Italian cuisine is too underrated in Singapore. Not enough attention is given, or it is because there are not enough authentic options in town? We can never say no to a good Italian meal, because the sheer variety is enough to keep us occupied. There is always something new to explore, new flavours to fall in love with, and different textures to entice us.

For one, Waterfall Ristorante Italiano at Shangri-la Hotel, Singapore offers a daily spread that is sumptuous no less, and we can always count on the chefs for an authentic Italian affair. If you haven’t heard, the former Waterfall Cafe has been transformed into a Southern Italian trattoria that features handmade pastas and fresh seafood.

Prices are still very reasonable, but the dishes are better and heartier than ever. The new Chef de Cuisine, Marco De Vincentis, hails from Naples. And his experience will bring you nothing but the most authentic tastes of Southern Italy.

Think fresh seafood from the Southern Riviera, nutty flavours, and lots of lemon touches. Nothing overly fanciful too, just really playing around with fresh and quality ingredients to accentuate the essence and to showcase the true Italian flavours.

Take a trip to Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore – one of Singapore’s best hotels – and have a quiet Italian meal. You will love their new menu. Here are some highlights from Waterfall Ristorante Italiano’s new menu that we sampled:

INSALATA DI MARE ALL’AMALFITANA

Originating from the coast of Amalfi, the Insalata di Mare All’Amalfitnana (S$23) is a refreshing seafood salad of prawns, crab legs and other treasures of the Italian sea. The sheer simplicity of fresh seafood is complimented with light citrusy dressing of lemon, and it is surely one salad to whet your appetite.

PARMIGIANA DI MELANZANE

Much has been debated about the origin of eggplant parmesan, but one thing is for sure – it is a staple in Southern Italian cuisine and you must try it when you are dining at Waterfall Ristorante Italiano where Chef Marco has mastered this classic dish. Layered in a casserole with parmigiano, tomatoes and eggplants, the Parmigian di Melanzane is a classic appetiser ala Italiano style – our palate won’t quite soon forget about it.

INSALATA DI ARANCE E FINOCCHI

A light and refreshing Sicilian mixed salad of orange, fennel, black olive, cherry tomato and Tropea onion, the Insalata di Arance e Finocchi (S$16) is a great option for vegetarians or those who prefer something lighter to start your meal with.

SPAGHETTONI AI RICCI DI MARE

With 13 homemade pastas to choose from, deciding on what to order is almost quite as tough as making life decisions. But let us help you streamline your options – Spaghettoni ai Ricci di Mare (S$29) has to be on the list.

Combining promptly cooked homemade spaghettoni with the freshness of sea urchin, gorgeous red tomatoes, olive oil, garlic and herb, this is one of our favourite pasta dishes from Waterfall Ristorante Italino’s new menu.

PACCHERI ALL’ASTICE

The Paccheri all’ Astice (S$32) is another pasta dish that we thoroughly enjoyed. Thick sheets of hand-cut pasta prepared al dente, then doused in a fragrant blend of lobster sauce, cherry tomato, brandy, chilli, basil, parsley and extra-virgin olive oil – think rich but balanced flavours that is nothing short of rustic and satisfying.

TAGLIOLINI AL PESTO SICILIANO

The Tagliolini al Pesto Sicilaino (S$22) – with tomato, ricotta, pine nut, basil, roasted almond – may sound like a simple dish, but the flavours are anything but ordinary. Sure, there is no fancy ingredients. But it is one fuss-free classic pasta option that will always have the hearts of the Southern Italians.

Other pastas on the menu include the usual classics like Fusilli Carbonara (S$18), Spaghetti alle Vongole (S$22), Tagliatelle alla Bolognese (S$18) and Spaghetti Aglio Olio (S$18) – most of them are reasonably priced from S$18 to S$24.

SOGLIOLA AL LIMONE AMALFITANO

We love a good Dover sole, but we’ve got some issues – not many restaurants in Singapore stock this fish, otherwise if they do, prices are usually exorbitant. But boy, were we stoked to see it on Waterfall Ristorante Italiano’s new menu. At S$38 for a whole sole, this is one dish that represents great value. The pan-fried sole with grilled seasonal greens has single-handedly earned our loyalty towards Waterfall Ristorante Italiano.

PORCHETTA SARDA

Love your suckling pig? Try Waterfall Ristorante Italino‘s Porchette Sarda (S$35). Roasted suckling pig roll served with rosemary potato and spring onion – quite unlike your usual suckling pigs, this one here is presented in an elegant manner and you can do without the mess.

TORTA CAPRESE

Named after the island of Capri where it originated from, Torta Caprese (S$16) is a traditional gluten-free flourless chocolate cake. Waterfall Ristorante Italiano‘s rendition has a hint of almond, and is served with a sorbet; the tartness of the sorbet cuts through the sweetness of the chocolate cake, making it the perfect complement and we are just dying for more now.

TIRAMISU

Now, what is an Italian meal without the classic “pick-me-up” dessert? We always love a good tiramisu (S$15), and here at Waterfall Ristorante Italiano, Chef Marco does a pretty mean version that saw us wolfing it down within minutes. Warning: one serving is not enough!

ANTIPASTI SEMI LUNCH BUFFET

During lunch, Waterfall Ristorante Italino which includes daily fish special, salads, cold cuts, cheeses, fresh seasfood, live pasta and meat carving stations, pizza station and gelato.

For reservations and enquiries, please call +65 6213 4138 or go to Shangri-la Hotel Singapore’s dining website. For the latest updates, like Shangri-la Hotel Singapore on Facebook, and follow them on Instagram.

Waterfall Ristorante Italino
Garden Wing, Level One, Shangri-la Hotel
22 Orange Grove Road
Tel: +65 6213 4138
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Email: dining.sls@shangri-la.com

This post is brought to you by Shangri-la Hotel, Singapore.

Setting foot on Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore is like bidding goodbye to the fast-paced and stressful city. It is a stark contrast of heaven and earth, and all our senses are calmed upon stepping in to the posh property. The lobby on its own is one so welcoming that you know for sure you are going to have a memorable stay.

An oasis within the urban jungle; that’s what we’d like to think of Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore.

While Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore is a popular choice for conferences and meetings, it is really relaxing and exudes the resort vibes beyond those serious suits and ties. Nestled within a 15-acre lush greenery, Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore has a whole belt of accolades to boast, and is frequently nominated as one of the best hotels in the world. Comprising three distinctive wings and providing excellent Asian hospitality, a stay at Shangri-La Hotel Singapore will redefine your ideas of luxuriating.

We share with you the highlights of our staycation in the Premier Balcony Suite, alongside many other perks of staying in this award-winning property such as its BonusChoice which entitles you to enjoy value-added benefits like dining credits and late check-out till 4pm.

Here are the 10 things that we love about our staycation at Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore.

#1 OASIS RESORT WITH A UNIQUE TROPICAL GARDEN WING

It felt like we had scooted away for an island getaway. It felt like we had bade goodbye to civilisation and welcomed by a sanctuary. The check-in was a breeze, and we were escorted to our suite. The walk itself left us all marvelled, and the serenity calmed our nerves as we let go of everything that would not serve us anymore, and prepped ourselves for a wonderful staycation ahead.

The landscaping team is always hard at work and diligently grooming the property. Filled with palm trees and ferns in abundance, Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore is really a well-loved oasis resort. There are three distinctive wings, and the Garden Wing is where you need to be at.

Inspired by nature, the Garden Wing went through a massive S$68 million renovation and revamp, and today, it features 158 homely guestrooms and suites. Soothe your senses as you listen to the cascading waterfall, and watch the koi swimming gracefully in the ponds. The environment and amenities are also child-friendly, in case you are wondering.

#2 YOUR HUMBLE ABODE FOR THE NIGHT – LUXURIATE IN THE POSH ROOMS

And if you stay at the Garden Wing, you will get a private balcony to yourself. Sink in to the plush arm chairs, sip some Earl Grey tea, and catch up on your reading while letting the breeze caress you lightly.

Suites in the Garden Wing come with a dining area and a kitchenette that comes complete with a Nespresso machine. Arty reads and books about Singapore’s histories are also available, or you can channel-surf with the in-house movie selections.

In the room, enjoy the sheer space and stay warm under the sheets while you breathe in the signature Shangri-La’s essence with notes of vanilla and ginger. The marble-cled bathroom is fully equipped with a bath tub, rain shower and double sinks.

We’d like to think of the Premier Balcony Suites as one of the ultimate luxury in Singapore, and there are only three in the property.

#3 LIVE IT UP WITH YOUR VERY OWN PRIVATE JACUZZI AND BBQ AREA

And if you put up at the Premier Balcony Suite, you can even have a BBQ party. Grill your favourite meats and enjoy them on the sun loungers; it is a private party that no one knows about. Or soak it up in your very own jacuzzi that overlooks the city.

How wonderful life is, now you’re in Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore!

#4 BUTLER SERVICE FOR ALL SUITES

Because who does not like to be waited on, right? For all suite bookings, a butler will be at your service 24 hours per day, and personalised housekeeping services are also part of the deal!

#5 PLENTY OF F&B OPTIONS WITHIN THE PROPERTY

You will never have to step out of the hotel. Dining options are aplenty – enjoy an international breakfast at The Line, treat yourself to an Mediterranean affair at The Waterfall, and have a dinner at Nadaman. Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore will cater to every palate for the discerning gourmet in you, so take your pick, and have very wonderful meals within the property.

For buffet spreads, go to The Waterfall and everyone’s favourite The Line. Need some dim sum and Chinese food fix? Shang Palace is for you. Afternoon tea indulgences can be found at The Rose Veranda and Lobby Court, while Nadaman is an aristocratic Japanese restaurant for fine traditional cuisine.

#6 THE LINE – ONE OF THE BEST BUFFET SPREADS IN TOWN

And yes, The Line. The highly popular The Line. Everyone loves a good buffet treat, and at The Line, be lost in the wondrous world of international and continental spread. You can eat a bit of everything and before you even reach the end, you might already be completely stuffed.

Yes, the spread is that extensive. Sixteen live stations for your ala minute dishes too, and a special drinks station where you can order the very satisfying Teh Tarik.

#7 ONE OF THE BEST SWIMMING POOLS IN SINGAPORE, COCOONED WITHIN TALL PALM
TREES AND BOUGAINVILLEA BUSHES

Undoubtedly one of the best pools in Singapore, who can resist taking a dip in the resort-styled pool that is cocooned within tall palm trees and bougainvillea bushes. There are several depths too, so the kids will be safe in their zone and the adults can take the deeper ends for a proper workout. Now, slap on your sunblock and bring out your prettiest bikini for a morning swim!

#8 UNWIND TO THE MUSIC IN THE LOBBY COURT

They call it the “Height of Style”. A popular gathering spot, the Lobby Court speaks of a grandeur of soaring pillars that resembles the ancient Roman columns – standing tall with pride. Musical performances are available from 1930hrs onwards, every Monday to Saturday.

Have yourself a cheongsam, Shangri-La’s signature cocktail, and pull yourself away from the hubbubs of your cosmopolitan life. Just sit back, unwind to the music, and breathe in life.

#9 CHI, THE SPA

To sum it all up, retreat to Chi Spa for the ultimate pampering. Allow the team of trained therapists to soothe those senses with their caring touch, and reap the benefits of the natural products and revitalising treatments.

The menu offers your usual body massages, foot reflexology, scrubs and mud wraps, including the award-winning Singapore Wave. Facials too, if you’d like. Unfortunately, the premise is only open to 18 years old and above. But that also means you have the space to relax in without disturbance, and in complete tranquility.

#10 BONUSCHOICE + CUSTOMISE YOUR SHANGRI-LA EXPERIENCE

Shangri-la Hotel, Singapore is currently offering the following two promotions:

BonusChoice entitles you to enjoy of one of the following value-added benefits – 1) arrival airport transfer, 2) departure airport transfer or 3) dining credit of S$145/room for your entire stay – in addition to complimentary Internet access and late check-out till 4pm.

Custom Stay, on the other hand, gives you the opportunity to customise your Shangri-la experience by allowing you to select the add-ons that you would like to enjoy during the stay. The room rate is based on Best Available Rate. The selection of the add-ons can be done after selecting their preferred room rate and checking the “Customise your stay” box under the “Optional Request” field. The add-ons give you substantial discount for dining credits, spa treatment credits as well as airport transfers. To opt for this package, simply click on the “Reservations” button to begin.

The hotel has many other room offers to cater to the different needs. To find out more, please visit www.shangri-la.com/singapore/shangrila/offers/section/rooms-suites

For the latest updates, go to Shangri-la Hotel, Singapore’s website, like them on Facebook, and follow them on Instagram.

This post is brought to you by Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore.

When it comes to afternoon tea, the de facto meeting place for many people is Shangri-La Hotel’s Lobby Court. It offers the traditional English Afternoon Tea ($34++/pax on weekdays, $36++/pax on weekends) – which comes with finger sandwiches, scones, and cakes.

If you are looking for somewhere to spend a quiet afternoon, I can’t think of a better place than Shangri-La’s Lobby Court.

Just look at those beauties. Delicate finger sandwiches, beautiful cakes and pastries. They are the perfect companions when you are catching up with a friend over tea.

The scones – with a gorgeous golden crust – are also one of the best that I’ve had in town. When you take a bite, it leaves crumbs all over the table top. It is good on its own, but even better when slathered with jam and clotted cream.

To me, Shangri-La Hotel’s lobby court is one of the top 5 afternoon high tea places in Singapore. Come here to enjoy an elegant afternoon over lavish teas.

Alternatively, The Rose Veranda at Shangri-La’s Mezzanine Level has an international high tea buffet ($42++/pax). It is available from 11.30am to 6pm on weekdays, and there are two seating on weekends – 11.30am – 2.30pm, 3pm – 6pm.

Shangri-La Lobby Court
22 Orange Grove Road
Mezzanine Level Shangri-La Hotel
Tel:+65 6213 4486
English Afternoon Tea: $34++ (Weekdays), $36++ (Weekends)
Daily: 3pm – 5.30pm