Update 19 Jan 2025: Nico Cafe has closed. 

Orchard Road may be bustling with retail experiences and activities galore, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t offer one or two spots for a brief respite. One of these is Nico Cafe, a floral-themed, Parisian-inspired cafe that offers a mix of decorative drinks and brunchtime bites.

Located directly outside Marks & Spencer at Wheelock Place, it’s also great for people-watching with its unobstructed views of one of the area’s quieter roads. 

If its name rings a bell, it’s because it’s the second branch of the revamped Cafe de Nicole (now known as Nico Cafe), which opened near East Coast Road some years back. 

Stepping in, you are immediately greeted by plants and books hanging from the walls and rafters, making for a whimsical escape from the cafe’s urban surroundings. Combine that with Nico Cafe’s al fresco area, and you’ve got yourself the perfect outdoor spot for a lazy afternoon. Bonus: it’s sheltered by the roof of the building, so no worries if it starts to pour! 

While the decor is decidedly garden-themed, Nico Cafe’s menu is an eclectic mix of Western and Asian items, on top of your typical drinks and baked goods. That said, I do think they do a pretty decent job of their dishes here. 

With sandos all the rage right now, it’s nice to find something of lighter proportions. The Bikini Sandwich ($13.90++) is a bite-sized one consisting of parma ham and roma tomato, drizzled with truffle honey and nestled between two brioche slices. Fuss-free, yet packed with sweet and savoury flavours. The brioche is perfectly-toasted and melts in your mouth along with the ham and tomatoes. 

Japanese rice bowls are still a fixture in most Western-style cafes, and Nico Cafe is no exception. For something heartier and more “bang for buck”, go for one of three donburi available. I enjoyed the Cheesy Mentaiko Chicken Cutlet ($14.90++), with its tender, succulent chicken topped with spicy mentaiko and roasted sesame. Definitely one of the stronger donburi offerings out there! 

Cafe hoppers looking for something “for the gram”, as they say, will love Nico’s Specials, a series of signature coffees brewed to please both the eyes and tastebuds. Enjoy your cuppa with a tropical flair with the Dirty Coconut Coffee ($8.90++), which features coconut milk and real shaved coconut. 

The Coffee Brûlée ($8.90++) combines beverage and dessert in one indulgent mix, with chilled black coffee topped with sweetened milk that is caramelised with torched brown sugar. Dig through its frothy, sweet crown to get to the velvety smooth coffee. 

Nico Cafe is perfect for living out your Parisian cafe fantasies, if only for a while. For the sweet-toothed, you can check out their souffle pancakes and fruit-themed slushies. 

Address: 501 Orchard Road, Wheelock Place, Singapore 238880
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Nearest MRT: Orchard TE14/ NS22
Opening Hours: 
Monday to Thursday: 9am – 6pm
Friday: 9am – 9pm
Saturday: 10am – 9pm
Sunday: 10am – 6pm

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