Family-Friendly Restaurants in Singapore

By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak
Published: July 18, 2024
Young family eating lunch together

What makes a restaurant family friendly? Ask most parents of small kids and they’ll likely say play areas and activity corners first, baby-changing facilities second and a decent kids’ menu third (or, better still, a kids-eat-free option). Good news: Singapore is a fab destination to visit as a family, boasting not only a world-class zoo, great theme parks, an aquarium and dozens of other kiddie-tastic attractions, but also a plethora of cafés and restaurants that are perfect for families and that raise the bar well above the usual soulless international fast food joints. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of those too!

We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite family-friendly Singapore eateries, from toddler-pleasing cafés with playgrounds to rip-roaring restaurants for ravenous teenagers.

Open Farm Community

Let’s start as we (sort of) mean to go on with a healthy option that won’t have the kiddos turning their noses up in disgust. The Open Farm Community is a verdant urban oasis, just south of Singapore’s sprawling Botanic Gardens. Wander among beds of organic herbs and vegetables in the restaurant’s expansive grounds, the air heavy with the scent of basil and thyme. Pause for family selfies by the arty sculptures and challenge the kids to a game of bowls on the lawn. Appetite well and truly worked up, you’ll love the menu of garden-fresh crowd-pleasers that includes bolognese, fish and chips and flatbreads for the kids, and sharing platters of salmon, duck and eggplant for the grown-ups. Yum.

Find it: 130E Minden Road, Singapore 248819

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Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari

Sticking with the green theme, Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari is pretty much next door to the Open Farm Community, so an ideal pitstop if you’re staying in the sassy Dempsey Hill neighborhood. Expect a range of breads and pastries and dine-in dishes including sourdough waffles and fresh garden salads. The safari theme includes plenty of lush tropical foliage around a large tent (for that outdoorsy eating vibe), as well as a fab playground and an edible garden for intrepid young jungle explorers to discover. It’s from right here that the ingredients for this eatery’s salads are plucked daily, though you can of course opt for a great big slab of carrot cake and a coffee instead.

Find it: 130E Minden Road, Singapore 248819

Bayswater Kitchen

Lazy weekend brunches don’t get much more perfect than at Bayswater Kitchen, a breezy, informal diner overlooking Keppel Bay Marina. The Sunday menu, served 11AM–3PM (also public holidays), is particularly good. Parents can grab a table al fresco and gorge on freshly shucked oysters and whole grilled snapper with bottomless prosecco while watching the yachts bobbing gently in the turquoise waters. For kids: classics including burgers and fish and chips. Foosball and ping-pong tables and a playground should also keep them entertained long enough to justify just one more glass of prosecco...

Find it: 2 Keppel Bay Vista, Singapore 098382

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Trapizza

Just across the bay on the northern tip of sunny Sentosa Island, Trapizza is about as family-friendly as Singapore restaurants come. Close enough to the shore to dip your toes in the bay’s warm waters, this is a pizza joint par excellence, with a huge range of 16-inch sharing options with classic toppings from Siciliana to quattro formaggi and – love it or loathe it – Hawaiian. Kids can go solo with build your own bento lunches including a choice of pasta, sauce, veggies and juice, plus a slice of pizza on the side. Dedicated play zones and a coloring corner will also keep little uns busy while the grown-ups finish their Singapore Slings.

Find it: Shangri-La Rasa Resort, 101 Siloso Road, Singapore 098970

SandBank

You don’t need an excuse to visit Singapore’s East Coast Park with its white sands, swaying coconut palms, abundant wildlife and – critically – excellent play areas. But if you did, SandBank is it. A dedicated kids’ menu and a 15-meter plunge pool keep kids of all ages entertained, while parents tuck into chargrilled meat and seafood dishes, handmade pizzas and freshly baked treats from the on-site bakery.

Find it: 920 East Coast Parkway, Parkland Green, Singapore 449875

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Platform 1094

Singapore’s roster of themed restaurants ranges from Hello Kitty to Japanese animé. Harry Potter-inspired eatery Platform 1094 lies somewhere in between, with wizard-themed decor, fun dressing up materials and, naturally, oodles of Instagram opportunities. We’re talking cute owl-shaped cookies, wizardy tableware, cauldron-shaped serving plates, Quidditch-themed desserts, and magical dry smoke effects aplenty. There are brightly colored flaming cocktails for the grown-ups, too. For a treat, book the Enchanted Afternoon Tea which includes savory snacks and sweet treats such as chocolate frogs and golden blood mousse.

Find it: 1094 Serangoon Road, Singapore 328192

Baker & Cook

Baker & Cook’s belly-busting brunches and foot-log sourdough pizza ‘planks’ are fast earning it a reputation as a Singapore institution. Hit up the Dempsey location for all of the above, plus a kids’ menu that includes irresistible Nutella sandwiches, truffle fries and mini cheeseburgers with fries. The airy glasshouse dining area overlooks a large leafy garden with a shaded play area, so the kids can let loose while adults enjoy some much-needed downtime accompanied by great pizza, healthy garden salads, grazing platters and a long list of excellent red and white wines from New Zealand.

Find it: 30C Loewen Road, Singapore 248839

Waffle Place

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Kampong Glam, Singapore’s Muslim district, isn’t short on great places to eat, but for family-pleasing goodness, the Waffle Place is hard to beat. This eye-catching halal café serves up a kaleidoscope of waffle toppings with flavor combinations to satisfy every palate. Try crispy-skin salmon with spicy mentaiko mayo sauce or go for crispy chicken with fried egg, mayo and maple syrup. Kids will no doubt insist on sweeter options like strawberry cheese and classic apple pie flavors, or can have fun creating their own topping combos with fruit, marshmallows, chocolate flakes, whipped cream and more.

Find it: 56 Kandahar St, Singapore 198904

Hawker Centers

Singapore’s legendary hawker centers are a sensory explosion of steaming hot plates, heady spice-laden aromas and Instagrammable food stalls. Take the kids to any one of around 100 of these bustling foodie meccas across the city for maximum selfie opportunities and to give them as wide a choice of different cuisines as you’re likely to find under one roof. Sizzling BBQ pork, zingy fried noodles, fish head curry and lime-drenched chili crab might be at the more adventurous end for younger kids, but sticky peanut satay, melt-in-the mouth steamed bao buns and more takeaway desserts than you can shake a very large stick at should be enough to keep everyone happy. Check out the likes of the Old Airport Road Food Centre, Ghim Moh Market and Adam Road hawker center for some of the most mouthwatering snacks in the eastern hemisphere!

Find them: everywhere!

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Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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Things to do in Dempsey Hill Singapore
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Things to do in Dempsey Hill Singapore

Heading to Singapore for your vacation and staying in the Dempsey Hill district of the city? Good choice. There are plenty of things to see and do and places to relax and grab a bite. To save you time, we've researched this list of the best things to do in Dempsey Hill, so you don't have to. Read on, and discover why it's one of the best districts in Singapore! Including: Gardens by the Bay Trimmings Salon & Spa Lowen Dover Street Market Singapore Pearl Hill's Park The Museum of Ice Cream and more!   Gardens by the Bay If you're looking for things to do in Dempsey Hill, you cannot miss one of Singapore's most beautiful landmarks. Known across the globe as one of the most extravagant green spaces around, Gardens by the Bay practically demands a visit. With over a million plants housed within over one hundred hectares of floral delight, the green-thumbed of you will be spoilt for choice. Make sure to visit three of the location's biggest selling points. The Flower Dome is the world's largest glass greenhouse, with flowers from five continents on display across nine gardens, including thousand-year-old olive trees and unusual Baobab trees. Cloud Forest featuring Avatar: The Experience is an immersive experience created in conjunction with the hit movie franchise. You'll be transported to the fictional world of Pandora, where you can marvel at its cascading waterfalls, spiraling walkways, and fantastic creatures. And finally, the Sun Pavillion features over 1000 plants that call the sunnier parts of the world home. Desert species like cacti and succulents are beautifully arranged and will earn a spot on your social media.   Trimmings Salon & Spa Lowen Got a hankering for a pampering while visiting Singapore? Is your hair a mess, and are your nails in need of a good seeing to? Then check out Trimmings Salon & Spa Lowen, where you can get all that and more at a great price. They also offer full-body massages, facials, and if you're wrangling a group of unruly, unkempt children, they'll even host a spa party just for them. With manis, pedis, and styling all thrown in, they'll certainly come out the other end looking prim and proper. And when all kids want to do is have fun, styling is the perfect remedy to quash their excitable tendencies.   Dover Street Market Singapore Deal-seekers, rejoice! The world-famous Dover Street Market has now opened its doors in sometimes-sunny Singapore! And, just like its stores in New York, Tokyo, Seoul and London, you'll find tons of deals on brilliant designer attire. Situated in a disused army barracks, the interior's design somewhat resembles an art installation. But you're not here for the interior; you're here for your exterior. And you'll have plenty to choose from, with Comme des Garçons and Céline just some of the many lauded labels on display throughout. So, if you need some new attire, head to Dover Street Market!   Pearl Hill's Park The awe-inspiring modern metropolis of Singapore is something else, but that doesn't mean you won't be craving any nature during your vacation. So, if you're looking for things to do in Dempsey Hill and want to get your blood pumping, why not take a walk at Pearl Hill's Park? The Pipeline Trail, at a rather modest six kilometers, isn't necessarily for the faint of heart. Featuring a healthy dose of climbing and even wading through mud, you'll probably want to be a somewhat seasoned hiker if you fancy taking it on. However, if you do choose to do it, it's easily the best hike you'll find around Singapore. Just remember to pack your hiking boots; you don't want to ruin your sneakers and your back simultaneously.   The Museum of Ice Cream Do you like ice cream? Do you ever yearn to enter a world where everything is ice cream, or ice cream-adjacent? Well, we're pleased to let you know that Singapore has made your wish come true, all thanks to the Museum of Ice Cream. Pinch yourselves - it's real, folks. Featuring real installations like a giant sprinkle 'ball pit', and plenty of other frozen dairy goodness, it's a must-visit for any ice cream fan. Or, anyone who wants to make their followers incredibly jealous. Plus, every attendee gets a free ice cream cone when they enter, because of course they do.   Eat like royalty Speaking of food, you might be feeling peckish after all those things to do. So, let's explore the best restaurants in Dempsey Hill, Singapore! Let's start with the Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar. Created by three-Michelin-starred wonder Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar's menu features a brilliant mix of Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine. So, if you're looking for dim sum, dumplings, and other Chinese treats, you've come to the right place. Or, if you're looking for some authentic Singaporean cuisine, set your sights on Morsels. This Little India mainstay has made its way to Dempsey Hill, where it has tons more space. With a host of sharing plates on offer, you can pick several dishes and try a bit of each. We recommend the Duroc Pulled Pork if you can handle a bit of spice in your life.   And drink like one too! And we'll end today's list with a few beverages. If you need to wet your whistle, these are our picks for the best bars in the district! Gin lovers will be well taken care of at The Rabbit Hole. This gin joint has plenty of international labels for you to sip, as well as signature gins brewed specifically for the venue. Who knows, you might find your new favorite gin inside. Amber nectar worshipers can head to the RedDot Brewhouse, where you'll find plenty of national and international beers on tap. They also do bar food and small plates, if you start feeling those session hunger prangs. And finally, for classy cocktails in a minimalist interior, check out COMO Club @ Dempsey. With a menu longer than your arm, you're sure to find your favorite tipple on tap. Or, if you're feeling daring, as the mixologists to whip you up a unique drink. The world, and the cocktails, are your oyster. And that's our list of the best things to do in Dempsey Hill. If you want to make the most of your trip to Singapore, and you're looking for more fun adventures to fill out your vacation, try Go City. With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can experience all the best bits of Singapore for one low price!
Dom Bewley
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Things to do in Singapore in Summer

Vibrant, energetic, and alive, Singapore beats to an electrifying drum. Famously clean and increasingly green, the dynamic city oozes culture and history and is home to some of the world’s hippest bars, hottest restaurants, and out-of-this-world street food. Summer is Singapore is hot, hot, hot! As a tropical destination, you can expect it to be warm year-round, but in summer, temperatures really ramp up with high levels of humidity. But don’t despair, there are plenty of things to do in Sngapore in summer to keep you entertained. Whether you’re an urban explorer, an adventure seeker, or a food fundi, the Lion City has a wealth of place to visit. Why visit Singapore in the summer? Summer in Singapore runs from June to early September and while it is hot and humid, it’s also slightly drier with less rainfall than the rest of the year. Days are lovely and long with up to 12 hours of sunshine and rainfall is at a minimum. Temperatures range between 26°C and 32°C and humidity levels are high, so cool clothing and plenty of water are the order of the day. The average sea temperature is 29° C, so cooling off with a swim at the beach may not be the best option. Despite the hot weather, summer is a fantastic time to explore the island city-state and you’ll find an array of both indoor and outdoor activities around the city to enjoy.   1. Explore Singapore’s beautiful gardens Fondly known as the ‘City in a Garden,’ Singapore is one of the greenest cities in the world. The city is to some spectacular gardens and green urban spaces that are well worth exploring. Your first stop should be the 82-hectare Singapore Botanic Gardens, a tropical oasis of flourishing themed gardens with over 550 species. Be sure to visit the incredible National Orchid Garden and the excellent botanical art gallery in the Gallop Extension. Next stop is the Gardens by the Bay in Marina Bay. Marvel at whimsical sculptures, gigantic high-tech trees, and misty biodomes in this fantastical world of green. Use your pass for admission to the Cloud Forest, home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and the Flower Dome. Wander through another world beneath thousands of hanging blooms in Floral Fantasy. Don’t miss the evening Garden Rhapsody show where the Supertrees burst into light. Top Tip: Head up to the observatory at the top of the tallest Supertree for some breathtaking panoramic views over Marina Bay.   2. Take a bumboat ride A bumboat? Singaporeans use this odd term for ferries and sailboats that transport both locals and tourists around the bay. The brightly colored boats have eyes and faces painted on them to discern any threats ahead. And what better way to experience Singapore than from the water on a bumboat? Use your pass to hop on a traditional bumboat for a Singapore River Cruise and take in the awe-inspiring city skyline. Keep your camera ready as you pass famous sights like Raffles, the Esplanade, and the Old Parliament House. The cool breezes off the water are heaven on a hot summer’s day. 3. Climb up to the SkyPark Deck If it's unrivaled views you want, head up to the SkyPark Deck on the top of the Marina Bay Sands. Based on the 57th floor, this popular spot offers the most incredible views of the city, Marina Bay, and the busy Singapore Strait. Take a guided tour and learn about Singapore's history and enjoy a dip in the hotel’s famous infinity pool that seemingly floats over the city. Use your pass to enjoy a free drink from the CÉ LA VI SkyBar as you soak up the unbelievable views. 4. Visit the city’s superb museums Singapore is packed with an ever-growing range of cutting-edge museums and cultural institutions. Top of the list is the Asian Civilisations Museum, a captivating journey through Asia’s cross-cultural connections. The National Museum Singapore is another must for learning about Singapore’s rich history. Don’t forget to use your pass when visiting these two museums to gain free access. If you are an art-lover, head to the National Gallery Singapore to admire an incredible collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art. Brave the Changi Museum & Chapel to learn the stories of POWs and held Changi Prison during the Japanese occupation of Singapore.   5. Have some fun at Sentosa Park Slides, rides, beaches, and sea creatures... Sentosa Island has it all! Connected to the mainland by a bridge, Sentosa Island is an all-ages playground with theme parks, beautiful beaches, an aquarium, and a subterranean casino. Hop on the Singapore Sky Cable with your pass for a thrilling ride to Sentosa Island from Mount Faber on the mainland. Take in the amazing views on the way and spend the day enjoying all the attractions on the island. Brave the exhilarating rides at Universal Studios, explore the SEA Aquarium (don’t forget to use your pass), and sip cocktails at one of the swanky beach bars. Enjoy a spectacular multimedia night show at the Mount Faber Cable Car station on your return. 6. Eat, eat, and eat some more From Michelin-star restaurants to some of the best street food on the planet, Singapore is foodie heaven. Even of you aren’t a gourmand, you’ll be amazed at the variety of mouthwatering grub in this Southeast Asian culinary hub. The best place to get a taste of Singapore is on the street at the legendary hawker centers. From eye-wateringly hot Indian curries to melt-in-your-mouth murtabak, the city’s culinary scene has every dish conceivable. Be sure to try delicious local dishes like laksa, a spicy, coconutty noodle soup, and chicken rice with a twist. Top tip: Cash is king on the street, so have cash in small notes when hitting the hawkers.   7. Experience Singapore’s nightlife Singapore comes alive at night with bright lights, buzzing bars, and glitzy nightclubs vying for attention. From sultry secret speakeasies to chic rooftop bars, the city has a myriad of great nightspots to explore. Kick off the evening with a complimentary Singapore Sling at the famous Raffles Long Bar – simply present your pass for your free drink. Head over to Clarke Quay where you’ll find a host of laid-back pubs and taverns, stylish waterside bars, casual and fine dining restaurants, and modern nightclubs. Dance the night away to the latest tunes and watch the sun rise over the water.   8. Escape to Pulau Ubin island Escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a day and take a trip to the peaceful island of Pulau Ubin. Hop on a bumboat in Changi for a short 15-minute boat ride to the island just off mainland Singapore. Rent a bike to explore the sleepy village and get a glimpse into the kampong (village) life that harkens back to Singapore’s old days. There isn’t much to do here, except enjoy a delicious seafood meal by the sea, kick back and relax, and soak up the tranquility. Why not make the most of your Singapore summer with a Singapore Pass? Visit all the best Singapore attractions without breaking the bank!
Alex Birungi

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