We Tried This Popular Rooftop Bakery Cafe In Maxwell By A Greek-Cypriot Chef

Alani is a Mediterranean rooftop cafe and bakery in Maxwell

When KADA first opened, I remember it being all the rage, with a wave of cafes such as Echo House and Kyuukei Coffee drawing crowds to the revamped old hospital. One of the later additions was Alani, a rooftop cafe specialising in Greek pastries, which I stumbled upon during one of my visits. I was so impressed on my first visit that I half-jokingly asked my editor if I could review it—and somehow, that worked. So here we are.

The folks at Alani are the same team behind Proud Potato Peeler, a private dining concept located right next door, helmed by Greek-Cypriot chef-owner Alberto Simillides. For the uninitiated, it’s a reservations-only restaurant focused on Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.

At Alani, they offer a bread-centric menu, with bakes that draw strong influence from Greek and Levantine flavours. Most items feature their signature sourdough, made using a 14-year-old Greek sourdough starter.

Food at Alani

Alani offers both a physical menu and a QR code you can scan; alternatively, you can choose from a small selection of bakes displayed at the counter. For this review, I ordered items I was already familiar with, and I was especially excited for my colleague to try them too.

To start, I ordered the Sarikopita Pie ($16++), a lesser-seen dish even at Greek restaurants in Singapore. It’s a fried, coiled pastry filled with cheese, named after the Turkish word for “turban”, which makes sense once you see its spiral-like shape.

Alani’s version comes with a slightly salty feta filling that’s quite rich on its own, but what really makes it stand out is everything layered on top. A drizzle of floral Greek honey cuts through the savouriness nicely, lifting each bite so it doesn’t feel too heavy. That said, it can get a bit jelak after a few bites, so I’d recommend sharing it before the richness starts to wear on you.

I was looking forward to the San Marzano Tomato & Burrata, which is what I usually get whenever I dine at Alani. Priced at $18++, this sourdough bake, which comes with a rich San Marzano tomato puree and a generous burrata centre, is one of the pricier items on the menu. That said, you can kind of see why,  once the hefty bread lands on the table.

Digging in, the sourdough had a lightly crisp exterior while the insides stayed soft and fluffy, with a gentle tang from the fermented dough. There was also a slight resistance when we tore it apart, giving each bite that satisfying chew. 

The tomato base was bright and concentrated, with a slightly sweet tang characteristic of San Marzano tomatoes. On top of that, the burrata added a creamy layer that melted into the warm bread, softening the acidity and rounding out the flavours nicely.

We also tried their Greek Yoghurt Banana Cake ($12++)—I never fail to order it whenever I’m here, so I was especially curious to see what my colleague would think of it. Safe to say, she was impressed too. The cake itself was moist and dense, similar to a banana loaf. It came layered with a Greek Yoghurt cream, and was topped with peanut butter caramel fudge, chopped peanuts and walnuts.

Flavour-wise, banana was very much the main character here, coming through fragrant and clear without tasting artificial. I also liked how the peanut butter caramel fudge added a sticky, nutty sweetness to each bite, while the Greek yoghurt offered a gentle tang. That said, it does lean quite sweet overall, and the richness builds up after a few mouthfuls.

We also got a glass of Orange Espresso ($9++), which feels like a toned-down take on Luckin Coffee’s Orange Americano. My colleague, who doesn’t usually enjoy black coffee, found it on the bitter side, but I thought the orange juice added a refreshing, citrusy fragrance that made it more palatable.

Ambience at Alani

Alani is located on Level 4 of KADA, with most of its dine-in seating set up at the sheltered rooftop. The open-air space ties in nicely with the cafe’s overall vibe, featuring potted greenery, rattan chairs, and long communal tables.

That said, the seating is mainly geared towards bigger groups, so smaller parties often end up sharing tables with other diners. If you’re an extrovert, this is the kind of place where conversations between strangers do happen quite naturally, which adds to its lively energy. On the flip side, if you prefer more privacy, the tables along the wall are your best bet, though these are limited and may be reserved.

Alani is about a three-minute walk from Maxwell MRT Station.

Alani – Eatbook review

Honestly, this is one of those reviews I was genuinely excited to write, because Alani is the kind of place I find myself wanting to return to after each visit. There aren’t many spots where I’ll happily go back just for one or two items, but the San Marzano Tomato & Burrata sourdough and banana cake have very much become that for me.

The menu also leans towards bakes that aren’t what you’d typically find at other Mediterranean restaurants locally, and dining on the rooftop adds to that experience, almost making you forget you’re still in Singapore. Honestly, I already know I’ll be back again soon.

While you’re here, check out Hwang Sil Restaurant feature for a Korean-approved restaurant nearby. Otherwise, read our Maxwell Food Centre guide for old school western, affordable seafood and more in the area.

Address: 5 Kadayanallur Street, Level 4, KADA, Singapore 069183
Opening hours: Wed-Fri 10:30am to 3pm, Sat-Sun 9am to 5pm
Website
Alani is not halal-certified.

Photos taken by Heather Ng.
This was an independent visit by Eatbook.sg