Young Asian businessman taking note beside laptop on wooden table
Cover Here are the best cafes in Singapore to get some work done (Photo: Getty Images)

Switch up your work-from-home routine by popping over to one of these work-friendly cafes

While working from home may no longer be our primary way of working but for many of us, the legacy of flexible and remote working stays. Even after restrictions have been lifted, most of us are either still working remotely or dividing our time between the office and home. 

However, if working from home isn't the most productive, you don’t have to resign yourself to being trapped in your room. Instead, why not switch things up by working at a cafe instead?

In a cafe, you will get to work alongside others, maybe try new food and sit at a comfortable table while working—it’s the perfect solution to your work-from-home blues. If that isn't enticing enough, various cafes around the island also provide complimentary Wi-Fi. 

Below we share some of the best work-friendly cafes to get work done. 

Don’t miss: Work from home: Productivity tips for remote working

1. The Ritual

With comfortable sitting areas and hearty food, The Ritual is the perfect spot to get some work done. Visit and indulge in freshly baked pastries and specialty coffee or savour hearty mains like the signature crabmeat aglio olio, spicy chicken bulgogi omi rice and chicken congee. If you can’t decide, create your own protein bowl—choose a base of quinoa kale or mixed salad and top it up with your favourite protein. Finish the bowl with smashed avocados, sauteed baby spinach or sauteed mushrooms for an additional cost.

The Ritual, 383 Bukit Timah Road, 01-09B, S(259727), 6208 7496

2. Little Farms Bistro

Tatler Asia

Tuck into wholesome fare at Little Farms Bistro. A wide selection of dishes are available for you to choose from, including pulled pork buns, sustainably farmed fish and chips, and New Zealand Akaroa salmon. Sweet creations are available too, such as vegan peanut butter cookies, blueberry muffins and muscovado carrot cake. Gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free and vegan dishes area also available. When you’re done with work, head next door to get your grocery shopping done.

Little Farms Bistro, 451 Joo Chiat Road, 01-04, S(427664), 6797 8771

3. Sarnies

Surf the web while digging into sandwiches at this popular Australian-inspired cafe. Pick from an expansive list of sandwiches including the chicken schnitzel sarnie stuffed with crispy chicken thigh and chipotle aioli; bacon and egg sarnie layered with tomato relish and bacon onion jam; and sloppy Joe toastie. The latter is layered with tender slow-cooked pork, meat sauce, pickled jalapenos, sauteed capsicums and aioli.

Sarnies, 136 Telok Ayer Street, S(068601), 8284 2146

4. Amber Ember

Head to this pink-hued café for all-day breakfast as you power through your to-do list. A selection of hearty plates are available from grilled cheese and acai bowls to nori pesto and fried chicken. If you’re craving something sweet, the pistachio rose waffle features a soft and fluffy waffle topped with sweet rose syrup, seasonal berries, pistachios and whipped yoghurt cream. The café is also equipped with power outlets, so you’re sure your laptops won't run out of battery while working.  

Amber Ember, 730 Upper Serangoon Road, 01-01, S(534613), 6926 3312

5. Grids Coffee Bar

With free Wi-Fi, delectable grub and aromatic coffee, this Japanese cafe is the perfect spot to get your work mode on. That said, before getting started with your work, don’t forget to fuel up on its selection of Japanese-inspired dishes like the juicy beef sando, chicken katsu omurice, mentaiko fries. Need a quick pick me up while working? Grab a cup of its artisanal coffee—the Colombia Planadas is a must-try, comprising roasted coffee beans that offer notes of chocolate and caramel. 

Grids Coffee Bar, 200 South Bridge Road, S(058749)

In case you missed it: The Tatler guide to the best coffee in Singapore

6. Thus Coffee

A place well-loved by coffee aficionados for its use of in-house roasted beans, the aroma of these freshly roasted coffee beans will be a delightful stimulant for all coffee-lovers who visit Thus Coffee. Nestled within the Sembawang Hills Estate neighbourhood, the cafe also boasts a charming interior that will inspire serenity as you get through your workday. 

Thus Coffee, 4 Jalan Kuras, S(577723), +65 9363 6380

7. Wakey Wakey

As cafe by the Strangers Reunion team (think Stranger’s Reunion and Curious Palette), you know that you are getting true quality before you even step foot here. With floor-to-ceiling glass-panelled windows and a good number of tables and space, this is truly a great break from the mundane views you might be used to at home. Of course, the cafe boasts excellent coffee and food options as well so you will completely be taken care of as you work. 

Wakey Wakey, 302 Beach Road, 05 The Concourse, 01-04, S(199600), +65 6291 0227

8. Genius Central

Genius Central is well-known amongst people who thrive in co-working spaces and it caters largely to social entrepreneurs who are looking to grow their income and impact. That said, you don’t have to be an entrepreneur to enjoy the strong wi-fi, abundance of plugs and bright, open and comfortable space.

Genius Central is open to anyone who would like a quiet space to work at. Currently, due to Covid-19, you will have to pay $18 to stay and work there for eight hours. This amount can be used as credits to purchase any of their healthy meals or drinks. Make sure you make a booking in advance to avoid disappointment. 

Genius Central, Amoy Street Far East Square, 01-01, 7-13, S(049949), +65 8940 1200

9. Percolate Coffee

If you enjoy grazing as you work, you can count on Percolate Coffee to be your ideal destination for a change of environment. Look out for sweet treats such as earl grey lavender teacake, pear crumble danish and a plethora of other flavours available for every palette. With its woody interior and open spaces, Percolate is an inviting work-friendly space you will feel comfortable in. 

Percolate Coffee, 136 Bedok North Avenue 3, 01-152, S(460136), +65 8259 0316

10. Five Oars Coffee Roasters

Five Oars Coffee Roasters can easily be described as a no-frills industrial-style coffeehouse that will certainly put you in a positive mood for work. Another location away from the heart of the city, enjoy the tranquillity of the East Coast area of Singapore. The cafe serves up more than just good coffee as well to keep you energised. You can also end your day with a nice frosty beer or chilled wine after work.

Five Oars Coffee Roasters, Upper East Coast Road, S(455200), +65 8784 2686

Don't miss: Work from Home Essential: 5 coffee machines for a perfect morning brew

11. Atlas Coffeehouse

Atlas Coffeehouse is located in a quiet corner of Bukit Timah, making it an ideal location if you are hoping to escape the crowds and get some work done in a quiet area. Besides comfortable workspaces, it also serves some of the most delicious coffee and pastries you can get in the area. The best part is that they open at 8 am so if you’re an early bird, you can get started ahead of the others.

Atlas Coffeehouse, 6 Duke’s Road, S(268886), +65 6314 2674

Don’t miss: Editors’ Picks: The best cafes and restaurants to try in Sentosa

12. Lowercase

Located within Lasalle College of the Arts, Lowercase is a good space to visit if you want to get some serious work done. With free wifi, the cafe is almost always filled with people hard at work. The cafe is spacious and provides many tables so you can rest easy knowing that you will likely get a table no matter what time of the day it is. 

The joint also provides a great selection of coffee, gelato, pasta, pizza and brunch options so you don't have to worry about going hungry. 

Lowercase, Lasalle College of the Arts, Block D, 01-01, S(187940), +65 6337 5581

Topics