Valentine’s Day 2021: 10 NEW Pretty Cafes In SG For Chill Dates w/ Cheaper Prices Than Restaurants

By Rachel Yohannan on 01 Feb 2021

Senior Digital Editor

Crazy cat lady who loves afternoon tea, kawaii Japanese fashion, and all things Sanrio.

For couples who take Valentine’s Day seriously, the weeks leading up to the event can be a hectic affair. There’s that whole scramble to think of date ideas, get the perfect gift, and make restaurant reservations - assuming your top choices aren’t already fully booked. It doesn’t help that prices are usually jacked up during this period, so you have to try hard not to think of all the $$$ you’re gonna blow while attempting to maximise your dollar. Oh, gosh, the $$$.

Lovebirds, save yourself the stress and take it chill for a change with a casual cafe instead of a fancy restaurant - without compromising on quality of food or aesthetics. To help you out, here are 10 new pretty cafes in Singapore suitable for Valentine’s Day 2021 that won’t tear a hole in your wallet. All of them have proper mains too, not just dessert!

If you prefer something fancier, check out our list of NEW romantic restaurants in Singapore for Valentine's Day 2021.

Read on for these new pretty cafes in Singapore suitable for Valentine’s Day 2021 dates!

#1: Berthold Delikatessen - German deli with gourmet sandwiches

Photo from @iris.nihao via Instagram

Those who have been to Capitol would know how it looks like a building straight out of Europe, both inside and out. Joining the other aesthetically-pleasing eateries at Capitol Kempinski’s Arcade is Berthold Delikatessen, a charming 2-storey German deli that’s adorned with delicate, draping flowers.

Photo from @kakoveryvernis via Instagram

Though mainly visited for their desserts and pastries, they also serve burgers and gourmet sandwiches made from a variety of breads and deli meats. Their brunch menu includes dishes like California Eggs Benedict ($16) and Egg & Salmon Toast ($16).

Photo from @kakoveryvernis via Instagram

Pair those with their signature cold brews, which are carefully slow-brewed for 18 hours for maximum flavour and fragrance. Some examples are: Ready to Matcha ($7.50), a blend of coffee and green tea, and Veni Vidi Vici ($7), black coffee mixed with milk and toffee cream.

Photo from @berthold.delikatessen via Instagram

Photo from @cainekindred via Instagram

While the balcony seats give you an indoor al fresco sort of experience that’s a little more whimsical, the interior sings a different tune with a darker scheme overall and classy, wood-panelled walls.

Photo from @simpleordinaryjoy via Instagram

Location: City Hall
Website

#2: Brown Butter - enchanting sakura decor that’ll transport you to Japan

Photo from @callmejessi_ca via Instagram

We know, we know: This pandemic sucks, and we’re all itching for a much-needed holiday. It’s not like we could hop on a plane even if we wanted to, but at the very least, Brown Butter can be a stand-in for your missed hanami holiday in Japan. Though they opened not too long ago in early 2020, they’ve already switched up their decor to include realistic-looking trees teeming with soft pink sakura buds.

Photo from @estherksz via Instagram

To match the romantic canopy of flowers above is a pink phone booth and a matching rope swing, with twinkling fairy lights wrapped around their every surface. Bring a tripod, for you’ll want to grab bae in for some adorable couple shots!

Photo from @brownbutter.sg via Instagram

Don’t forget your food while enamoured by the enchanting setting! One of their bestsellers is the Lobster Mayo Toastie ($32) with a whole lobster and prawns, but there are more affordable options like Truffle Mushroom ($18) and Classic Avo ($15). Pasta starts from $18 while their Avo Burger costs $23.

Photo from @brownbutter.sg via Instagram

Don’t miss the chance to try their oh-so-adorable Avocado Cheese Smoothie ($10.90) or Cheesecake ($12.90) with oreo - both of which are done “cartoon-style” and topped with a cute little mouse!

Photo from @brownbutter.sg via Instagram

Read our full article on Brown Butter’s sakura decor here.
Location: Orchard
Website

#3: Prairie by Craftsmen - hidden greenhouse-style cafe with sheltered al fresco zone

Photo from @libertycoffee via Instagram

Make a date at Prairie by Craftsmen and you’ll not only set yourself up for a good meal with all the vibes, you’ll also be up for what we’d like to call a “mini reverse escape room”. Hidden behind bamboo trees with a hard-to-spot entrance, this greenhouse-style cafe near Botanic Gardens will need a bit of a hunt to uncover - might as well make a bit of a game out of it, and put your couple teamwork to the test!

Bonus gameplay: Whoever spots the cafe first gets their meal paid for by the other :P

Photo from Prairie by Craftsmen

Prices are not stated on their online menu but according to netizens, mains like Duck Confit, Beef Oxtail, and Steak Sandwich range from $25 to $28 on average.

Photo from Prairie by Craftsmen

There are indoor seats, but for the full experience, we’d strongly recommend snagging a seat at the al fresco zone. Unpredictable weather won’t be an issue as it’s fully sheltered, while a sunroof - decorated with dangling plants - allows a healthy dose of natural sunlight to stream in.

Photo from @libertycoffee via Instagram

Early risers rejoice, for Prairie by Craftsmen opens at 7.30am.

Read our full article on Prairie by Craftsmen here.
Location: Cluny (near Botanic Gardens)
Website

#4: East Coast Commune - tropical-boho cafe at East Coast Park

Photo from @eccommune via Instagram

Your concept of an ideal Valentine’s is to cycle through the trees - tandem bike or otherwise - with salty seabreeze tousling your hair. Getting sweaty and unglam isn’t an issue, because quality time outdoors with your dearest beats being prim and proper at an atas restaurant any day. Hashtag fitcouple.

If that sounds anything like you, then East Coast Commune is where you’d want to make a pit stop on 14th February.

Photo from @eccommune via Instagram

Located within East Coast Park, this spacious, airy cafe with tropical-boho vibes has actual trees, plenty of potted plants, and botanical wall art as part of its decor. A comfortable, laid-back atmosphere makes it a good spot for hours of HTHTs.

Photo from @j_essfood via Instagram

Refuel with wholesome brunch-style dishes, including their speciality Sourdough Waffles in flavours like Big Breakfast ($14) and Fried Chicken ($14). Many have praised their Matcha Latte and Hojicha Latte, which cost a reasonable $5 each!

Photo from @eccommune via Instagram

Location: East Coast
Website

#5: Bistro G - a mix of modern and classic French dishes

Photo from @eatwithfelz via Instagram

By the same folks behind Patisserie G in the same building is Bistro G, a French cafe with both classic and contemporary dishes. Unlike your probable impression of French eateries being all chi chi, this casual one is a breath of fresh air with its rattan chairs and unfinished concrete floors and walls.

Photo from @bistrog.sg via Instagram

Photo from @mei96792018 via Instagram

Share the Cheese Platter ($38) and dig into a smorgasbord of cheeses, sourdough bread, nuts, and fruits, or go straight for mains like the Croque Monsieur ($18), Pastrami Sandwich ($28), and Beef Tartare ($30) served with truffle fries.

Photo from Bistro G

Location: Raffles Boulevard (Millenia Walk)
Website

#6: Sweetea Caffe - balcony seats with Taiwan vibes

Photo from @zippyzipeng via Instagram

Based solely on photos on social media, it’s easy to mistake Sweetea Caffe for a traditional teahouse in the mountainous regions of Taipei’s Maokong. Luckily for us, this rustic cafe is much closer to home, on the second and third floors of an old Chinatown shophouse.

Photo from @sharaonachia via Instagram

The balcony seats looking out to the olden shophouses in the vicinity are a coveted bunch, and it’s not hard to see why. Here, you’ll get to see Chinatown from a different perspective, and be privy to the most scenic photo spots in the establishment.

The indoor area isn’t too shabby either, with a tranquil oriental mural and floral decor lining the walls.

Photo from @sharaonachia via Instagram

Mains here include pasta, baked rice, and sandwiches, and average around $15 to $23.

Photo from @sharaonachia via Instagram

Read our full article on Sweetea Caffe here.
Location: Chinatown
Website

#7: Canopy at HortPark - pet-friendly dining in a garden

Photo from Canopy Garden Dining

Dine amidst the greenery at Canopy Garden Dining’s new HortPark outlet, a semi open-air cafe that’s sheltered so you’ll be protected from any sudden downpours. Aside from the surrounding shrubbery from the park, the cafe interior is also well-stocked with potted plants and dangling tendrils so you’ll truly feel one with nature.

Photo from Canopy Garden Dining

Like its older sister outlet at Bishan Park, this HortPark branch is also pet-friendly - paw-fect for couples whose dates aren’t complete without their furbabies in tow. Since the Southern Ridges trail is a stone’s throw away, you can plan for a little hiking expedition to complete the day.

Photo from @hello.hachiko via Instagram

Photo from Canopy Garden Dining

Recline in rattan seats or wooden chairs as you tuck into Western dishes like Grilled Spanish Pork ($27), Dry Aged Beef Burger ($32), and Rosemary Chicken ($25).

Photo from Canopy Garden Dining

Read our full article on Canopy Garden Dining at HortPark here.
Location: Alexandra (Hyderabad Road)
Website

#8: The Paddock Bistro - with views of horses galloping around

Photo from @singaporepoloclub via Instagram

We’re not horsing around when we say you can dine with the view of horses galloping around - for you can do just that at The Paddock Bistro, located within the Singapore Polo Club. Seeing as there’s no MRT station within walking distance, it’s a little tough to get to, but we assure you that the journey will all be worth it when you see your date’s face light up in excitement once they spot the majestic stallions.

Photo from @thepaddockbistro via Instagram

Opt for one of the chic booth seats for the best views, but fret not if you’re “allergic” to the sun, as there are a good amount of indoor tables that will also allow you to watch the horsies without too much difficulty. Other seating options will give you poolside views.

Photo from @singaporepoloclub via Instagram

Non-members are more than welcome here, but do note that prices will be slightly higher. Nevertheless, it’s a negligible amount of a few bucks, so don’t let that deprive you of this unique dining experience!

Photo from @thepaddockbistro via Instagram

Expect a range of Western mains like Classic Carbonara ($17.50), Grilled Black Angus Beef Burger ($24), and Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza ($25).

Photo from @singaporepoloclub via Instagram

Wine and cocktails start from just $13 per glass.

Note: All prices stated are non-member rates.

Location: Mount Pleasant
Website

#9: French Fold - crepes in a botanical-themed setting

Photo from French Fold

Live out your Emily in Paris dreams at French Fold, a French cafe that specialises in crepes (from $7) and galettes (from $9). Its exterior already looks authentically Parisian, and that’s pretty indicative of the food you’ll be enjoying inside.

Photo from French Fold

Step into this serene plant-filled oasis in the middle of the CBD’s bustle, and delight in a variety of both sweet and savoury flavours. The savoury galettes, which can serve as a proper meals, include toppings like:

Over sautéed mushrooms, Comté cheese, organic egg sunny side up ($15)
Reblochon cheese, organic Bayonne ham, baby potatoes, pancetta, white wine pickled onions ($19)
Goat cheese, tomato chutney, basil, roasted bell pepper ($16)

Photo from @tiriethefoodie via Instagram

If your man would prefer something heavier, there’s always the Burger ($26) which comprises a homemade organic beef patty, parmesan, Bayonne ham, homemade fries, and mesclun.

Photo from French Fold

Location: Tanjong Pagar (Bukit Pasoh)
Website

#10: Hub & Spoke - glasshouse cafe at Changi Airport

Photo from @hubandspokecafe via Instagram

Just because taking a flight for a Valentine’s getaway is out of the question right now, doesn’t mean that a trip to the airport will be for nought - not when Changi Airport is full of entertainment options and good food. One of the newest kids on the block is Hub & Spoke, a standalone glasshouse-style cafe located right outside Terminal 2.

Photo from @hubandspokecafe via Instagram

Floor-to-ceiling glass panels give this indoor cafe an open atmosphere, so it’s almost like you’re dining right out in nature - minus the heat and insects.

@hubandspokecafe via Instagram

On the menu are a mix of local favourites like Kaya Butter Toast Sets ($4.20) and Mee Siam ($5.90), along with Western options like Avocado Toast ($14.90), Truffle Mushroom Pasta ($14.90), and Eggs Benedict ($9.90) at surprisingly low prices.

Photo from @hubandspokecafe via Instagram

At night, fairy lights illuminate the al fresco area outside, making the whole scene look instantly more intimate. Cheap food, substantial variety, and calming views - what more could you ask for?