12 Dreamy Glasshouse Cafes & Restaurants In Singapore To Spend Your Afternoon At
These cafes afford lovely views and light-filled spaces to while away your time
By Michelle Lee and Seah Pei Jun -
With floor-to-ceiling glass windows and sometimes even transparent ceilings, these glasshouse cafes make for gorgeous spaces to while away your time and enjoy a cup of coffee or meal within a serene light-filled environment. We've rounded up the cafes that are clear winners, from one in the heartlands to two dining spots surrounded by lush greenery at Gardens by the Bay.
Dreamy Glasshouse Cafes & Restaurants In Singapore
If you're looking for a respite from the bustle of Orchard Road, check out modern Asian restaurant Eden Restaurant at Pullman Singapore Orchard. Its stunning glasshouse-esque interiors boast modern fittings, and a glass ceiling festooned with greenery and warm glowing lights for an idyllic ambience.
On the menu, you'll find contemporary plates that nod to Asian heritage, such as the Eden Crab Otak Otak, Kam Heong Grilled Octopus, Singapore Chilli Crab Bao Bun and Hae Bee Hiam Lamb Rack.
Eden Restaurant is at L4, Pullman Singapore Orchard, 270 Orchard Road, Singapore 238857. Visit its website for reservations or more information.
This beautiful glass structure is located in the heartlands, within The Alps Residences compound in Tampines, and is open to the public.
If you're residing in the neighbourhood or around the area and looking for a late-night sugar hit, this ice cream spot is where to make a beeline. It opens till 11pm (Sun to Thurs) and till 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. Ice cream flavours run the gamut from Pistachio to Strawberry and Dark Chocolate, and you can choose to pair yours with a cone or a signature mochi waffle.
If you're looking for snacks, there are bites like popcorn chicken, yakitori sticks and spicy drumlets. It serves brunch from 11am to 3pm too, with options like Chicken Katsu Sando, Waffle Chicken Burger and Brulee Cheese Egg Croissant.
Glasshouse Creamery is at 01-51 Alps Residences, 115 Tampines Street 86, Singapore Singapore 528537. Opens Sun to Thurs (11am to 11pm), and Fri, Sat & PH Eve (11am to 2am). Visit its Instagram page for more information.
Over at Bird Paradise, Starbucks has an outlet that is nestled within Mandai Wildlife West, a public space with playgrounds and various F&B spots. Here, the full-height glass windows afford views of the tranquil surroundings and lush greenery beyond. Murals of flora and fauna decorate the space, and it’s designed with eco-friendly elements too — its bar ceiling, outdoor benches and planters are all made with recycled wood. There’s also an outdoor play area located outside the cafe.
Mandai Wildlife West is at 20 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729825. Visit Starbucks' website for more information.
Bird Paradise isn’t the only place with a stunning Starbucks cafe. Jurong Lake Gardens is home to a standalone cafe with glass windows that showcase a waterfront view and cathedral ceiling. Inside, you’ll find artsy murals and sculptural wood elements. Bonus points: It’s pet-friendly, so you can bring your furbaby out for a walk at the park, then chill at the space.
Starbucks Jurong Lake Gardens is at 106 Yuan Ching Road #01-01, Lakeside House, Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore 619616. Opens 7.30am to 10pm on weekdays, 7.30pm to 11pm on weekends. Visit Starbucks' website for more information.
If the heat is getting to you while you’re at Gardens by the Bay, cool off with a frappucino at the third Starbucks on our list.
Taking over what was formerly Mylos, this space at Active Garden is outfitted with full-height glass windows that afford views of the greenery outside while you enjoy air-conditioned comfort. Or if you like, there's also al fresco sitting.
Bonus: The cafe is pet-friendly, too!
Starbucks is at Gardens by the Bay's Active Garden, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, #01-01, Singapore 018953. Visit its website for more information.
Housed within the Dempsey enclave is Canchita Peruvian Cuisine, a venture by husband-wife duo Tamara Chavez and Daniel Chavez that seeks to celebrate vibrant Latin American cuisine.
Its interiors boast large glass windows that look out to verdant tropical greenery — almost like you're dining amidst a forest, with a canopy of foliage adding to the atmosphere. Soak in the serene atmosphere while you dine on the likes of ceviche, enchiladas, and other Peruvian plates.
Canchita Peruvian Cuisine is at Dempsey Rd, #9A 9B, Singapore 247698. Opens for lunch from 11.30am to 3pm (Thurs to Sun), and dinner from 5.30pm to 10.30pm, last order at 9.45pm (Mon to Sun). Visit its website for more information.
While glasshouses might recall pretty airy interiors, coffee house Waga Waga Den is quite the opposite, with sleek contemporary finishings and a dark colour palette. It's run by the Black Carvery group, which also owns Black Cow and Shatoburian. In case you’re curious, its name is derived “wagyu beef” and “wagashi” (Japanese sweets).
The joint uses a house blend coffee of single-origin Brazilian and single-origin Guatemalan beans that are of a medium roast and low acidity. Options range from espresso and cold brew coffee to specialities like Cloud, a cappuccino topped with frothy bubbles and a sprinkling of chocolate powder. For bites, there are savoury options like sandwiches, as well as desserts such as the luscious Waga Cheesecake with a melty centre, and earthy kinako-covered warabi mochi.
There's not much seating inside, but you can take your cuppa and chill out at the outdoor patio with tables and benches.
Waga Waga Den is at 38 Beach Road, #01-14 South Beach Tower, Singapore 189767. Opens Mon to Fri, 8.30am to 3.30pm, and Sat, 9.30am to 4.30pm. Closed on Sun. Visit its Instagram page for more.
Hortus restaurant is located within the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay, which is itself a humongous glass greenhouse.
With the surrounding flora, terracotta tiles, wooden elements, and fabric canopy, you'll feel like you're on an idyllic Mediterranean getaway. Then there's the food, which sees Mediterranean classics like falafel salad, wood-fired grilled seafood, shakshuka, tagines, and other rustic dishes.
Hortus is at Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Dr, #01-09 Flower Dome, Singapore 018953. Opens daily, 11am to 10pm. Visit its website for more information.
By the same people behind Glyph Supply Co, this cafe belongs to and is located at the food processing and investment holding company Wilmar International Limited's headquarters at One-north.
Glass panels surround the cafe so it's flooded with natural light, and the interiors are decked in muted hues, and plush seats with wooden tables. It generally caters to the office crowd, and only opens on weekdays. Food-wise, there's nothing fancy here, but you can dive into protein and sushi rice bowls, salads, pastries and sandwiches.
But if you're looking for a cup of java, you can expect specialty brews from sister brand Glyph Supply Co.
Runes Cafe is at 28 Biopolis Road, Singapore 138568. Open from Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 4pm. Closed on weekends and public holidays.
Taking inspiration from Australia's cafe scene, you can sip on specialty java while chilling amidst contemporary surroundings with a see-through ceiling and windows that bathe the space in natural light.
The focus is on casual brunch fare, and the cafe serves up plates like salmon avocado toast, waffles and fried chicken, duck confit pasta, slow braised lamb leg with sourdough, and various toasties. There are also Instagram-worthy plates like the Candy Floss French Toast, and kiddos can dive into a kids' menu with options like chicken tenders and fish fingers.
Dewgather Coffee House is at #01-46 The Star Vista, 1 Vista Exchange Green, Singapore 138617. Visit its website for more information.
If you're over at the Changi and looking for a spot to rest and recharge, then make your way to Hub & Spoke.
Enormous windows that run the length of the establishment, which sports a colonial-inspired aesthetic, and offer a view of the grassy lawn outside. Refuel with brunch options like eggs benedict, pasta and sandwiches, as well as local delights like kaya toast, laksa and nasi lemak as mains.
Hub & Spoke is at 60 Airport Boulevard #01-T2S-02, Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore 819643. Opens Mon to Sun, 7.30am to 8pm. Visit its website for more information.
Perched on level 70 of Swissotel The Stamford, Skai offers a generous view of the city skyline and views of the Singapore river. Not only is it Singapore’s highest rooftop grill restaurant, it also offers sky-high views for a tete-a-tete with the girls over sumptuous tea and pastries. The Skai high tea features sustainably sourced teas and coffee from Suzuki Gourmet Coffee, which is Singapore’s oldest coffee roaster which was founded in 1979.
Skai is at 2 Stamford Road, Level 70, #70-02 Swissotel The Stamford, 178882. Opens daily. Visit its website for reservations or more information.
This article was originally published on Aug 16, 2023 and updated on Sep 1, 2024.