PUBLISHED April 21st, 2022 06:00 am | UPDATED May 3rd, 2022 10:53 pm
We might be living in a garden city, but there’s no doubt the concert jungle creeps up on us time to time. Get away from the hustle and bustle to lush greenery and decompress with indulgent meals to soothe the soul. Pockets of gorgeous garden dining experiences are littered across Singapore, so here’s a guide to get you started!
Restaurants & Bars
One-Ninety Bar
One-Ninety Bar’s passion for all things botanical extends from each handcrafted tipple to the abundance of greenery surrounding and overhead in the space. The perfect, breezy destination to counter Singapore’s humid evenings, order a refreshing Theatrum Botanicum (S$29) featuring botanical gin and plum spirits with herbs and lemon. For a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, get a boost of caffeine with an Espresso Negroni (S$25) and a light snack in the shape of their Lobster Rolls (S$24).
One-Ninety Bar is located Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, 190 Orchard Blvd, Singapore 248646, +65 6831 7671. Open daily 8am-10.30pm.
Sol & Luna
Latin European dishes take centre stage amidst the sky-high garden oasis of Sol & Luna. Showcasing an artful balance between tradition and innovation, whet your taste buds with dishes such as the Baked Veal Shank Pie (S$25) and a glass of Lisbon Lips (S$16), a blend of hibiscus-infused gin and Bellambre bitter amer. Go on a gastronomic adventure from dawn to dusk through its extensive menus – breakfast, lunch, tapas, high tea, and dinner. Check out our review here.
Sol & Luna is located at 88 Market St, #17-01, Singapore 048948, p. +65 8031 4316. Open Mon-Sat 8am–10.30pm. Closed Sun.
Wheeler’s Estate
With an al fresco restaurant, a bar, and a steakhouse located on premises of the two-acre wide former British Married Officers’ Quarters, it’s easy to make yourself at home at Wheeler’s Estate. A favourite for weddings and solemnisations, brunch in airy, spacious verandahs surrounded by greenery as far as the eye can see. Helmed by Australian Head Chef Jayd Kit, dig into hearty plates like the Octopus Hash (S$30), BBQ Pork Jowl (S$26) and their 1.3kg Wheeler’s Signature “Tomahawk” (S$188).
Wheeler’s Estate is located at 2 Park Ln, Singapore 798386, p. +65 6262 0001. Open Tue-Wed 11.30am-11pm, Thu 11.30am-11.30pm, Fri 11.30pm-1am, Sat 9am-1am and Sun 9am-11pm.
Open Farm Community
Open Farm Community is another example of not having to travel far for a green escape. Tucked away on the fringes of the Dempsey Hill enclave, this restaurant – passionate about being kind to our planet – features mindfully sourced ingredients in experiences such as the Lunch Feast (S$65++) and the Farm Feast (S$88++). While the Lunch Feast offers a hearty pescatarian meal, the Farm Feast is the perfect choice to discover the best Open Farm Community has to offer.
Open Farm Community is located at 130E Minden Rd, Singapore 248819, p. +65 6471 0306. Open Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm and 6pm-11pm, Sat-Sun 11am-4pm and 6pm-11pm.
The Coastal Settlement
Resting snugly between the forest and the sea is The Coastal Settlement, offering views of plush shrubs and the occasional cruise ship as you enjoy familiar flavours with a modern twist. Decked in retro memorabilia and vintage vehicles, savour the nostalgia with comfort foods such as the TCS Nasi Campur (S$26) served with their special chilli or go West for the TCS Baby Back Ribs (S$39) sporting an apple cider glaze, acommpanied by buttered corn, thick-cut fries and coleslaw.
The Coastal Settlement is located at 200 Netheravon Rd, Singapore 508529, p. +65 6475 0200. Open Mon-Fri 10.30am-11pm and Sat-Sun 8.30am-11pm.
Lucha Loco
A verdant pocket on Duxton Hill, Lucha Loco is an institution known for contemporary Mexican dishes and their selection of artisanal tequilas. Every plate and glass is a tribute to the fantastic gastronomic experiences the Super Loco Group had during trips to Mexico, evident in dishes such as the Mexican Jerk Pork Ribs (S$33) – slow-cooked in smoked chilli sauce and chicharron – and the pulled Chicken Tistidas (S$11). Wash it all down with an El Classico margarita (S$19) or two.
Lucha Loco is located at 15 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089598, p. +65 3158 3677. Open Mon-Tue 5pm-11.30pm, Wed-Sat 11.30am-11.30pm.
Cafes
Bee’s Knees at The Garage
Unwind with family, friends and fur babies at Bee’s Knees, a cafe and bistro concept offering a diverse menu ranging from health-forward options to indulgent ones. In the day time, sit back and relax with a classic Margherita pizza (S$26), or Beef Cheek Bolognese (S$20). At night, dig in to the Bee’s Knees “Heart Attack” Burger (S$27) consisting of two beef patties, bacon and confit onions with fries and salad. There’s always room for dessert, so don’t forget to order from their extensive all-day sweets menu featuring pancakes, ice creams and cakes.
Bee’s Knees at The Garage is located at Cluny Park Rd, Level 1 The Garage, 50, Singapore 257488, p. +65 9815 3213. Open Mon-Sun 8am-10pm.
PS. Cafe at Harding
A mainstay in Dempsey Hill, PS. Cafe at Harding serves up PS. classics and Harding specials to panoramic, floor-to-ceiling views of lush tropical greenery. Choose between crowd-pleasers such as the PS. Crab & Prawn Laksa featuring Julienne fish cake and quail eggs in a laksa pesto, or highlights from their exclusive menu like the PS. Club sandwich – think bacon and chicken topped off with a fried egg, cheddar and cranberry vinaigrette greens.
PS. Cafe at Harding is located at 28B Harding Rd, Singapore 249549, p. +65 6708 9288. Open Sun-Thu 8am-10pm, Fri-Sat 8am-10.30pm.
Wildseed Cafe & Bar at The Summerhouse
Spring and summer never seems to end at Wildseed Café. Tucked inside the sprawling, idyllic grounds of The Summerhouse, enjoy garden dining with family and friends at this pet-friendly establishment, serving up a hearty brunch fair and grills. Botanical flavours shine with every sip of their Signature Cocktails (S$17), best paired with dishes of local influence such as the Soft Shell Chilli Crab Linguine (S$26) and Grilled Chicken Thigh (S$26) marinated in green chilli and coriander.
Wildseed Cafe & Bar at The Summerhouse is located at Level 1, 3 Park Lane, Seletar Aerospace Dr, Park, Singapore 798387, p. +65 8126 7524. Open daily 8am-5pm and 5pm-9.30pm.
Walking On Sunshine
Escape the woes of reality when you visit Walking On Sunshine, a salon cum cafe that’ll put a spring in your step when you leave with a fresh new look and a full tummy! A garden oasis along the bustle of Orchard road, take a seat with a cup of aromatic coffee or designer tea with a plate of their signature Kroffle (S$6.90). The perfect combination of croissants and waffles, Kroffles are available in an array of flavours including Mixed Berries, Lime-Avocado and Bacon-Mash Potato.
Walking On Sunshine is located at 181 Orchard Rd, #03-07 Orchard Central, Singapore 238896, p. +65 8877 8800. Open Sun-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10.30pm-8pm.
Knots Cafe & Living
Let your interior designer heart sing over plates of wholesome and nourishing food at Knots Café and Living. While contemplating which hand-crafted and sustainable pieces to purchase, sip on Coffee sets (S$6.90) while munching on Muffins (S$7.90) or Cakes (S$8.90). Feel at home in the melodious combination of flowers, food and furniture that create a warm and comforting environment.
Knots Café & Living is located at 160 Paya Lebar Rd, #01-07, Singapore 409022, p. +65 6817 0383. Open Tue-Sun 9am-9pm.
Top Image: Photo courtesy of Walking on Sunshine