Unassuming and diffident, the four-year-old Epicurious finds its own comfortable spot amongst all the other restaurants along Robertson Quay. At first glance, one may not notice this tiny little joint. No, it does not have a bright, gargantuan sign glaring down at you, nor is it flamboyant, nor does it scream in your face for attention. What you get instead, is a nice, homely neighborhood type of café, which exudes its own unique, reserved charm. The modest exterior certainly conceals the subtle magic that belies the interior.

• The Vibe
  Imagine one of those cozy, neighborhood cafes you find along the cobblestone pathways of Prague , or Perth and you pretty much get the picture. Simple and modest, regulars find its electic charm and warm, friendly service very much welcoming. The shop is a curious mish-mash of various types of memorabilia, all mismatched and misplaced, but yet, it all comes together rather nicely. 60's style ‘grandfather' chairs, Chinese porcelain plates, an antique wooden cabinet, vintage posters, random artwork by customers, and an assortment of “Singaporean Antiques” form a wonderful hodge-podge of clashing colors, mixed cultures, mismatched cutlery. This curious juxtaposition of diverse items gives the restaurant its own vibrant personality. Epicurious embodies the ever paradoxical concept of “discordant harmony”. There is something charming and nostalgic about the place, reminiscent of old Chinese bakeries, and vintage shops.

• The Food
  Do not underestimate the power of a steaming bowl of wholesome, old fashioned broth. The warm mushroom soup sent a tingling sensation up the spine, akin to that of a good back massage. The grilled prosciutto wrapped with mozzarella ($14.00) is another good way to start the meal. For mains, the Epicurious Burger ($18.00) is not to be missed. A tasty, succulent beef patty, sandwiched in between fragrant sesame seed bun patties with a generous helping of salad on the side made a delicious, invigorating meal to gratify the senses. However what scored the most points was the presentation. The dish came with three different sauces, tomato, chill and mayonnaise all served in dainty porcelain Chinese teacups! A refreshing change from the usual boring side plates, this quirky touch certain added much enjoyment and whimsical magic to the meal. For customers who love their grills, Epicurious offers a selection of meats and seafood to be grilled. The customers can also select their own accompaniments and side dishes to complete the meal. This “custom-made” meal concept allows customers greater autonomy and freedom in designing their own meals, thus satisfying a great diversity of preferences. End the meal with a sweet note with the apple crumble ($7.00), which is another one of their house specialties. This warm, nectarous tart was served in a bowl, with buttery bits of crumble that melted in the mouth, and creamy ice cream. The tart was moist and chewy, with huge chunks of crunchy golden apples. Alternatively, you can try their homemade scones ($.6.50) served with jam and cream. These scones are miniature-sized, so they are easy to polish off even after a heavy meal.

The SD food advisor's take on Epicurious
Food wise, don't expect anything too fancy or complicated. The dishes are simple, made with fresh, quality ingredients. No addition of spices here, no exotic fusions, no bombastic experimental dishes. The menu is rather limited and they do not have a wide variety of food. However, what really stands out is the innovative presentation of the food. This coupled with the interesting décor make this great place to chill with friends. Its romantic location by the river makes it a good place for a first date as well. Dine Al Fresco under the stars with the cool river breeze caressing your cheeks. Vintage lovers will enjoy the quirky collection of memorabilia. There is a notice board for customers to pen their thoughts, leave notes and even their artwork. Regulars love the place for its non-intimidating, casual ambience. If you are bored of swanky hotel restaurants and want a café that serves simple, quality food, then Epicurious is the place for you.