Smitten is a perfect hideout for a quick cup of excellent coffee or tea, and a cosy little spot to catch up on some work. They serve a small selection of paninis and cakes if you're feeling peckish. FYI, it gets really crowded on weekends, so don't come with too many friends!

Head over to this institution in Robertson Quay and get yourself a nice seat at the communal table. Begin the day by choosing from their wide variety of excellent coffees and teas, and fill your tummy with a skillet of Moroccan baked eggs.

Set in the heart of the CBD, Vanilla Bar & Cafe is one of those places where you can sit all day to chill, have a convenient lunch meeting, or finish up some work over a pint. The food is unpretentious and tasty, with Japanese fusion light meals, and a slightly crazy Vanilla dirt cake that actually comes in a flower pot.

The Book Cafe is one of those hidden gems with the perfect ambience for work. Although it's a tad inaccessible, you'll be ensured a quiet and comfortable environment with excellent service that will make you feel at home. Complete with plush couches and good lighting, their simple yet satisfying food and coffee will not disappoint.

With a consistently high standards of food at good value, it's no surprise D.O.C is packed to the brim on weekends (make reservations). Go for the buttermilk waffles if you're in the mood for something sweet, or the breakfast platter that never fails to please. Now serving dinners on Thursdays and Fridays, you can come by after work for a comforting, rustic meal. Photo by Charlene Tan

The good folks of Group Therapy now provide sanity and comfort in the East, with their second outlet located in the basement of Katong V. This spacious retreat feels rather different from their first at Duxton, but the food is quite the same. Enjoy a good cup of coffee and their go-to Eggs Ben if you're lazy to travel all the way to Duxton on the weekend! Photo by Veronica Phua