Tolido’s Espresso Nook Review: Melbourne-Inspired Cafe In Lavender With Long Queues

Tolido’s Espresso Nook is a popular brunch cafe in Lavender

Here’s a confession: I’m not really a cafe girlie. Most of the time, I find cafes underwhelming—overpriced food in small portions that don’t always feel worth it. But recently, I’ve been on a bit of a cafe streak, after stumbling upon a few spots that surprised me, including Space23 along Jalan Besar.

On a mission to suss out the best cafes in Singapore for Eatbook’s 10th anniversary, I ended up at Tolido’s Espresso Nook on a Friday afternoon. This Melbourne-inspired brunch cafe has been around since 2013 and is often mentioned online as a solid spot for hearty breakfast fare and good coffee.

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Food at Tolido’s Espresso Nook

The food menu is relatively compact, with around 20 items spread across five categories: all-day brunch, sandwiches, rosti, pasta, and desserts.

We started with their crowd-favourite rosti, which also appears frequently in Google reviews. You can get this brunch classic in three variations. We went for the Avo & Omega Rosti ($24+): crispy potato rosti with sour cream, avocado, smoked salmon, and a fried egg.

Everything on this plate was executed well, including the runny egg, which added a lovely creaminess to the crispy potato pancake.

The star of the show was the rosti, without a doubt. This was one of the better potato rostis I’ve had—thin and crispy on the outside, with a fluffy, tender centre.

The 462 Prawn Laksa Pasta ($18+) is a close second in popularity, according to Google reviews. This fusion dish features spaghetti in a lemak, coconut-rich broth with a gentle kick of spice.

Each strand of pasta clings well to the laksa sauce, which is slightly lighter than expected—somewhere between a gravy and a broth. We did wish it had a bit more spice, but that comes down to personal preference.

The prawns, while likely frozen, were still firm with a pleasant spring and natural sweetness that paired well with the creamy laksa base.

Those looking to end their meal on a sweet note can consider the Pandan Pancakes ($15+) from the dessert section.

We appreciated that the gula melaka sauce is served on the side, allowing you to adjust the sweetness to your liking.

While the pandan flavour came through nicely, the pancakes themselves were a tad dry. The coconut ice cream also leaned icy rather than creamy, so this is one dessert we’d likely skip on our next visit.

Interestingly, Tolido’s Espresso Nook has a coffee menu that’s almost as extensive as its food selection.

The Iced Orange Mocha ($7+) was a highlight—strong and not too sweet or milky, with a zesty orange flavour that complemented the chocolatey notes well.

The Cortado ($5.50+) was also well-executed, with bold espresso cutting through the silky-smooth milk. However, it paled slightly in comparison to the Iced Orange Mocha.

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Ambience at Tolido’s Espresso Nook

The vibe here is casual and laid-back, with both indoor and alfresco seating for those with pets. The space is warm and unpretentious, with a mix of industrial and rustic touches that give it a lived-in feel rather than a polished cafe aesthetic.

Seating is tight during peak hours—advanced bookings are highly recommended—but the overall atmosphere remains relaxed, making it a solid spot for quick catch-ups or a quiet solo meal.

Tolido’s Espresso Nook is a seven-minute walk from Lavender MRT Station.

Tolido’s Espresso Nook – Eatbook review

Overall, my experience at Tolido’s Espresso Nook was a pleasant one. The cafe did get crowded during the lunch hour, and seating was a little tight, but the warm service and well-executed coffee more than made up for it.

If you’re heading to JB over the weekend, check out our guide to the best cafes in Johor Bahru! Otherwise, read our guide to the best high tea deals in Singapore for 2026.

Address: 462 Crawford Lane, #01-63, Singapore 190462
Opening hours: Mon-Tue, Thurs 8am to 4pm, Fri-Sun 8am to 5pm
Website
Tolido’s Espresso Nook is not halal-certified. 

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Photos taken by Nivian Chiang.
This was an independent review by Eatbook.sg.