Located at the historic Customs House, Caffe Fernet is an idyllic Italian restaurant that promises fresh air and a gorgeous waterfront view of the Marina Bay with its alfresco dining concept.

Opened by the group behind Jigger & Pony, Gibson Bar, Sugar Hall, Humpback and Live Twice, Caffe Fernet offers a fresh take on Italian cuisine and cocktails.

With Jigger & Pony’s background in the cocktail industry, you can naturally expect a selection of well-crafted cocktails. You won’t go wrong with the classic Aperol Spritz (S$17), which had a distinctive sunset orange colour and a sweet tinge to the taste.

Start off your meal with a selection of small plates including Beef Tartare (S$31), Burrata (S$24), and Brussels Sprouts (S$21).

We recommend the Grilled Octopus (S$32) for the seafood lovers. The octopus is tender and goes well with the marinated beans and the chilli vinegar that has just the right amount of spice.

There are three choices under the pasta section. Caffe Fernet is well known for its Mafaldine Cacio E Pepe (S$26) with parmesan, pecorino, four pepper. Otherwise, you can go for the Tonnarelli Vongole (S$29) with flower clams. Gluten-free options are available upon request.

Overall, Caffe Fernet is a great place along the Marina Bay if you’re a fan of classic Italian craft cocktails with a twist, and authentic Italian food that will leave you wanting to come back for more.

Caffe Fernet
70 Collyer Quay
#01-05 Customs House
Singapore 049323
Tel: +65 9178 1105

Boasting swanky interiors and offering a series of authentic, high-quality Italian dishes without the over-exorbitant price tag attached, PocoLoco impresses with their commitment to providing both tasty food and memorable dining experiences for all. Known to take up residence in Singapore’s heartlands, the restaurant opened its most recent one in Wisteria Mall, located within the Yishun heartland.

Believe us when we say that these folks don’t mess around when it comes to quality Italian food. Featuring a host of unique gems, our breaths were taken away by the likes of the Uni Risotto, Tagliatelle Al Ragu De Angelo and Filleto De Manzo with Foie Gras in Red Wine Sauce, each boasting heavenly sauces and dressings made entirely from scratch.

Their new space is a culmination of good vibes, offering diners a cosy ambience that’s neither pretentious nor intimidating, solid service and authentic Italian food that is just unbelievably good considering its price point. That’s right, their food is all priced relatively affordable to cater to the masses.

PORTOBELLO

To start off, we tried the Portobello (S$12.90) that features two overturned portobello mushrooms, oven-baked and stuffed generously with soft, creamy burrata cheese along with a modest drizzling of their homemade truffle essence.

Straightforward from taste to the presentation and elevated with the Earthy scent of truffle, this simple starter impressed with its lovely chewy texture coupled with the rich, creamy molten cheese that spills out onto the tongue.

COLD CAPPELLINI

Served cold, the Cold Cappellini (S$20), yet another awesome starter worth considering, features a mound of chilled angel hair pasta dressed in truffle essence that is topped with fresh slices of Hokkaido scallops, sea urchin and shio kombu.

Nicely balanced with the various components dealt in humble portions, this refreshing dish is an umami bomb that does well to get the appetite going without being too overbearing on the palate.

TAGLIATELLE AL RAGU DE ANGELO

If proper nourishment and meaty comfort is needed after a long, arduous day at work, then why not consider the Tagliatelle Al Ragu De Angelo (S$15.90). The dish comprises a generous portion of handmade tagliatelle, neatly assembled and well coated in a hearty meat-based sauce before finished with a portion of a lamb rack.

Indulgent, the sauce was thick, resembling more of a stew rather than a sauce. The lamb was cooked perfectly, boasting a succulent pink interior and a crusty exterior. The real money-maker, however, was the homemade pasta which had a nice bite to it and served as a vessel to sponge up all the amazing flavour.

TAGLIATELLE PROSCIUTTO

Another pasta option to consider—one that offers a good balance between tartness, saltiness and freshness—is the Tagliatelle Prosciutto (S$15.90). Veal jus forms the base of this stunner, with other components such as capers, cherry tomatoes, olives and arugula added to give the sauce texture and depth.

The parma ham was as thin as paper, melting nicely on the tongue and coating every inch of it in a fatty flavour that was just divine. The arugula was also a nice touch as its peppery qualities did well to cut through the richness and saltiness of the other components.

UNI RISOTTO

Combining the briny ocean flavours of uni with the creamy, velvety texture that is perfectly cooked risotto, the Uni Risotto (S$20) is one that warrants a return visit and is a true hallmark of Italian flair and Japanese precision.

This creamy Italian rice dish is accented with speckles of garlic but is nicely mellowed out by the delicate creaminess of the parmesan cheese. The fresh Hokkaido-sourced sea urchin gave the dish a distinct seafood aroma and umami that played off the cheese nicely.

FILLETO DI MANZO WITH FOIE GRAS

A dish that we would gladly return for is the Filleto De Manzo with Foie Gras in Red Wine Sauce (S$27.90). Placed in the centre of the dish is a perfectly seared tenderloin steak, and perched on top of it is a sizeable medallion of freshly pan-seared foie gras.

Buttery and indulgent, the sweet and tangy balsamic glaze drizzled over top was an excellent (and much needed) touch.

TIRAMISU

Made authentically the Italian way, their Tiramisu (S$7.90) features ladyfinger biscuits soaked in a mixture of espresso and rum, layered with a light and airy mascarpone cream and dusted with cocoa powder.

Surprisingly light with a subtle alcoholic punch that hits you right at the end, this Italian classic honestly ranks high among the many that we’ve tried.

MATCHA LAVA

Promising nothing but sheer indulgence, with a subtle bitterness that works is the Matcha Lava (S$10.90). Unlike the classic chocolate lava cake, this rendition features a fondant that is made using fresh matcha powder, giving it its distinct and complex aroma.

When cut into, the outer shell breaks open, revealing an incredibly sexy flow of molten matcha. Best enjoyed with vanilla ice cream, this dessert boasts an alluring sweetness that begs to be devoured entirely (and immediately).

PocoLoco
598 Yishun Ring Road, #01-37/38,
Singapore 768698
Tel: +65 8826 1919
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Yishun

408 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10 #01-779
Singapore 560408
Tel: +65 8436 3363

21 Jurong Town Hall Road
Snow City Level 2
Singapore 609433

Tel: +65 8866 4646

103 Irrawaddy Road
#02-08 Royal Square@Novena
Singapore 329565
Tel: +65 8699 6664

This post was brought to you by PocoLoco. 

There are endless dessert choices out there in the world but what is it about the tiramisu that makes those with a sweet tooth go crazy over it?

Perhaps it’s the delicate mousse-like texture that melts so easily on your tongue or maybe it’s the perfect balance of bitter coffee and sweet whipped cream on your taste buds that get you hooked. Whatever reason you are thinking of, one thing is for sure—a good tiramisu can do wonders for your mind, soul and appetite.

If you’re ever craving this Italian dessert and have zero clues where to look, then look no further than to our guide on 17 best tiramisu in Singapore—believe us, they’re worth ruining your diet for.

BELLA PIZZA

An underrated Italian restaurant in Singapore, Bella Pizza at Robertson Quay offers classic Italian dishes such as pizza served in various ways—red, white and folded—and pasta as well.

But Italian pies aside, what you have to try there is their Tiramisu (S$10)—a stellar marriage between mascarpone cheese and coffee.

30 Robertson Quay
#01-14 Riverside View
Tel: +65 6734 0139
Tue to Thu: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Fri to Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11.30pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

Photo credit: Creme Maison Bakery

CREME MAISON

Creme Maison—one of our favourite bakeries in Singapore—has a new Durian Caffé Tiramisu (S$108 for 7″, serves 8 – 10 pax).

Dusted with Belgian cacao powder. the Durian Caffé Tiramisu features velvety smooth mascarpone sabayon layered with an espresso-soaked sponge and a generous layer of pure quality durian flesh.

If you love tiramisu and durian, you will enjoy Creme Maison’s Durian Caffé Tiramisu.

Order the durian tiramisu from Creme Maison’s website.

DA PAOLO GASTRONOMIA

Da Paolo Gastronomia has ready-to-go meals that do not compromise on taste. Besides the eclectic range of pasta, pizza, sandwiches and salads, you should also give their signature Tiramisu a try. It is not cheap, but it is definitely one of the best tiramisu in Singapore.

118 Holland Avenue
#01-06, Raffles Holland V
Singapore 278997
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village

EARLYBIRD CAFE

The Flower Pot Tiramisu (S$8.50) is definitely one dessert that will charm you not just with the looks of it. The smooth cream went well with the sponge fingers and the hint of alcohol gave it a luxurious touch.

17 Jalan Pinang
Singapore 199149
Mon to Thu: 10am – 10pm
Fri: 10am – 11pm
Sat: 9am – 11pm
Sun: 9am – 10pm
Tel: +65 9788 6858
Nearest Station: Bugis

IO ITALIAN OSTERIA

If you’re in the mood for some Italian food but you are stumped on where you can get some authentic plates of pasta and pizzas, we recommend that you check out iO Italian Osteria at HillV2.

The Pistachio Tiramisu (S$14) features chopped pistachio, creamy mascarpone and coffee-infused biscuit. If you love coffee, this dessert is perfect for you as the coffee taste is really strong.

4 Hillview Rise, #02-01
Singapore 667979
Tel: +65 6710 7150
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Hillview

JAMIE’S ITALIAN

Their pies and brownies are popular choices at Jamie’s Italian but the tiramisu with coffee sponge and orange mascarpone comes highly recommended too. This adult version is served with a touch of Kahlua.

1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-165-167 VivoCity
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6733 5500
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 9pm
Fri: 12pm – 10pm
Sat: 11am – 10pm
Sun: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

MACCHA HOUSE

Presented in a wooden box, Maccha House’s Matcha Tiramisu (S$6) comes with a miniature cup of tea on the side. We enjoyed how the tiramisu was not overwhelmingly sweet so the matcha flavours were able to shine more prominently.

181 Orchard Road
#B1-40 Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6636 5830
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

Fri & Sat: 11am – 2am
Nearest Station: Holland Village

PETE’S PLACE

One of the oldest Italian restaurants in Singapore, Pete’s Place at Grand Hyatt Singapore is a hidden gem that radiates an undeniable rustic vibe. Pete’s Place has the best tiramisu (S$16++) in Singapore—hands down; very moist and spongy—just the way it’d set our hearts aflutter.

10 Scotts Road
Grand Hyatt Singapore
Tel: +65 6416 7322
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

PIETRO RISTORANTE ITALIANO

An unassuming Italian restaurant tucked away in a private residential area in Yio Chu Kang, Pietro Ristorante Italiano offer authentic Italian cuisine ranging from pasta to pizza and other mains.

End your meal with their Tiramisu al Pistachio (S$14++)—this one has strong espresso coffee flavours with a subtle hint of nuttiness from the pistachio.

12 Jln Kelulut
Singapore 809030
Tel: +65 6484 5528
Daily: 11am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Buangkok/ Fernvale

POCOLOCO

Made authentically the Italian way, Pocoloco’s Tiramisu (S$7.90) features ladyfinger biscuits soaked in a mixture of espresso and rum, layered with a light and airy mascarpone cream and dusted with cocoa powder.

Surprisingly light with a subtle alcoholic punch that hits you right at the end, this Italian classic honestly ranks high among the many that we’ve tried.

598 Yishun Ring Road, #01-37/38,
Singapore 768698
Tel: +65 8826 1919
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Yishun

POULET

Poulet is easily one of the most well-known French casual dining restaurants in Singapore. While you may be there primarily because of their excellent roast chicken, it would be a pity to pass up on the Tiramisu, which is served in a jar.

HarbourFront Walk
#01-175/176/177, VivoCity
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 9087
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

SOLEPOMODORO

SolePomodoro at Quayside Isle impresses with traditional Italian fare that uses premium ingredients; nobody walks out of the place without trying its wood-fired pizzas baked in their Italian imported wood-fired oven. We were also most impressed with the Tiramisu, which had us licking our spoons clean.

31 Ocean Way
#01-14 Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove
Singapore 098375
Tel: +65 6339 4778
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

THE 1925 BREWING CO.

The 1925 Brewing Co. is more than just their handcrafted beers—they also have one of the best tiramisus you can find in Singapore too (not kidding). For S$15++, the sweet alcoholic dessert at this local microbrewery comprises Patron Cafe XO, a tequila-based coffee liqueur, and espresso.

261 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427515
Tel: +65 6909 1425
Tue to Sun: 4pm – 1am
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Dakota/Eunos

THE FORAGE CAFE

If you are around the Simpang Bedok area, try the Kahlua Tiramisu (S$8) from The Forage Cafe. Biscuits are directly soaked in the coffee liqueur, so it may be a little strong for those who aren’t used to having alcohol in their desserts.

We loved how light and creamy the marscapone filling was, mellowing out the strong taste of alcohol and providing a pleasant, mildly sweet base to the dessert.

30 Jalan Pari Burong
Singapore 488696
Tue to Sun: 10am – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Simei

THE TIRAMISU HERO

Where else should you be heading for excellent tiramisu but The Tiramisu Hero? Living up to their name, the cafe offers several variations of the Italian dessert, and they are all served in a cute glass jar stamped with the iconic Sir Antonio (S$7.50 onwards).

121 Tyrwhitt Road
Singapore 207548
Tel: +65 6292 5271
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bendemeer

WATERFALL RISTORANTE ITALIANO

Nestled within Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore, Waterfall Ristorante Italiano is a Southern Italian trattoria that features handmade pasta and fresh seafood. Although slightly heavier on the price tag as compared to the rest on this list, their tiramisu is absolutely to die for!

22 Orange Grove Road
Garden Wing, Level One, Shangri-la Hotel
Tel: +65 6213 4138
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Stevens

Prego at Fairmont Singapore is one of the most reputable Italian restaurants in Singapore, and they are known for signature Italian favourites such as wood-fired pizza. But what we truly love is the all-new Italian Sunday Brunch Buffet—one of the best indulgences if you have a hankering for Italiano-everything.

Prego’s head chef Antonio Facchinetti and his team have introduced a whole new gastronomic experience and the Italian Sunday Brunch happens every Sunday from 12pm to 3pm. It is a massive showcase of Italian fiesta, from cold cuts and premium cheeses to a la minute pasta and grilled meats.

Here are some of the highlights you can expect at Prego’s Sunday Brunch Buffet, and why you should start your year right with a great Italian Brunch.

THE STYLISH INTERIOR

With Parmesan cheese wheels, sausages and Italian Prosciutto as part of the decorations, you would be impressed at how the modern Italian restaurant is still able to keep its traditions strong.

The warm hues in Prego also make for a very relaxed yet casual chic dining atmosphere—perfect for family brunch and couples who are looking to have a romantic date.

It is hard to find a place in Singapore where you can go to for a true Italian communal dining experience.

FREE-FLOW SPARKLING WINE

Sunday brunch is just not the same without some bubbles! And at Prego, you can choose to indulge in free-flow Berlucchi ’61 Brut Franciacorta as part of your feast. The sweet Italian Sparkling Wine is carefully selected to pair with the curated line-up.

So, go on. Drink up because free-flow sparkling wine is the perfect way to spend Sunday afternoons.

THE BEST OF ITALIAN CHEESE AT THE SEASONAL STATIONS

Italians take pride in producing some of the best cheeses in the world. Taste a slice of Italy right here at Prego, where you have creamy Ricotta, milky Burrata and very smooth Mozzarella to indulge in all you want.

The menus for the four seasonal stations in Prego change from time to time based on seasonality. Some of the dishes on rotation are exquisite creations by the chefs which include Wagyu Beef Carpaccio with Truffle Breadcrumbs, Wild Frittata with Mushrooms and Grilled Portobello “Steak” Salad.

An assortment of Italian bread and bruschetta is also part of the line-up.

And just beside the Home-Crafted Rustic Italian Bread & Bruschetta Station, there are more Italian farm cheeses in the likes of Asiago and Taleggio. Those who prefer hard cheeses can opt for these!

LIVE PASTA CRAFTING AND RISOTTO BAR

The star of our Sunday Buffet Brunch goes to the ‘live’ pasta crafting and risotto bar. Visitors get to watch the chefs in action as they masterfully craft out fresh pasta right before you.

The fun part? You get to create your own pasta dish at this station! Choose from various kinds of pasta such as ravioli, spaghetti and squid ink pasta (depending on season).

When you are done, pick a sauce of your choice including Spiced Tomato Sauce with Seafood, traditional Bolognese sauce, creamy Carbonara or the seasonal Truffle cream sauce. There are plenty of toppings to go with your pasta too—mushrooms, peppers, ham etc.

At the risotto bar, you get a generous serving of Black Truffle Risotto from the chef who uses only premium Acquerello Rice—one of Italy’s top risotto rice producer. Needless to say, this was one of the best truffle risottos we had. Every grain was full and plump, and lavishly coated with cream and cheese, then topped off with a generous serving of seasonal black truffle.

The risotto counter showcases the most premium of seasonal produce – expect different seasonal specialties when you return to Prego. *Hint: Asparagus and Roasted King Prawns Risotto next!

MEAT AND SEAFOOD GRILL

Here’s the one station that will get the carnivores all excited—the grill. This is where you can have your meat and seafood grilled a la minute and served warm to you.

Get ready for the wide selection on offer which includes Lamb Rack with Garlic & Thyme, Salmon Fillet with Dill & Lemon, Beef Sirloin with Rosemary and Chicken Thigh with Lemon & Oregano.

FRESH SEAFOOD

If grilled seafood ain’t your thing, go for the oysters, scallops and poached Alaska crab legs instead. This station is the epitome of seafood luxury and the sheer selection will leave you bewildered!

We love how easy it is to slurp up the freshly shucked oysters and dig into the pre-cracked crab legs. Seriously, ready-to-eat fresh crabs is a luxury beyond imagination!

ITALIAN GELATO CART AND ALL KINDS OF DESSERTS

We were blown away by the limelight of the dessert counter. What do you know, it was an Italian gelato cart! Build your very own Italian gelato on a cone with the various flavours.

Did we mention there’s tiramisu as well? You can have a whole tray of tiramisu all to yourself! And that’s not all. The dessert counter also comes with Traditional Cannoli, Wild Berries Pannacotta, Chocolate Salame, Ricotta Cheesecake, among other sweet delights!

Sunday Brunch Buffet at Prego (12pm – 3pm)
Adult: S$128++**, S$98++*
Child: S$49++*

**includes unlimited Berlucchi ’61 Brut Franciacorta, Italian Signature Cocktails, House Wines, Tiger Draught, Juices and Soft Drinks
* includes unlimited non-alcoholic drinks

Prego 
Fairmont Singapore, Level 1
80 Bras Basah Road
Singapore 189560
Tel: +65 6431 6156
Nearest Station: City Hall

This post is brought to you by Fairmont Singapore.

When the news came that Jamie Oliver is opening a restaurant in Singapore – the first Jamie’s Italian in Asia – the hype about it was overwhelming and unbelievably crazy. Jamie Oliver is a household name, and arguably one of the most famous British chefs in the world. The arrival of his restaurant in Singapore further emphasises Singapore’s position as a dining destination in Asia.

Jamie’s Italian Singapore officially opens its door at Vivo City today, and here are some of the highlights that you can expect from Jamie Oliver’s new restaurant.

As with all the Jamie’s Italian restaurants around the world, the menu is extensive, with offerings of antipasti, pasta and risotto dishes, and main courses that are hearty and rustic.

The Planks – platters of meat and fish – are a great way to start, especially if you are in a big group. The Meat Plank (S$15.50/pax) consists of cured meats, cheeses, pickles and a crunchy salad. We also sampled the Fish Plank (S$17/pax), a seafood version with an assortment of beetroot-cured salmon, roasted shellfish, smoked mackerel pate and delicious fritto misto, which tastes great with yuzu mayo.

If you are a fan of olives, you should also go for their World’s Best Olives on Ice (S$7.50). The other starter that we had was the Baked Mushrooms (S$12.50). It was decent, but nothing to write home about. The Crispy Squid (S$11.50) and Crispy Stuffed Risotto Balls (S$11.50) sound promising, and we would probably get them the next time.

At Jamie’s Italian, pastas are made fresh in-house daily, and they are naturally one of the highlights. The best part is that they come in two portions – a smaller serving which is meant to be an appetiser, and the regular size as a main course – which gives you the option of getting more dishes for sharing.

The most popular pasta on the menu is the Prawn Linguine (S$17/25) with fried garlicky prawns. But while we have not tried this, we have to give mentions to the Tagliatelle Bolognese (S$15/22) – which we had when we were in Jamie’s Italian London previously, and it is surely one dish not to be missed because this classic pasta is so satisfying.

We could not resist ordering the Wild Truffle Risotto (S$16/24.50). It was excellent, with subtle taste of the finely chopped truffle lingering on the tongue. We had this same dish at London and much to our surprise, we felt the Singapore’s version was significantly more impressive. Also good was the Jools’ Favourite Sicilian Tuna Fusilli (S$14/21), which is apparently the must-have dish for Jools (Jamie Oliver’s wife) whenever she is at the restaurant. We loved how the herby breadcrumbs added an extra texture to the flavourful pasta with slow-cooked tuna, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.

Other pastas on the menu include the Pasta Alla Norma (S$12.50/19), Penne Arrabbiata (S$12.50/19), Black Angel Spagehtti (S$16/24.50), and Sausage Pappardelle (S$16/24).

Among the main courses, you might be tempted by the Veal Flash Steak (S$32.50) and The Jamie’s Italian Wagyu Burger (S$27.50). One of the exclusive dishes for Jamie’s Italian Singapore is the Pink Snapper Acqua Pazza (S$32). While it was not out-of-the-world-good, it was a pleasantly comforting dish that you can eat on a regular basis – which is exactly what Jamie Oliver is known for.

Sweet treats such as Tutti Frutti Lemon Meringue Pie (S$11.50) and the Sour Cherry Bakewell (S$9.50) were decent, but not particularly outstanding.

But what we really loved were the Tiramisu (S$11.50) and Panna Cotta (S$9). The former – a strong and intense coffee-flavoured triffle with orange mascarpone and chocolate, and the latter – a simple and well-made dessert which is rich and creamy yet not overly sweet, exactly how a good panna cotta should be. We dare say it is one of the better renditions in town.

Jamie’s Italian takes reservations, but from what we understand, it is already fully-booked for the next few weeks. So, the only way is to try your luck for a table as walk-in guests.

While Jamie Oliver is a household name and brand, expectations are naturally developed and raised. However, one pointer that you may want to take note of prior to your visit to the inaugural Asian outlet – Jamie’s Italian is positioned to be a casual Italian restaurant, catering to the masses with fuss-free cuisine of rustic and homely pastas. Definitely not the posh fine-dining establishment that many might be expecting across all Jamie Oliver’s restaurants.

I like Jamie’s Italian and I think it blends in perfectly with Singapore’s local food scene. I would not be surprised if they were to open more branches in Singapore in the near future, and eventually in the rest of Asia.

Jamie’s Italian Singapore
1 HarbourFront Walk,
VivoCity, #01-165/167
Tel: +65 67335500
Daily: 11.30am to 11pm (All day dining)
Nearest Station: Harbourfront
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

For more recommendations, read my list of best Italian restaurants in Singapore

Brasserie Les Saveurs at The St Regis Singapore is extremely popular for its champagne brunch. However, not many people know about the Italian weekend prosecco brunch ($98++/pax for prosecco, $68++/pax for non-alcohol) at LaBrezza, a charming and intimate restaurant which serves fine trattoria-style Italian cuisine by the poolside of the hotel.

The space, as you would expect from a poolside restayrant, is bright and airy, which makes it a perfect place for weekend brunch.

La Brezza’s prosecco brunch comes with a delectable antipasti spread which has salads, burrata cheese, salami, prosciutto, and smoked salmon. We would suggest going easy on the antipasti and save room for the ala carte orders of pizza, pasta, and grilled meat and seafood.

Under the pizza menu, there are four options to choose from: Eggs Napoli, with poached egg and tomato on grilled ciabatta bread with pesto and mozzarella; Pizza Margherita; Pizza Vesuvio, with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, Italian sausage, and roasted sweet peppers; and Gil Sformatini con Salsa al – series of three vegetable flans, parmigianino and black truffle sauce. We also had the chef’s daily risotto special – an asparagus and cheese risotto.

Following which was the Aglio Olio, which we had high expectations of because we always believe the true standard of a chef shines through his ability to whip out that most basic, yet common pasta. La Brezza’s rendition was a tad different from the aglio olio we know. This had tagliatelle tossed evenly in quality extra virgin olive oil, and a very strong note of fresh chilli. Yummy, but we will still choose a garlic heavy aglio olio anytime.

The Vongole was prepared with tagliatelle as well, which we could not quite agree because the slightly fatter and flatter texture did not bring out the fragrance of the white wine sauce – which is precisely the essence of a good vongole. That said, the sauce  was bland and lacklustre to begin with.

Our favourite was the Carbonara – tagliatelle done in a creamy and eggy sauce. We could vouch for the authencity of this dish – it was very close to the one that we had in Rome, just slightly less peppery. And can I just do a little shout out for the bacon chunks? Mildly crisp and every bit of juiciness; just the way I like my bacon to complete a creamy pasta.

That is not all. For main course, there is a selection of meat and seafood grilled ala minute over a charcoal barbeque. Start with the Grilled Australian Lamb Chop with lemon-mint marinade and roasted potatoes.

The star was undoubtedly the Beef Striploin, which you see in the first picture of this post. Tender, juicy and slightly-charred on the surface — it was more than we could have asked for. It was so good that we ordered a second portion.

Also worth a mention was the Spicy Roasted Chicken. The dish looked ordinary, but the meat was well-marinated and very tasty. The sweet, juicy and incredibly meaty King Prawns were equally well-received. The Seabass, on the other hand, was a let-down as it was slightly too fishy for our liking.

Next, we had tiramisu. It was decent with a strong coffee taste, but it lacked texture as the ratio of sponge finger to mascarpone cheese was inadequately balanced.

The other dessert that we had was the Cannoli. Deep fried Sicilian pastry with pistachio, blueberries and strawberries. Good, but not fantastic. As part of the dessert offerings, you can also get fresh sliced fruit with honey yogurt, and four different gelato flavours.

LaBrezza
29 Tanglin Road
The St. Regis Singapore
Tel: +65 6506 6888
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
Weekend brunch: 12pm – 2.45pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

$98++/pax with prosecco
$68++/pax for non-alcohol
$49++/child (4-12 years old)
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

Two times Pizza Acrobatics World Champion Chef Pasqualino Barbasso is returning to Palio at Resorts World Sentosa to entertain crowds with his gravity defying pizza manoeuvres.

If you have run out of ideas on how to celebrate Father’s Day, why not take time off your busy schedules, indulge in some family bonding and go for a pizza making class conducted by Chef Pasqualino. This is the great chance to learn a new skill from the master himself.

Chef Pasqualino will be introducing a weekly pizza menu and a 3-course set menu ($58++/pax) to showcase his finest creations during his visit at Palio. To kick-start the meal. you can choose either the Caprese – Italian buffalo mozzarella cheese with vine ripened tomatoes and basil – or a Tuscan Porcini Mushroom Soup with ciabatta bread croutons. For pizza, feast on the Sapori di Bosco – with tomato, mozzarella cheese, spicy, salami, pork, sausage and mushrooms. And Palio’s signature Tiramisu will ensure a sweet ending to the special occasion.

Photos Credit: Resorts World Sentosa

Besides getting a taste of authentic, delectable pizzas made true to Italian traditions from Chef Pasqualino’s hometown in Sicily, you also get to watch him perform right before your eyes – be stunned by his showcase of his legendary acrobatic pizza-spinning skills. Definitely something you do not get to see everyday. In addition to that, you can spend some quality time together with your family to learn some tips from the chef at the pizzas’ making classes.

And for 15 and 16 June, Palio will be having a special Father’s Day set menu for 4 at $148++. The highlights include a homemade tagliolini pasta with smoked salmon, grilled kurobuta pork rack, one of Chef Pasqualino’s signature pizzas, and tiramisu. For more information, call the restaurant at +65 6577 6688 or visit Resorts World Sentosa’s website.

Palio
8 Sentosa Gateway
Resorts World Sentosa
Level 2 Hotel Michael
Tel: +65 6577 6688

Pizzas’ making classes (3pm – 5pm):
Adult at $38++: Fri (14/6)
Children (4-12 years old) at $25++: Sat (15/6)

Note: La Villa has closed and it is currently looking for a new location.

Everytime I eat at La Villa, I wonder why I don’t come here more often. Housed within the old school premises of River Valley Primary School, La Villa by the Senso Group is a charming Italian restaurant that not only has a nice interior, but also a beautiful al fresco dining area facing the garden.

Singapore has no shortage of good Italian restaurants, but La Villa might just be one of the better spots in town.

From antipasti ($19-25) to burgers ($18-22) and soups ($16), to pizzas ($24) and pastas ($18-30), La Villa has a big menu that can satisfy everyone.

We were contemplating between the Risotto with Duck Confit ($24 for small, $28 for large) and the Crab Meat Penne Pasta ($20 for small, $24 for large), but eventually we decided to go for the Seafood Spaghetti with Mixed Seafood in Squid Ink Sauce ($22 for small, $26 for large). The pasta was cooked al dente and served with a good portion of seafood.

The Vongole ($22 for small, $26 for large) – linguine in white wine sauce with clams, prawns and fresh parsley – was also a winner.

For main courses, La Villa has several meat and fish options on the menu. For beef lovers, go for the Entrecote ($36), a 280g grain-fed ribeye with fries and vegetables. Otherwise, the Milanese ($30), a breaded veal rack in spicy tomato sauce is worth a try. The seafood choices include King Tiger Prawn ($32) and Oven Baked Sea Bass ($28).

Besides the tantalising main courses, La Villa also has a grilled menu which features a Meat Platter consisting of Welsh lamb rack, veal rack, chicken breast, grain-fed Australian beef ribeye, pork belly, pork and veal sausages; and a Seafood Platter with rock lobster, prawns, seabass fillet, snapper fillet, black mussels and lemon sole. Each platter is available at $38 for 1 pax, $58 for 2 pax, $78 for 3 pax, and $98 for 4 pax.

There are many reasons why you should go La Villa – the restaurant has a nice ambience, it is located in a central area, they offer complimentary parking (inform the staff that you are driving when you pay for the bill), and most importantly it serves good Italian food.

The prices are acceptable for the quality and the overall dining experience. I can see myself coming back for a pasta, and a pizza or main course for sharing. I think the desserts are slightly over-priced, so I would skip that and go somewhere else. Alternatively, La Villa has a very reasonable 3-course set lunch at $28, which is perfect if you have a long break or if you are meeting your clients for a casual lunch.

And one more thing to note, the restaurant will be operating until November 2013 as their lease at the current premise is up, so if you would like to go there, make it soon.

La Villa
341 River Valley Road #01-03
Tel: +65 6836 5286
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm

For more recommendations, read my guide on Best Italian Restaurants in Singapore.

Located just a few units away from Pepperoni Pizza of Les Amis fame, one would question the viability of Capri Trattoria & Pizzeria at Binjai Park which similarly dishes up Italian classics. We were torn between safe and adventurous and were glad to be rewarded for picking Capri.

A waiter greets us at the door and leads us to a cosy corner. It’s homely and inviting and we instantly fall in love with this charming little Italian restaurant. Capri is as authentic as can be, with an artfully-styled brick-laid walls decorated with paintings reminiscent of what a restaurant in Italy would be like.

The menu features an affordable array of appetisers ($10-$18), pasta ($20-26), pizzas ($16-25) and mains ($26-148) including a tantalizing-sounding Florentine steak ($148). We asked for recommendations, and were pointed out more than half the menu. We’d like to think that is because the chef has got them all perfected.

The soup of the day was a stunning Seafood Soup ($10). The piquant tomato base with bold crustacean notes whetted our appetites. We appreciated the generous portion of seafood – prawns, clams and squid – that were sufficiently fresh to leave us wanting more.

And so more seafood we had, in our next dish of Scialatielli di Capri ($24). Baking in a parchment paper isn’t exactly our favourite cooking method for the way-past-al-dente noodles which lacked the satisfying bite and chewiness of a good pasta dish.

Touted as a must-try, the Ricotta e Pera ($10) fell short of expectations. While the biscuit crust and creamy ricotta was a fun contrast of textures, the taste came across as a tad one-dimensional.

We know a good squid ink pasta when we taste it, and the Ravioli al nero di seppia ($22) certainly fulfilled all the criteria for one. Said to be simmered over 6 hours, the viscous, unctuous sauce was a star of its own but eaten with the seafood and mascarpone ravioli brought this dish a notch higher.

The Lava Cake ($10), on the other hand, was phenomenal. Rich, warm and decadent molten chocolate beneath a crisp, almost wafer-like layer of baked chocolate cake, the theatrics that came with it – being set ablaze when served – was worth an order in itself.

We loved the food, but it was unfortunate that our experience was marred by the preferential service to the extent that we noticed even difference in the portions of our food; on a second visit our order of tagliere all italiana, unlike the opposite table, came with a single slice of parma ham and meagre pieces of burrata, and our lava cake didn’t come flaming (yes we still can’t get over that). But overlooking the patchy service, the chef’s passion is apparent through the attention paid to the preparation of Capri’s dishes. While portions weren’t exactly hearty, flavours are strong yet well-balanced. Capri’s definitely a gem of a restaurant and a welcome addition to the Bukit Timah area.

Capri Trattoria & Pizzeria
3 Binjai Park
Tel: +65 6468 4886
Daily: 12 noon – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm

Words and photographs by Sarah Lim.

Nestled amidst the Mohammed Sultan enclave, Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse makes an exciting new addition to the semi-fine dining scene in Singapore. This 6-month-old restaurant claims to be the first and only Italian restaurant specialising in steak. How does it fare against other steakhouses in Singapore? Is it worth a try?

Besides steaks, the menu is extensive with a selection of 8 different appetizers ($15 – $38) and a variety of pastas ($22 – $25) and mains ($28 – $45), so much so that we eventually gave up on deciding and left our orders to the discretion of our host.

We knew we were off to a good start when the bruschetta al pomodoro con burrata e olio al basilico ($18) was served to us. We adored the curls of milky burrata cheese with the accompanying tart tomatoes delicately laid atop a crisp toast, making for a simple dish with a clever play on taste and texture.

The stellar appetizer was probably why the tortellini ripieni di mortadella con crema di piselli e pancetta ($25) fell short of expectations. Each parcel was perfectly al dente, but we secretly wished for more a more robust flavour in the beef and sausage stuffing.

The piece de resistance, a 1.2kg Fiorentina Wagyu T-bone steak ($178), would make any meat lover weak in the knees. Lightly seasoned and cooked over a wood-fired grill, the meat came charred around the edges with a luscious, pink interior oozing with beefy goodness. Bistecca’s one year search for the perfect beef was not unwarranted, for this was one of the most flavourful and well-marbled beef we’ve ever had. Ditch the accompanying sauces, which we felt were simply distractions and savour the beef in its most natural form.

For sides, we ordered a portion each of the crema di spinaci ($14) and patate arrosto in erbe ($10), the latter of which had us head over heels. It was hard to fathom how potatoes can taste so good, as if there was a secret recipe that went into creating these smoky little morsels. So tasty were these that for a fleeting moment, it diverted our attention away from the steak.

We’d advise passing on the traditional desserts and head straight for the more unique offerings; what the tiramisu tradizionale servitor con crema al caffe ($12) lacked in alcoholic flavours, the sbriciolona al pistachio con Vin Santo ($14) more than made up for. Served with a sweet dessert wine, these biscotti-like polenta and pistachio biscuits were a great way to end a satisfying meal.

Prices are no where near cheap, but Bistecca Tuscan Stakhouse is definitely worth your while if you’re looking for quality food and personal service amidst a stunning setting, just for that special occasion. If anything, don’t miss out on the steaks. The beef is, after all, in their beef.

Words by Sarah Lim, photos by ladyironchef

Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse
25 Mohamed Sultan Road
Tel: +65 6735 6739
Tue to Fri: 12pm–2pm, 6pm–11pm
Sat: 11am–4pm, 6pm–11pm
Sun: 11am–4pm
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

Singapore has no shortage of good Italian restaurants, but it is not easy to find a pocket-friendly option. After having dinner at Etna Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria at Duxton Road, I am happy to share that it is one of the places you should check out for pizzas and pastas.

Etna has a fairly large menu. For starters, you would be tempted by the popular antipasti ($18-24) like carpaccio di manzo, prosciutto e melon. They have pastas ($18-24) like linguine al granchio, gnocchi, and carbonara, while pizzas ($18-26) like margherita, frutti di mare and parmigiana are also available on the menu. Main courses ($26-64) such as the 600g bistecca alla fiorentina, and osso buco, are also very appealing.

For starters, we had burrata, and it was followed by the signature Etna pizza. Both dishes were good, and I’d definitely recommend them if you are dining at Etna Italian Restaurant.

Next, we had the risotto porcini ($23) which was slightly disappointing. A good risotto is smooth and creamy, with the rice having the perfect texture. But the one that we had did not meet expectations. I definitely have had better risottos before.

Luckily, the taglierini al nero di seppia ($24) was good. It was flavourful and cooked to the right consistency – not too wet, not too dry. If you have always wanted to try squid ink pasta, this is a good place to start.

The merest mention of the word “tiramisu’ can turn my head, and not surprisingly, we had it. We did not know what to make of Etna’s tiramisu with pistachio flavour ($10). On one hand, it was a good cake – something that you will finish on your own; on the other, it was lacking in terms of the flavour of liqueur and coffee. We also had the Etna lava cake ($10), and while I liked it, frankly, I was not overwhelmed.

All in all, the food at Etna at Duxton Road is decent enough for me to return when I want a reliable and hearty Italian meal.

Etna Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
49/50 Duxton Road
Tel: +65 6220 5513
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10:30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

For more recommendations, please read my list of best Italian restaurants in Singapore

Words by Alexa Michelle, photos by ladyironchef

Living in Singapore made me realize that Italian cuisine is one of the cuisines most of us are adapted to eating here. When asked what kind of cuisine I was craving for, apart from Japanese food being my most favourite, the other next thing that came to my mind was Italian food.

Located at The Quayside, Robertson Quay, da Mario Pizzeria was the Italian restaurant we were up for that night. The dining space was of a cosy ambience, alfresco style, recommended for group dining up till 4 pax.

The menu is mainly divided into categories like pizza ($17-20), pasta ($18-30), and dessert ($5-10). The mid-range Italian restaurant is definitely a place that I can see myself returning over and over again.

The tip to ordering (if you’re not on a date) is to select a few dishes for sharing. We ordered 2 pastas – the Cappellini Regina and Fettucine al Salmone, and one Marinara pizza.

The Cappelini Regina ($24) is made up of angel hair pasta with crabmeat, artichoke, button mushroom and is accompanied with extra virgin olive oil in white wine sauce. I would highly recommend this pasta for all angel hair lovers as the sweetness of the crabmeat mixed in olive oil came out really strong.

The Fettucine Al Salmone ($20) comes in tomato cream sauce and smoked salmon. The tomato cream sauce and the taste of smoked salmon balanced out on the overall dish, making the pasta really creamy and smoky tasting. For the cream pasta lovers, this would be a choice on the menu to try.

As for the Marinara pizza ($20) it came in 8 slices, a good serving for about 2-3 persons. The Marinara is a seafood pizza that comes with tomato-based sauce, squids, prawns and scallops. On my first bite, the tomato sauce gave the pizza a unique sour taste along with the mixture of seafood to chew on. After which, it will leave you wanting another slice of the pizza. By the end of the meal, I was pretty stuffed but contented.

da Mario Pizzeria at Robertson Quay is definitely a place good for a small group dinner out, with the menu reasonably priced considering the standards of its food.

da Mario Pizzeria Ristorante
60 Robertson Quay
#01-05/06 The Quayside
Tel: +65 6235 7623
Tue to Sun: 12noon – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm

About the writer:
In her free time, Alexa likes to visit museum exhibitions, reading or lying on the beach. Apart from having a sweet tooth, on selective food items of course, she also enjoys lounging to the beat of good tunes. Tempt her with tea and cakes if you could, weak spots do it right all the time. To read more of Alexa’s writings, please visit Pixiekrane.

Words by Jolene Koh of Cupcake Weekend, Photos by ladyironchef

When I say I’m not a huge fan of Italian food it’s not because I don’t like the cuisine per se, but more so the feeling you get after having an overly hearty pasta meal where you’d go “that’s it I’m having Chinese for the next few weeks”.

Thankfully, I think I’ve found the perfect place for when I’m craving Italian without having to go through that unpleasant aftermath in my gut.

Helmed by Chef Michele Pavanello and housed at the corner of the Red Dot Traffic Building sits OTTO Ristorante. This classy, unpretentious establishment serves amazing Italian fare with a new-age influence. It’s a great place to have a business lunch, bond with the family over a good meal or even for a romantic night out.

Chef Pavanello takes what he does in the kitchen very seriously. Props for his constant drive to create new dishes and fine-tuning his style of cooking to suit our Asian taste-buds. When you meet someone who’s innovative and cares so much about what he prepares, you just know that what’s presented to you will taste good because at the end of the day, real dedication and passion for food is something you cannot fake.

We started with the Cocoa bean crusted foie gras with port wine reduction ($28). A decadent piece of foie gras coated in a crunchy cocoa bean crust on a bed of crisp salad leaves accompanied with home-made crostini.

By far one of the better foie gras dishes I’ve tasted, a palate tickler starter as I would call it. I liked that it had a myriad of textures and flavours from crunchy to soft, slight bitterness (from the cocoa), to sweet and salty.

Next we had the Slow cooked slipper lobster with leek veloute and morel mushroom ($28). I really enjoyed this other starter. The lobster was fresh, sweet and tasted of the sea. The leek veloute was flavourful & rich without being overly indulgent and complimented the perfectly cooked crustacean.

The Homemade squid ink tagliolini with lemon and chilli marinated prawn ($28) was pretty interesting for me because it’s the first time I’ve had squid ink pasta without a cream/squid ink based sauce.

I was pleasantly surprised that I actually prefer this to the former two alternatives. Homemade noodles (cooked al dente, no less) tossed very generously with prawns. I loved how the lemon zest and the chilli gave the dish some lightness and heat without over-powering the sweetness of the prawns. This one of those pastas where you’d finish, not get sick of and want more.

Homemade potato agnolotti with chicken jus and crispy bacon ($28). From plain sight this dish doesn’t look like much but it’s a whole different story when it enters your mouth. Although there’s no physical trace of chicken in the agnolotti, the flavour that bursts through was akin to a hearty roasted chicken meal complete with mash, peas and the works. The crispy bacon added a nice contrast of texture and a kick of saltiness.

The European seabass fillet with sauteed mushrooms and potato ($42) followed after. Wasn’t exactly a big fan of this main but the fish was well executed and I liked that the sauteed mushrooms and potato had strong hints of basil.

Lastly, the Pièce de résistance; Crispy “suckling pig” lacquered with acacia honey & balsamic vinegar ($48) that was accompanied with braised endives. I’m usually not a pork person but wow, this bought me over. Think sinking your teeth through perfectly crisped skin and into the juiciest, most succuluent piece of meat. All I can say is yes, yes & yes. A must-have!

Our meal at Otto Restaurant ended with Creme Brulee ($14). One thing I particularly love about this dessert (besides eating it) is the part where I get to use a spoon to tap on that thin glass of torched sugar and hear the sound of it crackle.

So I did, revealing a silky, smooth vanilla cream infused with kaffir lime leaves and citrus notes, paired nicely with marinated strawberries.

If you’re looking to try an Italian restaurant that’s authentic and classic with a modern twist, Otto Ristorante is a great place to head to (if you haven’t already). I assure you it most likely won’t be your only visit.

Singapore Food Blog Review
Otto Ristorante
28 Maxwell Road, #01-02
Red Dot Traffic Building
Tel : +65 6227 6819
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm
Mon to Sat: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
(Closed on Sun)

Note: This was an invited media tasting.

Jolene Koh is the owner of Cupcake Weekend, which provides artisan cupcakes for every occasion. From media events, product launches, birthday parties, to weddings, baby showers, as personalized favours or just because you feel like having a cupcake.

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Customs House along the Marina Bay waterfront is one of the popular dining destinations in Singapore.

Five restaurants are housed in the converted heritage building beside The Fullerton Bay Hotel – Kinki, a funky Japanese restaurant; Sabai Fine Thai on the bay, a fine dining Thai restaurant; Nueva Cuba, a Cuban-themed restaurant and bar; Oyster Bar, a seafood bar serving oysters and champagne; and Procacci, a full-fledged Italian restaurant modelled after the style and taste of Florence.

The food at Procacci Italian restaurant is generally good, and while prices are fairly high, it is a lovely place for a romantic date.

The menu has a bit of everything, from appetisers like Calamari Fritti ($22) to Wagyu Beef Carpaccio ($25); to main courses like Mushroom Risotto ($35), Home Made Ravioli stuffed with Wagyu Beef ($35) and Black Angus Tenderloin ($49); and desserts like Italian Cheese Cake ($15) and Profiteroles ($15).

While the appetisers were tempting, I chose to skip it and go with two main courses. The Taglierini Al Granchio ($30) arrived first – it was decent, but definitely not the best crabmeat linguine that I’ve tasted.

After taking a glance at the menu, I immediately knew that I was going for the Black Angus Tenderloin ($49).

Served with mashed potato, the Black Angus Tenderloin which came with black truffle sauce was excellent. The dish managed to achieve the right balance: the steak was cooked to medium-rare perfection, the mashed potato had the right consistency, and the black truffle sauce complemented the meat nicely.

For desserts, I had a hard time trying to decide between the Panna Cotta ($15), Tiramisu ($15) and Molten Chocolate Lava Cake ($18). I went for the Molten Chocolate Lava Cake and I am happy to say it was satisfying. The cake was oozing with chocolate, and it came with a scoop of good vanilla ice cream.

While I liked Procacci Italian Restaurant at Customs House, the above-average prices meant that I probably wouldn’t suggest going there any-time soon unless my friends really want to give it a try. But if you have always wanted to eat there, the Italian restaurant is a nice place to go for a special occasion.

Singapore Food Blog Review
Procacci Italian Restaurant
70 Collyer Quay
#01-04 Customs House
Tel: +65 6532 9939
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm

For more recommendations, please read my list of Italian Restaurants in Singapore

Il Lido Italian Dining at Sentosa Golf Club is a restaurant that has consistently been voted as one of the best restaurants in Singapore, and it is frequently praised for the quality of Italian food.

Compared to its sister restaurant, Forlino at One Fullerton, il lido Italian restaurant is slightly more casual – think of it as a semi fine dining restaurant that comes with everything you would expect from a top-notch restaurant.

With new Chef de cuisine Alessandro Delfanti taking over the helm in the kitchen, the italian restaurant has recently revamped its entire menu. It now focuses on mainly seasonal and native produce from Italy and Europe.

We entered the restaurant through a narrow walkway at the side of the Sentosa Golf Club entrance. The interior of the Italian restaurant has a dark and sexy tone, while the al fresco dining area comes with a nice sea-breeze, making it the perfect place to have a romantic dinner at night.

Like Forlino, Il Lido has thoughtfully provided beautiful stools for putting our bags. It is simple gestures as such that make a difference. We started off our meal with some bread, eagerly anticipating what the chef would come up with.

Eating is a lot more fun when you have someone who appreciates good food, loves having desserts first and has a huge appetite. My dining companion and I had two appetisers, one pasta, one risotto, two main courses and three desserts.

There are around 10 items on Il Lido’s antipasti menu and we had a hard time trying to decide on them as all of them seemed to be screaming “EAT ME”. Among them, I was attracted by the Pan-roasted Goose Liver with Figs, Vincotto Sauce and Rosemary Oil ($32), but then again, I always have, and always will love foie gras.

We were recommended the Venison Carpaccio with Roman Zucchini and Smoked Ricotta Cheese ($25). Instead of the typical beef carpaccio, Il Lido serves a Venison version and it was outstanding.

I would have ordered the classic Parma Ham with rock melon ($26), but we decided to try something different, so we had the Sea Scallops with Chanterelle Mushrooms and Blueberries ($28). Seared with tiny criss-crossing grilled marks on the surface, the scallops were meaty and very fresh. The use of blueberries gave the otherwise ordinary dish a refreshing twist and the accompany mushrooms were also very tasty.

Il Lido Italian restaurant has two types of risotto on the menu: Basil & Pecorino Cheese Risotto with Crispy Bacon ($35) and Baby Squid Risotto with Black Ink Sauce and Chili Peppers ($38). We had the latter, but I thought that it was only decent.

If I were with a larger group of people, I would have ordered the Tagliatelle with Rabbit & Marjoram Ragout ($38), but we only had two stomachs so we stuck with the Veal Agnolotti with Mushrooms and Truffle Cream ($38) – which came highly recommended.

We were told that the chef actually put a frozen veal juice cube within the ravioli to ensure the moistness and flavour. I’m sure I wouldn’t have been able to eat an entire bowl of ravioli on my own, so make sure you order this to share.

For main course, I wanted to get the Black Angus Beef Tenderloin ($58) but the manager suggested the Pan-roasted Cod with Smoked Caviar Sauce and Whipped Potatoes ($45), saying that it’s very good (although I’m quite positive that he thinks everything on the menu is good). I’m happy to say that it was excellent. The whipped potatoes, in particular, were quite interesting – you could taste the potato without the heaviness of it.

I don’t usually order chicken in a restaurant nowadays, but hey, this is a Guinea Fowl Supreme with Goose Liver and Apricot Sauce ($56) that we are talking about. It was slightly tougher than chicken, and the apricot sauce managed to bring out the flavour of the meat. However, I am not sure if I’d pay so much for a meat that has a flavour similar to chicken. The other meats on Il Lido’s menu like Suckling Pig Saddle ($58) and Wagyu Beef Cheek ($45) are more appealing to me.

That said, the Guinea fowl remains a rarity on menus in Singapore, and if you’ve never tried it before, this is a good place to start.

We were told that Il Lido’s tiramisu ($15) is probably not the best in Singapore, but we decided to go ahead and have it as my dining companion was craving for it. Only a foolish guy would stand between a girl and her craving. And true enough, the tiramisu was only decent.

Thankfully, the Molten Lava Chocolate Cake with Yogurt Ice cream ($18) was pretty good. The ubiquitous Chocolate lava cake was so pretty that I thought it would be a shame to dig a hole into it, but that feeling quickly passed and I poked it with a spoon. Molten chocolate oozed out, and slowly, it covered the entire top of the cake.

The pairing of the slightly yogurt ice cream with the chocolate cake was a good decision; the sourish yogurt cut through the sweetness of the chocolate, giving it a perfect balance.

Among the three desserts that we had, the Vanilla Crème Brûlée with Blueberries ($15) was our favourite. The inclusion of berries within the crème brûlée was a lovely surprise. Every few bites or so, you would hit a pocket of blueberries. Lovely.

In terms of the overall dining experience, Il Lido Italian restaurant at Sentosa Golf Club is easily one of the best restaurants in Singapore.

I don’t think they have the best Italian food in Singapore (my favourite is still Ristorante Da Valentino), but I do think that it is a great all-round restaurant, with the right combination of good food, ambience and service.

Singapore Food Blog Review
Il Lido Italian Restaurant
27 Bukit Manis Road
#02-00 Sentosa Golf Club
Tel: 6866 1977
Daily: 11.30 – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 11pm

Note: This was an invited media tasting.

For more recommendations, read my post on the best Italian restaurants in Singapore

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If I had a dollar every time someone asked me to recommend a cheap and good buffet, I’d be a millionaire by now. There are many buffet restaurants in Singapore, but most of them are only average, while the really good buffets usually come with a relatively hefty price tag.

So listen up guys, I’m just going to say it once. The buffet lunch at Basilico restaurant is one of the best, if not the best, in the $40-50 category.

Bascilico at level 2 of The Regent Singapore is a huge restaurant. It can easily accommodate up to 200 guests indoor and 30 by the poolside. I lurve (read: not love, but lurveee) the centrepiece of the Italian restaurant, a gorgeous space which houses the antipasti counter. To the left and right of the antipasti counter, you have the hot and dessert kitchens.

I eat desserts first.

People always stare at me whenever I start the buffet with desserts. I don’t know about you, but I think it makes sense to start a meal with something that you like.

Basilico restaurant has a decent array of authentic Italian desserts and a very good selection of homemade gelato.

The Antipasti counter, at the middle of the restaurant, serves an assortment of antipasti.

The appetisers like prosciutto, cold cuts, salads, cheeses and seafood were fantastic. If you ask me the formula for love while I’m eating at the restaurant, I’d reply: parma ham and rock melon.

Cheese. Lots of cheeses. Cheeeeseeee!

From freshly made pizzas to pastas, grilled meat and fish items, the Hot station offers not just Italian food, but also a small local spread.

Obviously, you will not expect good Italian pasta and pizza like the ones you get from the best Italian restaurants in Singapore, but hey, you are paying just $42++ for free flow of everything your heart desires. It is a good deal.

It’s somewhat strange to see that the Italian buffet actually has a corner dedicated to local food like chilli crabs and roasted duck, but I guess it caters to those who want something familiar. I wouldn’t waste any space on that, though.

I like the buffet lunch at Basilico Italian restaurant. Though the buffet spread is slightly limited, the restaurant more than makes up for it with the quality of the food. The antipasto counter, in particular, has fantastic choices.

On Saturday, Basilico has a full Italian buffet (without local spread) for $46++/pax, $56 (free flow juices & soft drinks) and $98++ (free flow prosecco & wine). And on Sunday, they have a Champagne Brunch at $139++ for free flow of champagne and wine. During dinner, it is a semi buffet where you can enjoy the same antipasti & desserts buffet with the choice of 1 main course at $69++. And one more thing, reservations are absolutely necessary.

Singapore Food Blog Review
Basilico Restaurant
1 Cuscaden Road
Level 2 The Regent Singapore
Tel: +65 6725 3232
Weekday Lunch Buffet $42++
Saturday Lunch Buffet $46++
Sunday Brunch Buffet $69++
Daily Semi Buffet Dinner $69++

Note: This was an invited media tasting.

For more recommendations, read my list of the best buffets in Singapore

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Since the start of the year, I’ve made a promise to eat less ‘Western‘ food, and try more of other cuisines. I think I have been doing quite well so far.

But there are some days when you just feel like having a hearty plate of Italian pasta. I was craving for Italian food when I met the folks from BigDeal for lunch, so I suggested going to Da Paolo La Terrazza at Chip Bee Gardens.

The place here is different from Da Paolo Restaurant & Bistro Bar. Whereas the restaurant at Rochester Park has a huge al fresco dining area surrounded by greeneries, Da Paolo La Terrazza is slightly smaller with options of eating indoors for a more formal dinner, or dining at the tranquil al fresco area where you sit along the tree-lined street.

Italian food at Da Paolo restaurant. Can you imagine me rubbing my hands with glee?

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like Italian food, anyone who can say no to the best Linguine Al Granchio, anyone who can refuse to eat a slice of the best pizza, anyone who can resist having tiramisu for desserts. This is Italian food, for crying out loud; nobody, and I repeat, nobody can dislike Italian food.

Okay, I shall stop declaring my love for Italian food before you start to think that I am a psycho who goes around trying to convince everyone that it is the best cuisine. For your information, I love French food too. But that’s another story.

Anyway, back to Da Paolo La Terrazza. The set lunch is available at $24++ (for pasta) and $32++ (for meat/seafood). From what I understand, it changes periodically, but there will always be five appetisers, five main courses and two desserts to choose from.

We started with a Smoked Salmon with mixed greens, Parma Ham with Rock Melon, and a Mixed Green with shaved Parmesan.

From the pasta main courses menu, we took the Spaghetti Aglio Olio tossed with garlic, chilli and olive oil; Linguine with prawns and cherry tomatoes; and a tomato-based seafood pasta. For desserts, there are only Dolce del giorno and Gelato/Sorbet. We took the dessert of the day which was a simple slice of cake.

While there’s nothing to fault about the Italian food at Da Paolo La Terrazza, I don’t think that lunch is fantastic. I like choices. I like to be able to choose from a list of desserts, and in this sense, Da Paolo’s set lunch doesn’t quite appeal to me.

Does this mean that Da Paolo is not worth a try? Not at all. Like I said, the Italian restaurant at Chip Bee Gardens has a nice vibe, and they serve one of the best Tiramisu in Singapore. I will certainly visit Da Paolo again for the ala carte menu, but I just don’t see myself returning just for the set lunch. Am I expecting too much from a $24++ 3 course set lunch? No, I don’t think so. There are plenty of good lunch deals elsewhere.

Singapore Food Blog Review
Da Paolo La Terrazza
44 Jalan Merah Saga #01-56
Chip Bee Gardens Singapore
Tel: +65 6476 1332

Read my list of best Italian Restaurants in Singapore | Chip Bee Gardens Restaurants

Pasta Brava Italian Restaurant at Craig Road has been in the local scene for a long time. I’ve been told that they are worth a visit by many friends, but it took me until now to go there. I guess it’s better late than never, and I am really happy to tell you that it has joined the ranks of my favourite Italian restaurants in Singapore.

It is a great place with a homely vibe. The lighting is dim and romantic, and the wall adornments give the restaurant a personal touch. The staff is equally well trained; friendly without being too intrusive, and they are very familiar with the offerings.

The menu at Pasta Brava restaurant is divided into appetisers, salads, soups, pasta dishes, rice dishes, main dishes (fish), main dishes (meat) and desserts – with average price of each dish between $19-23 for the pasta/risotto, and $25-40 for the main dishes.

We were feeling greedy, so we chose to forego the antipasti and share an additional main course instead.

Amongst the three pasta/risotto that we had, my favourite was the Linguine Regina Del Mare ($23). It was savoury and sweet and filled with luxurious seafood like prawns, clams, scallops, squid, and crayfish. Easily one of the better Italian pastas that I’ve had recently.

The Stracci Ai Gamberi E Capesante ($23), on the other hand, was average. Whilst the thin pieces of fresh pasta were good, the Saffron cream sauce was too overwhelming.

They have only three risotto on the menu (mushroom, squid ink and mixed vegetables) and we were very tempted by the seafood and squid ink version.

Eventually, we decided to play it safe and go for the mushroom risotto. Our choice was right as the Risotto Al Funghi Porcini ($23) proved to be very good. Rich yet not overpowering, moist yet not soggy, every grain of the arborio rice was flavourful and oh so delicious.

The Tagliata Di Manzo Stile Toscano ($34), highly recommended by the staff, was fantastic! It was essentially thin slices of grilled beef sirloin with herbs, rocket leaves and parmesan flakes.

I was not expecting much from it when the waiter brought the dish to our table. It was only when my friends took a bite and let out a satisfied sigh, then I realised what I was missing out (I was busy with the seafood linguine).

We enjoyed it tremendously, you MUST order this if you go to Pasta Brava.

Pasta Brava Italian Restaurant is not exactly very big, and when it’s crowded (especially during Friday and weekends), it can get quite noisy. Reservations are highly recommended. The prices here are what you’d expect from a good Italian restaurant, but the food here is definitely better than most. It is simple, hearty and very tasty.

For more recommendations, read my list of Italian Restaurants in Singapore

Singapore Food Blog Review
Pasta Brava Italian Restaurant
11 Craig Road Singapore
Tel: +65 6227 7550

Operating Hours:
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm
6.30pm – 10.30pm
(Closed on Sun & PH)

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Mother’s Day is just around the corner and I am sure all of you are making plans to celebrate with your family.

For Mother’s Day this year, I have decided to do something different. In this post, I will be suggesting a variety of restaurants serving different cuisines to give dearest mummy a little treat. Here is a list of Restaurants Recommendations for Mother’s Day 2011.

Where to go for Mother’s Day? Where to go for Mother’s Day? Where to go for Mother’s Day?

Chinese/Seafood Restaurants in Singapore

Formerly known as Pine Court, Mandarin Court Chinese Restaurant has undergone a revamp and they have a new Weekend Dim Sum Brunch Buffet at $78++for Mother’s Day Special (usual price $68++). With 120 items including dim sum and ala carte selections, your mother will be spoiled for choices.

If buffet is not your thing, why not go for a scrumptious Seafood Feast?

A few weeks ago, I went to Master Crab at Ghim Moh Road to celebrate my Mother’s birthday. The Salted Egg Yolk Crab was very impressive and the Zi Char dishes were pretty good too.

Mandarin Court Chinese Restaurant
333 Orchard Road Level 35
Orchard Wing Mandarin Orchard Singapore
Tel: +65 6831 6262

Master Crab
Blk 19 Ghim Moh Road #01-229 Singapore
Tel: +65 6314 1868

French Restaurants in Singapore

Initially, I wanted to suggest Cocotte at Wanderlust Hotel. But after hearing mixed reviews about the French restaurant, I decided to recommend La Petite Cuisine instead.

Located at Serene centre beside the popular Island Creamery, La Petite Cuisine is a no-frills French cafe where the food is above average but the main draw is definitely the affordable prices. For a slightly upmarket option, go to Au Petit Salut at Dempsey. They have one of the best set lunches in Singapore.

Au Petite Salut
40c Harding road
Tanglin Village (Dempsey)
Tel: +65 6475 1976

La Petite Cusine
10 Jalan Serene
#01-05 Serene centre
Tel: +65 6314 3173

German Restaurants in Singapore

Magma German Wine Bistro serves their Fruehschoppen Buffet Brunch on every second Sunday of the month. Guess what? Mother’s Day falls on the second Sunday of May, so it is the perfect excuse for you to enjoy a luxurious German brunch. Choose from sausages, hot dishes, soup, fresh baked bread rolls, cold cuts & ham, eggs, assortment of cheese, fruits, cakes for just $29++/pax.

Otherwise, go to Paulaner Brahaus at Millenia Walk for some German Beer, and Pork Knuckles!

Magma German Wine Bistro
2 Bukit Pasoh Road
Tel: +65 6221 0634

Paulaner Brauhaus Singapore
9 Raffles Boulevard
#01-01 Millenia Walk
Tel: +65 6883 2572

Italian Restaurants in Singapore

If you have been reading my food blog for a while, I’m sure you know that my favourite Italian Restaurant is Ristorante Da Valentino at Rifle Range road. Recently, I visited La Cantina in venezia at Changi Village Hotel and I had the best Crabmeat Linguine there. Is your mother a fan of Italian cuisine? Just remember: Valentino and La Cantina.

La Cantina in venezia
1 Netheravon Road
#08/09-02 Changi Village Hotel
Tel: +65 6546 9190

Ristorante Da Valentino
11 Jalan Bingka
Mayfair Park
Tel: +65 6462 0555

Japanese Restaurants in Singapore

“My mom loves Japanese food, where can I bring her for Mother’s Day Celebration?”

For the best of everything, try the Japanese Buffet at Senki Restaurant. It is $30++ for lunch, and $33++ for dinner. Prices are the same for weekday and weekend. For eve/public holidays, it is $39++ for the buffet dinner.

If you are not a fan of buffet, check out Izakaya Nijumaru at Cuppage Plaza. It is a great hidden gem with good Japanese food at very affordable prices.

Izakaya Nijumaru
5 Koek Road #02-10
Cuppage Plaza Singapore
Tel: +65 6235 6693

Senki Japanese Restaurant
109 Killiney Road Singapore
Tel: +65 6734 5565

Korean Restaurants in Singapore

Most people are not very adventurous when it comes to food (I used to be like that before starting my food blog). Naturally, I can understand that most people prefer to go to somewhere reliable, and Crystal Jade is evidently one of them.

Crystal Jade Korean Restaurant at Ngee Ann City is surprisingly good and affordable. Be sure to try the fantastic Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup.

For Korean BBQ Buffet, go to Blue Garden Korean Restaurant at Link Hotel. The Korean BBQ buffet is priced at $19.90 for lunch and $26.90 for dinner.

Crystal Jade Korean Ginseng Chicken & BBQ
391 Orchard Road #04-20
Ngee Ann City Singapore
Tel: +65 6733 3229

Blue Garden Korean BBQ Buffet Restaurant
50 Tiong Bahru road
Link Hotel #01-07
Tel: +65 62240700

Spanish Restaurants in Singapore

I am not sure about you, but I think it is a cool experience for the whole family try something new. So how about having Spanish Food for Mother’s Day?

Bilbao Restaurant & Tapas Bar is conveniently located in town, at the second level of TripleOne Somerset. Bring your Mom to shop in Orchard and have a good Spanish dinner after that.

Another good place to have Spanish food is Don Quijote Spanish restaurant. They have been getting good reviews in the Singapore food scene, and if you do not want to go all the way West to Lorong Kilat, they have a new outlet at Dempsey.

Bilbao Restaurant & Tapas Bar
111 Somerset Road #02-16
TripleOne Somerset Singapore

Don Quijote Spanish restaurant
Blk 7 Dempsey Road #01-02
Dempsey Hill Singapore
Tel: +65 6476 2811

Thai Restaurants in Singapore

It is a shame that not many people have heard of Sweet Salty Spicy as they have good Thai food. Not that I am complaining since I’d prefer them to stay under the radar.

But I guess the location makes a difference since Railmall at Bukit Timah is not exactly accessible. Let me suggest another Thai Restaurant for Mother’s Day if Railmall is too far.

Previously located at Hort Park, KHA (above picture) has recently shifted to Martin Road near Robertson Quay. Prices are not cheap, but this is an upmarket Thai establishment and you are paying for the ambiance after all. They have a kick-ass Tom Yam Soup and I am absolutely in love with the Red Curry Rubbed Wagyu Beef.

KHA Thai Restaurant
38 Martin Road Singapore
Tel: +65 6476 9000

Sweet Salty Spicy
394 Upper Bukit timah road
The Railmall
Tel: +65 6877 2544

Exotic Cuisines in Singapore

For mothers who have an adventurous palate, there is a new Russian restaurant in town. Buyan Russian Restaurant at Duxton Hill promises you the full experience of Haute cuisine. In a quiet corner of Shaw Towers is Sofra Turkish Cafe & Restaurant. I think Mother’s Day is a good opportunity for us to venture out of our comfort zone and try new things. Turkish food for Mother’s Day, anyone?

I’m sure most of you are familiar with Peranakan food, but it is definitely an ‘exotic cuisine’ to those who are not living in this part of the World. Candlenut Kitchen at Neil Road has been getting raved reviews since opening last year. Be sure to try their delicious Kueh Pie Tee, Ngoh Hiang and the signature Ayam Buak Keluak.

Buyan Russian Restaurant Haute Cuisine & Caviar Bar
9/10 Duxton Hill Singapore
Tel: +65 6223 7008

Candlenut Kitchen
25 Neil Road
Tel: +65 6226 2506
(Closed on Sunday)

Sofra Turkish Cafe & Restaurant
100 Beach Road #02-42
Shaw Towers Singapore
Tel: +65 6291 1433

Where are you planning to celebrate Mother’s Day 2011?

Housed within the stunning Fort Canning Hotel, Gattopardo Italian Grill & Pizza Bar serves contemporary Italian and Mediterranean cuisine with a charcoal grill and wood-fired oven for baking gourmet pizzas. The Italian restaurant is under the Garibaldi Group of restaurants, who is also behind Gunther’s, Ricciotti Italian restaurant and Brotzeit.

Having heard so much about the good Italian food from my friends who ate at Gattopardo before, misstamchiak and I went there for lunch during Restaurant Week.

Restaurant Week is a good way to try out the fine dining restaurants that you always want to go. If it is a positive dining experience, you can visit the restaurant again to try their usual offerings.

Considering the fact that such fine dining restaurants usually charge $30-$50 for a main course, it is quite a steal to pay just $25++ (lunch) and $35++ (dinner) for the restaurant week’s menu.

For restaurant week, Gattopardo Italian Restaurant had two main course options: the Pan Seared Chicken Breast and Home-made Tagliatelle.

Filled with Scamorza cheese and mushrooms, the Pan Seared chicken breast was pretty decent; it was nice to find that the meat was not too dry, with the sauce a good compliment to it.

The Tagliatelle al Pesto di Trapani was slightly overcooked, but somehow managed to retain the flavour from cherry tomato, basil, Pecorino cheese and almond Pesto.

The whole point of having desserts is to end the meal on a sweet note. Unfortunately, the Creme Brulee was very disappointing and we did not finish it.

Overall, Gattopardo Italian restaurant’s restaurant week menu was not impressive, but I am still keen to come back again to check out their dinner offerings.

I took a look at their normal ala carte menu (note: they do not have a set lunch menu), and I thought that the prices are pretty reasonable for good Italian restaurants. Expect to pay around $15-$25 for antipasti, $20-$30 for pasta, $16-$30 for pizza, $30-$40 for main course and $14 for dessert.

The location at Fort Canning Hotel is rather inaccessible if you are not driving. It is probably a good idea to cab in, have a good dinner and take a romantic stroll to Orchard road to burn off the calories.

// Read my list of Italian restaurants in Singapore for more options.

Singapore Food Blog Review
Gattopardo Italian Grill & Pizza Bar
11 Canning Walk Fort Canning Park
Fort Canning Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6338 5498

Operating Hours:
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm

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