The bustling central area of Ulsoor in Bangalore has been chaotic and noisy for years now, but it houses a well kept secret - a tiny café tucked away in an old backyard, the perfect mid-day oasis from all that madness. If you’re ever in the vicinity and desperate for a reprieve from it all, stroll into The Rogue Elephant at the Ambara Complex.

Just finding the entrance to the café can be a small adventure – one has to go through a nursery of flowers, take a left, and navigate a narrow passageway, one person at a time. But the momentary confusion is worth it as the passage opens up to reveal a sunlit corner with six tables surrounded by plants neatly arranged in a row. The staff are polite and soft-spoken, and you can’t help but feel you’re walking into a friend's verandah rather than a commercial café. Plus single women can eat undisturbed and without being stared at there, which unfortunately isn't so common in the area.

The menu is mostly European and though limited, every item on it is prepared with care. There are soups, salads, starters, entrees and customizable pastas to choose from, along with a dessert section.

We suggest the unusual but much loved fig and savoury cheese pannacotta salad, and the eclectically named "just like crab claws" with garlic mayo for a midday treat. Try the classic egg salad sandwich as well, with your choice of bread, and the very comforting warm carrot cake.

One thing to remember, though, is credit cards are not accepted here, so be sure to carry some cash along with a book to read at leisure.