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.