Duomo Ristorante @ CHIJMES - Italian Classics, Hearty Italian Flavours, Charming Ambience

Recently opened in January 2024, Duomo Ristorante is an aptly named culinary gem nestled within the beautiful grounds of CHIJMES. The menu offers Italian classics made with fresh ingredients from both the Northern and Southern regions, showcasing the hearty flavours of Italian cuisine.

There is a cosy indoor dining area, but the outdoor terrace is particularly delightful, especially on cool evenings. Here, guests can fully immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere while enjoying views of the picturesque CHIJMES hall. The outdoor terrace is thoughtfully accented with Italian decorative touches, creating a charming and inviting ambience that sets the backdrop for a relaxing dining experience.

Bruschetta 4.2/5

We started with a variety of antipasti, the first being a delightful Bruschetta ($21). This classic Italian starter showcased simplicity at its finest. Each slice of rustic bread was perfectly toasted and topped with heirloom Sicilian pizzutello tomatoes and Pecorino cheese shavings. The juicy sweetness of the tomatoes made each bite very enjoyable!

Wagy Carpaccio 4.2/5

The Wagyu Carpaccio ($28) is also delicious. Delicate slivers of wagyu are elevated with a house-made sauce of truffle cream, butter, and parmesan. To add a refreshing contrast, the dish is generously garnished with rocket leaves, which provide a crisp freshness to balance the richness of the wagyu and the creamy sauce.

Seafood Cioppino 4.5/5

For something hearty, opt for their Seafood Cioppino ($28). The base of the Seafood Cioppino is a rich tomato broth infused with aromatic herbs and spices and simmered to perfection. The broth provides a comforting warmth that sets the stage for the seafood medley of calamari, clams, and prawns — a harmonious ensemble that reflects the essence of coastal Italian cuisine.

Bella Duomo 4.2/5

Whilst they are not particularly a pizza speciality restaurant, the pizza we tried here was pretty good! We had the Bella Duomo ($36), where the star of the show is the rich and savoury mortadella cold cut, which comes straight from Bologna. Accompanying it are crunchy pistachios, adding a delightful texture and nutty flavour, as well as creamy stracciatella cheese generously spread across the pizza.

Tagliolini Gamberi & Lemon 4.5/5

Next up were two plates of pasta, both of which I thoroughly relished and savoured. The Tagliolini Gamberi & Lemon ($38) is a dish inspired by the chef's childhood and beautifully captures the essence of an Italian summer with its bright and zesty flavours. Some of my dining companions found it slightly too tangy, but I enjoyed the refreshing acidity imparted by the lemons and capers. Regarding flavour profile, this dish stands out as one of the more distinctive pastas I've had in Singapore. If you opt for this pasta, I recommend mixing it thoroughly with the sauce right away to prevent clumping and to ensure every bite is as delightful as the last.

Gnocchi Funghi & Salsiccia 4.5/5

The Gnocchi Funghi & Salsiccia ($28) is another comforting dish that satisfies my palate. The gnocchi, mushrooms, and Italian sausage are enveloped in a luxurious, savoury sauce. The sausage is slow-cooked with a medley of onions, celery, and white wine, infusing the dish with hearty flavours that linger on the taste buds.

Polipo Arrosto 3.8/5

Polipo Arrosto ($38) celebrates the ocean's bounty with grilled octopus, which offers a slightly crispy exterior with a smoky char while maintaining a firm but not rubbery texture. Accompanying the octopus is a citrusy sauce infused with diced tomatoes and olives, adding a vibrant and tangy contrast to the seafood. Silky smooth potato and rocket salad accompany the dish.

Nodino di Maiale 3.8/5

The Nodino di Maiale ($38) features a pork chop marinated for 24 hours in a fragrant blend of rosemary and thyme and grilled to perfection. It is complemented by a smooth house-made apple mustard that adds a hint of sweetness. The flavours are good, but our pork cut was pretty lean, and I would have preferred the meat to be juicier.

Duomo Tiramisu 4/5

For dessert, the Duomo Tiramisu ($16) is a crowd pleaser. Layers of delicate ladyfinger biscuits soaked in espresso impart a robust coffee flavour. Sandwiched between these espresso-soaked layers is a velvety mascarpone cream. The dessert is elegantly finished with a dusting of cocoa powder, balancing the sweetness with a hint of bittersweet cocoa notes. For inclusivity, the Tiramisu is served alcohol-free.

Panna Cotta Alla Vaniglia 3.5/5

Another option is the Panna Cotta Alla Vaniglia (3.5/5), a creamy and light dessert made from a traditional recipe without gelatin. It's infused with vanilla bean specks and served with some fruits and nuts.

Duomo Ristorante presents a delightful array of dishes to satisfy diverse tastes, complemented by refreshing drinks and a great ambience perfect for enjoying time with loved ones and friends. Immerse yourself in the essence of la dolce vita whilst savouring a slice of Italy in this cheerful communal dining setting!

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Duomo Ristorante
CHIJMES
30 Victoria Street
#01-32
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 89114874
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sat: 12pm - 11pm
Sun: 12pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road, cross the road to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk southwards towards Victoria Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and Victoria Road, cross the junction to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

LUCE @ InterContinental Singapore - Presents the Enchanting Banquet of Hoshena

Embark on a journey of culinary enchantment as LUCE at InterContinental Singapore unveils the Banquet of Hoshena, a mesmerising dining experience in collaboration with DITS ASIA group. Transporting guests into the magical realm of Hoshena, this immersive dining adventure unfolds with a captivating 7-course dinner set menu, where culinary artistry meets storytelling.

Available exclusively during dinner on Thursdays to Sundays, guests can choose from three enticing set menus: the Regular 7-Course set ($198++ per person), Vegetarian 7-Course set ($198++ per person), and Child 7-Course set ($158++ per person).

Pizza Souffle 3/5

The dinner begins with the Pizza Souffle, a tantalising symphony of sweet datterino tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala PDO, 24-month Parmigiano Reggiano, and fragrant Thai basil. Each bite is a delightful burst of flavours that sets the stage for the enchanting feast to come.

Textures of Celeriac 4/5

Delve into the Textures of Celeriac, a sensory delight featuring layers of celeriac, granny smith apple, Amalfi lemon gel, and delicate parsley micro cress. This dish offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavours that captivates the palate.

Angus Beef Tarta 4/5

Indulge in the Angus Beef Tarta, served atop a crispy shiso leaf tempura. The beef tartar, tossed in Katsuobushi vinegar and adorned with coriander cress and ginger mayonnaise, promises a flavourful and memorable dining experience.

"Sun" Raviolo 4/5

An absolute highlight of the menu, the "Sun" Raviolo enchants with its generous filling of Hungarian "Mangalica" pulled pork. Accompanied by three distinct condiments – Sichuan Pepper, timut Pepper, and Chilli Oil – this dish allows diners to customize their spice levels for a truly personalised culinary journey.

Pan-seared Halibut with Potato Gnocchi 3.5/5

Savour the Pan-seared Halibut with Potato Gnocchi, where perfectly cooked fish meets pillowy potato gnocchi. While the dish boasts impeccable execution, a more vibrant sauce would elevate the flavour profile to new heights.

Cocoa Tuile Mille-Feuille 3.5/5

Conclude your culinary odyssey with the Cocoa Tuile Mille-Feuille, featuring layers of coffee and chocolate chantilly sandwiched between crisp pastry sheets. Served with a decadent scoop of chocolate ice cream, this dessert is a fitting conclusion to an enchanting dining experience.

Experience the magic of the Banquet of Hoshena at LUCE, InterContinental Singapore, starting from 13th March. Book your dinner reservations now at singapore.intercontinental.com/offers/banquet-hoshena, and embark on a culinary adventure that promises to captivate all your senses. With vegetarian options and a special menu for young guests, the Banquet of Hoshena welcomes diners of all preferences and ages to partake in its immersive and interactive dining experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


LUCE
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 68251008
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon-Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. 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]

Tablescape Restaurant & Bar @ Coleman Street - New Glamping Picnic Experience By Tablescape

Tablescape on Coleman Street is a modern European restaurant and bar housed within Grand Park City Hall. It has recently launched a new menu, showcasing dishes crafted with new techniques, ingredients and inspirations.

Botanic Garden 4.5/5

By inspirations, I refer to dishes such as this Botanic Garden. Bringing our UNESCO World Heritage Site to the table is not an easy task. Still, I thought this starter was well executed with its 3-D approach plating and the choice of colours and ingredients. Planted onto the charcoal-grilled aubergine was a variety of fruits and vegetables such as beets, broccoli, strawberry, plus a couple of chips for a crunch. To enhance the smoky nuance lent by the aubergine, sip on the small goblet of Lapsang Souchong tea in between bites of the dish. In addition, there is a housemade Secret Dressing (a blend of olive oil, pommery mustard, raspberry vinaigrette and white onion) for you to drizzle onto the salad at any point of time when you feel there's a need for acidity and sharpness to balance the sweetness of the salad. Eating this dish is a journey itself!

Zucchini 4.5/5

Talking about a new ingredient, I was in love with this Zucchini starter. Rested on the plate was a whole zucchini flower, a delicate ingredient so rarely seen elsewhere, was stuffed with ricotta and steamed. As for the Zucchini itself, it was simmered with basil, then blended with olive oil to create a creamy liquid texture. Even without cream or cheese, its flavours were reminiscent of a hearty broccoli cheddar soup.

Gnocchi 4/5

Next up was housemade Gnocchi. Simply cubes of broccoli, mussels and gnocchi, it tasted far more intense than its earth-toned self, thanks to the wasabi foam atop made with umami-packed ingredients - wasabi, anchovies and fish stock. I would have liked it even more if the gnocchi had been more cheesy.

Beef 3.5/5

The Beef was our main using Australian wagyu with a marbling score 5 or 6. It was grilled with just salt to showcase the quality of the prized meat.

Champagne 3.8/5

For Desserts, we had Champagne and Chocolate ($14 each). While the Champagne was relatively luxurious with Orange Peel Champagne jelly and looked pretty with berries and dollops of Mascarpone Cheese, it was the good old Chocolate dessert that won with its bittersweet and rich layers of cake and cream. And also, not to forget the unique housemade cardamom sauce made by infusing the aromatic Indian spice in crème anglaise, which is also one of the Chef's inspirations at work.

Chocolate 4/5

There are three degustation options at dinner: the 4-course Tasting menu, the 6-course Experience menu, and the 8-course Signature menu. And what's more, until 30 June 2021, you can amp up your dining experience in Tablescape's latest Glamping Picnic experience.

You will be welcomed by a guide at the concierge desk on the ground floor and ushered to the tent set up on the rooftop terrace of Grand Park City Hall. Only 2 tents occupy the entire rooftop for maximum privacy. Fitted with rugs, cushions, a low dining table, and even a speaker, you can link up to amplify the cosy ambience.

Picnic Spread

Foie Gras

The Glamping Picnic experience offers also offers a picnic menu – an indulgent spread of small but satiable delights such as Cheese Platter, Lobster Salad on blinis or Foie Gras, which is one of my favourites, featuring a slab of buttery duck liver on housemade brioche, topped with a tangy-sweet William pear compote, pistachio and balsamic vinaigrette.

Tablescape-Style Mini Beef Burgers

You will enjoy the little towering Tablescape-Style Mini Beef Burgers, wherein between the housemade burger buns lies a piece of well-seasoned juicy wagyu beef patty, paired with mushroom, bacon, onions, cheese, truffle mayonnaise, and a tiny quail's egg cooked sunny side up.

To sip the evening away, you can opt for free-flow soft drinks; or with 2 cans of Tiger beer or 2 glasses of house pour red or white, or prosecco. If you want more, there is Tablescape's own beverage list to choose from as well.

Glamping Picnic experience
- Minimum Spending Requirements: $88++ per person and a total of $350++ overall *surcharges may apply on certain weekends Seatings: 530pm to 730pm - 8pm to 10pm
- Reservation Link: www.parkhotelgroup.com/en/cityhall/promotions/glamping
- This promotion is available until 30 June 2021
- One day’s advance reservation is required.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tablescape Restaurant & Bar
Grand Park City Hall
Level 3
10 Coleman Street
Singapore 179809
Tel: +65 64325618
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Afternoon Tea: 230pm - 5pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn left and walk to junction of Coleman Street and North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to Peninsula Plaza. Continue down Coleman Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Solo Ristorante @ Amoy Street - Compact In Size But Big On Flavours

Somewhat under the radar is Italian restaurant, Solo Ristorante at Amoy Street. Chef/Partner Simone Fraternali recently took over the reins in March 2020. With him on the helm, he has refreshed the menu, introducing his dishes inspired by the northern region of Italy.

Branzino 3.5/5

We started our dinner with some antipasti. First up is Branzino ($20), thinly sliced seabass with light lemon emulsion, chopped shallots, pimento and chives. I applauded that the chef brought something I don't usually get in an Italian restaurant in Singapore to the table. However, I felt that a little more zest to the flavour will perk up the whole enjoyment.

Wagyu Carpaccio 4.5/5

Beef carpaccio is quite commonly served in my many restaurants, but you need to try the Wagyu Carpaccio ($30) at Solo. The addition of Parmigiano Reggiano shaving and pickled artichoke with a few dashes of Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGT, brightens up the flavour profile. It really excites my taste buds, sending them into a dance of joy.

Melanzana alla Parmigiana 4.2/5

A very hearty and comforting dish on the menu is the Melanzana alla Parmigiana ($18). The baked eggplant is served in a parcel of layered deep-fried eggplant with mozzarella and parmigiana nestled in light-as-air tomato sauce.

Pappardelle 4/5

Equally hearty is the Pappardelle ($30) with slow-braised pork ragout, herbs and Marsala wine. It is a white ragu made without tomatoes and fortified wine for a rounded finish. The simplicity also allows the appreciation of the homemade pasta even more.

Gnocchi 4.2/5

The Gnocchi ($30) comes with Angus Beef Ragout "alla Bolognese" with rosemary and red wine. I always thought gnocchi needs to have a bit to it, but I was surprised that the version here is pillowy soft. The chef shared that the trick to good and soft gnocchi is to use as little flour as possible to achieve the melt in the mouth texture.

Tagliolini 3/5

A luxe pasta dish in the menu is the Tagliolini ($45), lightly tossed with smoky uni sauce, tarragon and lemon zest, crowned with sea urchin brought in fro Japan. While I enjoyed the texture of the fresh handmade pasta, the uni sauce was lacklustre. I have tasted much better one elsewhere.

Polipo 3/5

The Polipo ($38) is an elegant plate of octopus that is braised in its own natural liquid and then grilled to a nice char on the exterior. Personally, I prefer the octopus to have a firmer texture. Accompanying the dish is tomatoes and creamy orange zest-tinged mash.

Faraona 4/5

For meat, we have the Faraona ($36). The guinea fowl is cooked in two ways. We have the sous vide breast and extra virgin olive oil confit leg to bring out the best of each cut. The beautiful poultry is rounded off by its natural jus, paired with caramelised banana shallots.

Torta Al Limone 4/5

I do recommend saving some space for desserts, they are as good as their savoury too. The Torta Al Limone ($14), Amalfi lemon and white chocolate curd tart topped with strawberries, and basil sorbet. It is a dessert with contrasting flavour profiles but yet well balanced and satisfying.

Tortino Al Cioccolato 4/5

Last but at least the Tortino Al Cioccolato ($15), a coconut and dark chocolate 70% lava and toffee with a scoop of yuzu and orange sorbet. I enjoyed the molten interior with a crusty exterior which is very addictive. I could not resist going back for me.

Set lunch is available at $26 for two courses, $32 for three courses, while Solo's Classics Set Dinner is $88 for four courses, and Solo's Gourmet Set Dinner is $128 for five courses. There is even a Saturday Brunch at $78 whereby customers can top up $38 for free flow of Prosecco, house wine and soft drinks or $78 for free flow of Champagne, house wine and soft drinks.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Solo Ristorante
45 Amoy Street
Singapore 069871
Tel: +65 62600762
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 10pm
Sun: 630pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon & Sun lunch)

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

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]