Cheval Cafe Bar Bistro has been nestled in the tranquil Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre since 2009, promising a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. Named by Time Out Singapore as the number one spot in the north and a hidden gem of the north, it pairs scenic views and beautiful horses walking by with a delectable selection of bistro delights — from its signature prawn ball and seafood platter to pastas, grilled mains and a homemade burnt cheesecake. Free parking and a pet-friendly alfresco deck make it an easy escape in Singapore's north.
Beyond the regular menu, the bistro runs a weekday set lunch (11am to 3pm) and weekday happy hours (12pm to 8pm), both excluding the eve of public holidays and public holidays. Acoustic solo performers playing current top hits and 80s oldies have long been part of the Cheval fabric, though live sets are temporarily suspended; EPL matches are still shown live. Cheval also hosts events against its backdrop of greenery and the riding centre — from corporate and formal private dining to once-in-a-lifetime celebrations — and delivers islandwide through its online ordering platform.
Tucked inside the Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre at 1 Equestrian Walk, Cheval Cafe Bar Bistro has quietly built a following since 2009 — so much so that Time Out Singapore has called it the number one spot in the north and a hidden gem of the north. One visit makes the affection easy to understand. This is a bistro where the view is part of the meal: green paddocks, leafy calm, and horses and riders passing by while you work through a seafood platter.
Cheval sits within the grounds of the riding centre in Singapore's north, and it leans into the setting rather than fighting it. The alfresco seating is pet friendly, so four-legged companions are welcome at the outdoor tables, and there is free and ample parking right beside the restaurant — a small luxury on this island. The mood is relaxed enough for a long weekend lunch and sociable enough for an evening out.
Hours are generous too: Saturday to Thursday from 11am to 11pm, with Fridays running to midnight. Last order for bar food is 9.30pm on weekdays and 10.30pm on weekends, and tables can be booked in advance through Chope.
The menu reads like a well-loved bistro's greatest hits, with the kitchen's must-try list of bestsellers, signatures and chef's recommendations pointing newcomers in the right direction. Start with the Cheval Signature Prawn Ball, the dish that carries the house name, or the Cheval Seafood Platter — grilled tiger prawns, clams, calamari, fish, scallops and potato wedges, made for sharing across the table. The White Wine Garlic Clams with Toast is another bar-counter favourite.
Pasta lovers have Spaghetti Bolognese — choose beef or chicken — plus a Creamy Truffle Mushroom Carbonara and a Seafood Aglio Olio. From the grill there is salmon and Cajun-spiced boneless chicken, both served with wedges and vegetables, alongside snapper fish and chips, a homemade beef burger and a grilled chicken sandwich. Lighter plates include a Caesar salad with grilled prawn, a teriyaki chicken salad, truffle fries and eight-piece signature or buffalo wings. Save room for the homemade burnt cheesecake, cut from a 3.2-inch cake.
Weekday lunchers get a set lunch from 11am to 3pm, excluding the eve of public holidays and public holidays themselves. Happy hours run on weekdays from 12pm to 8pm with the same exclusions, and the beverage menu extends well past the usual bistro list, with homemade drinks among the house categories.
Cheval has also made a name as an event venue. Set against the backdrop of greenery and the riding centre, guests at once-in-a-lifetime celebrations are treated to sights of horse-riding activities between courses. The bistro has hosted numerous corporate and formal private dining events — including Ministers and Senior Ministers of State — and is a choice option for corporate teambuilding sessions. Enquiries and the events kit are available by emailing [email protected].
On the entertainment front, acoustic solo performers playing current top hits and 80s oldies have long been part of the Cheval fabric, though live sets are temporarily suspended at the moment. EPL matches are shown live; the team posts schedule updates on its social media platforms, or you can contact them directly.
Can't make the trip north? Cheval delivers islandwide. Free delivery applies to online orders with a minimum spend of S$35; you indicate a preferred date and time slot, and the team calls to confirm. PayNow is accepted for delivery orders.
Whether you come for a slow weekend lunch with the dog at your feet, a weekday set lunch before happy hour, or a celebration with horses in the background, Cheval Cafe Bar Bistro earns its hidden-gem title — and remains one of the best reasons to point your car towards the north.