I spent the larger part of my childhood and teenage years on Emerald Hill/Cairnhill Road. So when I read about a little cafe near my alma mater in a restored shophouse with good food to boot, I had to check it out.

Small, cosy, and split-level, the cafe/restaurant seats probably 40 max? Service is exceedingly polite and attentive, with a menu that showcases selected dishes made with what else, basil.

The mushroom soup - earthy, not too creamy, generously filled with small to mid-sized chunks of mushrooms. This wasn't the best I've had but it was certainly wholesome goodness where the flavour of the chicken broth base wasn't masked.

Next up was the bruschetta with a medley of veggies - finely diced, roasted, sweet zucchini, capsicum and eggplant. This had more bite and flavour than the typical tomato bruschetta though one wishes it had a stronger garlic and olive oil flavour and a better quality baguette with a firmer texture was used.

My main of grilled salmon with broccoli and roasted baby potatos and a pepper sauce. The salmon was done just so - cooked and firm on the outside, slightly pink and raw on the inside, just the way I like it. The broccoli accompanying the fish was stir-fried chinese-style with garlic and the baby tots came well roasted with rosemary, salt and black pepper. Thumbs up for a satisfying main course!

But it was the basil-infused dessert that stole the show. The basil lemon sorbet was a very interesting combination of finely chopped basil in a lemon sorbet. First the flavour of the basil hits you, then it morphs into the tangy, refreshing taste of the lemon sorbet. An unusual but good combination!

Blue Basil is really quite an oasis of calm in the heart of Orchard Road and offers a cosy, relaxed ambience with quality food, perfect for a quiet night out.