Despite its slightly hidden location behind Esprit in Raffles City, Menotti is still a hip and happening cafe serving some of the most reliable pastas, great coffees, to-die-for hot chocolates made with real melted chocolate and, of course, bellissimo desserts. Come any time of the day and there’s always tables bustling with shoppers, corporate types and those who just like good food, all taking it easy in the Garibaldi Group’s mid-range eatery. Even when it’s busy it’s never too noisy in Menotti, which makes it a perfect retreat after a shopping spree. And everything is always good: On the day we visited we found the linguine with crabmeat and spicy tomato as it usually is: With lots of chunks of crab, light and tasty. Our rucola salad with prawns was also delicious with fresh prawns and lettuce leaves. Even our prosciutto, rucloa and parmigano tramezzini (sandwich) on homemade bread was above average. Finish this off with a classic hot chocolate and you can’t go wrong. Archetypal Italian cafe fare, understated, relaxed but always reliable, Menotti is still a stayer.
