Image Credit: NearMe (illustrative image)
Tucked between Siglap and Katong, Frankel Avenue doesn’t shout for attention. It’s a quiet row of landed-house shophouses where the loudest sound most mornings is the hiss of an espresso machine and the clink of cutlery against brunch plates, and that low-key charm is exactly why the neighbourhood’s cafes have built such loyal followings.
If you live or work around this pocket of the east and have been wondering where to find decent cafes in Frankel without trekking all the way to Siglap or Joo Chiat, this list is for you. We’ve picked spots that take their coffee seriously, whether you’re popping in for a quick flat white before work or settling in for a full brunch with friends. If you’re exploring the wider east side too, our round-up of the best cafés in Katong covers more brunch options nearby.
All three of our picks sit within a short stroll of each other on Frankel Avenue itself, which makes this an easy area to cafe-hop on a lazy weekend morning.
Note: This list is strictly not in order.
Image Credit: NearMe (illustrative image)
Best for: Specialty coffee lovers who want beans roasted with real intention
Estimated price: SGD 5 to 12 (coffee and pastries)
Website: Dutch Colony Coffee Co.
Location: 113 Frankel Avenue, Singapore 458230
Operating Hours: Daily, 8am to 7pm (kitchen hours may vary, so it is best to call ahead)
Phone Number: +65 6448 5852
Why it made the list: Dutch Colony Coffee Co. is a homegrown roastery with a genuine following among Singapore’s coffee crowd, and the Frankel Avenue outlet is one of its original locations. The space feels like a proper coffee bar rather than a generic cafe, with baristas who know their way around a pour-over as well as a flat white. Beans are roasted in-house, so the coffee tastes noticeably fresher than what you’ll get at most heartland cafes.
The pastry counter rotates through a solid lineup of croissants and light bites that pair well with a long black. It suits solo workers nursing a laptop over a window seat just as much as a quick stand-up coffee before the morning commute.
What to note: Seating is limited and fills up quickly on weekend mornings, so arrive early if you want a table instead of a takeaway cup.
Image Credit: NearMe (illustrative image)
Best for: Leisurely weekend brunch with a full all-day menu
Estimated price: SGD 15 to 25 (brunch sets)
Website: 6 Letter Brunch
Location: 103 Frankel Avenue, Singapore 458225
Operating Hours: Daily, 8am to 8pm (last reservation at 7pm, per the outlet’s own site)
Phone Number: +65 8366 0168
Why it made the list: 6 Letter Brunch brings an all-day brunch menu to a stretch of Frankel Avenue previously better known for hawker fare. The menu leans into generous, familiar brunch staples, fluffy scrambled eggs, thick toast, hearty pasta mains, served alongside a coffee programme that holds its own against the specialty cafes nearby.
The space is bright and roomy by neighbourhood cafe standards, making it a comfortable pick for a longer catch-up instead of a quick in-and-out coffee run. It also suits families well, since the menu has enough variety for fussier eaters.
What to note: A secondary source lists slightly different closing hours from what is shown on the cafe’s own site, so a quick call ahead is a good idea if you are planning a later evening visit.
Image Credit: NearMe (illustrative image)
Best for: Familiar bakery-cafe favourites and quick takeaway bread
Estimated price: SGD 8 to 18
Website: Cedele
Location: 115 Frankel Avenue, Singapore 458231
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30am to 7pm, closed Mondays (per third-party listings; not independently confirmed via the brand’s own outlet page, so do call ahead)
Phone Number: +65 6243 2056 (per third-party listings; not independently confirmed via the brand’s own outlet page)
Why it made the list: Cedele is a familiar name across Singapore’s malls and office towers, and the Frankel Avenue outlet brings that same reliable bakery-cafe format to the neighbourhood: wholesome sandwiches, a solid bread and pastry selection, and a competent cup of coffee.
For residents who want a dependable option without surprises, especially for grabbing bread for the week or a quick breakfast before work, this outlet fills that role nicely. It also tends to run quieter than the two independent cafes nearby, making it a reasonable backup when the others are full.
What to note: Some of this outlet’s details come from third-party directories instead of the brand’s own confirmed page, so calling ahead to check current hours is a good idea before a special trip.
No MRT station sits directly on Frankel Avenue, which is part of why this strip has stayed under the radar. The nearest stations are Siglap MRT on the Thomson-East Coast Line and Eunos MRT on the East-West Line, both roughly a ten to fifteen minute bus or taxi ride away. Most visitors find it more convenient to drive or take a ride-hail service straight to the avenue, especially on weekend mornings when the cafes get busiest.
Frankel Avenue might not have the name recognition of Joo Chiat or Katong, but that is exactly its appeal. These three cafes give the neighbourhood a proper coffee scene without the crowds you’d find just a short drive away, whether you’re after a serious cup of specialty coffee, a full brunch spread, or a reliable bakery pit stop.
If this list has you in the mood to explore more of the east, our guide to the best beauty studios in Katong is a good place to continue the trip.
Is there parking near the cafes on Frankel Avenue?
Yes, the avenue has a mix of roadside parking and small open-air lots serving the shophouses along the street. Space is limited, so weekend mornings can mean circling for a few minutes before a spot opens up. Check signage carefully, as some stretches are restricted to residents.
What’s the best time to visit to avoid queues?
Weekday mornings before 9am tend to be quietest, since the cafes mostly draw a local crowd. Weekend brunch hours, roughly 10am to 1pm, are busiest, particularly at 6 Letter Brunch, so arriving right at opening or after 2pm usually means a shorter wait.
Is Frankel Avenue accessible by MRT?
Not directly. The closest stations are Siglap MRT and Eunos MRT, both a short bus or car ride away rather than a walkable distance, so most visitors drive or take a ride-hail service straight to the avenue.
What’s the typical price range for a meal at these cafes?
Expect roughly SGD 5 to 12 for coffee and a pastry at Dutch Colony Coffee Co., SGD 15 to 25 for a brunch set at 6 Letter Brunch, and SGD 8 to 18 for a bakery-cafe meal at Cedele. All three are reasonably priced for the neighbourhood.