If you’re planning a brunch or lunch near Singapore’s lively riverside, Clarke Quay is the place to be. Beyond the bustling nightlife and colourful riverside views, this area is home to some of the city’s most charming and delicious cafés. As such, there’s something to suit every palate here, no matter if you’re after some specialty coffee, hearty brunch fare, or simply a unique dining experience. In this guide, we’ll take you through the best cafés in Clarke Quay that promise great eats, relaxing vibes, and a spot to soak in the riverside charm.
Note: This list is strictly not in order.
1. Craftsmen Coffee
Since opening in 2014, Craftsmen Coffee has earned a reputation as a go-to café in Clarke Quay for more than just great coffee. Their menu combines delicious brunch options with meticulously crafted beverages, making it a perfect spot for a laid-back meal or a casual catch-up with friends. Every cup of coffee is made using the finest single-origin beans sourced from farms in Brazil, Honduras, Kenya, Costa Rica, and more, all roasted to perfection to bring out distinct flavour notes. Whether you prefer a smooth filter coffee or a robust espresso, every sip promises precision and care.
Step into Craftsmen Coffee, savour a carefully brewed cup, and enjoy a brunch experience that leaves you coming back for more.
Prices:
- Brunch
- Acai Happiness: $16
- Truffle & Egg Sourdough: $22Chicken Avo Salad: $20
- Big Breakfast: $26
- Burgers
- Cheeseburger: $25
- Crispy Chicken Burger: $20
- Buttermilk Waffles
- Fried Chicken Waffle: $23
- Strawberry Goodness: $18
- Craftsmen Savoury Waffle: $22
Highlights:
- Specialty single-origin coffees roasted in-house
- Freshly prepared brunch menu featuring hearty and light options
- Relaxed and welcoming ambiance for casual dining
- Friendly baristas who can recommend the perfect brew
Business Reviews:
1. THE best breakfast I’ve had all year, tasted amazing, eggs cooked to perfection. Warm welcome and prompt service.
2. Calm, cool and variety food options. Big brunch in the all day breakfast is filling for alteast 2 people. Fast service too. Thank you.
3. Great spot to hang out and you’ll definitely want to drop by on a rainy day! $1 off for all hot drinks while it rains. Came in for a slice of cake and I honestly like their cakes. Nice and soft, moist and pretty well balanced! Too bad i came in the late afternoon so I had to avoid coffee. But next time I’ll come by in the morning.
| Website: | http://www.craftsmencoffee.com/ |
| Operating Hours: | Monday-Friday: 7 AM – 8 PM | Saturday-Sunday: 8 AM – 8 PM |
| Number: | 6802 6496 |
| Address: | Eu Tong Sen St, Clarke Quay Central, #01-59, Singapore 059817 |
2. The Malayan Settlement
The Malayan Council Settlement brings a touch of Western charm to the riverside scene. From buttery croissants and hearty sandwiches to fresh salads and artisan coffees, every dish is carefully crafted to delight the senses. The ambience is cosy yet stylish, making it ideal for a casual meal, whether you’re catching up with friends or taking a quiet moment for yourself. The riverside view adds a serene backdrop to your dining experience, perfectly blending café culture with Clarke Quay’s vibrant energy.
Prices:
- Main Course
- Impossible Burger: $35
- Wagyu & Mash: $69
- Miso Cod Fish: $45
- Nasi Lemak Risotto: $32
- Brunch
- MS Big Breakfast: $29
- Eggs Benny: $26
- Wagyu Sando: $34
- Shaksouka: $28
- Dessert
- Chocolate Ovomaltine Cake: $14
- Putu Piring Cake: $14
- Durian Pengat cake: $16
Highlights:
- Classic brunch and lunch dishes with a Western twist
- Artisan coffees brewed to perfection
- Riverside views for a relaxing dining experience
- Cosy and inviting interior for casual meals
Business Reviews:
1. Went there today for my partner’s birthday celebration, the staff who attended to us is friendly and kind ( didn’t manage to get her name) to sing “happy birthday” together. love the ambience! upon payment, the staff on counter gave us vouchers to spend during our next visit! the food ordered was filling enough as a first meal of the day. thank you malayan settlement for the great hospitality and food!
2. Amazing service by Azmi, Izzah and Zara. Hope I got their names right! Treated to a comp birthday cake and more cake slices to-go! Thanks for making the birthday celebration a memorable one. Will definitely recommend this place to others and I can’t recommend it enough 🙂
3. Loved the ambience. Zara was very gentle and helpful. Food was great! Will definitely come back! Thank you for the surprise birthday cake and song.. 🤣 and the complimentary cake takeaway..
| Website: | https://themalayancouncil.sg/settlement |
| Operating Hours: | Open Daily 11 AM – 11 PM |
| Number: | 9009 7345 |
| Address: | 3 River Valley Rd, Blk B, #1-03, Singapore 179021 |
3. Home Dawn Café
Home Dawn Café offers a versatile setting that adapts seamlessly from daytime café to evening live house. Located in Clarke Quay, it features sweeping views of the Singapore River, creating a relaxing environment for visitors.
During the day, Home Dawn’s cosy and comfortable atmosphere invites guests to enjoy Asian fusion cuisine, modern diner bites, and buffet-style feasts. It’s the perfect spot to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, sip a comforting beverage, and soak in the tranquil riverside vibes. By night, the space transforms into a lively live house, making it an all-in-one destination for food and entertainment.
Prices:
- Breakfast
- Homie’s Brekkie 2.0: $32
- Spam & Egg Sando: $22
- Salmon Namjim Croissant: $24
- All-Day Mains
- Beer-Battered Snapper Fish: $32
- Roasted Cauliflower Steak: $22
- Menbosha Burger: $30
- Abalone “Risotto”: $32
- Truffle Carbonara Udon: $30
- Desserts
- Chocolate Truffle: $8
- Ondeh Ondeh: $8
- New York Cheese Cake: $8
- Choco Banana Crepe: $16
Highlights:
- Asian fusion and modern diner-style menu
- Comfortable and cozy riverside café setting
- Buffet-style options for group dining
- Transition to live house with evening performances
Business Reviews:
1. great place to chill and enjoy the river view. place is spacious and quiet, lots of variety on the menu including all-day breakfast items. the drinks are well-made here, each is thick and not overly sweet. egg benedicts runny and not over cooked. the soft shell crab udon is himmy too, very flavour. overall great place, will visit again.
2. It’s only a few minutes walk from my hotel and I had a scrumptious brunch here. Love the location, you get a good view of the river. This place has some good options for brunch. I had the classic English breakfast with flower tea and it was pretty filling. Do recommend it.
3. Café with a beautiful view of the river and a relaxing ambience inside. Although on the pricier side, the food was generally well made with balanced flavours and a pleasing presentation. The coffee was fragrant as well with pleasant latte art. Overall a good place to indulge in on a weekend.
| Website: | http://www.homesingapore.sg/ |
| Operating Hours: | Monday-Friday: 10:30 AM – 5 PM | Saturday-Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM |
| Number: | 8076 0203 |
| Address: | Blk 3A River Valley Rd, #02-03, Singapore 179020 |
4. iNCREDI BOWL
iNCREDI BOWL started as a small takeaway kiosk in 2020 and has grown into a full-service café in Clarke Quay focused on wholesome, thoughtfully prepared meals. With a philosophy of clean, high-quality ingredients and age-old cooking techniques, the menu emphasises fresh produce, mostly prepared with olive oil, and is free from MSG or artificial taste enhancers.
Their dishes balance flavour and nutrition, making it a hit among conscious diners. The café’s wabi-sabi-inspired interiors provide a calming environment to enjoy meals, making it a perfect spot for mindful dining or a casual catch-up over freshly crafted bowls.
Prices:
- Brunch
- Banana Buckwheat Pancakes: $19
- High Protein Vegan Breakfast: $26
- IB Big Breakfast: $29
- Smashed Avo & Tomato Salsa on Sourdough: $18
- Set Lunch
- Veg Set: $18++
- Asian Set: $20++
- Buffet Set: $28++
- Desserts
- Knickerbocker Glory: 14
- Limoncello Tiramisu: $16
- Scoops of Ice Cream & Sorbet: $10
Highlights:
- Over 90% of ingredients are fresh and locally sourced
- Handcrafted meals prepared by professional chefs
- Mostly MSG-free menu using olive oil-based cooking
- Fine-casual ambiance with wabi-sabi inspired interiors
Business Reviews:
1. Found in Clarke Quay, there is a great selection of food and drinks for everyone. Great place for people who have enjoy plant-based food as well as meat dishes. All the dishes have quite interesting twist to them. We had the soba noodles with edamame beans and tofu and it was really nice and refreshing. My friend had the spicy chickpea burger with fries. All really yummy and it had a great ambience as well. Definitely will come back here if I’m in the area.
2. This coffee shop really exceeded my expectations! As soon as I walked in, I was won over by the warm and quiet atmosphere, with soft lighting and soothing music—perfect for relaxing. The coffee has a rich, authentic aroma and is not bitter at all. The staff are also extremely friendly and patient with recommendations.
3. We’ve been in Singapore for five days, eaten at famous hawker centres, posh malls and all around Clarke quay and coming for dinner here just blew us away. The beef rendang, Cajun chicken and beef skewers were incredible, full of flavour and without feeling heavy! I was really not expecting this level of food especially given the price for what is a very expensive area! Also super nice staff. Incredibowl is an understatement! 👏👏
| Website: | https://incredibowl.sg/ |
| Operating Hours: | Monday-Thursday: Lunch: 11 AM – 3:30 PM, Dinner: 5 PM – 11 PM | Friday: Lunch: 11 AM – 3:30 PM, Dinner: 5 PM – 11:30 PM | Saturday: 10 AM – 11 PM | Sunday: 10 AM – 10 PM |
| Number: | 9692 2020 |
| Address: | 3A River Valley Rd, Block A #01-07 Clarke Quay, Singapore 179020 |
Conclusion
Clarke Quay isn’t just for nightlife but also a haven for brunch lovers, coffee aficionados, and anyone who enjoys good food by the riverside. From meticulously roasted coffee to wholesome bowls, the area offers something for every taste and occasion.
Next time you’re looking for a café spot around Clarke Quay, why not explore these top picks? Be it for catching up with friends, enjoying a solo meal, or simply looking for a new café experience, Clarke Quay has got you covered. And should you be interested in something more sophisticated, we also have a list of the best fine dining restaurants in Clarke Quay that’s worth looking into.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Are there any local or unique Singaporean café experiences in the Clarke Quay?
Yes, absolutely!
- While the area has many Western-style cafés, you can find a truly Singaporean coffee experience at traditional Kopitiams (coffee shops) just a short walk away towards Boat Quay or Chinatown. Look for a Toast Box or Killiney Kopitiam for classic Kaya Toast and Kopi/Teh (coffee/tea).
- For a modern take, some cafés will incorporate local ingredients like pandan, kaya, or even chili crab into their pastries and drinks.
2. What is the easiest way to get to Clarke Quay?
The easiest and most convenient way is by MRT (Mass Rapid Transit).
- Alight at Clarke Quay MRT Station (NE5) on the North-East Line (Purple Line). The station is directly connected to Clarke Quay Central mall and a short, covered walk to the main riverside area.
- Alternative: You can also alight at Fort Canning MRT Station (DT20) on the Downtown Line (Blue Line) and take a short, scenic walk (about 5-10 minutes) through Fort Canning Park or down River Valley Road to reach the quay.
3. What is the best time to visit the cafés and the Clarke Quay area?
- For Cafés: The best time for a relaxed coffee or brunch is typically on weekdays during the late morning to early afternoon. Weekends, especially Sunday mornings for brunch, can get quite crowded.
- For the Area: Evenings (post-sunset) are the most vibrant, as the historical shophouses and bridges along the river are illuminated, and the nightlife begins. If you want to avoid the crowds, the late afternoon (around 4 pm – 6 pm) is perfect for a riverside stroll before the dinner rush.
4. Are the cafés in Clarke Quay and Boat Quay expensive?
Prices generally reflect the prime, central Singapore location and waterfront views.
- Expect café prices to be above the average of neighbourhood heartland cafés. For a specialty coffee, expect to pay around S$6 to S$8, and brunch items typically range from S$18 to S$28.
- Budget Option: For more affordable local breakfast and coffee, head to nearby traditional Kopitiams (coffee shops) or the food court in Clarke Quay Central mall.
5. What are the key sights to see near the cafés in Clarke Quay?
The area is rich in history and beautiful landmarks, all within easy walking distance:
- Singapore River: Take a leisurely walk along the river promenade.
- Old Hill Street Police Station: Famous for its stunning, multi-coloured window shutters (great for photos!). It’s just across the road from Clarke Quay Central.
- Fort Canning Park: A significant historical park just behind the quay, featuring walking trails, a battle box, and beautiful gardens like the Sang Nila Utama Garden.
- Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM): Located nearby at Empress Place, housed in a gorgeous colonial-era building with exhibits showcasing Asia’s diverse cultures.
