Cafe Cartel (Plaza Singapura)

I visited Cafe Cartel twice. It seems that their service level varies according to the time. My 1st time was rather smooth, I got my orders and ice water without much prompting.

The 2nd time, it was nearly full and we sat next to a group of students. The servers were busy and there was no ice water for 15 minutes. While the food is not that bad, we were rather disappointed that we had to ask for a refill for the ice water.

While there were many tables, the arrangement of the tables and chairs are too close to each other, one has to practically squeeze or suck in the stomach in order to get to the table where there is a free flow of bread. If there is no way to get past between the chairs, one will have to walk around other tables to get to the free flow.

Their cheesecake is good. However, since it was late, I couldn't get the cheesecake I wanted. So, if you love cheesecakes, ask them for the availability.

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Update: 12 Jul 2008 The table given was simply too small to squeeze into. They seriously need to change the way the sofa seats are placed in front of the tables.

We asked for warm water. The waiter got us warm water and placed the jug on the table. He said "Help yourselves" and left.

The service charge should be waived as they don't do anything much except to bring the utensils and food to the tables. The iced water had to be refilled by ourselves too.

Was at this outlet a couple of weeks ago.. As compared to the outlet at Raffles City, I felt that the service here was seriously much better. Firstly, instead of you having to fin your seats, they will usher you to your seats and let you have a choice of seats if the place isn't very crowded.

Secondly, the staff service was prompt and helpful in explaining some of the items on the menu to us. Thirdly, the staff brought two glasses of iced water to us even without us asking for it and somemore, iced water could be taken on your own from the bread counter as I saw later.

So I ordered a set of CRISPY COMBO, which was a Golden combination of crispy fried chicken fish fillets, prawn dippers, rodeo wings, mixed vegs & fries comes with 2 dips, B.B.Q. sauce & chef's special sauce ( which I think is mayo mixed with abit of wasabi). I must say that the food also tasted better than that at Raffles City.

So overall, I would give it a thumbs up and go back for more if the crowd is nt that huge. Lastly, from time to time, they have special promotions for credit card payments, so do check it out with the staff when you are paying your bill.