Most cafés give you one reason to come in. A good coffee, maybe a pastry, and then you’re back out the door.
But my visit to The Dempsey Project gave me several reasons not to leave. I found myself stretching a simple visit into a whole afternoon, savoring every moment. Lingering is what the best Singapore cafés are really for, and if that’s your kind of afternoon, I’ve gathered a few more places with the same spirit.
What Is The Dempsey Project? A Fresh All Day Dining Experience in Dempsey Hill
I discovered The Dempsey Project nestled at Block 9 Dempsey Rd, Singapore, #01-12, in the green, heritage pocket of Dempsey Hill. Calling it just a café felt like an understatement—it’s an all-day dining café-restaurant with a diverse, multi-regional menu featuring international dishes, plus a Cheese Room & Deli, bakery, and gourmet pantry. The menu runs from breakfast to wraps, pastries, bread, and desserts.
The cozy atmosphere, surrounded by greenery, and the mix of indoor and outdoor dining spaces with wicker chairs immediately drew me in. It opens at 8am daily and closes at 9pm Sunday to Thursday, and 10:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays. If you’re wondering if it’s worth the trip, my experience might help you decide.
Why Dempsey Project Changed My Café Experience
The setting did half the work for me. Sitting on the veranda, I looked out onto lush greenery, with outdoor tables and wicker chairs. The pet-friendly setup meant dogs lounged quietly under chairs while their owners took their time. It felt relaxed and conversation-friendly, a nice setting for lingering, especially in the morning, though it wasn’t hushed.
Getting there took a bit of intention. Napier MRT is the closest station, about a 10 to 20-minute walk depending on your route. Buses and Dempsey shuttles helped, and parking was available but competitive on weekend mornings.
Coffee First, Then I Settled In at The Dempsey Project
I started with coffee because it set the pace for everything after. The flat white (S$7) was my easy, familiar choice. But I decided to slow down properly with the Single Origin Pour-Over (S$10), which took a little longer to make, perfectly matching the vibe of the place.
I added oat milk for an extra S$1, enjoying the gentle flavors as I settled into the afternoon. It was a moment to savor, a pause before the food arrived. And if you’re still working out whether you’re a pour-over person or a milky-coffee person, here’s a gentle look at the different ways people take their coffee and what that says about them.
The Dempsey Project Menu: What I Ordered (Try the Chicken Schnitzel and Cauliflower Wings)
Breakfast That Ran Late
Breakfast was served until 12pm on weekdays and 3pm on weekends and public holidays, which I appreciated. For something sweet, I chose the Cinnamon Brioche French Toast (S$22). It was soft, warmly spiced, and made me want a second coffee. The bakery shelves with pastries and fresh bread rounded out the breakfast experience.
For something savory, I tried the Truffle Mushroom Omelette (S$29). It was indulgent, earthy, rich, and quietly filling. I noticed breakfast here wasn’t limited to plates—there were wraps, gluten free options, and desserts on the wider menu if I stayed longer.
Lunch Became the Next Reason to Stay
Lunch easily rolled into dinner with a very international menu ranging from Burrata Margherita pizza to chaat and falafel. The Truffle Mushroom Risotto (S$32) came up again and again in positive feedback, and now I understood why—it was creamy and deeply savory, the kind of dish that made me forget what time it was.
The cauliflower wings were a strong pick for starters, genuinely delicious and a perfect companion to my meal.
For something more distinctive, I tried the Beef Rendang (S$39), which brought a local note to the international menu. Pasta fans would enjoy the Spicy Seafood Aglio e Olio (S$37) with clams, squid, and prawn. The chicken schnitzel (S$34) was another substantial main I enjoyed. Keep in mind prices include service charge and GST.
Don’t Skip the Walk-In Cheese Room at The Dempsey Project
The Walk In Cheese Room is what truly set The Dempsey Project apart for me. With over 100 artisan cheeses, I browsed at my own pace, soaking in the variety.
I shared the Cheese Mongers Selection Board (S$42), a slow, picking kind of plate that perfectly matched the lingering afternoon mood. Before leaving, I picked up a plain croissant (S$4.32) and a loaf of sourdough (S$8.64) from the bakery to take home.
I noticed the signals were mixed, which matched some of my own observations. Overall, the picture was positive but not entirely consistent.
People praised the space, greenery, and inviting atmosphere, though some mentioned limited larger tables and mostly 2 or 4 pax seating. Service was uneven at times, and pricing was a recurring concern. Some dishes were described as bland or disappointing, not just overpriced. The Big Middle Eastern Breakfast and fish and chips drew some criticism. Cocktails and beverages also received mixed comments, with quality affecting perceived value. One older review mentioned being asked to leave after 90 minutes, but I didn’t experience any time limits.
Is The Dempsey Project at Dempsey Hill Worth Visiting?
For me, yes—as long as you give it time. Treat it as more than a quick coffee stop. Let breakfast drift into lunch, a cheese board, and a loaf of fresh bread to take home, and it starts to make real sense.
Plan on roughly S$25 to S$40 for brunch and coffee, or S$35 to S$50 for a main and a drink. For weekends, larger groups, or a veranda table with wicker chairs, I’d recommend making a reservation through Chope. The venue also hosts guest chef series events and thematic pop-up dinners, adding appeal beyond regular meals. One event I noted was an Indian-inspired BBQ scheduled for Friday, October 2, featuring signature kebabs and lamb chops.
Come here for: Long brunches, dog owners, families, and visitors with different dietary needs, and anyone who enjoys browsing good food after eating it.
Fair Warning: You want a focused specialty-coffee bar, a quick MRT-side stop, or perfectly consistent service every visit.
Come hungry, sit outside in the warm atmosphere, and let the afternoon stretch. That’s the part The Dempsey Project does best.
