My wallet hates to see me coming to the best restaurants on Arab Street
Arab Street has always been one of my favourite neighbourhoods to visit. For one thing, the vibe here is bright and lively, with colourful murals and a mosque with an eye-catching golden dome, and for another, the lineup of restaurants is astounding.
Most restaurants here specialise in Middle Eastern cuisine, so I treat myself to juicy kebabs, savoury shawarma, and decadent baklava. But there are restaurants serving other cuisines, too—like Swedish and Italian—so I have even more reason to splurge!
Currently, these are my favourite restaurants in the area—aka the restaurants that always cause damage to my wallet. If you’re in the mood to go on a food trip and splurge, check them out!
%Arabica
– From: arabicasg
Address: 56 Arab St
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—8 am to 6 pm
- Friday and Saturday—8 am to 8 pm
Contact Number: +6596805288
The first time I visited Arab Street, %Arabica caught my attention because there was a long queue outside the coffee shop. And that wasn’t an isolated event. Every time I passed by it, there was still that same long queue!
I was so intrigued that I had to check it out. It was then I learned that %Arabica is actually a well-known brand and that their coffee is exceptional—and that’s coming from someone who normally doesn’t like coffee!
My go-to order is the iced café latte, which is thick and creamy. The coffee flavour is strong and has slight roasted notes, and the milk used undercuts all the bitterness. I like to add a bit more sugar to mine because I prefer my coffee sweet.
Pro Tips:
- Brace yourself for the long queue that moves slowly.
- This cafe also sells a few pastries like croissants and cupcakes. I recommend grabbing one to go with your coffee.
House of Kebab
– From: ohayokosg
Address: 21 Arab St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11 am to 10 pm
- Friday—11 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +6563965302
House of Kebab is an underrated spot that deserves more love, hence why I’m including it on my list of favourite restaurants on Arab Street. This restaurant exudes a lot of charm, thanks to its pink walls and vintage furniture, and the food slaps as well.
I’m very indecisive on what to get because everything looks so good, so my order is always the mix grill. This has everything—the tender lamb kofta, savoury and juicy beef shish kebab, and more—so I’m satisfied every time. Oh, and this platter is technically good for two, but I could finish it by myself (don’t judge me!).
Pro Tip:
- This restaurant hosts special promotions often. For example, you can score up to a 50% discount if you dine from 11 am to 1 pm.
Grill Ninety Nine
– From: myfoodiegallerysg
Address: 142 Arab St
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 pm to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6597312902
If you’re looking for a place serving amazing halal steak, then Grill Ninety Nine is your best bet.
The ribeye steak is one of the bestselling dishes here, and for good reason. The meat is tender and succulent, with distinct savoury notes. It’s also pretty big, at 180–200 grams, so you’ll be full in no time.
I also really like the pasta dishes here, especially the smoked duck one. The sauce is creamy and peppery, and it’s complemented by the smokiness of the duck.
Pro Tip:
- Give a fellow steak lover a gift card from this restaurant.
Overrun.SG
– From: overrun.sg
Address: 29 Arab St
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday—12 pm to 8:30 pm
- Friday and Saturday—12 pm to 10 pm
- Sunday—12 pm to 6 pm
I’ll be honest, Singapore often feels like an oven, so when you can’t handle the heat anymore, head to Overrun.SG and treat yourself to a generous dose of sweet, ice-cold ice cream.
The servings are big and have a generous amount of toppings. My current favourite is the Milo Dinosaur because it reminds me of my childhood (I was very obsessed with Milo).
The Milo soft-serve ice cream is topped with Milo sauce, chocolate cereals, and biscuits. Every spoonful is a deluge of sweet, cocoa-y, distinctly Milo taste!
Pro Tip:
- Sometimes, this shop offers flavours that are available for a limited time. One flavour you should get once it’s available is the durian chendol, which is just bursting with durian flavour.
Tarik
– From: gohedgostanbytarik
Address: 92 Arab St, #01-02
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—8 am to 12 am
- Friday and Saturday—8 am to 1 am
Contact Number: +6594233105
Another great spot you need to check out if you’re just in the mood for snacks is Tarik. To be more specific, you can treat yourself to cups of teh, kopi, and pastries here.
I really like the Kopi Zaffran here. This one has premium spices like saffron, so it’s really aromatic. As for the flavour, it’s bitter and slightly roasted, just like your typical coffee, but it also has a wonderful undertone of earthiness.
Pro Tip:
- This cafe sells tins of their teas and coffees. Each tin can serve up to 30 cups, so be sure to grab one for your pantry!
Anatolia Restaurant
– From: joycet.bell
Address: 58 Arab St
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +6596498099
At Anatolia Restaurant, you can get a taste of Middle Eastern cuisine, especially Turkish and Lebanese! Oh, and this is also a halal restaurant, which is good news for Muslim foodies.
I’m a big fan of the pide here, which is basically Turkey’s very own pizza (it’s shaped like a boat). My favourite is the chicken pide because I can’t get enough of the savoury, earthy flavours.
If you want something more filling, then you might want to go all out and get the Anatolia Special Grill. It has all the grilled meats you can want, plus buttered rice and vegetable salad. You’ll definitely feel stuffed afterwards!
Pro Tips:
- If you order online, you can score free shipping for orders over S$100.
- Come celebrate your birthday here! Perks include one free kunafa and 15% off for group reservations.
Wooly’s Bagels Arab Street
– From: woolysbagels
Address: 27 Arab St
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10:30 am to 8:30 pm
Wooly’s Bagels has always been one of my favourite breakfast spots, so I was thrilled to discover that they have an outlet on Arab Street. Now, I can get fresh bagels anytime I want!
I recommend the Sataycaytion, which has chicken, scrambled eggs, cucumber slices, and red onions. The chicken tastes like your typical satay—salty and sweet—and the sauce adds a nutty kick. Sometimes, I order extra cheese to get that irresistible cheese pull.
Pro Tip:
- This place only has limited seats, so it gets crowded pretty fast. Your best bet is to avoid coming here during peak hours (10:30 am to 12 pm, 2 pm to 3 pm).
All Things Delicious
– From: allthingsdelicioussg
Address: 34 Arab St, #01-01
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—8 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6562914252
This restaurant isn’t kidding about its name: it truly is home to all things delicious! Whether you want pasta, pastries, or sandwiches, this place has them all.
I love getting any of the cakes here. My current obsession is the lemon bundt pound cake, which is light and airy, so eating it feels like biting into a cloud. I also really like how the tanginess hits me first, followed by a delicate sweetness. The fresh fruits add a citrusy zing as well.
Pro Tip:
- This restaurant offers catering services.
Tabbouleh Lebanese Cafe and Restaurant
– From: tabboulehlebaneserestaurant
Address: 54 Bussorah St, CUBE – Boutique Capsule Hotel
Distance from Arab Street (on foot): 3 minutes
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10:30 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +6562914100
My friends always recommended Tabbouleh to me, so I decided to finally give it a try. And I have to say that my friends are right: this food served here is just the best.
The menu is filled with classic Lebanese dishes, and my favourite is the chicken salona. The chicken pieces are cooked with jammy tomatoes, so they taste acidic and tangy. They also have a kick of spice in them that makes my tongue tingle. Such a great food to eat with warm rice or bread.
Pro Tip:
- If you want to book a reservation, you need to call the restaurant ahead of time.
Alaturka Mediterranean and Turkish Restaurant
– From: danielfooddiary
Address: 15 Bussorah St
Distance from Arab Street (on foot): 4 minutes
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +6580616981
Another amazing restaurant serving delicious Middle Eastern food in the Arab Street neighbourhood is Alaturka. This one, in particular, specialises in Turkish and Mediterranean cuisines.
I’m obsessed with the visneli kofte or Turkish-style meatballs. These aren’t the meatballs you might be used to. They’re also called sour cherry meatballs, which is apt because they’re very tart like sour cherries.
The meat also has savoury notes, which balance out the tartness. I recommend eating visneli kofte with lavas (elliptical balloon bread) because it absorbs the sauce very well.
Pro Tip:
- If you celebrate your birthday here, you’ll be served with katmer (Turkish pistachio pastry dessert) topped with a birthday candle. If you take a photo during your birthday dinner, the staff also offers to print it for free.
Fika Swedish Cafe and Bistro
– From: fikacafesg
Address: 257 Beach Rd
Distance from Arab Street (on foot): 4 minutes
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11 am to 9 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6563969096
It’s rare to find restaurants serving Swedish cuisine here, so when I discovered Fika Swedish Cafe and Bistro, I was over the moon. It’s now become one of my most cherished restaurants—partly because of the food and partly because of its warm atmosphere.
I can’t say no to their Swedish lamb stew because it’s so hearty. It has lamb, carrots, and onions stewed in a creamy dill broth. The lamb is so tender that it falls off the bone. I pair this dish with artisan bread, and I’m in heaven!
Pro Tip:
- Are you celebrating a birthday, wedding, or any other special event? You can host it here!
Kampong Glam Cafe
– From: cteafairuz
Address: 17 Bussorah St, The House
Distance from Arab Street (on foot): 4 minutes
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday—7:30 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +6562941697
If you’re on a budget, then Kampong Glam Cafe is the best spot for you. The prices here are relatively affordable, and the food is still delicious.
Classic Singaporean fare is the staple here, and among the crowd favourites is laksa. The broth is creamy and spicy, and the noodles have a nice bite to them.
I can eat this as is, though I prefer pairing it with tahu goreng or fried tofu. The tofu serves as extra protein for me, and it also soaks up the broth’s flavours, so every bite is an explosion of spice and umami.
Pro Tip:
- It’s hard to find parking here, so I recommend coming here via public transportation.
The Secret Garden by Zeekri
– From: thesecretgardenbyzeekri
Address: 19 Baghdad St
Distance from Arab Street (on foot): 3 minutes
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9 am to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +6591895663
The Secret Garden by Zeekri lives up to its name. It looks so simple on the outside that I wouldn’t have noticed it if I were just passing by. Plus, the vibe here is super cosy and reminds me of its namesake novel.
Brunch is usually the time I come here, and my go-to order is the Garden Breakfast. This reminds me of the classic English-style breakfast because it comes with a meat sausage, egg, toast, sautéed mushrooms, and tomatoes. Such a hearty meal!
Pro Tip:
- This restaurant also has a high tea experience. It’s only available on weekdays, from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
Positano Risto
– From: positanoristo
Address: 66 Bussorah St
Distance from Arab Street (on foot): 4 minutes
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—12 pm to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—12 pm to 11 pm
Contact Number: +6562921866
Every time I’m hit by a strong craving for Italian food, I immediately go to Positano Risto. This Italian restaurant evokes the romantic feel of an Amalfi Coast town, making it a perfect spot for an intimate date with a partner.
You can’t go wrong with any of the pasta or pizza options. Personally, I always order the Spicy Chicken Pizza. Their signature dough gets all nice and crunchy on the outside, but inside, it’s still pillowy soft.
As for the toppings, this pizza has rosemary baked chicken, black olives, roasted capsicums, and mozzarella cheese. It’s herby, earthy, and—of course—spicy. I’m obsessed!
Pro Tip:
- Plan a special event here, be it with loved ones or your co-workers.
Ayasofya Turkish Restaurant
– From: ayasofya_restaurant_sg
Address: 51 Bussorah St
Distance from Arab Street (on foot): 4 minutes
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +6591340468
Ayasofya Turkish Restaurant is located right next to the Sultan Mosque (aka the mosque with a golden dome that you can see a good distance away), so it’s pretty easy to find. It’s also quite popular among tourists, so prepare to find a crowd.
I’m a big fan of the pide, especially the lamb version. It’s super rich and savoury, and it tastes even better when I drizzle in a generous amount of hot sauce.
Pro Tips:
- Every Ramadan, this restaurant offers special family bundle sets.
- Book your reservation ahead of time to ensure you’ll get a seat.
Cappadocia Turkish and Mediterranean Restaurant
– From: cappadociaturkishrestaurant
Address: 69 Bussorah St
Distance from Arab Street (on foot): 4 minutes
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +6596779072
Cappadocia Turkish and Mediterranean Restaurant is great for family gatherings and the like. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, so you feel at ease and ready to celebrate all the good things in life with your loved ones.
If you are coming here with a group, be sure to get the Mix CAPPA Kebab. This order comes with five cuts of kebabs: lamb, chicken, shish tawook, shish kebab, and chicken wings. All the meat cuts have a lovely smoky, savoury flavour, and they become even more delicious with the buttered rice!
Pro Tip:
- If you want to book their catering services, send a request to [email protected].