The buzz: Throwing their hats into the rink are friends Gabriele Piegaia and Paolo Colzani (co-owner and general manager) who’ve teamed up to launch this Italian eatery. Its moniker is a homage to the well-known festival which takes place in Viareggio, Tuscany—where executive chef and co-owner Gabriele Piegaia hails from.
The vibe: 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—care of gallery Ode to Art.
The food: Tuscan native Piegaia, who cut his teeth at various Michelin-starred establishments back in Italy, puts forth more unusual items like Cacciuco alla Burlamacco, traditional Tuscan fish and seafood soup with garlic bruschetta ($42), and beef tripe stew in fresh tomato sauce topped with Parmesan cheese ($20). For those who prefer something more traditional, there are also items such as slow-cooked beef short ribs ($42), squid ink risotto ($28) and homemade pastas including linguine with lobster in spicy arrabbiata sauce ($32). Sweet options include the usual suspects like tiramisu ($18) and panna cotta ($12), as well as a toothsome caramelized almond semifreddo with salted caramel sauce ($14).
The drinks: Oenophiles will be pleased to know that the restaurant also houses a floor-to-ceiling wine cellar with a collection of over 120 Italian vinos (from $14/glass, $78/bottle), with 10 by the glass options including Prosecco Bortolomiol NV ($14/glass). If wine’s not really your thing, then be sure to try the delicious and potent limoncello which Piegaia makes in-house ($8).
Why you’ll be back: There’s decent food to be had in a nice setting at relatively wallet-friendly prices—especially considering its location. Plus, they also offer three-course lunch sets for just $33++ on weekdays.
Eat this at Burlamacco Ristorante: Beef tripe stew. It’s one of I-S Magazine’s 50 things to eat before you die (2013).
