The buzz: This Italian gastrobar is a hot new addition to China Square Central’s little dining enclave.
The vibe: Sexy (plush leather seats), chic (dark wood fittings), and yet refreshingly laid-back. It’s also one of very few places here that make their own salami, but the curing room isn’t open to the public. Ask nicely, though, and they might let you in. The only dud note is the electro soundtrack, which feels rather out of place.
The food: It’s mostly small plates good for a group of three to four. There are pasta choices like iberico pork and truffle paccheri ($15), grilled creations like wagyu beef tagliata with salsa verde ($26), seafood options such as roast cod with salsa rubra ($18), and desserts like raspberry zabaione ($12). Of course, there’s homemade salami on offer, like smoked kurobuta pork lonza ($10), as well as a variety of cheeses (from $9), including truffle pecorino (ewe’s milk mixed with truffle).
The drinks: The cocktail menu has concoctions like the CosmoNapolitan ($12), a Cosmo with an Italian twist featuring a mix of vodka, fragolino, limoncello and strawberry liquer (instead of cranberries), and the punch drink Venice Cup ($45, serves four), a combination of gin, Aperol, Galliano and Lambrusco. Also available is a range of Italian wines (from $7 per glass), beers ($8) and more.
Why you’ll be back: If you don’t fancy the rowdy crowds at Clarke Quay or other spots around Chinatown, but still want an accessible spot in which to relax, it’s perfect.
