Nico Cafe @ Wheelock Place: Donburis, Soufflé Pancakes & More In A Romantic Alfresco Space Surrounded By Books
One of the OGs in the floral-themed cafe scene, Café de Nicole's Flower has been revamped and reborn as Nico Cafe, now with a garden concept with new creations on the menu. Along with the original Telok Kurau road outpost, Nico Cafe has opened an all-new outlet at Wheelock Place, located right outside The Zall Bookstore 卓爾書店.
Ambience at Nico Cafe @ Wheelock
This brand is part of the Fleursophy Group, which is behind many other establishments in Singapore including fine dining restaurant Ce Soir. As with all their dining concepts, Nico Cafe goes all out on aesthetics.
Gone is the former feminine and floral theme and in its place is a garden-like ambience with a charming untamed look. It's a fully alfresco cafe, where diners can bask in fresh air and relax on French bistro chairs while surrounded by foliage. While the seating area is partially shaded by the mall's glass rooftop, the cafe offers additional respite from the sun with patio umbrellas.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
In the age of stylish cafes designed for social media, Nico Cafe still manages to stand out thanks to a whimsical book-covered wall! Old and worn-out books deck the wall of one seating area, with its pages turning freely in the breeze.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
If you prefer people-watching, go for the counter seats set under ferns and vines.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Our lunchtime experience was a sweltering affair, but we imagine it'll be more pleasant on a cooler day. A sneakily placed fan helped, and even the corner seats had some air circulation. That said, if you have a low tolerance for hot weather, it's best to stick to late afternoon or early evening dining!
Food & Drinks at Nico Cafe @ Wheelock
The menu has also been refreshed with new creations along with crowd-pleasers from the original cafe.
Donburis are now one the menu, with options including Ssamjang Iberico Pork Secreto ($18.90) and Cheesy Mentaiko Chicken Cutlet ($13.90). Each of these hearty bowls come with perfectly roasted broccolini, onsen egg, furikake and roasted sesame.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
There's also a decent variety of vegetarian dishes such as the refreshing Healthy Kale Salad ($15.90), Guacamole Tamago Sando ($11.90) and Maitake Mushroom Donburi ($14.90).
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Nico Cafe has given their Crispy Chicken Wings a spicy update with a Szechuan Mala flavour ($9.90). The spice level is on the mild side, but if you prefer something with zero heat, go for the Sweet and Sour version ($8.90) .
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Lastly was our favourite, a deceptively simple Sweet and Savoury Toast ($8.90) that had a beautifully caramelised banana, chewy honeycomb chunks and crushed peanut on fresh bread with a peanut butter spread.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Cafe De Nicole's Flower made its claim to fame not only with picturesque interiors but also soufflé pancakes. We're happy to report that the pancakes at Nico Cafe are just as good as we remembered, with a fluffy, cloud-like texture and delicate eggy flavours. It comes in Original ($17.90), Mixed Berries Cheesecake ($21.90) and Chocolate Overload ($24.90).
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
If you're craving a tea time treat, get their Homebaked Cakes ($7.90 - $11.90) and Cookies ($4 each, 3 for $10), or indulge in Waffles with Ice Cream ($18.90).
The extensive drinks menu has Coffees ($4.90 - $6.90), Teas ($5.90 - $9.90) and Nico's Special beverages ($7.90 - $10.90) like slushies and creative coffees.
For the full aesthetic experience, we say go for the Flora Tea ($9.90) which comes in three flavours: Jasmine, Austin Rose and White Peach Oolong & Rose. These comforting hot teas have subtle floral notes and are served in a pretty teapot and cup set.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Opening Promotions at Nico Cafe @ Wheelock Place
To celebrate its launch, Nico Cafe is treating customers to $1 Coffee (U.P.: $4.90 - $6.90) for takeaway only on 1 September, while stocks last and limited to one coffee per person. From 2 to 8 September, those who sign up as a member can enjoy three coffees for $5.90.
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