Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse
Dim lighting, earth-tone furnishings and croc print-inspired chocolate chairs give this Italian steakhouse a distinctly sexy feel, making it a great date venue, especially for carnivores. In case the name wasn’t a dead giveaway, it’s all about the meat here with dishes like their signature Fiorentina, a deliciously smoky char-grilled T-bone steak of marble score six Aussie wagyu. For those who like their carbs, they’ve also got pasta dishes like squid ink tagliolini with crab, fennel, chili and lemon.
Burlamacco
Located on Amoy Street in a conservation shophouse, Burlamacco Ristorante is a cozy yet airy (thanks to a skylight) 50-seater with dark wooden furniture and a red-and-white color scheme. The walls are adorned with bright, carnivalesque artworks—all of which are for sale. Have a taste of their more unusual items like Cacciuco alla Burlamacco, traditional Tuscan fish and seafood soup with garlic bruschetta ($36), and beef tripe stew in fresh tomato sauce topped with Parmesan cheese ($18) whipped by executive chef and owner Gabriele Piegaia.
Cicheti
At this Venetian eatery, woodfired oven-baked Neapolitan pizzas are on offer, as well as tapas-style snacks known as “cicheti”, like fresh prawns with a spicy, smoked herbed butter sauce ($11) and slow-cooked beef meatballs ($11). With wrought iron furnishings and beat up oak tables, regional Italian cuisine is the name of the game at this wine bar. Don’t miss their 120-day grain-fed beef ($33), either.
Da Laura
Run by well known restaurateur Osvaldo Forlino’s sister, Laura, this cozy Italian joint serves items like tagliatelle bolognaise ($26), homemade “pinched” roast beef ravioli with veal jus ($28) and a signature seabass burger ($42). Desserts include the Cannoncini Numero 8 ($16) of delicate cream horns. Although they specialize in pastas, almost everything is solid here, especially appetizers like burratta cheese with San Daniele ham and fried dough ($32).
Forlino
Kentaro Torii is the new torchholder of this Italian establishment and he pushes out well-executed and classic dishes like risotto with asparagus and prosciutto; deboned quail in pancetta bacon, wild pepper and sage jus; polenta and a red wine poached pear; and Italian sea bass with olives, Sicilian capers, tomato sauce and riso venere. It doesn’t hurt that the place has an understated touch of opulence and is blessed with expansive views of Marina Bay.
Garibaldi Italian Restaurant & Bar
There’s a reason why this Italian eatery has lasted through the years: the menu is classic but provides enough of a contemporary twist to keep us coming back. The modern and elegant space has olive-colored walls, sleek leather chairs and ambient lighting. Under the care of executive chef Roberto Galleti, the kitchen continues to present a menu of seasonal specialties and decadent options like a signature osso bucco with bone marrow and saffron risotto, as well as tagliatelle with duck ragout.
inITALY Bar Ristorante
Located in a shophouse along Craig Road, this rustic, homey spot is well put together, with marbletopped tables, brown leather chairs and a cheerful canary yellow accent wall. Saviour crowd-pleasing fare like crostino ($18), crisp focaccia with melted Taleggio cheese, prosciutto and black olives, and homemade beef-filled ravioli with Chianti sauce ($18).
Otto Locanda
Located in Maxwell Chambers, a refurbished neo-classical heritage building, this chic trattoria is sister to OTTO Ristorante, with more affordable prices, and we think, even better food. Dig into hearty classics such as the terrific porcini mushroom lasagna, and dough fritters with ham-wrapped scamorza cheese, in a warm, inviting space.
Pepenero
Chef and co-owner Marco Violano’s establishment in the CBD isn’t fancy (although you will find the requisite white table linens) but it’s got just the right combination of factors. It’s smart enough for business meetings yet atmospheric and unfussy enough for that all-important third dinner date. On top of that, it has great, soulful Southern Italian fare and outstanding service.
Senso Ristorante & Bar
This Club Street institution with a loyal following does great Italian food. There’s a duo of risotti, one side composed of white sparkling wine and the other black squid ink; rigatoni pasta with wild duck in red wine sauce; and an eight-hour braised beef cheek with bacon and button mushrooms with glazed carrot puree. Not only is the food a joy, but the service is great and the restaurant’s housed in a charming space complete with an open air courtyard.
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