Quick answer: If you want a quiet space to taste single-origin pour-overs, Apartment Coffee and Kurasu are where you go. For people who take their flat white seriously, Nylon Coffee Roasters in Everton Park and Round Boy Roasters in Bukit Merah have earned loyal followings. Common Man Coffee Roasters and Apricus Cafe pair good coffee with legit brunch, while Acoustics Coffee Bar and Narrative Coffee Stand bring a bit of playfulness to the cup without losing the craft.
For the full picture, Best Cafes, Coffee & Breakfast in Singapore collects 28 guides on this subject.
Apartment Coffee
On Selegie Road, Apartment Coffee keeps things simple and quiet—the kind of place where you can hear the pour-over stream hit the carafe. The owner is a Singapore Brewers Cup champion, and it shows in the light-roast filter coffees they pull from places like El Salvador and Ethiopia. Each cup arrives with a small card telling you the bean’s story, so you’re not just drinking, you’re learning. It was once ranked the 6th best coffee shop in the world, but inside it never feels like it’s trying too hard. Sunlight, clean lines, a few stools. If you’re someone who geeks out over tasting notes and brewing ratios, this is your spot.
139 Selegie Road, #01-01, Singapore 188309 | Open daily 10am–6pm | Reach via their contact form
Nylon Coffee Roasters
Ever since 2012, this tiny hole-in-the-wall in Everton Park has been roasting its own beans and pulling some of the most balanced flat whites in town. The White with Oat Milk ($6) is a steady order, but if you’re feeling flash, the seasonal filter coffees—like a Colombia La Germania with notes of white grapes and nectarine ($9)—are worth every cent. There’s barely a queue, just a few regulars who know what they want. Nylon doesn’t do frills; they just do coffee right. Closed Tuesdays, so plan ahead.
4 Everton Park, #01-04, Singapore 080004 | +65 6220 2330 | Mon, Wed–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm, Sat & Sun 9am–4:30pm | nylon.coffee
This is an editorial round-up, not a paid directory. Think we have missed somewhere? Tell us what you do and why it belongs here.
Acoustics Coffee Bar
Over on Neil Road, Acoustics Coffee Bar takes a slightly different tack—hand-brewed coffees share the menu with tea-infused lattes, and the signature Acoustics Cloud ($8++) is an iced latte crowned with a blanket of velvety cream. It feels a bit more lively and dressed-up than the ultra-minimalist joints, but the coffee doesn’t suffer for it. On a hot afternoon, their Lychee Nojito ($8++) is a refreshing detour. They have an Owen Road branch too, same good energy.
61 Neil Road, Singapore 088895 (also Owen Road) | +65 8023 9619 | Daily 8:30am–5:30pm | acousticscoffee.com
Common Man Coffee Roasters
When the agenda is coffee plus a proper brunch, Common Man Coffee Roasters on Martin Road is the go-to. They roast ethically sourced single-origin beans and run a barista academy, so the Black Espresso ($6++) and Cold Brew ($8.50++) come out tight. The space hums with conversation, and the food menu gives you reason to park yourself for a couple of hours. It’s the kind of place you’d bring visiting friends when you want to show off a slice of local café culture without the hype.
22 Martin Road, #01-00, Singapore 239058 | +65 6836 4695 | Multiple branches; hours vary, check their site | commonmancoffeeroasters.com
Kurasu Singapore
Kurasu brings a piece of Kyoto to Waterloo Street. The space is serene, the pour-overs ($9) are clean and sweet, made with beans from Japanese roasters, and the whole ritual feels deliberate—watching the barista move is half the calm. They also do a Single Espresso Single Origin for just $3.50, which is rare value at this level. If you’re after a quiet hour alone with a notebook and a truly good cup, Kurasu delivers. Light bites like pancakes and toast are available if you need something to nibble.
261 Waterloo Street, #01-24, Singapore 180261 | Daily 10am–6pm | Reach via kurasu.kyoto
If you’re exploring more of the neighbourhood, our guide to Coffee Havens in Bugis for coffee lovers has a few more names worth checking.
Narrative Coffee Stand
Inside Bras Basah Complex, Narrative Coffee Stand packs a lot into a small footprint. Scandinavian-sourced beans, rattan chairs, and baristas who can happily talk you through every origin. The Espresso Tonic ($8.50) is a bright, bubbly pick that makes Singapore’s humidity feel a little less heavy; a straightforward White Coffee ($6) will do the job just fine too. It’s the kind of counter where you go for a quick caffeine top-up and end up staying half an hour just chatting with the team.
Block 231 Bain Street, #01-05, Bras Basah Complex, Singapore 180231 | +65 9488 4493 | Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, weekends 9am–5pm (last order 15 mins before close) | narrativecoffeestand.com
Round Boy Roasters
Out in Bukit Merah, Round Boy Roasters has been flying a little under the radar since 2018, but the espresso ($4.50) and milk-based drinks ($6.50+) are the sort that turn a first visit into a habit. They roast everything themselves, and you can grab a bag of beans—fruity, single-origin stuff—to take home. The vibe is warm and unpretentious, the kind of place where the barista remembers your order after a couple of trips. Worth the detour if you’re west-side on a weekend morning.
146 Jalan Bukit Merah, #01-1092, Singapore 160146 | +65 8874 1998 | Mon–Fri 8am–4pm, Sat & Sun 8:30am–4:30pm | roundboyroasters.com
Apricus Cafe
For those in the Northeast who don’t want to travel far for a proper coffee and brunch session, Apricus Cafe on Jalan Kayu is a solid pick. It’s the sister café to Populus, so the Australian-style coffee game is strong: the 6oz White ($6.50+) comes with latte art that’s almost too pretty to drink, and the house cold brews hit hard on a sticky afternoon. The Apricus French Toast ($22+)—topped with roasted rice soft serve—turns a coffee stop into a leisurely meal. Closed Tuesdays, but otherwise it’s a reliable weekend anchor.
248 Jalan Kayu, Singapore 799472 | +65 6904 1175 | Mon, Wed–Fri 11am–9pm; Sat & Sun 9am–9pm | Closed Tuesdays
This is an editorial round-up, not a paid directory. Think we have missed somewhere? Tell us what you do and why it belongs here.
How to choose
What matters most is the kind of experience you’re after. If you want to sit and savour a single-origin filter, the pour-over specialists—Apartment, Nylon, Kurasu, Narrative—are your best bet. They tend to have shorter hours (closing by 6pm) and a quieter, almost meditative mood. For something more social, with creative drinks and a bit of buzz, Acoustics Coffee Bar and Common Man Coffee Roasters fit better; Common Man especially if brunch is part of the plan. Round Boy Roasters and Narrative give you the option to buy beans to brew at home. Price-wise, an espresso typically runs $3.50–$4.50, milk-based coffees $6–$8.50, and filter pours $7–$9. Most places open by 8am or 8.30am and shut by late afternoon—only Apricus Cafe stays open into the evening (till 9pm). If you’re stocking up on beans, our round-up of the best Coffee Beans in Singapore can help you pick between local roasters.
| Cafe | Best For | Typical Coffee Spend | Must-Try | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment Coffee | Purist filter experience | Check with business | Seasonal pour-over with bean card | Daily 10am–6pm |
| Nylon Coffee Roasters | Revered flat whites, in-house roaster | $6–$9 | White with Oat Milk, seasonal filter | Mon, Wed–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm; Sat–Sun 9am–4:30pm (closed Tue) |
| Acoustics Coffee Bar | Creative coffee drinks, chill vibe | $8++ | Acoustics Cloud, Lychee Nojito | Daily 8:30am–5:30pm |
| Common Man Coffee Roasters | Coffee with a full brunch | $6–$8.50++ | Black Espresso, Cold Brew | Check branch hours |
| Kurasu Singapore | Japanese-style pour-over ritual | $3.50–$9 | Pour-over, Single Origin Espresso | Daily 10am–6pm |
| Narrative Coffee Stand | Scandi beans, expert baristas | $4–$8.50 | Espresso Tonic | Mon–Fri 8am–5pm; weekends 9am–5pm |
| Round Boy Roasters | Neighbourhood roastery, beans to go | $4.50–$6.50+ | Milk-based coffees, single-origin beans | Mon–Fri 8am–4pm; Sat–Sun 8:30am–4:30pm |
| Apricus Cafe | Coffee and brunch, Sengkang | $6.50+ | 6oz White, Apricus French Toast | Mon, Wed–Fri 11am–9pm; Sat–Sun 9am–9pm (closed Tue) |
Summary
Singapore’s coffee scene really does have something for every kind of coffee drinker. From a dead-serious pour-over at Apartment to a lazy brunch and cold brew at Apricus, these eight spots show what good coffee tastes like when the people behind the counter genuinely care. Whether you’re a long-time filter nerd or just want a cup that doesn’t taste like disappointment, you’ll find one here that fits.
Disclaimer: All information provided here has been compiled from publicly available sources. While we have made every effort to ensure accuracy, we do not guarantee that the information is complete or error-free. We disclaim any liability for inaccuracies or omissions. If you find any errors or have concerns about the content, please let us know so we can address them promptly. Details can change, so confirm directly with the business before making a special trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which coffee place is best for a quiet solo coffee session?
Apartment Coffee and Kurasu Singapore are the quietest spots—both open at 10am, have minimal seating, and focus on pour-overs in a calm space without loud music or crowds.
Do any of these cafes sell coffee beans to take home?
Yes. Nylon Coffee Roasters, Round Boy Roasters, and Common Man Coffee Roasters all sell their own roasted beans. Narrative Coffee Stand also offers Scandinavian-sourced beans for retail.
Which ones open early enough for a pre-work coffee?
Narrative Coffee Stand (8am weekdays), Common Man Coffee Roasters (vary by branch but many open at 8am), Round Boy Roasters (8am weekdays), and Nylon Coffee Roasters (8:30am most days) are your best bets.
I want coffee and a proper brunch—where should I go?
Common Man Coffee Roasters and Apricus Cafe both have full brunch menus alongside their coffee. Apricus stays open till 9pm on weekends, so you can even do a late brunch.
What’s the typical price for a cup of coffee at these places?
Espresso starts around $3.50–$4.50, milk-based drinks run $6–$8.50, and filter pour-overs are usually $7–$9. Prices may vary by location and seasonal beans.
Which coffee spot is nearest to the city centre?
Apartment Coffee (Selegie), Nylon Coffee Roasters (Everton Park), Narrative Coffee Stand (Bras Basah), and Kurasu (Waterloo) are all within a short walk or ride from central areas like Bugis, Chinatown, and City Hall.
