Chill Vibes All Day Long: A Guide to Cluny Court
Located near Singapore Botanic Gardens, Cluny Court is almost like an alternate world where it’s weekend all the time. In this tiny district, you’re encouraged to relax, treat yourself to good food, and splurge in boutique shops and home decor stores.
Whether you’re looking for a brunch spot or you’re just in a shopping mood, Cluny Court should be your next destination. For recommendations on where to eat and shop there, be sure to read this article.
Things to Know
Address: 501 Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 259760
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact Number: +6564676077
Website
History and Background
Cluny Court started as a cluster of shophouses in 1928, and since these shophouses feature the distinctive architectural style of the past, the Urban Redevelopment Authority decided to conserve them.
Because of this, most of the buildings in Cluny Court still feature the ornate decorative elements that were popular from 1900 to 1940. These elements include fluted columns, bas relief (a certain kind of sculptural relief), and patterned tiles.
Nowadays, Cluny Court houses cafes, restaurants, boutique shops, and other businesses.
How to Get There
MRT: Riding the MRT is the best way to reach Cluny Court. You simply have to disembark at the Botanic Garden Station, which is located on Cluny Park Road.
Bus: If you prefer the bus, you can ride bus services 48, 66, 67, 151, 153, 154, 156, 170, 171, or 186, and alight at the Botanic Gardens MRT station.
Car: There’s a basement car park in Cluny Court; the entrance can be found on Cluny Park Road, next to the French Embassy. The parking rates are S$2.20 for the first hour, then S$1.53 per subsequent half-hour; for motorcycles, it’s S$1 per entry.
Best Time to Visit
Since Cluny Court is open 24/7, you can come here any time you want. That said, I believe that the best time to visit Cluny Court is during the weekdays, preferably in the morning or afternoon.
This is because the place isn’t crowded on weekdays, so you can check out the shops in relative peace. Additionally, most of the dining spots here are open during the day, so if you want to enjoy some good food, it’s best to come early.
Where to Eat
Da Paolo Gastronomia
Location: #01-01
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—7:30 am to 10 pm
Pricing: $$
Contact Number: +6564687010
Website
Da Paolo Gastronomia is the place to go when you’re craving Italian cuisine. This Italian restaurant was established in 1989, and now it has several locations in Singapore, including one in Cluny Court.
Pizza and pasta are the strongest points of this restaurant, and my favorites so far are the smoked salmon pizza and the authentic carbonara. If you want something healthy, you can order the Balanced Bowl, which has grains and vegetables.
If you’re coming for brunch, there are several options for croissants and tea blends.
Relish by Wild Rocket
Location: 02-01
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—11 am to 3:30 pm, 6 to 10 pm
- Saturday—8:30 am to 10:30 pm
- Sunday—8:30 am to 5 pm
Pricing: $$
Contact Number: +6567631547
Website
Another great brunch spot in Cluny Court is Relish by Wild Rocket. This restaurant is mostly known for its burgers; the bestseller is the classic bacon and cheese, but there are also unique options like burgers with poached pears and walnuts.
You can also find other dishes that aren’t burgers here. There are rice bowls (I recommend the salmon red rice donburi), pasta dishes (the crab meat tomato cream linguine is to die for), and more.
If you prefer brunch options, I recommend the Relish Breakfast Plate, which has scrambled eggs, sauteed mushrooms, and more. The wild eggs benedict is also worth trying.
Prairie by Craftsmen
Location: 01-05C
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—8 am to 9 pm
Pricing: $$
Contact Number: +6569729142
Website
Enjoy a soothing dining experience with your friends or family at Prairie by Craftsmen. This cafe features a simple yet elegant interior design, punctuated by green plants among tables and the ceiling; because of this, you’ll feel like you’re dining in a garden.
The menu here is also filled with great brunch options. You can choose the classic omelet or grilled cheese toast, or you’ll want to try something new like the acai granola or waffles with eggs benedict.
If you prefer something more filling, you can’t go wrong with the ribeye steak, roast French chicken, or duck confit. Don’t forget to order a cup of hot coffee or tea to complete your meal.
Simply Bread
Location: 02-07
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—8 am to 7 pm
Pricing: $$
Contact Number: +6567632628
Website
If you’re a massive bread lover, then stopping by Simply Bread should be one of your priorities when visiting Cluny Court.
As the name suggests, this bakery specializes in all things bread. The sourdough is one of the bestsellers, but you can also find other options like ciabatta, baguette, milk plait, and cinnamon loaf.
If you want to buy something to eat ASAP, then feel free to choose any of the sandwiches; personally, I really like the halloumi sandwich (the pan-fried cheese is a winner) and the roast chicken.
Tiong Bahru Bakery
Location: 01-05A/05B
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—7:30 am to 8 pm
Pricing: $$
Contact Number: +6568774897
Website
Tiong Bahru Bakery is one of Singapore’s most beloved bakeries. The fact that it has many locations across the island is proof enough, and luckily, you can find one in Cluny Court.
If it’s bread you want, I recommend you buy the brioche loaf, chocolate loaf, or rosemary focaccia. For people with a sweet tooth, the chocolate tart and the exotic cheesecake are a must-try.
There are also savory options for people who want something more filling. The pulled pork bun is absolutely delicious, and if you don’t eat meat, you can try the za’atar and miso eggplant sandwich.
Plain Vanilla Bakery
Location: 01-03A
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—7:30 am to 7:30 pm
Pricing:
Contact Number: +6583637615
Website
Founded in 2011, Plain Vanilla Bakery is a charming little bakery that looks like a forest clearing or a tropical garden. That’s why it’s a popular choice among people who’ve just visited the Botanic Gardens; the nature-inspired interior is very soothing.
The desserts sold here are just as beautiful. I like to order the box of cupcakes with assorted flavors like strawberry white chocolate, chocolate hazelnut, salted caramel, and Earl Grey lavender; I’m also a big fan of the butterscotch banana cake.
For savory lovers, don’t pass up on the savory tarts. Your flavor options are roasted pumpkin, sage, and pine nuts, and they’re all great, in my opinion.
Ollella
Location: 01-02B
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9:30 am to 6 pm
Pricing: $$
Contact Number: +6566126581
Website
Ollella is a haven for dessert lovers, especially those who love the Singaporean kueh (rice cake). Seriously, there are just so many kueh options, such as kueh lapis (layered rice cakes) and ondeh ondeh (rice cake balls with molten palm sugar filling).
If you want to enjoy as many kueh variations as possible, you can order a bamboo platter, which offers 35 to 65 pieces! That’s enough to share with the whole family (or you can keep everything to yourself; I won’t judge).
Aside from kueh, Ollella sells other local favorite snacks like lemper ebi (stir-fried dried shrimp sandwiched between two layers of glutinous rice), salted egg yam cake, and lemper ayam (spiced chicken floss sandwiched between two layers of glutinous rice).
GeloBuna
Location: 01-03B
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—8:30 am to 9:30 pm
Pricing: $$
If you’re looking for a quiet spot to enjoy your day, you should stop by GeloBuna. This quaint little spot specializes in gelato, making it a perfect refuge during hot and humid days.
You can also order waffles and ice cream, which is my go-to snack. The crispiness of the waffles paired with the cold sweetness of the gelato is hard to beat.
If you’re a big fan of coffee, you’ll also be delighted to know that this shop sells specialty coffee. And since there’s alfresco seating, you can enjoy your hot brew while enjoying the quiet activity of Cluny Court.
Where to Shop
EGA Juice Clinic
Location: 01-04A
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—8 am to 7 pm
Contact Number: +6582028360
Website
Planning to start a healthier lifestyle? Then, be sure to grab a few drinks at EGA Juice Clinic!
EGA Juice Clinic is a wellness store that sells sugar-free fresh juices, juice cleanses, and many other supplemental drinks. You can also find energizer tea, detox pills, and blood/liver cleansers.
Personally, I really like the fresh juice options, especially Simply Mean Green (cucumber, celery, apple, kale, lemon juice, and ginger).
There are also beauty and skincare products here. Bestsellers include coconut oil for your air, wild turmeric soap, and natural hair cleanser.
Kew Organics
Location: 03-03
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—11:30 am to 8:30 pm
- Saturday—10 am to 7 pm
- Closed on Sunday
Contact Number: +6567673008
Website
For people who love having a skincare routine (or those who want to start one), Kew Organics is the place to go in Cluny Court. This shop sells a wide range of products, from cleansers to specialty serums.
While most of the products here are focused on the face, there are also options for other body parts. For example, there’s a serum that supposedly tightens and reduces wrinkles on your neck!
The great thing about Kew Organics is that all the products are made from fresh ingredients. They’re also vegan, so no need to worry about these products being tested on animals.
The Fishwives
Location: #01-05A/05B
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—10 am to 7 pm
- Saturday—9 am to 7 pm
- Sunday—9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Contact Number: +6588090938
Website
If you’re planning to shop for groceries, you should check out The Fishwives.
Established in the 1990s, The Fishwives is mostly known for its selection of high-quality fish and meat options. But it also provides other products like artisan cheeses, chocolates and other snacks, and natural yogurts.
You can even find skincare items, candles, and books here! Truly, The Fishwives is a great example of a one-stop shop.
Bastide Colombe
Location: 02-27
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—10 am to 7 pm
- Sunday—10 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +6581028637
Website
In the mood for footwear? Then, head to Bastide Colombe and pick yourself a pair (or two)!
This shop in Cluny Court specializes in espadrilles, which are shoes that originate from Spain. Made from luxurious leathers and organic cotton, espadrilles are noted for their lightness and comfort.
Bastide Colombe also has other footwear options if you don’t want espadrilles. Wedges, flats, or sneakers—whatever it is you want, you’ll find it here.
Oasis
Location: 02-15
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 7 pm
Contact Number: +6588926392
Website
Another shop that will delight all the skincare fans is Oasis. This charming shop creates all their products in-house, so you can’t find their products anywhere else.
The bestsellers here are solid shampoos (very convenient when traveling), hydrating booster serums, and facial toners. You can also find scented products here, like candles, perfume oils, incense, and room mists.
Lemongrass & Aubergine
Location: 02-26
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—10 am to 7 pm
- Sunday—10 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +6564630752
Website
Something whimsical awaits you at Lemongrass & Aubergine!
This boutique shop is known for its variety of adorable products, which are mostly houseware products. So, if you’re ever looking to decorate your home, this is the shop for you.
Personally, I love shopping for their colorful rugs and cushions, and the plates with illustrations are pretty adorable too. They also have notebooks and other stationery products here if you’re into journaling or scrapbooking.
Rye
Location: 02-03
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—10 am to 7 pm
- Sunday—10 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +6586604416
Website
Find your style at Rye! This womenswear brand in Singapore is noted for its focus on simplicity, but don’t worry because even though the clothes may seem simple at first glance, they actually give off elegant and chic vibes.
You can find a variety of apparel options here. Tops, trousers, skirts, and dresses are the bestsellers, but there are also jackets, scarves, and loungewear.
The shop has included non-clothing products as well. So far, they’ve begun selling bags, scented candles, and water bottles.
Cia Maritima
Location: 02-02
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—10 am to 7 pm
- Sunday—10 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +6596901215
Website
When you’re planning to hit the beach, you want to look good and show off your summer bod, don’t you? If yes, then you might want to hit up Cia Maritima, a beachwear shop in Cluny Court!
Cia Maritima is actually a popular brand in Brazil; it has been around for more than 30 years, and all the items are made in-house. So, expect to find high-quality beachwear here.
Aside from all the bikinis, beach hats, and other forms of beachwear, this shop also has an activewear selection. So, even if you don’t like to go to the beach but you love jogging or hiking, this shop has something in store for you.
Capsule by Juliette
Location: 02-02
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—10 am to 7 pm
- Sunday—10 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +6583338705
Website
Dress up like a Parisian woman by buying your clothes at Capsule by Juliette.
This shop features clothes by French fashion designer Juliette Capillaire. She wants her collection to be timeless and eco-friendly, which is why she chooses to follow “slow fashion” instead of mass-produced fast fashion.
Because of this, the clothes here are only up for a limited time; they’re also unique. So, if you want your style to stand out, you might want to shop here.
Rue Madame
Location: 02-11
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday—10 am to 7 pm
- Sunday—10 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +6564635347
Website
Rue Madame was established in France in 1950, and in the last 70 years, it’s become popular all over the world. In fact, there are currently about 100 store locations worldwide, including one in Singapore.
The curated selection of clothes is noted for vibrant abstract patterns and luxurious feel. The clothes also span a wide range of styles, so whether you want something contemporary or luxurious, you’ll find the outfit for you.
There are also fashion accessories available if you want a bag or necklace to go with your outfit.
Mo Li Hua
Location: 02-29
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 7 pm
Contact Number: +6596219453
Website
Treat yourself to something fancy at Mo Li Hua. This shop sells designer watches and gorgeous jewelry pieces that will add a shimmer to your day-to-day outfits.
Aside from selling watches and jewelry, Mo Li Hua offers a few services. You can ask to get your watch or jewelry repaired or maybe get it cleaned; you can also ask for a jewelry certification.