PUBLISHED January 23rd, 2026 02:45 am
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.
Sarnies
136 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068601
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.
sarnies.com | @sarnies.sg | View on Google Maps
Santis Pizza and Produce
138 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068603
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.
santis.pizza | @santis.sg | View on Google Maps
Meatsmith
167–169 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068620
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.
meatsmith.com.sg | @meatsmith.sg | View on Google Maps
Umami 10
163 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068616
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.
umami10.com | @umami10.sg | View on Google Maps
NAE:UM
161 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068615
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.
naeum.sg | @naeum.sg | View on Google Maps
My Awesome Café
236 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068642
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.
myawesomecafe.com | @myawesomecafe | View on Google Maps
Fu Lin Bar & Kitchen
127 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068596
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.
@fulinkitchen | View on Google Maps
DongQu 東區
176 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068624
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.
@dongqu.singapore | View on Google Maps
French Fold
204 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068640
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.
mercimarcelgroup.com/fold/ | @thefrenchfold | View on Google Maps
Chicco Trattoria
27A Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 048493
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.
chiccotrattoria.sg | @chiccosg | View on Google Maps
Shinrai
6A Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 048460
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.
shinrai.sg | @shinrai.sg | View on Google Maps
SODENG – The Vintage BBQ
175 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068623
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.
@sodeng_sg | View on Google Maps
Bitters & Love
118 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068587
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.
bittersandlove.com | @bittersandlove | View on Google Maps
Think there’s a café, restaurant, or bar in Telok Ayer we should know about? We’re always on the lookout for worthy spots to try, send your recommendations to editor@citynomads.com and we’ll take it from there.