A Mediterranean Oasis in Singapore’s Historic Keong Saik Road

Nestled in the heart of Singapore’s trendy Keong Saik Road, Black Olive Bakery & Cafe stands as a testament to authentic Mediterranean cuisine and artisanal baking. This cozy establishment, helmed by owner-baker Suzanne, offers a delightful escape from the urban hustle with its warm hospitality and carefully crafted menu that spans from quick bites to leisurely dining experiences.

Location & Accessibility

Address: 7 Keong Saik Road, Singapore
Contact: +65 6970 7568
Nearest MRT Stations:

Outram Park (Downtown, North East, Thomson-East Coast Lines) – 5 minutes walk
Maxwell (Thomson-East Coast Line) – 3 minutes walk

Getting There

From Outram Park MRT: Take Exit 4, walk straight towards Kreta Ayer Road, turn right onto Keong Saik Road. The cafe is easily spotted along the historic shophouse row.

From Maxwell MRT: Take Exit 3, walk straight down Neil Road to Keong Saik Road, turn right. The most convenient route for a quick visit.

Ambience & Interior Design

Black Olive Bakery & Cafe masterfully balances Mediterranean charm with Singapore’s shophouse heritage. The moment you step through the doors, you’re greeted by:

Warm, Inviting Atmosphere: The interior exudes a cozy, lived-in feel that immediately puts diners at ease
Intimate Seating: Perfect for both solo diners seeking a quiet corner and couples looking for a romantic meal
Artisanal Display: House-made breads and pastries are prominently displayed, showcasing the bakery’s commitment to fresh, handcrafted goods
Flexible Dining Space: The layout accommodates both quick coffee stops and extended dining sessions
Neighborhood Charm: Large windows offer views of the bustling Keong Saik Road, connecting diners to the vibrant street life outside

The space strikes an ideal balance between rustic Mediterranean aesthetics and contemporary Singaporean cafe culture, making it equally suitable for business meetings, casual dates, or solo dining experiences.

Operating Hours

Monday to Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Note: The varied hours reflect the cafe’s dual nature as both a daytime bakery and evening dining destination.

Menu Highlights & Specialties

Signature Dishes & Ratings

Portuguese Pork Shoulder – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5)

Price: $18.90 The Star of the Menu: This standout dish showcases bold Mediterranean flavors with perfectly tender pork shoulder, rich with aromatic spices and chili heat. The dish is expertly balanced with a generous dollop of cooling Greek yogurt, while the accompanying lemon cilantro rice provides a fragrant, fluffy base that complements the robust meat.

Chef’s Note: The pork is slow-cooked to achieve its signature tenderness, with a spice blend that reflects authentic Portuguese colonial influences.

Paprika Chicken Salad – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)

Price: $11.80 Fresh & Flavorful: Features perfectly executed sous-vide chicken breast that remains remarkably tender and moist even when thinly sliced. The addition of briny olives provides delightful bursts of Mediterranean flavor, while the paprika seasoning adds warmth without overwhelming the delicate chicken.

Preparation Method: Sous-vide cooking ensures consistent texture and optimal moisture retention.

Prawn Linguine – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

Price: $19.80 Tropical Mediterranean Fusion: An innovative take on traditional Mediterranean pasta, featuring spicy coconut cream as a dairy-free alternative to conventional cream sauces. Fresh tiger prawns are expertly seasoned, while cherry tomatoes add bursts of sweetness. The linguine achieves perfect al dente texture and holds the aromatic sauce beautifully.

Innovation Note: The coconut cream adaptation makes this dish accessible to dairy-free diners while maintaining rich, satisfying flavors.

Shakshuka – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.8/5)

Price: $15.90 (Available as lunch set with salad) Vegetarian-Friendly Comfort: A slow-braised vegetable stew that simmers for approximately three hours, resulting in tender vegetables infused with herby, aromatic depth. The dish offers flexibility with egg substitution options for various dietary preferences.

Cooking Process: The extended braising time develops complex flavors while maintaining vegetable integrity.

Truffle Mushroom Soup – ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (2.8/5)

Price: $6.80 Intensity vs. Balance: While the house-made truffle focaccia crouton receives high praise, the soup itself suffers from overwhelming truffle flavor that may not appeal to all palates. The focaccia demonstrates the bakery’s bread-making expertise.

Artisanal Baking Program

Owner Suzanne brings years of professional experience from prestigious kitchen baking departments, ensuring that every bread and toast item is crafted in-house. The bakery program includes:

Daily Fresh Breads: All sandwich bases and dinner breads baked fresh daily
Artisanal Focaccia: House-made varieties including the standout truffle version
Pastries & Sweets: Rotating selection of Mediterranean-inspired baked goods
Custom Baking: Special orders available for events and gatherings

Dining Experience & Service

Black Olive Bakery & Cafe caters to diverse dining needs:

Quick Service Options:

Grab-and-go sandwiches and pastries
Premium coffee and beverage program
Takeaway packaging for all menu items

Leisurely Dining:

Full-course meal options
Wine selection to complement Mediterranean dishes
Accommodating service for extended visits

Dietary Accommodations:

Vegetarian-friendly options clearly marked
Dairy-free alternatives available
Flexible substitutions for most dishes

Price Range & Value

The pricing reflects the quality of ingredients and artisanal preparation:

Appetizers/Soups: $6.80 – $11.80
Main Courses: $15.90 – $19.80
Lunch Sets: Available with salad combinations
Beverages: Standard cafe pricing for premium preparations

The price point positions Black Olive as an affordable luxury, offering restaurant-quality food in a casual bakery-cafe setting.

Recommended Combinations

For First-Time Visitors:

Start with the Paprika Chicken Salad
Follow with the Portuguese Pork Shoulder
Pair with house-made focaccia

For Casual Lunch:

Shakshuka lunch set
Add truffle focaccia (skip the soup)
Perfect for solo diners or business lunches

For Dinner Date:

Begin with shared appetizers
Portuguese Pork Shoulder and Prawn Linguine for sharing
Complement with wine selection

Final Verdict

Black Olive Bakery & Cafe successfully bridges the gap between casual neighborhood bakery and destination dining. While not every dish achieves perfection, the commitment to fresh, house-made components and authentic Mediterranean flavors creates a dining experience that feels both approachable and special.

Strengths:

Exceptional in-house baking program
Standout Portuguese Pork Shoulder
Flexible dining options from quick bites to full meals
Convenient location with good public transport access
Accommodating to various dietary needs

Areas for Improvement:

Some dishes could benefit from bolder seasoning
Truffle soup requires flavor balance refinement
Weekend hours could be extended to serve dinner crowd

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.2/5)

Black Olive Bakery & Cafe earns its place as a worthy addition to Keong Saik Road’s diverse dining scene, offering a genuine taste of the Mediterranean with Singaporean hospitality and accessibility.

This review reflects the authentic dining experience and commitment to quality that makes Black Olive Bakery & Cafe a neighborhood gem worth discovering.

Limited Information: Most establishments appear to be dine-in focused
Takeaway Available: Several hawker stalls and coffee shops
No Delivery Mentioned: For most locations

Tourist Accessibility:

Highest Value: Maxwell Food Centre, Tong Ah Eating House, Original Katong Laksa, Atlas Bar
Moderate Accessibility: Most hawker centres and established restaurants
Advance Planning Required: The Ampang Kitchen, Burnt Ends reservations

Cultural Significance:

Historical: Tong Ah (1939), Singapore Zam Zam (1908), Song Fa (1969)
Heritage Preservation: Kim Choo Kueh Chang, Tan’s Tu Tu Coconut Cake
Modern Innovation: Burnt Ends, Cloudstreet, % Arabica

Cooking Techniques Highlighted:

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