There are posh al-fresco places to im press your date and then there are those that are more laidback and good as a hang out corner. 211 Roof Terrace Café, which has been established for 12 years, belongs to the latter. Seated on the top level of Holland Road Shopping Centre, the café witnesses the vibrant Holland Village come alive at night. The panoramic view of the neighborhood estates give one a feeling of being on top of the world, making it perfect for customers to chill out and catch up with friends. The 211 has attracted a faithful following over the years and counts expatriates and working professionals as part of its main clientele. Unlike other cafés, the 211 focuses on Australian and Italian fare as its mainstay, allowing you to enjoy a scrumptious meal in a scenic backdrop.

• The Vibe
  Walking into the al-fresco rooftop café, you'll find its quaint and inviting décor, with a traditional Balinese touch, a much welcomed respite from the busy week. The lush greenery of the tropical garden compliments its Balinese décor to make it the perfect place for one to unwind. The café is ornamented with Balinese mirrors, statues and torches; one should surely be forgiven for mistaking the place for an Indonesian restaurant! The soothing music helps you cast your lethargy aside and enjoy the ambience.

• The Food
  Have an Apple & Celery Salad ($7.50) to start off your gastronomic journey at 211. Consisting of diced green apple, celery and sultana raisins tossed with coriander mayonnaise, the salad is served with baby Romaine lettuce and honey tomato. It is refreshingly light and suitable for milder palates, making it a sure hit with the health conscious.

  For main courses, the lamb cutlet ($28) is a dish that's not to be missed. The tender cut from rack of lamb is marinated with the chef's secret herbs, served with roasted vegetables and portobello mushroom and mint sauce. The surface of the lamb was crusty whilst the meat was juicy with the moist goodness of lamb locked within. The chef's marinate paid dividends as it brought out the aromatic flavour of the lamb. The portobello mushroom had a rich taste to it and is accompanied by a mint sauce.

  Fish is also one of the crowd pleasers at 211. Their basil-marinated cod fish ($26) is served with spaghetti Aglio-Olio and sautéed vegetables. The crispy cod fish is fresh and firm to the bite. The spaghetti is tossed in olive oil and mixed with chilli bits, making it a refreshing change from the usual side dishes of mashed potatoes or rice.

  The signature dish of 211 is the spaghetti vongole ($15.50). Its popularity is evident as customers actually call in to place pre-orders on this lovely pasta before arriving at 211. The pasta, done al-dente, was firm to the bite. The white wine gives the sauce a rich taste blending well with the ocean sweetness of the vongole clams. The clams were fresh and tender, giving off a touch of sweetness with every bite. To do the dish justice, you just have to finish every morsel of it!

  Dessert was equally satisfying. 211's superbly light and fluffy tiramisu ($7) consists of mascarpone cheese, kahlua, rum and lady fingers cookies. The cream does not overwhelm and it melts in your mouth, leaving a smooth and light aftertaste. Also available are the lychee and rambutan ice-blended drinks ($5) which add a smooth, tropical touch to the meal.

• The Service
  Decked in traditional Indonesian uniforms, the people at 211 are hospitable and ensured that their guests feel right at home. The waiters are polite and friendly. Do not hesitate to ask for recommendations and what's new on the menu as they do have new additions once in a while.

The SD Food Advisor's take on 211 Roof Terrace Cafe
The 211 is the perfect place to catch up with friends and enjoy a delectable meal. With the scenic view as backdrop, one cannot help but feel soothed by the presence of its décor. I like the ambience of the café and the food backed up the reputation of the café as one that provides a delectable range of Australian and Italian fare.