Enthusiasm is infectious. Restaurant owner Thomas Chiam and his kitchen crew churn out modern European dishes with such zealousness, it is hard not to be excited about a dining experience at Friends. With boutique wines to indulge in, the freedom to request a customized dish, it is no wonder patrons acquire the same enthusiasm for Friends @ Chomp Chomp like Thomas Chiam does.

• The Vibe
  Both the alfresco and indoor dining areas entice in their own ways – the somber olive green textured walls within the interior contributes to a cosy and relaxed atmosphere, while rustic solid wood in the outdoors are popular in the evenings or rainy, cool days. Italian furnishings, in a woody setting, guarantee a comfortable seat to continue the evening with drinks and nibbles. Fancy fine dining? A white tablecloth and wine glasses will do just the trick – Friends @Chomp Chomp has all that one needs to impress.

• The Food
  Go healthy with their starters, Tostada as well as sashimi grade Swordfish Belly. The crispy thin piece of crust with toppings of avocadoes, tomatoes, white onions and drizzled with top grade lime juice makes up the stone oven-baked tostada. Sour and refreshing, crunchy and satisfying, this starter dish is appetizing yet does not fill the stomach up. Thick cuts of swordfish belly with vinegrette are lightly grilled on the outside while still rare on the inside, gives an exquisite dimension to eating raw fish.

  Those who fancy a little something more will love the Goose Liver with Black Raisins , though its fruits condiment usually change every now and then. Nevertheless, the incredibly soft pieces of goose liver are still a pleasure to the senses. There is also the restaurant's bestseller – Seafood Alio ($18.90) served with generous portions of ingredients, topped with their best-grade olive oil. Of course, this dish is also spicy enough to render it a local favourite. To add more oomph to the meal, do order the Beef Bulgogi served with Sweet Potato and Sio Pak Chye ($32.90), which inherits Korean essence with a Western twist. Drown yourself in the sweet sauce of sake and full-body Italian red wine accompanying a tender cut of beef, but before that, catch a whiff of that fragrant sauce lingering in the air.

  Dessert is not a sin but an indulgence. As popular as Friends' chocolate lava cake may be, look out for their Cherry with Balsamic as well as Coconut Pana. Sautéed cherries, soaked in refreshing balsamic finishing, add a juicy and sourish tinge to the palate, while on the other extreme, the coconut pana generously drenched with maple syrup and coconut are a heavenly sweet combination. Malaccan inspired, this jelly-like dessert adds an Asian touch to an otherwise European-inclined meal.

• The Service
  Impressive in the demeanor, even the tiny details do not escape staff at Friends. Trained to provide service a notch above other casual dining restaurants, they guarantee a wonderful dining experience at the restaurant with their friendly and professional approach.

The SD Food Advisor's take on Friends @ Chomp Chomp
With a standard comparable to fine dining restaurants, Friends @ Chomp Chomp offer a less costly alternative to residents nearby to experience better grade food. It does not always have to be a complete five to six course meal, for one can always order lighter items to nibble on and indulge in a frothy cup of latte or open a bottle of wine. Chill-outs are perfect at Friends, with wine recommendations and tasty snacks to idle the night away.