Baci Baci Ristorante @ Serangoon Garden - Celebrates 12th Anniversary with 50% Off Pizza & Pasta

Tucked away in the leafy enclave of Serangoon Gardens, Baci Baci Ristorante is celebrating its 12th anniversary with a fresh new look and the same comforting, rustic Italian flavours that have made it a neighbourhood favourite for over a decade.

Meaning “Kiss Kiss” in Italian, Baci Baci Ristorante has quietly established itself as a go-to destination for authentic Italian fare, helmed by Chef Alberto Dalla Vecchia. From hearty, slow-cooked pastas to homemade pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven, the restaurant focuses on unfussy, generous cooking that feels warm and familiar.

To mark its 12th anniversary, diners can enjoy 50% off any pizza or pasta from Monday to Thursday, from now until 31 August 2026, making it a great time to revisit this neighbourhood gem.

Grilled Mediterranean Octopus 4/5

We started with the Grilled Mediterranean Octopus ($35), served with tomato salsa. The octopus was impressively tender and meaty, with none of the rubbery texture that can sometimes accompany grilled octopus. A good char from the wood-fired grill gave the exterior smoky depth, while the refreshing tomato salsa provided a bright, slightly tangy contrast. It is a simple combination, but one that lets the quality and natural flavour of the seafood come through.

Cacciucco 4.2/5

Next was the Cacciucco ($33), a traditional Tuscan-style seafood stew that makes for a hearty and comforting starter or main to share. The tomato-based broth was rich, savoury and robust, with a gentle sweetness developed from slow cooking. It comes generously loaded with seafood, including clams, mussels, prawns and squid, each adding its own layer of briny flavour to the stew. Best enjoyed with some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the flavourful broth.

Submarine 4/5

For pizza, the Submarine ($35) is easily one of the more distinctive creations on the menu. Rather than the usual round pizza, this signature creation is rolled and folded into a submarine-like shape, enclosing mozzarella, gorgonzola and mortadella ham before being topped with tomato sauce, fresh rocket and crushed pistachios. A side of spicy tomato sauce provides an additional kick.

The wood-fired dough develops a nicely charred exterior while retaining a satisfying chew, creating a substantial base for the rich fillings. Creamy mozzarella mellows out the sharper, funky notes of gorgonzola, while the mortadella brings a savoury, delicate meatiness. Fresh rocket adds peppery freshness, and crushed pistachios provide a pleasant crunch and earthy nuttiness. The spicy tomato sauce is a nice touch, adding heat that keeps the richness in check.

Fig Time 4.2/5

Another pizza worth trying is the Fig Time ($35), a popular house speciality that turns the classic sweet-and-savoury combination into a decadent wood-fired pizza. Baked in an authentic beechwood-fired oven, the pizza comes with a molten combination of mozzarella and brie, generous slices of Parma ham and figs.

The natural sweetness of the figs works beautifully with the salty, savoury Parma ham, while the creamy cheeses create what is essentially a slice of “cheesy heaven”. A subtle spicy note also cuts through the richness. The crust is crisp and lightly charred around the edges while remaining tender and chewy within. If you enjoy pizzas that venture beyond the usual tomato-and-meat combinations, this is one to consider.

Tagliatelle all’ Anatra 4.2/5

For pasta, the Tagliatelle all’ Anatra ($34) is a comforting choice that showcases Baci Baci’s rustic approach to Italian cooking. The egg tagliatelle is tossed with a slow-braised duck ragù, creating a deeply savoury, hearty pasta. The broad ribbons of tagliatelle suit the rich ragù, catching plenty of sauce with every bite. Unlike a tomato-heavy ragù, this version is cooked in a white base, keeping the flavour of the duck front and centre. The sauce has a deep, savoury quality that gives the dish a distinctly homestyle character — the kind of pasta that feels hearty without being overly complicated.

Maiale Grigliato 4/5

For meat lovers, the Maiale Grigliato ($46) features a grilled pork chop served with roasted potatoes and mixed vegetables. The pork is first prepared sous vide to retain its natural juices and tenderness, then finished on the grill for a nicely charred, smoky exterior. The result is a pork chop that remains juicy and tender within, with the grill adding plenty of flavour to the outside. It comes with a light white wine sauce that adds a gentle savoury richness without masking the meat. Roasted potatoes and seasonal grilled vegetables complete the dish, making it a substantial, satisfying main course.

Tagliata Rucola Scaglie Di Grana e Balsamico 4/5

The Tagliata Rucola Scaglie Di Grana e Balsamico ($54) is another hearty main, centred around a grilled Argentinian ribeye steak. Prepared tagliata-style and sliced into thick pieces, the steak was tender and juicy, with a good grilled flavour. Fresh, peppery rocket and shavings of Grana Padano balance the beef’s richness, while a drizzle of balsamic reduction adds sweetness and acidity. The balsamic works particularly well here, cutting through the richness of both the steak and cheese. Served with golden roasted potatoes, it is a classic rustic Italian combination that doesn’t need much embellishment.

Chocolate Salami 3.5/5

Dessert takes a more traditional turn with the Chocolate Salami ($18). Designed to resemble a cured salami, the dense chocolate log is studded with crunchy biscuit pieces, creating the characteristic marbled appearance when sliced. It is rich and chocolatey without being overly complicated, with the biscuits providing a welcome textural contrast. The dessert comes with handmade pistachio ice cream, fresh fruits including figs, grapes and strawberries, and a light dusting of icing sugar. The pistachio ice cream pairs particularly well with the chocolate, adding a creamy, nutty element that lightens each bite.

Homemade Tiramisu 4/5

The Homemade Tiramisu ($18) rounds things off on a more classic note. Layers of airy mascarpone cream and delicate ladyfingers soaked generously in espresso create a dessert that is rich yet surprisingly light on the palate. The robust coffee aroma comes through clearly, balanced by the smooth mascarpone cream and a generous layer of cocoa powder on top. It has the familiar flavours of a traditional tiramisu, with a soft, creamy texture that melts easily in the mouth. A fitting way to end a meal centred around comforting Italian classics.

After 12 years in Serangoon Gardens, Baci Baci Ristorante still offers Italian cooking that feels approachable and familiar, with plenty of character from the kitchen. Chef Alberto Dalla Vecchia’s menu spans comforting pastas, inventive wood-fired pizzas, hearty grilled meats and classic desserts, making it an easy choice for both casual neighbourhood meals and gatherings with family and friends.

With 50% off any pizza or pasta from Monday to Thursday until 31 August 2026, the anniversary promotion is a great excuse to head down, revisit old favourites, or explore the menu for the first time. For those looking for rustic Italian comfort food away from the bustle of the city centre, Baci Baci remains a charming little slice of Italy in Serangoon Gardens.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Baci Baci Ristorante
27 Lichfield Road
Serangoon Garden
Singapore 556847
Tel: +65 9820 7969
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Lorong Chuan (CC Line), Serangoon (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sat: 12pm - 2pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sun: 12pm - 2:30pm, 5:30pm - 9:30pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT Station. Take Exit G. Walk to Serangoon Bus Interchange (Stop ID 66009). Take bus number 317. Alight 7 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Lichfield Road. Walk down Lichfield Road. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 18 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Serangoon MRT Station. Take Exit G. Walk to Serangoon Bus Interchange (Stop ID 66009). Take bus number 315. Alight 9 stops later. Walk to Lichfield Road. Turn right and walk down Lichfield Road. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 20 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Lorong Chuan MRT Station. Take Exit B. Cross the road and walk to the bus stop at Goldenhill Park Condo (Stop ID 66701). Take bus number 73. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to Lichfield Road. Turn right and walk down Lichfield Road. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 15 minutes. [Map]

People People Brewing Co. @ Resorts World Sentosa - Microbrewery Serving Premium Lagers & IPAs with Casual Food, Sport & Live Music

People People Brewing Co. debuted at Resorts World Sentosa in April 2026. After months of preparation, the brewery is now ready to introduce Batch 001 alongside a full food menu designed to complement its beers. Led by Head Brewer Nick Calder-Scholes, who was named Australian Brewer of the Year in 2024, this marks the beginning of People People Brewing Co.’s in-house tank-to-tap beer programme. The gastropub has a dedicated 2,000 sq ft production space, which enables the brewery to have greater control over the development of seasonal releases, limited-edition pours and collaborative brews.

The current line-up comprises PPBC Lager, Poolside Pils, XPA, California IPA, Oatmeal Stout and the seasonal Passionfruit & Dragonfruit Fruited Sour ($13–18). We had a Beer Flight ($20) to sample the full range.

Specialty Beer Cocktails

For something other than a pint, there are also Specialty Beer Cocktails, in which we tried The People’s Pynt ($24) and Hop, Drop & Roll ($22). The latter, made with brown butter rum, IPA and honey, was full-bodied and bittersweet, with a rounded richness from the brown butter rum.

Salt and Pepper Squid 4.5/5

Complementing the beers is a menu centred around wood-fired sourdough pizzas, rotisserie chicken, burgers and bar bites. We started with the Salt and Pepper Squid ($18), which was moreish with a golden crust and a good bite.

Swordfish Tacos 3/5

The Swordfish Tacos ($18), featuring spiced swordfish topped with mango pico de gallo, came in soft taco shells, which I enjoyed, though the filling was somewhat underwhelming.

Spent Grain Crackers, Beer Nuts

For lighter bites, Beer Nuts ($5) and Spent Grain Crackers ($5) were straightforward accompaniments to the beers. The crackers offered a satisfying crunch, while the nuts were surprisingly bland and lacked the crunch I was expecting.

Signature Rotisserie Chicken 4.2/5

The mains are very much wood-fired focused, with an open kitchen allowing diners to appreciate the cooking process. The Signature Rotisserie Chicken comes in lemon thyme, peri peri, jerk or soya flavours, with a choice of fries or rice. We tried the Peri Peri version in a half portion ($30), which was succulent and moist, although I was expecting greater depth of smoky flavour. The fries, however, were a highlight, with a perfectly crisp exterior giving way to a fluffy core.

Blackmores’ Giant Burger 4.2/5

The Blackmores’ Giant Burger ($58) was a sight to behold, with a short rib stacked over double beef patties and topped with fried onion rings, all held together by soft and fluffy potato buns. The short rib had an enticing caramelised, charred exterior, with meat that fell off the bone with the slightest tug. Made with 100% Wagyu, the patties were flavourful, although they could have been juicier. While the individual components were delicious on their own, the burger would have benefited from some acidity or freshness, perhaps by adding gherkins and caramelised onions, to cut through the richness and make the overall combination more rounded.

Pulled Pork Sanger 3/5

For pizza, we had the Pulled Pork Sanger ($32), made with slow-pulled pork, chipotle, mozzarella and jalapeño. The sourdough base delivered an enjoyable bite, but the combination of flavours felt somewhat overloaded.

‘Berry Tart’ Sundae 4/5

Tiramisu 4/5

For dessert, the ‘Berry Tart’ Sundae ($14) stood out with a pairing of a fruity, tangy berry vanilla swirl sundae with an equally delectable blueberry tart, while the Tiramisu was enjoyable, with bittersweet sponge balanced by a light mascarpone cream.

To gain a more in-depth experience of this local brewery, daily brewery tours led personally by Nick are available for S$68 per person, with a minimum booking of 4 guests.

To celebrate its official debut, People People Brewing Co. will hold an exclusive First Pour for its Founding Members on 13 August, followed by a public celebration on 14 August, when Batch 001 will be available at S$5 per pour throughout the day.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.



People People Brewing Co.
Weave Mall
Resorts World Sentosa
#B1-209 to #B1-217
26 Sentosa Gateway
Singapore 098138
Tel: +65 89381125
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed–Sun: 1130am – 11pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Vivocity Level 3 to Vivocity Monorail Station., Take Monrail to Sentosa. Alight at Resorts World Station. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Hikiniku To Come @ Vivocity - Tokyo’s Cult Hamburg Steak Experience Lands at Singapore

Acclaimed Japanese dining concept Hikiniku To Come officially opened its first Singapore outpost at VivoCity on 29 May 2026, bringing with it a cult-followed “hamburg steak-on-rice” experience from Tokyo’s Kichijoji district. Known for its unwavering focus on simplicity, precision and freshness, the brand has elevated what is typically a humble comfort dish into a refined, almost ritualistic dining journey.

At the heart of Hikiniku To Come’s philosophy is an obsessive attention to detail. The beef is ground fresh in-house daily under strict temperature control in a dedicated room, ensuring optimal freshness and food safety. Each patty is then hand-shaped using a distinctive “popping” technique that minimises heat transfer from the hands, preserving the meat’s integrity. Made exclusively from 100% Japanese beef selected for its ideal balance of richness and flavour, the patties are grilled over binchotan charcoal and served within seconds of cooking — a meticulous process that guarantees consistency in both texture and taste.

The menu is intentionally minimalistic, offering a single Signature Set Meal ($27.90++) centred on three hamburg steaks, each served one at a time. This staggered progression transforms the meal into a thoughtfully paced sensory experience, where each patty is enjoyed at its peak and approached differently to highlight its nuanced flavour profile.

Potato Salad with Minced Meat 4.2/5

Raw Kimchi 3.5/5

We began with a couple of side dishes — Potato Salad with Minced Meat ($7.90) and Raw Kimchi ($7.90) — to complement the meal. The Potato Salad with Minced Meat is comforting and hearty, enriched with savoury minced meat that adds depth to the creamy potato base. It strikes a satisfying balance between indulgence and texture, making it more substantial than your typical Japanese potato salad. The Raw Kimchi, on the other hand, offers a lighter, refreshing contrast. Its clean, mildly tangy profile provides a palate cleanser between bites of the rich hamburg steaks, though it leans towards the subtle side in terms of punch.

Hamburg Steak 4/5

The star of the show is undoubtedly the Hamburg Steak. Each patty arrives sizzling hot, placed atop a bowl of fluffy Japanese rice. Diners are encouraged to savour the first patty as is, allowing the beef’s natural flavours to shine. The meat is incredibly moist and juicy, with a pronounced smokiness from the binchotan charcoal. As it rests on the rice, the juices seep into the grains below, subtly enhancing each bite with savoury depth.

For the second patty, diners are guided to pair it with grated radish and a drizzle of the housemade ponzu. This combination introduces a bright, citrusy lift that cuts through the richness of the beef, offering a refreshing contrast that reawakens the palate.

The third and final patty invites a more indulgent finish. Diners can dip the meat into a glossy beaten egg yolk or mix the yolk with soy sauce into the rice, transforming it into a luxurious tamago kake gohan. The creamy richness of the egg, combined with the umami-laden meat juices, creates a deeply satisfying and comforting finale.

Hikiniku To Come is more than just a meal; it is a carefully orchestrated experience that celebrates the beauty of restraint and precision. By focusing on a single dish and perfecting every element, the brand delivers a dining journey that is both comforting and quietly sophisticated — one that invites diners to slow down and appreciate the subtle evolution of flavours from start to finish. As Singapore continues to embrace specialised dining concepts, Hikiniku To Come stands out for its disciplined approach and thoughtful execution. It proves that even the simplest dishes, when treated with care and intention, can be transformed into something truly memorable.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Hikiniku To Come
Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-102/103
Singapore 098585
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C & E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Lime Restaurant @ PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering Singapore - The Lobsterfest Returns, Spanning Both Local and International Flavours

Lobsterfest returns to Lime Restaurant at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering Singapore, bringing back its extravagant buffet dedicated to one of the ocean’s most prized delicacies. Available exclusively for dinner from 6 July to 6 September 2026, this year’s edition showcases lobster prepared in a multitude of styles, spanning both local and international flavours.

Seafood On Ice station

We kicked off the feast at the impressive Seafood On Ice station, where fresh Boston Lobsters took centre stage alongside an abundant selection of premium seafood, including Korean Snow Crab and other chilled favourites.

Langoustine Parmesan Wheel Risotto

Boston Lobster Thermidor

Among the live stations, the creamy Langoustine Parmesan Wheel Risotto was an indulgence, with sharp Parmesan accenting its creaminess, while the Boston Lobster Thermidor proved to be a crowd favourite. The rich cheesy sauce slathered atop boosted the textural enjoyment of the lobster meat.

Sarawak White Pepper Lobster

Indonesian Lobster Curry

The buffet also celebrates the vibrant flavours across the region with hearty creations such as Sarawak White Pepper Lobster, Indonesian Lobster Curry, and Lobster Claypot Biryani.

Lobster Claypot Biryani

The latter was particularly memorable, featuring fragrant, spice-laden rice that was wonderfully moreish.

Pickering Lobster Laksa

The Pickering Lobster Laksa didn’t disappoint. The laksa gravy was robust and aromatic, delivering plenty of depth to the dish.

Lobster Claw and Sotong Masak Hitam

Over at the signature Peranakan station, the standout dish was the Lobster Claw and Sotong Masak Hitam. The rich, inky squid gravy lent deep umami and briny notes that beautifully complemented the sweetness of the lobster.

LOBSTERFEST AT LIME Buffet Dinner
6 July to 6 September 2026
Monday to Thursday: 6:00pm - 9:30pm
Friday to Sunday: First seating: 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Second seating: 8:30pm - 10:30pm

Dinner Buffet: S$138++ per adult (Monday–Thursday) | S$148++ per adult (Friday–Sunday, Eve of Public Holidays & Public Holidays)
Children aged 6–12 years dine at 50% of the adult price.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Lime Restaurant
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering
3 Upper Pickering Street
Singapore 058289
Tel: +65 6809 8889
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line), Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Dinner Buffet (Daily): 6pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to the junction of Upper Pickering Street and New Bridge Road. Turn right and walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to the junction of Upper Pickering Street and New Bridge Road. Cross the road. Turn left and walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

Leila @ Teck Lim Road - A Contemporary Blend of Middle Eastern and Balkan Flavours

Leila at Teck Lim Road is a gastrobar serving up a vibrant mix of Middle Eastern and Balkan flavours in a stylish, contemporary setting.

Kubana Bread 2/5

Spicy Plate 4/5

We started with the Kubana Bread ($15), a traditional Yemenite Jewish yeasted bread beloved for its pillowy-soft texture. The dough is typically generously layered with butter before being shaped into pull-apart rolls and baked until golden. While ours arrived with an enticing crust and a soft interior, the bread was slightly denser than expected and seemed to lack the rich, buttery flavour that defines a good Kubana. Thankfully, the accompanying tahini and grated tomato helped elevate it, as did the additional Spicy Plate ($13), which featured earthy grilled peppers, smoky harissa and mellow garlic confit that paired well with the bread.

Nabulus Salad 4/5

The Nabulus Salad ($17) is a chopped salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, pickled onions and mint, providing a refreshing accompaniment to the richer dishes.

Manseef 3/5

The Manseef ($33) comprised minced chicken served over a bed of creamy hummus, finished with harissa and an extra drizzle of tahini. While the dish was enjoyable, I felt that lamb or beef would have been a more suitable choice. Their richer, more robust flavour profile carries the Mediterranean spices and aromatics more effectively than chicken does, adding greater depth and dimension to the dish alongside the creamy, nutty hummus.

Green Chilli Shrimp 4/5

One of Leila’s signatures, the Green Chilli Shrimp ($27), showcased beautifully grilled prawns coated in a herbaceous green tatbila sauce. The freshness of the herbs came through nicely, though a touch more citrus would have brightened the dish and added greater vibrancy.

Knafeh 2/5

For dessert, we had the classic Middle Eastern sweet Knafeh ($21). Ours was finished tableside with a pour of sugar syrup, which wasn’t necessary as it sweetened the ice cream as well. I had expected delicate floral notes of rose or orange blossom to perfume the dessert, but the flavours were rather muted. Although the fried kataifi encased a layer of cheese, the pastry seemed slightly overfried, resulting in a dessert that lacked the aromatic complexity and balance I had hoped for.

Leila offers an interesting interpretation of Middle Eastern and Balkan flavours in a contemporary gastrobar setting. With a little more refinement, the menu could better showcase the rich culinary traditions it draws inspiration from.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Leila
12 Teck Lim Road
Singapore 088387
Tel: +65 8016 4117
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 6pm - till late
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight down New Bridge Road. Turn right onto Kreta Ayer Road. Walk down Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Keong Saik Road. Walk down Keong Saik Road. Turn left onto Teck Lim Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk straight down Neil Road. Turn right onto Teck Lim Road. Walk down Teck Lim Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]