Located within Bukit Timah Saddle Club lies a true gem of a restaurant – somewhere you can shoot the breeze with friends or relax with family whilst surrounded by lush greenery and the odd horse trotting by. Just two and a half months old, Riders Café has a rare, rustic charm to it, considering the concrete jungle called Singapore in which we live. Run by a first time restaurant owner with a penchant for architecture, this casual eatery is in good stead for a successful future as long as it maintains its quaint and cosy allure.

• The Vibe
  The first thing that strikes you walking in to Riders Café is the high ceilings, which successfully make the space look a lot bigger than it is. Though it is not air- conditioned, Riders Café is airy, with an al fresco balcony from which you can watch the horses grazing, if you are lucky enough! Homely and laidback, diners can even lounge in the settees available should they feel like a spot of tea or a chit-chat. Simply put, you can practically taste the serenity in the air.

• The Food
  To match its relaxed atmosphere, the menu at Riders Café is an unpretentious myriad of sandwiches, pastas, salads, grills and desserts. Traditional breakfast foods such as Eggs Benedict are served early in the day to fill the stomachs of hungry riders.

  For a light afternoon meal, the Salmon Sandwich ($14.95) is the way to go. As the bread is baked in-house, diners can count on guaranteed freshness. The same can be said for the layers of smoked Norwegian salmon, avocado, onions and gherkins between the slices of delicious bread. Served with beautifully crisp French fries, this dish is hearty without being too filling.

  If salad is more your cup of tea, you can't go wrong with the Prawn Portobello Salad ($14.95). Grilled garlic prawns and juicy Portobello mushrooms atop a bed of greens and drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette, this salad is well-presented as well as substantial. The earthy taste of the juicy mushrooms blends well with the succulent prawns, creating a burst of intense flavour while bacon bits provide a bit of bite.

  Moist and aromatic, the Rack of Lamb ($32) is a must try. Seasoned with rosemary and other herbs, the meat itself is delightfully tender while the accompanying roast potatoes are crisp on the outside and soft inside. Grilled seasonal vegetables complete the filling dish. Equally outstanding is the Baked Chilean Cod ($28), served with a generous portion of creamy mashed potatoes. While the fish crumbles perfectly and has a nice, crisp outer layer, what makes this dish exceptional is its use of garnishes in the form of bacon bits and fried leek. Crunchy bacon bits add a bit of texture to the otherwise mushy dish, while the fried leek gives it a considerably Asian tinge.

  Riders Café's dessert menu spells sinful self-indulgence. The Espresso Panna Cotta ($6.95), a caffeinated Italian custard, is pleasant but not spectacular. The Tiramisu ($7.95) fares much better with its appealing presentation. Light and fluffy, it succeeds in not being overwhelmingly sweet while still satisfying sugar cravings.

  Death By Chocolate (price unavailable) is quite possibly the be-all, end-all of all chocolate desserts. This gargantuan piece of rich, chocolate cake is a slice of heaven, if you will. Smothered in thick, chocolate syrup and boasting a vanilla ice-cream summit, those with a sweet tooth will enjoy this decadent dessert, although it might be a bit much for one person!

• The Service
  Dining at Riders Café is akin to hanging out with your closest friends. The casually dressed wait staff are friendly and do not hesitate to strike up conversations while still maintaining a professional attitude. This playful banter is helpful in making diners feel right at home, and attentiveness is not compromised in any way.

SD Food Advisor's take on Riders Café
I was truly enamoured by this little eatery with its enchanting ambience and charismatic staff. Decent eats are just the icing on the cake! Riders Café, though located off the beaten track, is definitely a great place to go for a peaceful, reasonably priced meal.