Locanda @ Rowell Road (Jalan Besar) - A Cosy Italian Trattoria Offering Hearty Classics

Locanda is a delightful new Italian trattoria nestled in the vibrant heritage district of Little India. Conceptualized by the Michelin-starred team behind Buona Terra, Locanda exudes the warmth and charm of a classic Italian "inn." In the past, locandas in Italy were places where weary travellers could find refuge and refuel with simple, hearty meals. Locanda brings this tradition to life in Singapore with a menu filled with comforting Italian classics.

Locanda Soft Roll with Eggplant, Tomato Dip 4.2/5

We began the evening with the Locanda Soft Roll with Eggplant, Tomato Dip ($8). The bread was warm, soft, and buttery, making it the perfect pairing with the tangy, flavourful eggplant and tomato dip. It was a simple yet satisfying start to our meal.

Gnocco Fritto E Affettati 3.5/5

Next, we moved on to the Gnocco Fritto E Affettati ($15/50g of selected cold cuts). The Gnocco Fritto — golden-brown fried dough puffs — was an absolute delight. The crispy exterior gave way to a soft, airy interior, which paired beautifully with the selection of classic Italian cold cuts.

Focaccia Bread, Casera Cheese, Lardo, Hazelnuts, Truffle, Honey 4/5

Focaccia, Scamorza, Black Pepper, Grilled Zucchini 4/5

We had the pleasure of trying two variations of focaccia, starting with the Focaccia Bread, Casera Cheese, Lardo, Hazelnuts, Truffle, Honey ($18). Topped with melted Casera cheese, lardo, and toasted Piedmont hazelnuts, it was finished with a drizzle of truffle honey and shaved black truffle. Every bite was a symphony of creamy, nutty, and earthy flavours.

The second version, Focaccia with Scamorza, Black Pepper, Grilled Zucchini ($18), was equally delightful. The smoky Scamorza cheese paired with the fresh crunch of grilled zucchini and a hint of black pepper. Both focaccia options were so good that I honestly couldn't choose a favourite.

Deep Fried Marinated Sardine, Onion and Raisin 4.2/5

One of the standouts for me was the Deep-Fried Marinated Sardine, Onion, and Raisin ($22). Deep-fried and marinated in vinegar, the sardines were served atop a crispy fried polenta base, accompanied by braised onions, raisins, pine nuts, and a hint of mint. It was a perfect blend of sweet, savoury, and tangy flavours.

Yellowtail, Lemon, Fennel Oil 3.8/5

We also tried the Yellowtail, Lemon, Fennel Oil ($28), a light and clean dish featuring fresh slices of yellowtail dressed with a bright lemon dressing and a sprinkle of sea salt. The charred orange segments added a hint of bitterness that balanced the dish beautifully, while the fennel oil provided an aromatic finish.

Veal Eye Round, Tuna Sauce and Capers Berry 4/5

The Veal Eye Round ($24) is a boneless cut from the rear leg of the calf that's first sous-vide, then seared to perfection in the pan. It's thinly sliced and served with a classic tonnato sauce, then garnished with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and caper berries. The dish is understated, focusing on the pure tenderness of the veal and its mild, delicate flavour. It's a straightforward preparation that highlights the quality of the meat without unnecessary embellishments, perfect for those who enjoy simple yet expertly executed dishes.

Tagliolini, Fresh Tomato, Crab, Lemon 4.2/5

When it comes to pasta, Locanda does not disappoint. The Tagliolini, Fresh Tomato, Crab, Lemon ($28) was one of my favourites, featuring perfectly cooked tagliolini in a sweet and tangy tomato sauce with generous chunks of crab and a zesty hint of lemon. It reminded me of a refined version of Singapore's chilli crab but with pasta — a real treat for seafood lovers.

Pappardelle Ragu Genovese, Mix Mushrooms 4.2/5

The Pappardelle Ragu Genovese, Mixed Mushrooms ($24) was another excellent option. The wide, ribbon-like pasta was coated in a rich, hearty beef ragu made from different cuts of Australian beef, slow-braised until tender. The addition of braised mushrooms added depth to the dish, creating a perfect balance of flavours and textures.

Malloreddus, Red Wine Octopus Ragu, Capers 3.8/5

We tried the Malloreddus, Red Wine Octopus Ragu, Capers ($28) for something a bit different. The shell-like pasta had a pleasant bite, and the octopus ragu was flavorful and rich, elevated by the capers' briny punch.

Spaghetti ai Frutti di Mare 4.5/5

I recommend the Spaghetti ai Frutti di Mare ($118++) for larger groups, which is good for up to 4 people. This seafood pasta was tossed in a luscious tomato sauce and topped with an assortment of sautéed seafood, including clams, lobster, scampi, and red prawns. A seafood lover's dream!

Secreto Iberico Pork, Braised Endive, Apple 4.2/5

The Secreto Iberico Pork, Braised Endive, Apple ($39) stood out among the mains. The Iberico pork was beautifully glazed with pork jus, honey, and spices, then grilled over binchotan for a smoky, caramelized exterior. The tender meat was perfectly complemented by the slightly bitter braised endives and sweet apple sauce.

Hanging Tender, Rucola & Parmesan 4.2/5

We also tried the Hanging Tender, Rucola & Parmesan ($42). The lesser-known cut of beef was simply seasoned with salt and grilled to perfection, served with beef jus, a peppery rucola salad, and shavings of Parmesan. It was a no-frills dish that allowed the beef's rich, natural flavour to shine.

Gelati & Sorbetti 4/5

To finish, we had a scoop of Gelati & Sorbetti ($9/scoop). While the pistachio and chocolate gelati were delicious, I found them a bit pricey for the portion size. However, the real star of the dessert menu was the Sicilian Cannolo ($15/2pc). Each cannolo was filled with a luscious mix of Artigiana ricotta, chopped Valrhona 55% chocolate, candied orange and lemon, and finished with Sicilian pistachio on each end. It's a perfect sweet ending to an indulgent meal.

Sicilian Cannolo 4/5

Locanda brings the warmth and hospitality of a traditional Italian inn to Singapore, with a menu full of comforting and well-executed Italian classics. Whether you're in the mood for delicious pasta, hearty meat dishes, or an authentic Italian dessert, Locanda delivers a memorable dining experience in the heart of Little India. It is an excellent spot for a cosy meal with friends or family, and I'll definitely be back to try more of their offerings.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Locanda
109 Rowell Road
Singapore 208033
Tel: +65 9619 2691
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Nearest MRT: Jalan Besar (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Fri: 6pm - 12midnight
Sat-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Jalan Besar MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight down Jalan Besar Road. Walk to Rowell Road. Turn left onto Rowell Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Allora Ristorante & Bar @ Crowne Plaza Changi Airport - Offers Authentic Italian Cuisine, Transporting One to the Heart of Italy

Nestled on Level 1 of Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, Allora Ristorante and Bar offers a slice of Italy with its authentic cuisine, inviting ambience, and diverse dining spaces. Opened in January 2024, Allora is part of the hotel's S$22 million asset enhancement. The restaurant promises not just a meal but an experience that transports you to the heart of Italy.

Upon entering Allora, you're immediately drawn to the live pizza-making station, a centrepiece of culinary artistry. The station's arched design, with its dark, sleek surfaces and contemporary lighting fixtures, creates an intimate and inviting atmosphere. The aroma of freshly baked dough and the sight of the chef expertly manoeuvring the pizza peels add an element of excitement and authenticity to your dining experience.

Complimentary Bread 3/5

As in most Italian restaurants, we were served with complimentary bread at the start of the meal. What we got was Sliced Baguettes, accompanied by what seemed to be marinara sauce instead of the usual olive oil and balsamic vinegar. However, the bread wasn't warm enough, and the sauce was cold from the chiller.

Bruschetta Ham & Truffle 3.8/5

We were recommended a Bruschetta ($14) starter to share, and we picked the Ham & Truffle flavour topped with Cheese Fondue, cooked Ham and Black Truffle Sauce. It used the same sliced baguette, but these were crispier and warm. The cheese and truffle flavours were relatively light; the more prominent taste came from the savouriness of the ham.

Polpo & Patate 3.5/5

Polpo & Patate ($24), their signature antipasti, features tender grilled octopus served with potatoes, cherry tomato confit, green beans, parsley, and bagna cauda, an Italian sauce made from garlic, anchovies, and olive oil. While the octopus was tender, it lacked the desired char flavour. However, the fried potato pieces were tasty and complemented the dish well.

Lobster Pasta 4.2/5

The Lobster Pasta ($38), made with homemade black ink tagliolini, offers a striking visual appeal without the concern of black stains. This is because the black ink is infused into the pasta rather than used as a sauce.

This exquisite pasta is paired with half a Boston lobster, adding succulent, sweet meat to the dish. The lobster is perfectly complemented by a luxurious bisque cherry tomato sauce and fresh basil, infusing the pasta with a vibrant and aromatic blend of flavours. A hint of lemon adds a refreshing citrus note, balancing the richness and enhancing the overall taste experience. We really like this, and it's a dish we will return for.

Bari Pizza 4/5

The Bari Pizza ($34), inspired by Chef Enzo's hometown of Bari, pays culinary homage to the flavours of Southern Italy. Instead of placing a whole burrata in the centre, the creamy burrata is spread over the pizza, providing a rich and velvety texture in every bite. Fresh tomato pulp filets add a burst of vibrant, tangy flavour. Savoury anchovies and Pantelleria capers introduce a delightful brininess, perfectly complemented by fragrant basil leaves. This combination of ingredients creates a harmonious and authentic taste experience, transporting us to what we imagine Bari to be like, even though we haven't been there.

Tagliata 3.8/5

We were looking for a beef entrée and were recommended the Tagliata ($78), which pairs chargrilled Australian Angus Beef Ribeye with local farm organic arugula and vine cherry tomatoes. The tender and skilfully seasoned beef is complemented by roasted garlic and balsamic jus. The crisp arugula was really fresh and refreshing, but the dish leans towards a salad with meat rather than the expected substantial, juicy steak served alongside a side salad.

Cannolo 3/5

Upon spotting the Cannolo ($16) on the menu, a rendition of the classic Italian Cannoli, we were eager to try it. Filled with creamy ricotta cheese and adorned with delicate candied fruit and chocolate chips, it struck a delightful balance of sweetness. However, we noted that the fried pastry shells, while flavourful, arrived slightly soggy, suggesting they may have been pre-made and chilled before serving.

Alloramisú 3.8/5

Alloramisú ($16), Allora's signature dessert, provided a sophisticated sweet finale with tableside assembly upon ordering. It showcased homemade Savoiardi cookies soaked in espresso coffee, layered with mascarpone cream and coffee jelly, and generously dusted with cocoa powder. While the flavours were delightful and balanced, we prefer our tiramisu to be creamier and "wetter," which left us feeling it fell slightly short of our preferences.

Allora offers a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where guests can select their preferred setting from a range of spaces: the chic dining room, lively lobby lounge, inviting alfresco area, and stylish bar. The bar also features live music, creating a relaxed vibe. Allora caters to various occasions with its versatile ambience.

Starting in Q2 2024, Allora has introduced an Italian Weekend Brunch Buffet. Pricing and menu details are currently unavailable; please visit their website closer to the launch date for more information.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Allora Ristorante & Bar
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
75 Airport Boulevard
Singapore 819664
Tel: +65 68235354
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Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 11am, 12pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Changi Airport MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

L'antica Pizzeria da Michele @ Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre - First Pizzeria in Singapore to offer Handcrafted Wagon Wheel Pizza

The legendary L'antica Pizzeria da Michele from Naples, Italy, has finally opened its doors in Singapore. It is located at Club Street on the outer skirts of ICON Mercure City Centre Singapore. This marks its first Southeast Asia outpost, bringing with it a time-honoured recipe from one of the world's oldest and most revered pizzerias.

Gambero Rosso Di Mazara 4.2/5

While L'antica Pizzeria da Michele is undoubtedly a haven for pizza lovers, the menu extends beyond pizzas with a selection of starters, handmade pasta, and delectable desserts. We began our meal with the Gambero Rosso Di Mazara ($38), a dish that showcases the natural sweetness of wild red Mediterranean shrimp dressed in a touch of extra virgin olive oil. The simplicity allows the shrimp's flavours to shine.

Burrata Alla Puttanesca 4.2/5

Next, we savoured the Burrata Alla Puttanesca ($26). This dish features creamy burrata paired with a vibrant mix of Leccino olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and Cetara anchovies. Though simple, the combination comes together beautifully, creating a harmony of flavours that delights the palate.

Fritto Di Mare 4.2/5

Perfect for sharing, the Fritto Di Mare ($26) comprises a basket of calamari, prawns, Amalfi coast fin fish, and zucchini, all coated in a thin, crispy batter. Each piece is perfectly fried, offering a delightful crunch and succulent seafood flavours.

Friarielli & Salsiccia 4/5

Moving to the star of the restaurant — its pizzas! For the white-based pizzas, we had the Friarielli & Salsiccia ($36). This pizza is topped with salty pecorino Romano DOP, Italian sausage, and friarielli napoletani, a unique leafy Italian cruciferous vegetable also known as broccoli rabe. This vegetable imparts a slight bitterness and nuttiness, almost reminiscent of our local Mei Cai Kou Rou, creating a unique and delicious combination.

Truffle Porcini 4.2/5

Another white-based pizza we tried was the Truffle Porcini ($40). This aromatic pizza is topped with Agerola fior di latte, porcini mushrooms, truffle pate, and Parmigiano Reggiano. The blend of truffle, mushrooms, and cheese creates an explosion of flavours that come together harmoniously.

Cetara 4.5/5

The Cetara ($34) is a flavourful choice for a red-based pizza. It features briny Cetara anchovies alongside pecorino Romano DOP, Leccino olives, and capers, harmonising beautifully with the creamy Agerola Fior di Latte and tomato base.

Margherita 4.2/5

The Margherita ($28) is a perfect choice for those who prefer a classic option. Topped with pecorino Romano DOP, Agerola fior di latte, and fresh basil on a tomato base, it offers a timeless and comforting flavour profile.

Orecchiette alla Positanese 4.2/5

Beyond pizzas, L'antica Pizzeria da Michele offers an equally remarkable variety of handmade pasta. We enjoyed the Orecchiette alla Positanese ($34), featuring tender ear-shaped orecchiette pasta cooked with Italian sausage, cherry tomatoes, creamy burrata, and a sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggiano. The pasta's shape acts like a sauce vessel, making each bite burst with flavours.

Ragu Della Portiera 4.2/5

We also tried the Ragu Della Portiera ($36), which uses the same ear-shaped orecchiette pasta. This dish includes cuts of beef chuck, pork ribs, and Italian sausage slow-cooked to create a hearty and flavourful ragù. It is robust in flavour, offering a more intense experience than the Orecchiette alla Positanese.

Cannoli 4/5

We ended our meal with the Cannoli ($16), a classic Sicilian dessert featuring deep-fried crisp, tube-shaped shells filled with a ricotta-based filling. This dessert is both toothsome and delightful, providing a sweet and satisfying conclusion to our dinner.

L'antica Pizzeria da Michele brings a slice of Naples to Singapore with its authentic pizzas and a variety of delicious Italian dishes. Whether you're a pizza enthusiast or a lover of Italian cuisine, this new establishment on Club Street is a must-visit destination.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


L'antica Pizzeria da Michele
Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre
8 Club Street
#01-08
Singapore 069472
Tel: +65 9823 5724
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight down Pagoda Street to North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to Mohd Ali Lane. Walk down Mohd Ali Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Waterfall Ristorante Italiano @ Shangri-La Singapore - New Chef De Cuisine Featuring Pugliese Classics, Signature Handmade Pasta And Pizza

Waterfall Ristorante Italiano at Shangri-La Singapore welcomes new Chef De Cuisine, Simone Loisi. Chef Simone Loisi is formerly from iO Italian Osteria, a popular Italian restaurant in HillV2. With Chef Simone Loisi at the helm, customers can look forward to a new and refreshed menu.

Caprese Di Mare 4/5

We started our dinner with the Caprese Di Mare. What you get is a beautiful plate of marinated salmon and buffalo cheese atop a bed of fennel salad. It is a light yet appetising starter to kickstart the meal.

Porchetta Alla Birra 4.2/5

A worthy dish to order is the Porchetta Alla Birra. It is Chef Simone's rendition of the sumptuous beer-marinated pork belly that is both crispy and juicy. It is best to enjoy with the honey mustard adding a touch of tangy sweetness, while the tangy homemade sauerkraut helps to temper the meat's richness.

Pizza Mortadella Stracciatella 4/5

Italian cuisine is known for its pizza and pasta; hence, we need to try them. From the pizza selections, we had the Pizza Mortadella Stracciatella. The thin crust pizza comes with delightful toppings of stracciatella cheese, mortadella, grounded pistachio and sundried tomato.

Gnocchi Mare E Monti 4.2/5

We tried a couple of pasta dishes from the menu, starting with the Gnocchi Mare E Monti. The soft and fluffy handmade potato gnocchi is tossed in an umami prawn bisque sauce.

Orecchiette Broccoli E Salsiccia 4.2/5

The Orecchiette Broccoli E Salsicca is a pasta dish from Chef Simone's hometown of Puglia. The comforting pasta features a trinity of broccoli, Italian pork sausage meat and handmade Orecchiette pasta. The ear-shaped pasta is ideal for holding the creamy sauce, accentuated by shaved Pecorino, chilli, toasted fennel seed and breadcrumbs.

Linguine Al Crostacei in Crostia Di Pane 4.5/5

My favourite pasta dish is the Linguine Al Crostacei in Crostia Di Pane. It arrived covered in a thin layer of bread dough. Cutting open the bread dough reveals a hearty pot of luscious linguine brimming with a medley of crustaceans. The highlight is the delicious housemade tomato sauce. I recommend wiping up the leftover pasta sauce with the bread dough from the plate.

Polpo Alla Plancia 4/5

It is not just about pizza and pasta at Waterfall Ristorante Italiano. There is a selection of mains too. One of them is Polpo Alla Plancia, Mediterranean octopus leg with potato cream and mixed salad. The octopus leg was huge. The kitchen got the cooking spot on for a delightful, firm and bouncy texture.

Tiramisu Classico 4.2/5

The Tiramisu Classico is a light and sweet ending to a beautiful meal at Waterfall.

Cannolo Siciliano Fatto in Casa 4.2/5

If you still have space, I recommend going for the Cannolo Siciliano Fatto in Casa. The homemade cannoli stuffed with sweetened ricotta cheese with a hint of orange zest come with bitter chocolate chips and nutty pistachio on each side. It is one dessert, two ways of enjoyment.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Waterfall Ristorante Italiano
Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
22 Orange Grove Road
Level One, Garden Wing
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 62134398
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down to the end of Orchard Road. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 23 minutes. [Map]