An easy favorite in Singapore’s dining climate is Italian cuisine, and Amo is one of its latest additions. Its home is a roomy shophouse along Craig Road, with tastefully done interiors that exude a relaxed vibe that’s most appealing (bathed in loads of white without being too minimal). In the kitchen is chef Anna Borrasi who hails from Naples, the woman responsible for our well-executed eggplant parmigiana mille feuille ($18). It’s hard to go wrong with a classic combo of tomato, basil, melted buffalo mozzarella and aubergine stacked dangerously high. We simply had to try at least one of their handmade pastas, and the strozzapreti (which translates as priest choker) alla Norcina ($32) came highly recommended. Unfortunately, the tubes of pasta proved more doughy than al dente, although the accompanying rich cream sauce specked with bits of sausage and porcini slices did something to help it along; let’s just say no one’s choking on these babies. The conservative portion of milk-poached pork loin with juniper berries ($26) was also disappointing. Aside from the decent side of mash, both slender slices of meat were stringy and tough. We actually found ourselves reaching frequently for the complimentary basket of freshly baked rosemary focaccia; perhaps we would’ve been better advised to have gone with pizza. We’ll give them points for the very decent, and predominantly Italian, list of 13 wines by the glass (from $11), including Belstar Prosecco di Valdobbiadene DOC NV ($16). However waitstaff, while earnest, were inexperienced and unfortunately, it really showed. Granted, the setting’s nice and there’s a commendable wine list, but it’ll be a while before we drop by again (we’ll have the pizza if we do), especially with no shortage of better Italian options around.
