Cafe Melba Review : Big Space and Good Food

The East Side is known as a food paradise. You will be spoilt to choose what
to eat, with restaurants lining East Coast Road, Joo Chiat Road, and Tanjong
Katong Rd.

The only thing that is lacking is space. While shophouse restaurants have
their charms, there is hardly space for kids to roam or even restaurants that
allow pets. Unlike the West, where you have Dempsey Hill and Botanic Gardens,
finding a restaurant with generous outdoor space in the East is a rarity.

Cafe Melba

Cafe Melba

While space is rare, it exists in Cafe Melba. Cafe Melba is a Pet and Kids
friendly cafe at Goodman Arts Centre. The only cafe nestled in a prestigious
landed enclave, it gives off a laid-back vibe similar to cafes in Australia.

Outdoor seating @ Cafe Melba

Blending influences from (Melb)bourne and (A)sia (hence the name Cafe Melba),
this spot is perfect for chilling. There is a big outdoor seating cafe that
opens up to a lawn.

Outdoor @ Cafe Melba

The lawn has bouncing castles, lawn game sets and even spaces for a football
game. This is a paradise for families and pets.

Pets Welcome

The indoor seating area is air conditioned and clad in light modern wood
decor.

Cafe Melba Interior

The Food

We ordered the set lunch for our meal. The set lunch is only available on
weekdays from 12pm-2pm. Prices start from $17++ for one course and  $22
++ for 3 courses. It comes with free-flow Ice Lemon Tea. It is a great deal
compared to the regular price since the mains range from $16 to $35 for a
regular meal.

Mains

The menu had 4 mains: Chicken confit, Grilled Bavette Steak, Pork Milanese and
Pan Seared Seabass. When we were there, not all items were available for
order.

Grilled Bavette Steak

Grilled Bavette Steak

The Grilled Bavette Steak comes with pomme puree, sauteed haricot beans and
Cafe de Paris. It is tender at every bite and cooked right for a medium
steak. 

Chicken Confit

Chicken Confit

The chicken confit comes with carrot puree, corn succotash and chicken gravy.
The chicken was fried to a crisp. It is a tad dark and not as juicy as we
expected

Dessert

The desserts on the menu are New York Cheesecake and Chocolate Tart. Similar
to the mains, only 1 of them is available.

Chocolate Tarts

Chocolate Tart

We ended with the Chocolate Tart and have no regrets. The chocolate was melted
and rich. A delight at every bite.

Verdict

Cafe Melba

An Oasis away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Cafe Melba is a hidden
gem of the East. We were there on a weekday, and it was not so busy. With the
facilities and space offered, seeing large crowds over the weekend would not
be surprising. If you stay in the East and want space to unwind, you would not
go wrong with Cafe Melda.