10 UNDERRATED cafes in Orchard Road to go to before everyone else does

1. Nassim Hill Bakery Bistro Bar

1/10

So is this a bakery, bistro, or bar? All of the above in the dawn, noon, and dusk respectively — which also means you can get yourself a cocktail as early as 9 am (they have daily happy hour from 9 am to 9 pm)! That aside, their bread and dessert pastries, freshly baked each day, are their specialty. After sunset, their French and Italian-centered dinner fare like tapas, pizzas and pastas make for a good post-shopping meal.

Tanglin Post Office, #01-03, 56 Tanglin Rd, 247964

2. Oriole Coffee

2/10

An oasis planted right in Singapore’s busy Somerset district, while the afternoon away while people-watching in this cafe. The Oriole Truffle Burger — grain-fed beef patty, sautéed mushrooms, caramelised onions, mixed greens, melted cheese, truffle aioli embraced between fluffy brioche buns — is eponymous for good reason.

Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard, #01-01, 96 Somerset Rd, 238163

3. Antoinette

3/10

Antoinette‘s space is reminiscent of the elegant boudoir, and its got the food to match. You should also try their creative and refreshed new menu — an exciting range of five creations of Antoinette’s Souffle Pancakes — both savoury and sweet, including a bubble tea, and a Singapore-inspired flavour. Plus, a renewed French bistro-style all-day menu with new savoury items (read also "15 Cafes In Singapore That Will Make You Feel Like You’re Overseas").

The space is ornate, decorated with large velvety, Victorian-style chairs, vintage frames, candelabras and even a fireplace to boot. But everything has a worn-down quality to it, giving the place a welcoming charm.

Mandarin Gallery, #02-33/34, 333A Orchard Rd, 238897

4. The Coffee Academics

4/10

We can see why this cafe was listed as one of the “25 coffee shops around the world you have to see before you die”. Are these not the most perfect pancakes you’ve ever seen? Doing justice to its name, Sensory Stations within the cafe space include a cupping corner where coffee classes and events are hosted, a custom blend concierge, a roasting corner, and more.

Scotts Square, #02-01/02, 6 Scotts Rd, 228209

5. Curious Palette

5/10

Tried and true comfort food ride the wave of popular local flavours at Curious Palette (think the likes of Prawn Mentaiko Belacan Pasta, pictured) while elsewhere on the menu, there’s Peta Fries with Impossible ragout and vegan cheddar, Kuhlbarra Barramundi with curry leaf cream and grilled romaine hearts, and more. Nurse a coffee at brunch, too — they’ve got award-winning baristas at your service.

64 Prinsep St, 188667

6. Paris Baguette

6/10

Fun fact: this cafe actually hails from Korea, and it actually even expanded to Paris! Its creamy puddings were all the rage back when it first opened, but equally delish are its selection of cute cakes. We love the Camembert Cheesecake and the Strawberry Shortcake (pictured).

Wisma Atria, #02-02, 435 Orchard Rd, 238877

7. Plain Vanilla

7/10

This dainty bakery‘s treats are familiar and comforting, true to their belief in the good old-fashioned. Hidden in fashion concept store In Good Company, we’d love to keep this the secret that it is but good things are better shared.

ION Orchard, #B1-06, 2 Orchard Turn, 238801

8. Kith Cafe

8/10

Enjoy original recipes made from the freshest ingredients for a simple, hearty and satisfying meal with your family and friends. With an in-house pastry kitchen and pizza bar, customers can look forward to a constantly changing menu of breads and pastries, along with daily crafted sandwich specials and pastas.

11 Cairnhill Road, 229724

9. Supply & Demand

9/10

Inspired by the trattorias and pizzerias of Italy, Supply & Demand serves rustic Italian cuisine with a menu brimming with the likes of thin-crust pizzas, rich pasta and creamy risotto. Also, look out for their range of Southeast Asian contemporary dishes and international wines.

Orchard Gateway, #02-13/14, 277, Orchard Road, 238858

10. Hoshino Coffee

10/10

Spend your afternoon sipping on hand-dripped coffee from premium Arabica roasted coffee beans at this popular chain of Japanese cafe. Hungry? Check out their hearty brunch menu for a selection of pancake and omu soufflé with steak, tonkatsu curry rice, and more.

ION Orchard, #B3-25/26, 2 Orchard Turn, 238801



This article was first published in The Finder.