A Day of Quiet Fun: Underrated Hangout Places in Singapore
Singapore is a vibrant country with many world-class destinations, so it’s relatively easy to find exciting things to do with your friends or family. But sometimes, you’re not in the mood to be surrounded by crowds, but you still want to hang out.
I’ve experienced this dilemma far too many times, but luckily, I’ve discovered that there are many hangout places in Singapore that are secluded or located in secret locations. You should check out at least one of them during your stay!
What are the best underrated hangout places in Singapore?
Hole-in-the-Wall Cafes and Dessert Shops
I don’t know about you, but for me, getting a good cup of coffee or tea and a slice of decadent cake is a great way to hang out with a friend. It’s such a simple activity, yet so memorable and comforting.
If this is your preferred way to go out with your friends, you’ll love the hole-in-the-wall cafe and dessert shop suggestions I have below for you.
DAWN
- Address: 78 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058708
- Operating Hours: 8 am to 5 pm (weekdays), 9 am to 5 pm (Saturdays, holidays), closed on Sundays
- What You Must Try: Black coffee (S$4.50), lemon pound loaf cake (S$5), brownie (S$6)
On the outside, DAWN has an unassuming stately wooden door, but the moment you step inside, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Japan. Designed like a Japanese home, it has a minimalistic design and light colors to brighten the space.
The cafe is definitely a small one—it literally can only hold 10 people at a time—but the vibes are just immaculate. This is the kind of place where my friend and I just lose track of time as we’re catching up with each other’s lives while sipping a drink.
I even love coming here by myself sometimes. The quiet lets me focus on the book I’m reading or the project I’m working on.
It also helps that they offer a good variety of pastries, and I enjoy getting a taste of as many of them as possible.
Traveler’s Tip: Try not to speak too loud if you’re hanging out here. Considering the small space, it’s easy for your voice to carry and distract other people.
Suzuki Coffee
- Address: 8 Chin Bee Ave, Singapore 619932
- Operating Hours: 10 am to 5 pm (Tuesdays to Fridays), 10 am to 4 pm (weekends), closed on Mondays and public holidays
- What You Must Try: Hokkaido Latte (S$8), Long Black (S$7), Matcha/Hojicha Latte (S$9)
Speaking of Japanese-themed cafes, another one you might be interested in checking out is Suzuki Coffee. Just like DAWN, Suzuki Coffee is inspired by the tranquility you usually find in Japanese tea houses.
The interior is minimalist with wooden furnishings, and you can also spot pots of bonsai trees within the space. You can even find a shishi-odoshi, a fountain made from a hollow bamboo branch that’s common in Japanese gardens.
The highlight of this cafe is, of course, its wide assortment of coffee drinks. But while most coffee shops use the typical dairy milk, Suzuki Coffee makes use of fresh Hokkaido milk.
And I have to say the Hokkaido milk really makes a difference: the flavor profile is richer and creamier than most of the coffee drinks I’ve tried.
If you’re lactose intolerant, you can switch the Hokkaido milk with Japanese soy milk. It still tastes just as good.
Traveler’s Tip: Not a coffee drinker? Don’t worry, you can try their matcha drinks instead.
Nanyang Old Coffee
- Address: 268 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058817
- Operating Hours: 7 am to 6:30 pm (daily)
- What You Must Try: Hot kopi O (S$2.10), iced kopi (S$2.90), Hainanese Chicken A La Crème (S$9.90)
Kopi, Singapore’s signature coffee, goes a long way back, and if you and a friend want to experience the traditional kopi culture, you can never go wrong with Nanyang Old Coffee. Here, you get traditionally made kopi paired with the iconic kaya toast.
But you know what makes Nanyang Old Coffee stand out? It’s the fact that it also doubles as a museum dedicated to the history of kopi on the island!
The first time I came here with my friend, we actually spent more time browsing through the artifacts and reading the displayed information about kopi. Then, we settled down, ordered our drinks (iced kopi for me, hot for her), and just chatted about everything.
We liked hanging out here so much that we eventually decided to return with our other friends. We also decided to attend one of the coffee workshops offered here.
Learning about how traditional kopi is made was fun, but I don’t think we did a great job (our kopi tasted way too bitter than we liked). That said, we still had a blast.
Traveler’s Tip: If you’re in the mood for a bit of sightseeing, you can check out the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, which is only a short walk away.
Fahrenheit Coffee
- Address: 75 Beach Rd, #01-00A, Singapore 189689
- Operating Hours: 8 am to 6 pm (daily)
- What You Must Try: Black coffee (S$5), iced dirty matcha (S$8.50), banana bread (S$6.50)
The cafes mentioned in this list are located in secluded spots, but somehow, I was still surprised to learn where Fahrenheit Coffee is located: within a spa center. Specifically, this cafe occupies the reception area of SPACLUB.
Because of its location, Fahrenheit Coffee is oozing with chill vibes. The menu is pretty standard, but I love coming by here with friends just for the atmosphere.
I have to say that I really like the white coffee here: it actually has a chocolatey taste, and the almond nuts add a really nice texture to the drink. The acidity is also mild, which I appreciate because incredibly acidic drinks upset my stomach easily.
Of course, I also love tasting the dessert offerings. So far, my friends and I have tried the banana bread, cardamom bun, and butter cookie canele, and my favorite has to be the last one.
Crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, it’s so addictive!
Traveler’s Tip: Since you’re already here, you and your companion might as well book a session at the spa. Getting a massage is such a great way to unwind with friends.
La Ristrettos Coffee Roastery
- Address: 10 Sinaran Dr, #08-37, Novena Medical Centre, Singapore 307506
- Operating Hours: 8 am to 7 pm (weekdays), 8 am to 2 pm (Saturdays), closed on Sundays
- What You Must Try: Double espresso (S$3), regular dark cherry lemonade (S$3.50), Bis Ristrettos (S$15.80)
La Ristretto Coffee Roastery is technically a cafe, but my friends and I actually treat it more as a brunch spot. Aside from its various coffee offerings, this place also comes with all-day breakfast meals and burgers.
Plus, the cafe features a charming interior, so we really just feel like we’re at home when we come here.
My go-to order is the Big Ristrettos because it’s jam-packed with all the good stuff: salsiccia pork sausage, honey-glazed ham, and scrambled eggs. As for my friends, they tend to like the buttermilk pancakes with either smoked salmon or streaky bacon.
When we’re tired of the breakfast meals, we usually try out the various pasta dishes. The one with thin-sliced ribeye is to die for!
Traveler’s Tip: From my experience, it takes some time for the food, especially the all-day breakfast meals, to be served, so be patient. Take this opportunity to share exciting stories with your companion.
Lee’s Confectionery
- Address: 343 Jurong East Street 31, #01-59, Singapore 600343
- Operating Hours: 12 to 6 pm (Wednesdays to Sundays), closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
- What You Must Try: Madu (S$9.50), Otto (S$10.20), Chocolate Sorbet (S$16)
The interesting thing about Lee’s Confectionery is that its storefront is easily overlooked. It’s located by an HDB parking lot, so most people just pass by it.
But when you actually make your way inside? It’s like dessert paradise!
The shop specializes in French pastry, and my goodness, the desserts served here are nothing short of beautiful. One of the bestsellers is Dale, a vibrant green dessert with a matcha sponge and mousse and a passionfruit compote on top of a butter cookie.
Dale is so tiny that I can actually eat it in one bite, but I can hardly complain because the flavors are complex and layered. And when paired with the zesty matcha citron ice cream, it just tickles my taste buds in the best way possible.
There are still other desserts here, and my friends and I have already planned to come back here to taste more of them.
Traveler’s Tip: Lee’s Confectionery features seasonal flavors, so be sure to try them out when you can.
Cotta
- Address: 104A Tg Pagar Rd, Singapore 088524
- Operating Hours: 1:30 to 10:30 pm (Mondays, Fridays), 6:30 to 10:30 pm (Wednesdays and Thursdays), 1:30 to 11 pm (Fridays), 12:30 to 11 pm (weekends), closed on Tuesdays
- What You Must Try: Matcha Goma Cookie Sandwich (S$7), Matcha Yuzu Tart (S$9), TRIO (S$11)
Out of all the cafes and shops I mentioned for this section, Cotta is my favorite, hands-down.
Don’t get me wrong. I love the other places I mentioned, but Cotta is a specialty ice cream shop, and as a dessert person, this is like heaven to me.
Housed in a mini attic with a pitched roof, Cotta gives off a warm and cozy atmosphere to its guests. But its array of desserts makes you feel like you’re in a fancy restaurant: the offerings are unique twists to famous flavors, so you’ll really be intrigued with them.
Matcha seems to be their favorite ingredient to work with, just based on the menu, but I’m not complaining because I love it. Matcha Goma Cookie Sandwich was the first thing I tried here, and I really liked its earthy flavor and distinctive black sesame taste.
Another favorite of mine is the Matcha Yuzu Tart. The creamy yuzu compote and matcha gelato pair well with the crispy tart shell, and I liked how the slight bitterness of matcha contrasts with the citrusy notes of the yuzu.
Cotta is also quite an Instagram-worthy place. Aside from trying out the unique dishes, my friend and I love taking photos of the shop and our order every time we come here.
Traveler’s Tip: Other desserts I recommend are the Cotta Waffles, Sicilian Pistachio, and Roasted Corn and Gorgonzola.
Hidden Bars and Secret Speakeasies
It’s no secret that Singapore is teeming with amazing bars and lively nightclubs, and they’re great places to hang out with people. But many of them are in demand, so it’s always packed with so many people.
Do you want a quiet night out with friends but still enjoy the finest alcoholic drinks? Well, then hidden bars and secret speakeasies are here for you.
GOHO Kaiseki & Bar
- Address: 53A Duxton Rd, Entrance via RAPPU, Singapore 089517
- Operating Hours: 6 pm to 12 am (Wednesdays and Thursdays), 12 to 2 pm, 6 pm to 12 am (Fridays and Saturdays), 6 to 10:30 pm (Sundays), closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
- What You Must Try: Wasabi & Peach (S$22), Cedarwood & White Grape (S$24), Manotsuru Sado Junmai Daiginjo (S$34)
Everything about GOHO is just perfection, in my opinion. The ambiance is a combination of cozy and elegant, and the array of drinks is impressive.
But the most outstanding feature of this hideaway bar is its food.
GOHO serves meals that are prepared through the five culinary techniques of Japanese cuisine: nama (cutting), niru (simmering), yaku (grilling), musu (steaming), and ageru (deep-frying). They’re also plated so gorgeously that you’ll be tempted not to eat them.
But once you do take a bite, you’ll be taken aback by the exquisite flavors. I’m not a professional food critic, but I genuinely have never tasted dishes like the ones at GOHO.
My friends and I actually end up talking more about the food than anything else when we come here. So far, our favorites are the stuffed tebasaki (boneless chicken wing with diced unagi, sudachi sancho yare, and yuzu sabayon) and the seasonal tempura.
Traveler’s Tip: If possible, perch up at the Kaiseki counter because it has the best seats in the house.
The Hidden Story
- Address: 115A E Coast Rd, Singapore 428804
- Operating Hours: 6 pm to 12 am (Mondays to Saturdays), closed on Sundays
- What You Must Try: Roche Mazet Cabernet Sauvignon (S$58), Turtle Cape (S$20), Cheese Board (S$19)
Picture this: you and your friends grab dinner at Stirling Steaks, and once you’ve finished your meal, you’ve decided that you need drinks to end the night on a high note. So, you tell one of the staff, and they lead you right to…a freezer door.
Don’t worry, you’re not going to step inside a freezing room with slabs of meat. Instead, you’re walking inside The Hidden Story, a speakeasy that pays homage to the illicit bars during the Prohibition Era in America.
The interior invokes dark and moody vibes, and I like that because it makes me feel like I’m in a neo-noir movie. The menu is extensive, with both drinks and snacks, so it’s easy to lose track of time when hanging out here.
The bestselling drinks are undeniably delicious, but my favorite has to be the Lavender Negroni. It never occurred to me that floral notes could work in an alcoholic drink, but this one proved to me that it’s possible.
Traveler’s Tip: If you’re a whisky lover, you don’t want to miss out on the 25-year-old Caol Ila.
The Elephant Room
- Address: 20A Teck Lim Rd, Singapore 088391
- Operating Hours: 5 pm to 12 am
- What You Must Try: Indian Lion Cocktail (S$25), Chickpea Chaat Salad (S$18), Coconut Sambal (S$20)
The great thing about The Elephant Room is that they don’t just serve the same cocktails that you see in other bars. Instead, they offer specialty cocktails that are inspired by Indian states—and who doesn’t want themed drinks?
I came here once with my friends, and I remember that it took me quite some time to choose my drink because I got distracted by the menu.
Everything just looked enticing! How can I choose from cocktails with names like Indian Lion and Cocktail Asura?
Eventually, I ordered Laddooooo, which is inspired by the Andhra Pradesh State. It’s a cocktail made from Two Indies Rum, saffron, and coconut marshmallow. I’ve never tried an alcoholic drink with marshmallow before, but somehow, this one worked.
I can’t wait to come back here again. The modern atmosphere is just so inviting, and of course, I’d love to try the other drinks on the menu.
Traveler’s Tip: If you’re hungry, the menu also has some meals. I suggest ordering the Indian Fried Chicken Burger because that one is delicious and filling.
Live Twice
- Address: 18-20 Bukit Pasoh Rd, Singapore 089834
- Operating Hours: 6 pm to 12 am (Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays), 6 pm to 2 am (Fridays and Saturdays), closed on Tuesdays
- What You Must Try: Coconut Alexander Cocktail (S$26), Stingray Fin and Kosho Aioli (S$16), Wagyu Katsu Sando (S$44)
Live Twice is inspired by mid-century Japan, and you can definitely feel the influences of the bygone era in its interior design.
The drinks served here are also unique. There are cocktails with interesting ingredients like Idyll Pine Forest Soda and Hokkaido soft water.
Just like my experience with The Elephant, my friends and I spent a lot of time perusing the menu before ordering something. Eventually, I settled with Coconut Alexander for the cocktail, which had an interesting flavor profile, while my friends picked Mizuwari.
I also ordered the Wagyu Katsu Sando, which I’m obsessed with!
I’m convinced that any dish with wagyu is instantly a winner. The meat quality is just out of this world!
Traveler’s Tip: Do you like the cocktails served here? It’s possible you can buy a bottled version. Just approach the staff, and they’ll help you right away.
Bar Stories
- Address: 55-57A Haji Ln, Singapore 189248
- Operating Hours: 5:30 to 11:30 pm (Sundays to Thursdays), 5:30 pm to 12 am (Fridays and Saturdays)
- What You Must Try: Bespoke Cocktail (S$19–25), F1 Kagoshima Wagyu Striploin 100g (S$45), Stockyard’s Angus Ribeye 300g (S$65)
If you and your friends are strolling along Arab Street, you might want to head to Bar Stories for your drinks and meals since it’s just a short walk away.
What makes Bar Stories stand out is the fact that they actually don’t have any cocktail menu. Instead, bartenders will strike up a conversation with you, and they will create a cocktail for you based on that conversation!
When I came here, they gave me a cocktail that was sweet and had a bit of a citrusy tang. I really liked that drink, and I felt like the bartender read my mind when he was making it (if you couldn’t tell, I really have a weakness for anything sweet).
Aside from the drinks, their food menu is impeccable as well. My friends and I tried the Wagyu striploin and the Angus ribeye, and my goodness, they were so addictively delicious!
Traveler’s Tip: If you love dessert like me, I suggest trying out the Sakura Malabi. It’s cherry blossom milk pudding with rhubarb jam and compressed strawberries. I’ve never tasted anything quite like it!
Bitters & Love
- Address: 118 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068587
- Operating Hours: 6 pm to 12 am (Wednesdays to Saturdays), 12 to 4 pm (Sundays), closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
- What You Must Try: Slow-cooked beef cheeks (S$33), handmade meatball pasta (S$25), Kaya Toast Cocktail (S$19)
Just like Bar Stories, Bitters & Love is a bespoke cocktail bar. In other words, the bartenders will converse with you to create a custom cocktail on the spot.
The bespoke cocktail that I got here is actually something I’ll always remember because of the unique presentation. It was a whisky-based cocktail with passionfruit and rosemary, and it was served in a suspended plastic bag like it was a takeaway kopi.
Aside from the interesting presentation, I also really enjoyed the drink. It tasted fruity with strong notes of tartness; I almost forgot that it actually was an alcoholic drink!
If you’re hungry, this bar comes with a substantial array of filling dishes.
Personally, I loved the handmade meatball pasta and the truffle carbonara. The latter was my friend’s order, but she let me taste it, and I instantly regretted not ordering this as well.
Traveler’s Tip: There are almost no parking lots near this bar, so driving here isn’t a great idea. You can ride the train instead. The Clark Quay station is just a short walk away.
The Dragon Chamber
- Address: 2 Circular Rd, Singapore 049358
- Operating Hours: 11 am to 3 pm, 5 to 10:30 pm (Tuesdays to Sundays), closed on Mondays
- What You Must Try: Concubine Cooler (S$21), Baigroni (S$29), Golden Cloud Dragon Mountain—small (S$98)
The Dragon Chamber is another one of those secret speakeasies that are just so fun to find. Essentially, its facade is a kopitiam, and at the sight of it, you falter and start questioning yourself (I certainly did the first time I came here).
Then, a hostess welcomes you and beckons you toward the beer fridge. But instead of getting a beer, you instead find yourself stepping into a whole new world, and you then realize that yep, this is the place.
The best part about The Dragon Chamber is its menu: not only does it have a variety of drinks, but it also has so many à la carte meals. There are even set meals if you’re traveling with a group!
Understandably, since I’ve only visited this place once, I only got to taste a few of its offerings. That said, I really loved the Golden Cloud Dragon Mountain (it’s fried whole lobsters smothered in a sweet and savory golden egg floss) and the Baigroni.
So, best believe that I’ll be coming back to this hidden bar soon. I just need to book a hangout with my friends.
Traveler’s Tip: If you’re with an incredibly large group, do yourself a favor and order the set meal. It’s already jam-packed with so many of the bar’s bestsellers.
Secluded Restaurants
If you and your friends are in the mood to treat yourself to a bit of fine dining, then elegant restaurants might be what you’re looking for.
Luckily, fancy restaurants aren’t just exclusively in the city center. Some are in remote locations, giving you the peace and privacy you’ve been craving.
Bincho @ Hua Bee
- Address: 78 Moh Guan Terrace, #01-19, Singapore 162078
- Operating Hours: 6 pm to 12 am (Wednesdays), 12 to 4 pm, 6 pm to 12 am (Thursdays to Sundays), closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
- What You Must Try: Grilled Miso Cod (S$58), Grilled Hokkaido Pork Belly with Black Garlic Sauce (S$68), Grilled Tochigi A4 Wagyu (S$138)
It’s tough for me to categorize Bincho because it’s one of those establishments that toe the line between being a bar and a restaurant. That said, it’s definitely a charming hideaway dining spot nestled in the heritage neighborhood of Moh Guan Terrace.
Bincho’s aesthetics are a combination of vintage, modern, and grungy elements, providing a unique dining experience to the guests. Additionally, the menu is filled with dishes you’d typically find in fine-dining restaurants.
My friends and I splurged on the grilled Tochigi A4 Wagyu and the A5 Hida Wagyu sando and truffle, and we had no regrets because they tasted so heavenly. I also tried out their strawberry mochi for dessert, and it satisfied my sweet cravings immensely.
If you want drinks, you have many options, including cocktails, daiginjo, and kajitsushu. You and your friends will definitely be full by the time you finish your hangout session.
Traveler’s Tip: If you’re with a large group, there are set menus to choose from.
Gardenasia
- Address: 240 Neo Tiew Cres, Singapore 718898
- Operating Hours: 10:30 am to 4:45 pm (Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays), 10:30 am to 9:45 pm (Fridays and Saturdays), closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
- What You Must Try: Caesar Salad (S$18), Pan-Roasted Lamb Rack with Mint Sauce (S$32), locally-made gelato per scoop (S$5)
Gardenasia is far from a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, but I still think it’s private enough that people craving a serene moment with their loved ones will love this place.
Seriously, you can’t get any cozier than Gardenasia. This is a bistro on farmland, so greenery is all you can see, and fresh air is all you can breathe.
But the best part of this bistro is that it provides a farm-to-table experience. All the meals are made from locally sourced ingredients, so you can taste the freshness with every bite.
My favorites to try here are always the salads. They have a good variety, such as the classic Caesar Salad, but I personally think the Local Farm Salad is much better.
I also love their pan-roasted lamb rack and the grilled ribeye with red wine sauce.
Even when we’re full, my friends and I still order the Nibbles Platter and the various desserts. Some of us also love ordering their farm-fresh drinks, while others prefer the traditional teapot.
Traveler’s Tip: If you’re an ice cream lover, you might be interested in purchasing one of their gelatos.
Keef the Beef Steakhouse
- Address: 200 Turf Club Rd, #01 – 12, Singapore 287994
- Operating Hours: 11:30 am to 3 pm, 5 to 11 pm (Wednesdays to Mondays), 5 to 11 pm (Tuesdays)
- What You Must Try: Wagyu F1 MBS 5–6 OP Rib (S$ 22 per 100g), Lobster Tagliatelle (S$48), charcuterie board (S$49)
If you’re a massive steak lover, Keef the Beef Steakhouse should be the next one on your restaurants-to-check-out list. As you can guess from the name, this restaurant specializes in quality steak dinners.
This place was actually founded quite recently—during the COVID pandemic lockdown, to be more specific—but in that time, it has actually grown into the elegant dining space it is now.
When I came here with my friends, we genuinely thought we were at a Michelin-starred restaurant. The ambiance was just so luxurious, and the dishes were plated so beautifully.
We’ve tried a few of the Wagyu steaks, and they were melt-in-your-mouth perfect. We also splurged a bit on the drinks, and we had no regrets about doing it.
Traveler’s Tip: If you really don’t know which meal to order, I suggest starting with The PL. It’s the steakhouse’s signature dish, and I think it delivers the perfect first impression to guests.
HUI
- Address: 10b Rochester Park, Singapore 139259
- Operating Hours: 11 am to 10 pm (daily)
- What You Must Try: Seven-course tasting menu (S$158), four-course discovery lunch (S$68)
Treat yourself and your loved ones to a grand dining experience by going to HUI. After all, this restaurant specializes in Chinese cuisine with a sophisticated twist.
The best way to experience the dishes here is by requesting the multi-course set. I’d suggest getting the seven-course tasting menu simply because it offers more variety, but if you prefer a cheaper version, you can always just opt for the four-course set.
If you’re not interested at all to try the set menu, you can always order à la carte. I’ve personally tried the caviar pasta and truffle fries, and I enjoyed them so much that I recommend them to everyone.
The drink selection is also impressive. I mean, they have a Penfolds 389 Cabernet Shiraz!
When I have a momentous occasion to celebrate, I’d like to come back here with my loved ones, buy that particular bottle, and we’ll drink it until there’s nothing left.
Traveler’s Tip: If you’re planning to reserve and your group is more than five people, keep in mind that they’ll ask for an authorization hold of S$50 per person. They’ll also hold your reservation for only 15 minutes after opening.
Cacio e Pepe
- Address: 3 Chu Lin Rd, Singapore 669890
- Operating Hours: 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 6 to 10:30 pm (Tuesdays to Sundays), closed on Mondays
- What You Must Try: Linguine al Cartoccio (S$26), Risotto al Nero de Seppia (S$20), Carnivore Pizza (S$27)
If you’re craving all things Italian, then Cacio e Pepe is where you should go.
This restaurant is almost like the Italian cuisine paradise in Singapore. It offers dishes for every meal structure, so you’ll really get the traditional Italian dining experience here.
Since we wanted to honor the traditional Italian meal structure, my friends and I ordered one for each course. It’s been a while since I’ve been to this restaurant, but I could still remember us starting with calamari, then ending with panna cotta.
We ate so much carbs here that by the time we got to the pizza, we were ready to go into a food coma.
But it was worth it, though. To this day, we still share ridiculous stories about how full we were and how much we want to return to get stuffed again.
Traveler’s Tip: You don’t have to order something for every course, especially if you don’t think you and your companions can’t finish them. But do try to get a variety of dishes for a well-rounded experience.
Under Der Linden
- Address: 5B Portsdown Rd, #01-02, Singapore 139311
- Operating Hours: 10 am to 10 pm (Sundays to Thursdays), 10 am to 11 pm (Fridays and Saturdays)
- What You Must Try: Linden’s Big Breakfast (S$27), Forest Mushroom Risotto (S$25), Umami Surf & Turf (S$34)
I knew I’d like Under Der Linden the moment I stepped inside. The interior reminds me of cottagecore aesthetics, and I learned from the staff that it’s actually inspired by the medieval German lyrical poet Walther von der Vogelweide.
To be more specific, the restaurant’s inspiration was Vogelweide’s poem about young lovers meeting “under the lime trees,” hence why the establishment is named as such. Basically, the whole place just feels so romantic and cozy, which I absolutely love.
And of course, the food here is phenomenal. The Big Breakfast alone quenches my hunger, and their risotto dishes feature interesting flavor combinations that make my mouth water every time.
Even though my friends and I treat this restaurant as a place to gather and catch up with each other, I also think this would serve as a date night destination. So, if you’re planning a romantic night with your partner, feel free to consider this restaurant.
Traveler’s Tip: The portions are generous here, so if you struggle with finishing your meals, you can order something under the “Small Plates” section of the menu.
Other Tips to Consider When Hanging Out in Underrated Places
The places I mentioned above may be underrated hangout places, but they definitely promise good food and a good time. To ensure that you have the best experience, allow me to share a few general tips that have helped me and my friends:
- Try to come as early as possible. Many of the places I mentioned don’t have a lot of seating areas, so it would be best if you come as soon as possible so that you can have your pick of seats.
- If possible, reserve a table. While we’re on the topic of hangout spots with small spaces, I would also suggest that you reserve the table if that option is available. That way, you and your friends will have a sure spot when you arrive.
- Don’t go overboard with the food. I know I sometimes suggest ordering a variety of dishes, but if you know you get full easily, don’t order too much.
- Share! If you really want to taste as many dishes without ordering too many, you can always strike up an agreement with your companions to share with each other. That seems more fun, don’t you think?
- Prepare the directions. Many of the hangout places are hard to find, so you need the help of Google Maps to navigate your way. It will also help if you have pictures of the facade or front door, so you’ll know what to look out for.
- Do some sightseeing after. Once you’ve had your fill, I suggest doing some sightseeing after. You don’t have to go to a famous tourist spot; just walking around the block sounds nice enough.