBALT KAFE

Look no further if you are searching for a cosy place to have a gathering with your girlfriends. Previously just a shop opened by Kobalt Design Studio, Kobalt Kafe has expanded to become a European-style bistro that is famed for their house brews.

The cafe serves beverages such as Italy coffee, various types of French tea and healthy drinks made from seasonal fruits alongside a range of aesthetically-pleasing cakes. If you happen to fall in love with the lovely rustic interior design, some of the furniture displayed in the cafe are sold on their website!

35-5 Gangnam-daero 160-gil
Gangnam-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 3443 1513
Mon to Sat:12pm – 10pm
Sun: 12pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa

LA POMME DESSERT CAFE

La Pomme Dessert Cafe’s cakes and desserts are prepared fresh in-house, and they are all so pretty. We like the seats by the windows; don’t you too?

135-889, Apgujeong, Gangnam-gu
a 10-way 35, Sin sa dong
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 545 4508
Nearest Station: Sinsa

LAY BRICKS

We did a second take when we stumbled upon Lay Bricks. On the first impression, we thought it was a mini factory of sorts, but we were wrong; it is an industrial-style cafe that is so bloody sexy! The place is well, predominantly laid with bricks, and sewing machines and oil tins are used as tables and chairs.

It is one of those secret hideouts where you can escape from the madness of the world and just enjoy some cold brew at.

153 Road in Gangnam Nonhyeon 46
Sin Sa Dong
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 545 5513
Daily: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Sinsa

LATTE KING

Yet another place to go to for cold brew is Latte King, this hole-in-the-wall cafe that serves cold brew on tap. It is a little inconspicuous from the main road, but look out for the iconic cat logo and you are on your way to some summer thirst-quenchers.

Choose from Cold Brew Ice Coffee (W4,300), Cold Brew Coffee Beer (W4,800), or Cold Brew Hibiscus (W4,300). There are also many juices to pick from if you prefer something without caffeine!

15 12 (giljeom avenue)
Sin Sa Dong, Seoul, 133-848, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 544 0729
Nearest Station: Sinsa

 LINE FRIENDS STORE & CAFE

Line Friends Store & Cafe was one of our first stops during our recent trip to Seoul, and you would not believe how excited we were. The multi-level outlet features huge merchandise sections and a cafe, and is filled with excitement and laughter of all like-minded fans of Line.

Be seated at the cafe and to tuck in to the cutest Line Friends macarons and brownies. We don’t know how you are going to do it but we didn’t even have the heart to bite into our Brown and Cony macarons!

535-15, Sinsa-dong
Gangnam-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Daily: 12pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa

MINOS COFFEECULT

Located at the start of Garosu-gil is Minos Coffeecult, one of the best places to rest your feet in between shopping. There are both indoor and outdoor seating. Step in for a cuppa and to simply zone out while the world goes by. We love how Minos Coffeecult has a wide range of magazines—a great alternative to an idyllic afternoon at Garosu-gil.

Minos Coffeecult uses coffee beans from Anthracite Coffee Roasters. Don’t like caffeine? Minos also has other drinks such as Sweet Pumpkin Latte, Marron Latte and Green Tea Latte at W6,200 each.

Hallym 547-1 Sinsa-dong
Gangnam-gu, 2nd floor, Sin Sa Dong
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 70 8818 4601
Daily: 24 Hours
Nearest Station: Sinsa

MR HOLMES BAKEHOUSE

Mr. Holmes Bakehouse is a popular bakery that hails all the way from San Fransisco, California. The dessert place specialises in crusty croissants, a mouthwatering array of baked goods and house brew coffee.

Those who are unsure of what to get there may like to try they are known for—their signature Cruffin (W5,500). The cream fillings are rotational so you may be trying out a different flavour when you visit on different days.

34 Apgujeong-ro 10-gil
Gangnam-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 02 547 2004
Daily: 10am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa

MUG FOR RABBIT

Intriguing and inviting, Mug For Rabbit spots a slightly industrial look juxtaposed with Parisian chairs. Loud tracks fill the cafe, and the crowd in there is a good-looking one. The two-storey unit is yet another place for you to rest your feet over drinks and hearty chats, and we especially love that mezzanine.

We say go in and grab a quick juice, kick your shoes off and let your hair down. By night, Mug For Rabbit transforms into an alluring space with long-hanging and dimly-lit lamps.

153 Road in Gangnam Nonhyeon 53 (boulevard second store)
Sin Sa Dong
Seoul, 135-889, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 3443 7488
Nearest Station: Sinsa

OSULLOC CAFE

Osulloc is a tea salon that pays homage to Korean green tea from Jeju Island. With an extensive menu of different teas—both hot and iced—and an assortment of green tea desserts such as swiss rolls and tiramisu, there will always be something to fall in love with.

It is a cosy cafe with a very inviting laid-back vibe. Wooden furniture dominate the facade, sounds of ice blending and excitement from patrons fill the space; the lights are kept dim, but just as well, because no matter what time it is out there, we just want to recline into our seats and immerse ourselves into this relaxing environment while enjoying our green tea everything.

175 Road in Gangnam Nonhyeon 6 (Apgujeong points)
Sin Sa Dong
Seoul, 135-892, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 3448 5967
Mon to Fri: 9am – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa

REMICONE

This soft serve lab is one you must not miss! You see that smiley soft serve there? Yes, you deserve an award for being so cute.

Build your own soft serve here at Remicone. The first step is to choose a cup or ‘cone’. Then, pick a flavour—milk, salted caramel or chocolate. Top it off with your choice of honey caviar, cotton thunder, hazelnut crumble, honey chip, popping sugar or fleur de sel. There you have it. Now, take out your cameras and snap a dozen photos before sharing it on your social media platforms!

Apgujeong, Gangnam-gu
a 14-way 24-, Sin sa dong
Seoul, 135-890, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 6207 1029
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa

SARUBIA

This retro-looking place had us feeling like we stumbled upon a gem at the back alley. Sarubia is slightly off the main street, but it is not difficult to spot. Look out for the display of mismatched chairs lining the entrance.

On the menu, put your attention to the pasta section—Aglio Olio (W16,000), Seafood (W19,000), and Carbonara (W17,000). Want some pizzas? There is the Margherita (W20,000) and Rucola (W21,000).

153 Road in Gangnam Nonhyeon 57
Sin Sa Dong
Seoul, 135-889, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 540 7344
Mon to Fri: 11am – 2am
Sat: 11am – 1am
Nearest Station: Sinsa

THE FLYING PAN

Talk about beautiful white spaces and flowers in abundance! The Flying Pan is one like that, and the timeless elegance stole our hearts. Stepping into the slightly Parisian cafe gives us a strange sense of familiarity, yet took us by surprise altogether. Every detail of The Flying Pan is something to discover, and it is little wonder this cafe is ever popular with the locals.

The menu is a typical European one, with signatures including Free Range Eggs Benedict (W15,000), Bacon French Toast (W15,000), and Mentaiko & Leek Pasta (W16,000). It may not be the cheapest place to dine at, but it sure is a lovely cafe to spend some time with your loved ones.

Road 8, Sin Sa Dong
Seoul, 135-889, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 514 5585
Daily: 10.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa

THE NILK FACTORY

Taking up the first floor of a building, the nilk factory offers a range of cold-pressed almond milk in different flavours, coffee, tea and gluten-free cakes. The cafe is not for those who are looking for a full meal but it is where you can hang out with your girlfriends or partner for afternoon tea or dessert.

the nilk factory’s signature drinks include Almond Je’taime (300ml – W7,500, 500ml – W12,600) and Mixed Nuts (300ml – W7,500, 500ml – W12,600).

32 Gangnam-daero 162-gil
Gangnam-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 2039 0821
Nearest Station: Sinsa

‘

1202 COFFEE COUNTER

Dog owners who are looking for a pet-friendly cafe in Garosu-gil can stop by 1202 Coffee Counter which opened in March 2017. The lifestyle cafe has a market space where visitors can purchase tote bags and small potted plants such as various breeds of cactus.

Our favourite spot at the cafe is by the counter, where you can sip on aromatic coffee while watching the locals go about their day. For humid days, we would recommend their Cold Brew (W6,000), Lemon Tea (W6,500) and Grapefruit Tea (W6,500).

518-15, Sinsa-dong
Gangnam-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 3442 1202
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa

For more recommendations, read our guides to discover the best places to visit in Seoul.

Garosu-gil is easily our favourite area in Seoul. Decked with quaint cafes, lifestyle boutiques, local labels, cosmetics shops and several international brands, the tree-lined street radiates charm like no other.

Every trip to Seoul sees us returning back to Garosu-gil and spending an entire day there, but time never seemed to be enough; there is just so many gems waiting to be discovered. Cafe-hopping or window shopping or simply people watching, you will love it at Garosu-gil all the same.

And because Seoul’s cafe scene is second to none, we have decided to compile a list of our favourite cafes, coffee shops and dessert places in Garosu-gil. Here, take a look why Seoul is the benchmark for cafes all around the world with our list of Garosu-gil cafes.

#1 BASILUR TEA AND COFFEE

You see, there are many simply joys in life, and we do not need fancy food and alcohol every day. Just an iced tea and a comfortable space to sit back and watch the world go by.

Basilur Tea And Coffee is one of those. Occupying the second and third level of a building in Garosu-gil, the space is perpetually packed but strange enough, the crowd does not overwhelm. And the splendour of the drinks house sure took our breath away.

Sinsa-dong Gangnam-gu 2nd floor 554
Seoul, South Korea
Daily: 9am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#2 CAFE DE PARIS

Despite being hidden in an alley that is not visible from the main street, Cafe de Paris is hard to miss with its striking blue exterior and Parisian-style huge windows. Elegant and chic, Cafe de Paris is where the locals hang out to people-watch, while hiding away from the crowd in the main street.

Not much about eating here though; the cafe is more for casual drinks such as European coffee and tea. What is evidently popular is the signature Mango Smoothie (W16,000).

551-2 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Tel: +822 5148282
Daily: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#3 COFFEE CHU

We first chanced upon this cafe when we were strolling the streets of Itaewon. For churros lovers like us, our eyes lit up upon realizing a whole menu of specialty churros. Coffee Chu is our answer to bad days, and we’ve had it several times now – their churros are mood lifters. The outlet at Garosu-gil is a lot more inviting with a stylish interior and balcony seats.

Though the menu includes many fancy churros such as Fritters Churros (W3,500) with flavours including berries, peanut, chocolate and nuts; we prefer ours plain with good ol’ chocolate dip. And it is only W3,500 per serving!

682-10, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
(7 Itaewon-ro 54-gil)
Tel: +82 2 790 6821
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

#4 COFFEESMITH

This is one huge coffee house when you need a drink. We took a while to digest the comprehensive drinks menu, but more than that, we were taken in by the sheer grandeur of Coffeesmith. It is easily one of the most elaborate coffee house in Garosu-gil with its multi-level outlet, and the fragrance of their brew lured us in.

The menu has drinks for both caffeine and non-caffeine drinker. Pick from a wide range of coffee and teas and juices, and read a magazine as you idle the afternoon away.

536-20, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-3445-3372
Mon to Thu, Sun: 9am – 1.30am
Fri & Sat: 9am – 2.30am
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#5 DEUX AMIS PATISSERIE

Deux Amis Patisserie is a terrific patisserie serving gorgeous cakes and tarts that will make anyone weak in the knees. It is one of our favourite places to go for desserts in Seoul. Try their Strawberry Tiramisu Tart and Caramel Cake.

535-9 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu
Tel: +82 2 3443 0030
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#6 DISH ROOM BY DORE DORE

We are absolutely in love with Dish Room. It was one of those love-at-first-sight moments for us, and we knew we had to step in for a midday perk-me-up. Priding themselves to serving a menu that emphasizes “eat well, live well”, Dish Room by Dore Dore has a display of salads and healthy warm food to pamper its patrons.

What would get your attention, we reckon, is the stunning cakes display. They are tall and majestic, and any cake lover will be sold. From rainbow to many other layered cream cakes, Dish Room by Dore Dore is a must-go when in Garosu-gil.

Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, 546-18, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 02-511-2115
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#7 IKOVOX COFFEE

Another cafe that pays homage to good coffee is Ikovox Coffee. It may seem like an unassuming corner unit in one of the smaller streets of Garosu-gil, but it sure is no less popular among locals and tourists alike. The outlet is always packed with coffee lovers who just need a relaxing space to settle down with friends while sipping a seriously good cuppa.

Ikovox Coffee is definitely your thing if you are one of those serious coffee drinker. Perhaps, you can pop by during lunch hour as it is significantly less crowded then.

I tae won 1 dong, Seoul, 140-863, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-2790-5578
Daily: 8am – 12am
Nearest Station: Itaewon Station

#8 GINKGO AVENUE

This is easily one of the prettiest cafes in Garosu-gil. We fell in love with it immediately upon stepping in to its premise. It was a breezy afternoon, and we picked the table at the balcony so that we could people-watch while enjoying brunch. The cafe has a small menu, but it was enough to please. Brunch was Croque Madame (W5,800) and Green Tea Waffles (W9,000 for 2 pieces and 2 scoops of ice cream) for us. And boy, did we enjoy our waffles! Fans of Bingsu, you will be entertained here too with four different creations.

Ginkgo Avenue is also dedicated to bringing you quality brew. With a roastery on the third level, they put their heart and soul into roasting the best coffee beans for patrons; we sure loved our Hand Drip Coffee (W7,500).

Sin sa dong, Seoul, 100-411, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-548-8620
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#9 GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK

The name of the cafe does not quite make sense and we raised our brows when we first heard about it. Plus, it requires a bit of walking from the main side of Garosu-gil. But take that stroll and you will be welcomed by a small yet stunning cafe.

The monochrome-theme cafe is known for their cheesecakes, and while we thought it was just slightly underwhelming, it is still a nice and quite space for a little break from all that walking. The coffee is pretty decent, by the way!

161 Road in Gangnam Nonhyeon 41, Sin sa dong, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 70-4220-2014
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#10 LA POMME DESSERT CAFE

This two-storey space is a favourite we found from our first trip three years ago. Previously known as X, La Pomme Dessert Cafe has since been given a little revamp. Its popularity remains unchanged, and it sees a crowd daily at its cosy unit.

The cakes and desserts are prepared fresh in-house, and they are all so pretty. We like the seats by the windows; don’t you too?

Apgujeong, Gangnam-gu, a 10-way 35, Sin sa dong, Seoul, 135-889, South
Tel: +82 2-545-4508
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#11 LAY BRICKS

We did a second take when we stumbled upon Lay Bricks. On first impression, we thought it was a mini factory of sorts, but hell we were wrong; it is an industrial-style cafe that is so bloody sexy! The space is well, predominantly laid with bricks (hence its name, perhaps), and sewing machines and oil tins are used as tables and chairs.

It is one of those secret hideouts where you can escape from the madness of the world and just enjoy some cold brew at, we’d like to think.

153 Road in Gangnam Nonhyeon 46, Sin sa dong, Seoul, 135-890, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-545-5513
Daily: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#12 LATTE KING

It seems Koreans have a thing for cold brew. And another place to go to for cold brew is Latte King, this hole-in-the-wall cafe that serves cold brew on tap. It is a little inconspicuous from the main road, but look out for the iconic cat logo and you are on your way to some summer thirst-quenchers.

Choose from Cold Brew Ice Coffee (W4,300), Cold Brew Coffee Beer (W4,800), or Cold Brew Hibiscus (W4,300). There are also many juices to pick from if you prefer something without caffeine!

15 12 (giljeom avenue), Sin sa dong, Seoul, 133-848, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-544-0729
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#13 LINE FRIENDS STORE & CAFE

Line Friends Store & Cafe was one of our first stops during our recent trip to Seoul, and you would not believe how excited we were. The multi-level outlet features hugeee merchandise sections and a cafe, and is filled with excitement and laughter of all like-minded fans of Line.

Be seated at the cafe and to tuck in to the cutest Line Friends macarons and brownies. We don’t know how you are gonna do it but we didn’t even have the heart to bite into our Brown and Cony macarons!

535-15, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
Daily: 12pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#14 MINOS COFFEECULT

Sitting just next to Forever21′s flagship boutique at the start of Garosu-Gil is Minos Coffeecult, one of the best places to rest your feet in between shopping. There are both indoor and outdoor seating. Step in for a cuppa and to simply zone out while the world goes by. We love how Minos Coffeecult has a wide range of magazines; great alternative to an idyllic afternoon at Garosu-Gil, yes?

Minos Coffeecult uses coffee beans from Anthracite Coffee Roasters. Don’t like caffeine? Minos also has other drinks such as Sweet Pumpkin Latte, Marron Latte and Green Tea Latte at W6,200 each.

Hallym 547-1 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, 2nd floor, Sin sa dong, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 70-8818-4601
Daily: 24 Hours
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#15 MUG FOR RABBIT

Intriguing and inviting, Mug For Rabbit spots a slightly industrial look juxtaposed with Parisian chairs. Loud tracks fill the cafe, and the crowd in there is a good-looking one. The two-storey unit is yet another place for you to rest your feet over drinks and hearty chats, and we especially love that mezzanine.

We say go in and grab a quick juice, kick your shoes off and let your hair down. By night, Mug For Rabbit transform into an alluring space with long-hanging and dimly-lit lamps.

153 Road in Gangnam Nonhyeon 53 (boulevard second store), Sin sa dong, Seoul, 135-889, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-3443-7488
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#16 OSULLOC CAFE

Osulloc is a tea salon that pays homage to Korean green tea from Jeju Island. With an extensive menu of different teas – both hot and iced – and an assortment of green tea desserts such as swiss rolls and tiramisu, there will always be something to fall in love with.

It is a cosy cafe with a very inviting laid-back vibe. Wooden furnitures dominate the facade, sounds of ice blending and excitement from patrons fill the space; the lights are kept dim, but just as well, because no matter what time it is out there, we just want to recline into our seats and immerse ourselves into this relaxing environment while enjoying our green tea everything.

175 Road in Gangnam Nonhyeon 6 (Apgujeong points), Sin sa dong, Seoul, 135-892, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-3448-5967
Mon to Fri: 9am – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#17 REMICONE

This soft serve lab is one you must not miss! You see that smiley soft serve there? Yes, you deserve an award for being so cute.

Build your own soft serve here at Remicone. The first step is to choose ‘cup or ‘cone’. Then, pick a flavour - milk, salted caramel or chocolate. Top it off with your choice of honey caviar, cotton thunder, hazelnut crumble, honey chip, popping sugar or fleur de sel. There you have it. Now, take out your cameras and snap a dozen of photos, then share it on your social media platforms!

Apgujeong, Gangnam-gu, a 14-way 24-, Sin sa dong, Seoul, 135-890, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-6207-1029
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#18 SARUBIA

This retro-looking place had us feeling like we stumbled upon a gem at the back alley. Sarubia is slightly off the main street, but it is not difficult to spot. Look for out the display of mismatched chairs lining the entrance, and don’t forget to grab a photo at the iconic exterior.

On the menu, put your attention to the pasta section – Aglio Olio (W16,000), Seafood (W19,000), and Carbonara (W17,000). Want some pizzas? There is the Margherita (W20,000) and Rucola (W21,000).

153 Road in Gangnam Nonhyeon 57, Sin sa dong, Seoul, 135-889, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-540-7344
Mon to Fri: 11am – 2am
Sat: 11am – 1am
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#19 THE FLYING PAN

Talk about beautiful white spaces and flowers in abundance! The Flying Pan is one like that, and the timeless elegance had our hearts. Stepping in to the slightly Parisian cafe gives us a strange sense of familiarity, yet took us by surprise altogether. Every detail of The Flying Pan is something to discover, and it is little wonder this cafe is ever popular with the locals.

The menu is a typical European one, with signatures including Free Range Eggs Benedict (W15,000), Bacon French Toast (W15,000), and Mentaiko & Leek Pasta (W16,000). It may not be the cheapest place to dine at, but it sure is a lovely cafe to spend some time with your loved ones.

Road 8, Sin sa dong, Seoul, 135-889, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-514-5585
Daily: 10.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

For more recommendations, read our guides on the best places you must visit in Seoul.

Cafes are aplenty at Jalan Besar and many of these F&B establishments are notable and rank as one of the best in Singapore. What’s especially popular in this neighbourhood are the cafes who have reconstructed old shophouses into a spanking new cafe space, while still retaining a big part of the vintage and rustic interior and nature.

Besides cafes, Jalan Besar also offers a variety of restaurants, pastry shops and dessert places. This is your Guide to Jalan Besar’s Cafes & Restaurants.

Antoinette

French-inspired patisserie, Antoinette, is known most commonly by their beautiful and decadent desserts. The stylish and regal interior of their Penhas outlet beckons as a perfect afternoon tea or Sunday brunch spot.

30 Penhas Road
Tel: +65 6293 3121
Mon to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Lavender

Butter Studio

Butter Studio is every cupcake lover’s dream. Handcrafted fresh in store daily, it’s always a treat to look forward to Butter Studio’s new creations. Some notable ones include the Salted Egg Yolk Cupcake and Salted Gula Melaka Cupcake (S$3.50 each)

Butter Studio’s Salted Nutella Tart is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s best desserts.

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn 2 miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

147 Jalan Besar
Tel: +65 6294 7115
Mon to Thu, Sun: 12pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 12am
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Little India

Chye Seng Huat Hardware

Keeping the name of the hardware store that they took over, Chye Seng Huat Hardware possesses a modern-industrial style interior, specialising in unique blends of coffee and an exciting all-day-breakfast menu. Cold brew coffees are also available here.

150 Tyrwhitt Road
Singapore 207563
Tel: +65 6396 0609
Tue to Fri: 9am – 7pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Lavender/Farrer Park

The Refinery

The Refinery is a triple concept space that consists of a Yakitori kitchen, a bespoke cocktail bar and a designer workspace area. Munch on delicious a la minute grilled yakitori items while sipping on a pint of beer or a cocktail of choice.

115 King George’s Avenue
Tel: +65 6293 0461
Tue to Sun: 6pm – 12am
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Lavender

The Bravery

Pancake lovers rejoice because The Bravery serves possibly the tastiest and fluffiest pancakes around. The Pancakes Stack (S$15) features a triple stack of fluffy pancakes, caramelized bananas, a dollop of ricotta cheese and drizzled with golden syrup. Be sure to get their signature Lavender Latte (S$5.50) too!

66 Horne Road
Tel: +65 9452 4785
Daily: 8am – 8pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Lavender

The Tiramisu Hero

Aptly named so, The Tiramisu Hero serves one of the best Tiramisu-in-a-jar in Singapore. Other dishes offered here includes savoury pasta dishes and a range of other sweet desserts, but we suggest going right for their signature Mommahero (S$7.50) tiramisu as it can do no wrong.

The Tiramisu Hero’s Tiramisu is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s best tiramisu.

121 Tyrwhitt Road
Tel: +65 6292 5271
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Lavender

Two Bakers

Opened late last year, Two Bakers is one of the newer faces in Jalan Besar’s cafe scene. The two chefs here are Le Cordon Bleu Paris-trained so you can be sure that their food here is of standard. The YTB or Tau Yu Bak (S$13.80) pull pork sandwich topped with fried egg, is a popular choice there.

88 Horne Road
Tel: +65 6293 0329
Mon to Thu, Sun: 11am – 9pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Lavender

The cafe scene in Singapore is thriving with many new cafes opening every month. However, there are many places that do not last long because they lack real substance to build a following. Oftentimes, new cafes are more style than substance, and serves mediocre food with lacklustre service.

Habitat Coffee at Upper Thomson Road deserves a mention for the great work that it has been doing. The bistro has been around for a few years, and despite the tough competition, it shines and remains a favourite for many. Habitat Coffee is worth visiting because it serves good coffee and well-cooked dishes at sensible prices.

The menu has a nice mix of sandwiches (S$9), brunch food (S$10 – S$15), pasta (S$12 – S$17), and desserts (S$5 – S$12). Noteworthy dishes include the Truffle Al Funghi (S$17), a creamy truffle mushroom pasta with baby spinach; the super addictive Truffle Fries (S$8); and house-made Churros (S$9) served with warm chocolate ganache.

For brunch, we highly recommend the hearty and satisfying Eggs Tomato Relish (S$15) – two eggs, bacon, and baby spinach cooked in a tomato sauce. Amazingly simple, but absolutely delicious and very hearty.

It is heartening to see that Habitat Coffee is sticking to the basics and focusing on serving simple comfort food well. It is a laidback spot where you can go back regularly with your family and friends.

Habitat Coffee
223 Upper Thomson Road
Tel: +65 6456 2567
Tue to Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Marymount

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best cafes in Singapore.

These days, new cafes and speciality coffee joints sprout out every other week. Our little island is increasingly dotted with little gems and hideouts, and while we love that there are more options for our cafe-hopping adventures, it is with much regret that most of these places are mediocre and substantially empty in many terms.

We are probably not near saturation point yet, but with the opening of so many new cafes, those who want to survive in the market need to offer something special to distinguish themselves from their competitors.

What makes a cafe a good cafe? Is it a warm and inviting atmosphere? Or is it quality food and coffee? How about free wifi? And perhaps a library of good magazines?

Having been to countless impressionable cafes around the globe, we have seen, experienced and concluded 6 things that cafes can do to stand out from the crowd, and here are some pointers that we hope they can work on to improve the overall cafe experience.

Free wifi

For people who work on-the-go like us, having a strong wifi signal and fast connection is definitely top of our list when we are looking for new cafes to visit, and cafes to pledge our loyalty to. Providing reliable wifi may mean a smaller turnover, but when people stay longer, it means a bigger check per table.

Read our guide to cafes with free wifi in Singapore.

Good coffee

With the crowd in recent context becoming more particular about the beans that make their drinks, coffee appreciation is at a new high and gone are the days when cafes can just make do with instant mixes or a lousy machine that produces an even lousier brew. Serve good coffee and you are on your way to seal loyalty. Oh, latte art is optional but very much encouraged.

Read our guide to the best coffee shops in Singapore.

Affordable comfort food

Cafes are meant to be casual, the kind of place that you can go to with a bunch of friends, or to simply enjoy some me-time. No one is expecting Michelin-star standards, but what people really want is a place that they can go back regularly for a good meal and comforting tastes that they are familiar with – without breaking the bank, of course.

Selection of good magazines

Any cafe that has an array of good magazines instantly get an additional 10 points from us. As with many others who hideaway at cafes to relax and recharge, or to gain inspiration.

Comfortable furniture

This may sound like a no-brainer, but there are some cafes that deliberately choose furniture that are uncomfortable so that customers will not hog the seats. Granted, we do understand that ultimately cafes are but restaurants running a business on a smaller scale, and they need to turnover tables. But in the long run, people will only return to cafes that they feel comfortable at.

A great environment

Research has shown that having the right mix of calm and commotion in an environment can boost creativity. Sometimes, we go to cafes to get work done or to study. Other times, we head to cafes to meet people or to brainstorm for ideas.

The reason why Starbucks is so popular is because it is not just a place for coffee, but also plays the role of “Third Place” – a comfortable, sociable gathering spot away from home and work.

It is the combination of the various factors – good coffee, nice music, comfortable setting, and comfort food – that contribute to a great environment.