In the artsy arena of Sculpture Square, a secretive, lush haven is in business at Middle Street. My Secret Garden, which serves European cuisine to more than just your average arty-farty crowd, is aptly named. The restaurant is nestled comfortably amidst thriving greenery in the middle of Sculpture Square and away from prying eyes along the busy roads of Bugis. Strangers to Sculpture Square may have a hard time hunting down the venue, but the search for a quaint evening chill-out place will be worth your time and effort.

• The Vibe
  My Secret Garden is more of a chill-out venue for you to lounge at in the evenings. With the abundance of wooden tables and chairs for al fresco dining, patrons can relax under the dusky sky and be enthralled by countless candle flames flickering all around. The casually romantic ambience is undeniably evident and certainly makes the restaurant an ideal place for couples on a frisky evening out.
• The Food
  The Pesto Chicken Salad ($16) at My Secret Garden comes highly recommended. Featuring a mixed salad of tomatoes, onions, roasted pumpkin, pine nuts and assorted greens in a balsamic vinaigrette, this appetiser offers a distinctively Italian touch with the yummy addition of pesto chicken. Do not be deceived by the chicken's seemingly dry façade – the meat is tender to the knife and chockfull of garlicky aroma. Another definite highlight at My Secret Garden, the Portobello Mushroom ($18) promises a good gush of mushroom goodness with every bite. Served with garlic oil and a mesculin salad, the sizeable mushroom is extremely juicy and is best savoured piping hot.

  After a scintillating experience with their appetisers, prepare to be slightly let down by their main courses. The Cod Fish ($28) smells rather fishy, thus undermining its freshness and smooth, flaky texture. The dish is only salvaged by its chunky mashed potato, which pleases the tongue with the layering of smooth mash and whopping potato bits. The Lamb Rack ($34) fares marginally better, with its delicious roasted macadamia and herb crust. The fatty lamb is roasted to a nice, tender texture and has, surprisingly, no trace of mutton odour.

  Turn up the heat of your candle-lit dinner with a Hot Date ($8) for dessert. Living up to its name, this sticky date toffee pudding is served perfectly hot, sinfully sweet and delightfully sticky. This British dessert is a popular number at My Secret Garden but its saccharine toffee glaze may be too much for those who do not have a particularly sweet tooth. A good alternative, then, will be the Tiramisu ($8). My Secret Garden 's rendition of the all-time favourite Italian confectionery is an ultra soft, light and fluffy cake of espresso, mascarpone cheese and rum. The generous sprinkling of cocoa powder on top, together with the strong flavour of espresso coffee, lends the dessert a bittersweet note that is truly irresistible.

• The Service
  Befitting of the casual restaurant ambience, staff at My Secret Garden is clad in jeans and black polo tee. You will never have to worry about lack of service because the staff swarms all over the place – sometimes, at the cost of your space and comfort. Nevertheless, their warm and courteous ways are commendable.

The SD Food Advisor's Take on My Secret Garden
This is one perfect place to unwind with a glass of good beer or wine with your better half on a lazy Friday evening. My Secret Garden serves a variety of popular beers, such as Kilkenny, Hoegaarden and Archipelago. Its chill-out vibe is certainly potent enough to make you forget the past week's frustrations. Even though the main courses are nothing to shout about, My Secret Garden certainly merits a visit, and return patronage for stressed balls. Be sure to try out their Portobello Mushroom and Tiramisu!