13 Stylish Cafes That'll Make You Feel Like You're On Vacay In Bali

Travelling is one of the favourite pastimes of some Singaporeans, no doubt about it. And one of our favourite destinations? Bali, Indonesia.

From the beach and city vibes of Seminyak, resort-like surroundings in Canggu to the fully immersed nature experience of Ubud, there’s something for everyone in Bali. From a casual Japanese joint that transports you to Ubud with its wooden and lush decor to a restaurant flourished in pink accents and fronds wallpaper with a Hawaiian inspired menu, these places will satisfy your wanderlust.

We've rounded up 13 tropical cafes and restaurants that feel like Bali.

1. Jypsy

If you want to feel like you’re in Bali while dining on Japanese food, then Jypsy is the perfect mix of the two. This casual Japanese joint is by PS. Cafe so you can trust that the menu will live up to its aesthetics. From classic maki rolls to unagi fried rice, their menu is filled with Japanese classics while their decor of wooded beams, wicker lanterns, and tropical plants harken to an elegant Bali restaurant.

One Fullerton

2. Knots Cafe And Living

A lifestyle cafe that specialises in sustainable hand-crafted pieces and nourishing food, there’s no denying that Knots Cafe And Living feels just like a nook in Bali. Their menu ranges from brunch classics like Parma Ham Benedict to western signatures like Carbonara and their signature Knots Beef burger. It is also a furniture store where everything is for sale. From blooms around the shop to the decor around the cafe.

#01-07 160 Paya Lebar Rd; tel: 6817-0383

3. Botanico

Nestled within The Summerhouse, Botanico is a bistro-concept that uses fresh produce depending on the season. Its clean modern look is matched with the old charm of its original rafters and window shutters. There’s even an outdoor hidden bar you can visit. The menu is a mix of fusion items that don’t hesitate to highlight fresh produce. Be sure to try out the Miso Cauliflower Steak, the Corn Panipuri and the Ondeh Ondeh.

 3 Park Ln, Level 2 The Summerhouse, Singapore 798387

4. Bee's Knees

Over at Botanic Gardens, Bee’s Knees is a cafe-concept open on the first floor of an enclave. A dog-friendly alfresco cafe, Bee’s Knees is a must for couples and even families. You can choose to sit in their exterior garden seating or inside. Its vibrant and tropical wallpaper together with the wooden chairs feels just like Bali and we love the intimate experience here.

50 Cluny Park Road, Level 1 Singapore Botanic Gardens; tel: 9815-3213

5. The Halia

Another notable in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, The Halia is located right within the Ginger Garden. You can have your pick of indoor or outdoor dining – we love the latter because the combination of wooden decor and being right in the middle of nature really takes you to Bali. But we’d recommend sticking on a mosquito patch or bringing a spray to keep them away. Their Paperbag Oven-Baked Halibut Fillet and Singapore-Style Chili Crab Spaghettini are their greatest hits on the menu and if you plan on visiting, we suggest you add them to your orders.

1 Cluny Road, Ginger Garden Singapore Botanic Gardens; tel: 8444-1148

6. PS. Cafe at Palais Renaissance

PS. Cafe has many locations but their Palais Renaissance one, in particular, takes us to Bali. Its cosy interior is hidden within a Projectshop clothing store and its understated charm is what we love most. The menu is true to savoury cafe classics like their famous truffle shoestring fries as well as indulgent desserts. The lush surrounding is sure to give you a break from the city.

#02-09A Palais Renaissance; tel: 6708-9288

7. La Terrace

La Terrace Dempsey, an extension of the acclaimed Claudine restaurant by Chef Julien Royer, offers a more casual and laid-back French dining experience in the heart of Dempsey Hill. Designed to evoke the charm of a summer escape to the south of France, its ambiance is characterized by an open-air layout, warm terracotta hues, lush greenery, and a semi-open design that allows for natural light and breeze, with a pet-friendly outdoor patio. The menu focuses on French-inspired sharing plates and lighter bites, distinct from Claudine's more formal offerings, featuring dishes like Normandy oysters, shrimp toast, and their signature half roasted chicken served with Niigata rice. Beyond the delightful food, La Terrace boasts an impressive selection of 25 artisanal gins, making it an ideal spot for an unhurried evening, a casual gathering, or simply to embrace "l'art de vivre" – the art of living well.

39C Harding Rd

8. Punch

Take your seating outdoors if you want to gram (or simply dine) near the curtain of tropicals they have. Perfect for a classic brunch – we love their Earl Grey Pancakes and Poached Eggs With Avocado On Sourdough.

32 N Canal Rd; tel: 8398-4300

9. The Summerhouse Garden Domes

The Summerhouse Garden Domes is an immersive dining experience amidst their lush edible garden. And though it’s not necessarily paddy fields, being surrounded by nature and dining in the heart of it certainly makes for a pretty good alternative. For romantic or celebratory events, the garden dome is a perfect place to dine with loved ones. We recommend going at night to dine under the stars. Using only the best ingredients sourced sustainably from The Summerhouse Farms, their set menu has beautiful highlights. Keep in mind that there is a minimum spending of $350++ for two guests on Wednesday to Thursday, $380++ for two guests from Friday to Sunday, and an additional $120++ per person for the third to eighth guests.

3 Park Ln; tel: 8809-5840 

10. Wildseed Cafe at The Alkaff Mansion

Tucked in the lush landscape of flora and fauna, Wildseed Cafe at The Alkaff Mansion stands on the gentle hill of Telok Blangah, This is a pet-friendly floral café and patisserie. Dine inside their unique garden conservatory, and feel immediately transported to another place.

Level 1 The Alkaff Mansion; tel: 8126-8484

11. The Glasshouse

Easily one of the most Instagrammable cafes, The Glasshouse is well-loved for its natural light flooding through its tall glass windows. From the plethora of plants hanging around the cafe to the wood-accented furniture, it’s hard not to feel immediately at ease when you step into this cafe. Their menu is simple and their focus is on artisanal sourdough bread. We highly recommend the Avocado & Dukkah toast, the seasoning is impeccable and filling enough for breakfast or snack.

#01-03 Chijmes; tel: 6900-3237

12. Atipico

Atipico at New Bahru offers a sophisticated modern European culinary experience, stemming from its origins as a private chef company. Their extensive offerings include beautifully crafted French pastries and artisanal breads like honey oat sourdough, alongside a diverse all-day and lunch menu featuring dishes such as Ricotta Tartine and Pumpkin Ravioli. The ambiance is described as intimate and cosy, with a rustic yet modern industrial design that incorporates raw wooden accents and metallic fittings. While the prices are on the mid to higher tier, patrons consistently praise the high quality of the food and the attentive, friendly service. It's a charming spot ideal for a leisurely brunch, a casual meetup, or even a date night, with an aesthetic that's also popular for social media sharing.

46 Kim Yam Rd, #01-15

13. Wheeler's Tropikana

Wheeler's Tropikana, the latest venture from the Wheeler's Group, transports diners to a tropical resort escape right within Singapore's historic Gillman Barracks. This expansive 15,000-square-foot oasis boasts a vibrant, Balinese-inspired ambiance with lush greenery, rattan furnishings, bamboo accents, and colorful murals by local artists, complemented by an outdoor dipping pool (though currently closed) and a spacious al fresco dining area. The culinary offerings lean towards an "Australasian" cuisine, combining influences from Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia, with a menu featuring Italian-inspired sharing plates alongside heartier options and a popular bottomless brunch on weekends. With live music, a wide selection of artisanal gins, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, Wheeler's Tropikana provides a unique sensory journey, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely meal, a casual gathering, or an escape from the urban hustle.

9A Lock Rd, Singapore 108926

This article was first published in The Singapore Women’s Weekly