EVEN with its clever address, I almost missed Eleven.

It is named after its address (11, Bussorah Street).

This is one of Singapore's trendiest 'seen-but-not-seen' areas to hang out at.

You'll find the fashion crowd, the art crowd and the beautiful people alongside students, tourists and many middle-aged Malay women.

The restaurant is located a short distance away from Sultan Mosque and steps away from Beach Road.

The sign is discreet and the sofa in front of the restaurant is misleading.

But once you find it, you'll likely be coming back.

The vibe here is relaxed, the decor classy and the food competent. The prices won't scare you either.

Chef Wayne Chan, 31, cooks fusion food, a tricky combination that seldom works.

But here, it does - usually.

His Thai baked mussels ($12) are very tasty. They are baked in a Thai herb vinaigrette and topped with scallions.

I also liked the Chermoula Salmon ($20). The salmon sits on a base of scallion mash potatoes and cherry tomato confit. The accompanying Asian pear salad is delightful.

The cashew and masala crusted lamb(lamb medallions with cashew and an Indian herb crust, $24) was interesting, but not spectacular.

And while I enjoyed the Szechuan mushroom aglio olio ($14), my dinner companions thought it was too salty.

The serving portions are big, so those with big appetites will be satisfied.

And when the meal is over, you can chill out in front of the restaurant, enjoying the night breeze or a cocktail. This is a nice quiet place for people watching.

For that purpose, order the spiced apple and tortilla tower ($9) - spiced apples with crispy tortilla and digestive crumble served with vanilla ice cream.

The attap chee panacotta ($9) was also interesting. Get past the brandy and candied orange peel to get to the milk pudding and attap seed.

The chill-out ambience is appealing but, of course, having style over substance only keeps you for so long.

When it comes to fusion food, and especially in this part of town, it is hard to beat Cilantro on Purvis Street. It is simply the best in the area.

But, for an alternative, give Eleven a chance. It might just become your next favourite hangout.

Eleven
11 Bussorah Street
Tel: 6291 2555
(Near Sultan Mosque and opposite Parkroyal Hotel. Nearest MRT station is Bugis.)
Opening hours: 11am to 11pm, closed on Sunday
Ratings: *** 1/2

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