Telok Ayer is where tradition meets trend, an atmospheric stretch of shophouses that now hums with some of the city’s most dynamic dining destinations. Whether you’re here for power lunches, coffee catchups, or dinners that stretch into drinks, this neighbourhood is packed with flavour. In this guide to where to eat and drink in Telok Ayer, we explore the cafés, restaurants, and bars that define its eclectic spirit; from longstanding icons to new wave standouts.
TLDR
Key Takeaways
- Telok Ayer offers a vibrant mix of dining options, blending traditional and modern influences.
- Key spots include Sarnies for specialty coffee and hearty sandwiches, and Santis for wood-fired pizzas.
- Meatsmith excels in wood-fired American barbecue, while Umami 10 offers Japanese-European fusion cuisine.
- NAE:UM provides a Michelin-starred dining experience rooted in Korean flavors, with seasonal tasting menus.
- For casual dining, options like My Awesome Café, Fu Lin, and French Fold cater to relaxed meals and social gatherings.
Sarnies
A true pioneer of Singapore’s specialty coffee culture, Sarnies has been a Telok Ayer mainstay since 2011. More than a café, it’s a neighbourhood fixture with an unmistakable buzz. Crowds spill out from morning rush to midday lunch, all drawn to its Arabica coffee and hearty, honest fare. Beans are roasted in-house, but it’s the generously stacked sarnies (their signature sandwiches) and all-day brunch that keep regulars returning. Favourites include the indulgent Bacon & Egg Sarnie, the grass-fed Steak Wrap, and the build-your-own Pimp My Breakfast plate. Whether you’re grabbing a bagel on the go or settling in for a smoked salmon salad and flat white, Sarnies serves comfort food with just the right amount of edge and it’s still the one to beat.
Address: 136 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068601
Website: sarnies.com | View on Google Maps
Santis Pizza and Produce
Just a few steps from its older sibling Sarnies, Santis is where fire, flavour, and familial inspiration come together. Named after founder Ben Lee’s son, Santis channels a spirit of childlike creativity into its modern Italian plates, offering wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and playful interpretations that surprise and satisfy in equal measure. The alfresco setup is casual yet considered, ideal for long lunches and spontaneous dinners. Signature bites include the Vongole Capellini with ikura and miso, the indulgent Butter Chicken pizza, and the crowd-pleasing Pepperoni & Stracciatella drizzled with hot honey. A thoughtful, low-waste ethos underpins every dish, but the vibe remains effortlessly fun, just like the food.
Address: 138 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068603
Website: santis.pizza| View on Google Maps
Meatsmith
A carnivore’s delight in the heart of Telok Ayer, Meatsmith champions wood‑fired American barbecue with a local twist. Born from the same group behind Burnt Ends, this smokehouse has carved out a loyal following for its slow‑smoked brisket, fall‑off‑the‑bone ribs, and hearty burgers that celebrate the rich, charred flavours of traditional Southern BBQ. The industrial‑chic space is lively yet laid‑back, pairing perfectly with robust sharers like brisket chilli cheese nachos or pulled‑pork sandwiches. Its signature brisket‑based burgers, juicy and smoky, are as beloved as the classic smoked meats and grilled sausages.
Address: 167–169 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068620
Website: meatsmith.com.sg| View on Google Maps
Umami 10
Tucked along Telok Ayer’s lively shophouse stretch, Umami 10 is a refined destination for European‑influenced Japanese dining with a tapas‑style twist. Part Yoshoku sakaya and part modern fusion kitchen, this intimate restaurant reimagines classic flavours through shareable small plates that pair beautifully with an award‑winning sake list and crisp wines. Think Hyogo oysters crowned with uni and ikura, perfectly balanced clam and seafood dishes, and inventive hits like charcoal karaage or wagyu short ribs that meld texture and umami in every bite. The interior’s warm, contemporary vibe makes it an ideal stop for anything from after‑work drinks to an anniversary dinner.
Address: 163 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068616
Website: umami10.com| View on Google Maps
NAE:UM
At NAE:UM, contemporary Seoul cuisine becomes a narrative experience, every dish a memory, every course a carefully composed moment. Helmed by Chef Louis Han, this Michelin‑starred restaurant blends modern Western techniques with Korean heritage flavours, resulting in a tasting menu that changes with the seasons and reflects personal stories from the chef’s life and training. The name Nae:um itself means “a fragrance that evokes memories,” and that ethos plays out in its refined, episodic menu, where thoughtful ingredients and elegant presentation meet in dishes that are as evocative as they are precise. The dining room’s warm, minimalist interior sets the tone for a deliberate, sensory journey that’s ideal for special occasions and adventurous palates alike.
Address: 161 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068615
Website: naeum.sg| View on Google Maps
My Awesome Café
A beloved fixture on the Telok Ayer café circuit, My Awesome Café does exactly what its name promises: make your day a little more awesome. Bright, inviting and effortlessly chill, this café balances hearty brunch staples with creative twists, from fluffy ricotta pancakes to power bowls and perfectly pulled espresso drinks. What sets it apart is its approachable yet refined execution, every latte art and salad bowl feels thoughtfully composed, without ever losing that laid‑back neighbourhood charm. It’s a favourite among local office crowds and explorers alike: ideal for a relaxed weekend breakfast, a midday catch‑up over iced coffee, or an easy lunch that ticks all the boxes.
Address: 236 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068642
Website: myawesomecafe.com| View on Google Maps
Fu Lin Bar & Kitchen
By day, this Telok Ayer stalwart is beloved for one thing above all: its crispy, golden Fried Yong Tau Foo, a local favourite that’s been perfected here since 1995, served with thick vermicelli noodles and rich mushroom‑meat gravy. As the sun dips, Fu Lin seamlessly transforms into a lively bar‑kitchen, with an atmosphere that balances rustic charm and contemporary energy. The menu blooms into a fusion of Asian small plates and bar bites such as the smoked duck wraps and mala beef slices, paired with a thoughtfully curated list of sakes, cocktails, wines and whiskies.
Address: 127 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068596
Instagram: @fulinkitchen| View on Google Maps
DongQu 東區
A multi‑level Taiwanese‑inspired restaurant and bar tucked into one of Telok Ayer’s buzziest shophouses, DongQu blends leisurely daytime dining with a spirited night‑time vibe. Across its four floors, the space brings together nostalgic flavours and contemporary flair with Taiwanese staples such as braised pork rice, grilled river prawns and hotpots alongside visually striking, theatrical cocktails named with playful nods to pop culture and tradition. By day, it draws a casual lunch crowd looking for comforting bowls and bento‑style eats; by night, it transforms into a lively bar with inventive drinks served in whimsical vessels like dragon cups or cocktail “roulettes” that spark conversation as much as the food does.
Address: 176 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068624
Instagram: @dongqu.singapore| View on Google Maps
French Fold
French Fold is Telok Ayer’s charming all‑day French brasserie and crêperie from the Merci Marcel Group, bringing a slice of Parisian café culture to the CBD. Set within a cosy shophouse space with warm timber tones, lush greenery and naturally lit interiors, it’s the kind of place where early‑morning coffee seamlessly segues into lunch of savoury galettes and late‑night cocktails. The menu nods to classic French comfort fare with a contemporary twist. Buckwheat galettes packed with premium ingredients imported from France, thin‑wheat crêpes for sweet endings, and a curated drinks list that spans artisanal coffee to organic wines and creative tipples. Lightweight yet deeply flavourful, the offerings here are ideal for casual brunches, relaxed dinners, and everything in between.
Address: 204 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068640
Website: mercimarcelgroup.com/fold/| View on Google Maps
Chicco Trattoria
Tucked into a classic Telok Ayer shophouse, Chicco Trattoria is a convivial neighbourhood restaurant bringing the heart of Italian cucina to Singapore’s CBD. Helmed by Chef Martino De Vivo, its menu celebrates the rich simplicity of Southern Italian fare with house‑made pastas, wood‑fired proteins and antipasti that speak of seasonal ingredients treated with respect. Whether it’s a lingering Sunday lunch or a casual dinner with friends, this is where classic Italian generosity meets relaxed urban energy. Standouts include silky ravioli and pappardelle dressed in deeply savoury sauces, grilled selections with smoky char, and antipasti boards perfect for sharing over a glass of Italian wine.
Address: 27A Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 048493
Website: chiccotrattoria.sg| View on Google Maps
Shinrai
Shinrai is a standout in Telok Ayer’s evolving landscape of contemporary Japanese dining, bringing an elegant yet unpretentious approach to classic Japanese flavours. From the moment you step inside, the serene interior marked by clean lines and refined details hints at the care poured into each dish. The menu balances familiar favourites with thoughtful seasonal highlights, whether it’s impeccably seared sashimi, delicate grilled offerings, or artfully composed small plates designed for sharing. What makes Shinrai noteworthy is its harmony of tradition and innovation: dishes that feel rooted in Japanese culinary principles yet thoughtfully adapted for modern palates.
Address: 6A Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 048460
Website: shinrai.sg| View on Google Maps
SODENG – The Vintage BBQ
Sodeng has quickly become one of Telok Ayer’s standout Korean BBQ destinations, known for bringing a fresh and flavorful twist to traditional Korean charcoal grilling right in the heart of the CBD. What makes this spot especially intriguing is its focus on duck BBQ, grilled over an iron sodeng (a traditional Korean pot lid), yielding smoky, tender meat with layers of savoury depth. The menu celebrates quality ingredients and meticulous preparation, from succulent marinated beef ribs and young duck cuts to rich stews and house‑made sides. More than just a meal, the experience here leans into conviviality: attentive staff often handle the tableside grilling, and dishes like pot‑lid fried rice round off the feast with bold, comforting finishes.
Address: 175 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068623
Instagram: @sodeng_sg| View on Google Maps
Bitters & Love
Tucked behind a discreet shophouse façade on Telok Ayer Street, Bitters & Love is one of the district’s most beloved cocktail bars, blending craft, personality, and local flair since its founding in 2012. The bar has carved out a distinctive niche in Singapore’s vibrant nightlife, focusing on innovative mixology with a deep love for house‑made bitters that transform traditional constructs into playful flavour journeys. Inside, the warm, intimate ambience, set against timber tables, marble bar tops, and subtle industrial touches, creates a perfect setting for after‑work drinks, dates, or lively gatherings. The cocktail list evolves with the seasons and bartenders are happy to tailor drinks to your preferences, while bar snacks and small plates offer the perfect accompaniment to each sip.
Address: 118 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068587
Website: bittersandlove.com|View on Google Maps
Telok Ayer’s appeal lies in its range, from heritage hawker favourites to Michelin-starred tasting menus, all within a few atmospheric blocks. Once you’ve worked your way through this stretch, the CBD has plenty more worth exploring. Wander a street over to discover the buzzy line-up of restaurants and bars on our Amoy Street guide, or head up the hill for the more intimate, wine-led picks in our Duxton Hill round-up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Telok Ayer is a heritage shophouse district in Singapore’s Central Business District, bordered roughly by Amoy Street, Cross Street, and Robinson Road. The easiest way to arrive is via Telok Ayer MRT station on the Downtown Line, which drops you right onto Telok Ayer Street itself.
The area covers a wide spectrum, from specialty coffee and brunch cafés like Sarnies and My Awesome Café, to wood-fired Italian at Santis and Chicco Trattoria, American barbecue at Meatsmith, Japanese plates at Umami 10 and Shinrai, Korean BBQ at Sodeng, French galettes at French Fold, and Michelin-starred Korean fine dining at NAE:UM.
Both work, but the neighbourhood has distinct rhythms. Lunch is dominated by the CBD office crowd, with cafés and casual restaurants buzzing from noon onwards. Evenings shift towards longer dinners, cocktails, and date-night spots, with venues like Fu Lin, DongQu, and Bitters & Love coming alive after dark.
For fine dining spots like NAE:UM and popular dinner venues such as Meatsmith, Umami 10, and Chicco Trattoria, reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends. Cafés like Sarnies and My Awesome Café are generally walk-in, though peak lunch hours can mean a short wait.
Bitters & Love is the neighbourhood’s most established cocktail bar, known for its house-made bitters and seasonal menu. Fu Lin transforms into a lively bar-kitchen in the evenings, while DongQu serves theatrical Taiwanese-inspired cocktails. Amoy Street and Duxton Hill are also just minutes away if you want to extend the night.