Under Der Linden Review: Garden Cafe In A Colonial Building @ Portsdown Road
Hey, Faithfuls! I first visited Under Der Linden about five years ago, and I still remember how peaceful it felt tucked away in Wessex Estate. So when the opportunity came to revisit it, I didn't hesitate. The cafe is really gorgeous, and it looks like one of those garden cafes where people get married.
Whether you're seated indoors or outdoors, the pace here immediately slows down. The indoor dining area is warm and cosy, with earthy tones, wooden furnishings, and plenty of plants.
Outside, diners are treated to tranquil views of the surrounding lawns and heritage buildings, making it an ideal spot for slow brunches, long conversations, or simply escaping the city's hustle for a few hours.
The cafe is pet-friendly too, which is a plus if you're a fur parent.
We started our meal with the Crispy Calamari Fritters (S$16), and they were honestly SO addictive. I'm a little allergic to seafood, but I ate this UP. Each piece was fried to perfection with an incredibly crispy exterior that gave such a satisfying crunch with every bite, while the calamari inside remained tender and juicy. It also came with an umami-packed dipping sauce.
For mains, we shared the Wagyu Beef Burger (S$29), featuring a 200g Wagyu beef patty, miso aioli, onion compote, bacon jam and cheddar cheese. It was a hearty burger with plenty of bold flavours. The bacon jam added sweetness, while the miso aioli brought a savoury depth that complemented the juicy beef patty nicely.
Between the two mains, my favourite had to be the Butter Broth Spaghetti (S$26). Served with Red Argentine prawns, baby loligo and cherry tomatoes, the dish looked deceptively simple but was packed with flavour. The butter broth coated every strand of pasta without feeling overly rich, allowing the seafood's sweetness to shine through. The prawns were plump and naturally sweet, while the cherry tomatoes added little bursts of acidity that balanced the dish beautifully.
Dessert came in the form of their Homemade Pistachio Tiramisu (S$18). Made with espresso, Marsala wine, and finished with pistachio crumble, it struck a lovely balance among creamy, nutty, and lightly bitter coffee notes. The pistachio wasn't overpowering, but added a fragrant richness that made this a refreshing twist on the classic Italian dessert.
To end the meal, we ordered an Iced White (S$7.90) and a Matcha Latte (S$7.90).
Both were well-made—the iced white was smooth and balanced, while the matcha latte had a pleasant earthy flavour without being overly bitter.
If you're after something a little more unique, Under Der Linden also offers a selection of signature drinks from S$14, including the Grape Elixir With Yakult, Floral Dusk, and Peach Please, which sound perfect if you're not in the mood for coffee.
Returning to Under Der Linden after five years reminded me why I enjoyed it in the first place. The food is consistently good, the surroundings are peaceful, and there's something incredibly relaxing about dining there. Would I make the journey back again? Absolutely. Especially for that Butter Broth Spaghetti and maybe another order of those dangerously addictive calamari fritters!
Thanks for reading, and see you next post!
Under Der Linden @ Portsdown Road
Address: 5B Portsdown Road, #01-02, Singapore 139311
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am to 9pm, Sat-Sun 10am to 9pm
Telephone: +65
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