Nestled inside a shop that looks like your grandma's attic chock-full of little treasures and knick knacks, this little cafe-within-a-shop has a menu that will charm you.
It caters very well to small groups of twos, threes and even fours, and even the dinnerware makes for good conversation starters. You can find vintage crockery such as saucer plates doing service as your drink's coaster, and even an acrylic floral-patterned lamp shade providing a bit of ambience on your table, all sourced by the owner of Eclectic Attic from countries as far as the UK.
With drinks named Pretty Cool and Lychee Breeze to evoke feelings of a casual siesta on a lazy afternoon, you can expect to indulge in an hour or two of meaningful conversation, or just a catch-up session with close girlfriends. Order up a plate of baked mushrooms ($9.50), topped with sun-dried tomatoes, and sit back and relax with your chosen company.
Contact details #05-10 Plaza Singapura
68 Orchard Road Singapore 238839
Tel: 6836 9736
Opening hours 12noon - 10pm
Cuisine
An eclectic mix of continental and fusion. But just expect honest fare with minimal fuss.
Portions
Order a little of everything if you are with more than one dining companion so you can share portions. Two sizes of servings are available for some of the dishes.
Setting
A quaint little hole-in the-wall eatery in the middle of a bustling shopping mall. With tables prettified by table cloths in muted gold and neutrals, and cosy corners to hide away in while you enjoy your meal, it's a place in which your senses will beg to explore as your eyes wander to check out the sale items on display and your nose is tempted with cooking smells.
Must-tries • Tangy tomato soup ($8.95+). The tangy taste of tomato is matched nicely with the sweetness of crabmeat.
• Decadent salad ($16.95+). The secret to this dish is fresh prawns and slices of foie gras. The result is a lovely mix topped with a soft-boiled egg and the chef's special coleslaw dressing.
• Laksa pasta ($14.95+). A simple, well-balanced dish of spiral pasta paired with laksa sauce made from a harmonious blend of fresh milk, laksa leaves, onions and garlic. A plus: the fresh milk used instead of condensed milk means there is less guilt for the diner.
Price factor
Budget around $20-$30 per person for a meal with drinks or dessert. If you just want a light bite, make sure you have about $15 in your wallet.
Things you didn't know
By now, most patrons would know that you can buy not just dinner, but even the vintage pieces of dinnerware which your food is served on. But those in the know will ask for the "love seat", a two-seater furniture garden piece made in wicker that comes with an eye-catching blue-and-white hood.
Verdict A place to tickle your senses and taste-buds. And with its unique setting, it's a good venue to catch up with long-lost girlfriends as there is plenty to point out if you ever run out of conversation topics.
