Pastaria Abate @ Craig Road - No Frill Italian Restaurant with Handmade Pasta

If you are like me visiting Pastaria Abate at Craig Road for the first time, you would think that it is a full service restaurant. Apart from the beautiful decor of the restaurant, that make you feel that you are in Italy, this place is actually no frill. You have to order from the cashier, collect your own food, utensils and even serve your own drink. I am not complaining as long as the food is good and reasonable priced.

Fettucine Pasta Italian Meatballs 3.8/5

Pastaria Abate is known for its homemade pasta. They made 4 different types of pastas - Tagliatelle, Fettucine, Tagliarini and Pappardelle. Ordering here is pretty simple, choose the type of pasta and follow by the sauce. I decided to go for the Fettucine with Italian Meatballs ($12.80). It comes with 2 huge handformed meatballs that is soft and tender. The meatballs are first pan seared and then stewed. While I love the meatballs and the sauce, I felt that pasta was a bit too soft, kind of overcooked.

Spaghetti Italian Sausages 4/5

Not all the pasta at Pastaria Abate is homemade, such as the Spaghetti Italian Sausages ($12.80). It comes with hom homemade skinless Italian sausages in Marinara sauce. The kitchen has got the timing right for the spaghetti, it has a nice bite to it.  While the skinless italian sausages are lovely, I thought it is a bit little.

Besides the pasta, you can also find other appetisers, mains and desserts on the menu. I didn't try them but I think they are quite reasonable priced. Most of the appetisers are reasonable priced around $8.80 while the mains range between $12.80 and $15.80.

While the pasta dishes here are good, do not expect top notch service here. Even the plate used are those canteen, metal type. Its basically a no frill Italian restaurant.


Pastaria Abate
43 Craig Road
Singapore 089681
Tel: +65 69090672
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 1130pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Continue on Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Amo Singapore @ Hong Kong Street - New Casual Italian Concept By Beppe De Vito

Amo Singapore is a new casual Italian restaurant by the Beppe De Vito, the man behind the il Lido Group which has several restaurants such as &Son, Osteria Art, Southbridge, Braci and il Lido under the group's umbrella. Upon seated and and placing our order, we were served complimentary olives.

Crispy Calamari with Sumac and Sundried Tomato Aioli 4.5/5

We started with the Crispy Calamari with Sumac and Sundried Tomato Aioli ($22). This is probably one of the best calamari that I have eaten. The calamari was coated in a light batter for a delighting exterior crisp while the innard is soft and bouncy.

Mushrooms, Truffle, Mascarpone and Tuscan Pecorino 4/5

Next we have the Mushrooms, Truffle, Mascarpone and Tuscan Pecorino Pizza ($32) for sharing. The fluffy pizza has a good bite to it complemented by the various toppings. The flavours and texture were spot on. However, I was disappointed that my pizza was not served hot. If not I would have given it a much higher rating.

Grilled Angus Beef Agliata with Sunchoke Fries 4/5

Lastly we ordered Grilled Angus Beef Agliata with Sunchoke Fries ($48). The meat is cooked to a nice pink with a nice crust surrounding it. I also enjoyed the grilled garlic, which I like to mash it and spread it onto the beef. It seems to elevate the flavour further.

Overall, the food at Amo Singapore is really good and enjoyable. The place can get pretty crowded and noisy. Not sure is it because of the mosaic tiles and brick wall, the noise volume is pretty loud, as if one is in a crowded pub. While the food is good, it may not be ideal for an intimate dining date.


Amo Singapore
33 Hong Kong Street
Singapore 059672
Tel: +65 67237733
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Clark Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clark Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Cross the road using the overhead bridge. Turn left and walk down New Bridge Road. Turn left onto Hong Kong Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Prego @ Fairmont Hotel Singapore – An Extravagant Truffle Feast at Prego

Synonymous with authentic Italian cuisine, and also known as one of Singapore’s favourite and longest standing Italian restaurant, Prego @ Fairmont Hotel Singapore has created quite a name for itself over the last two decades, consistently bringing to the table new ensembles of familiar flavours from Italy to excite tastebuds. And as we enter into the last segment of the year and bask in the festive spirit of the Christmas season, the most anticipated seasonal menu returns to Prego again, where Chef de Cuisine Antonio Facchinetti meticulously crafts a number of exquisite dishes with these legendary, prized black truffles that will delight gourmands and truffle connoisseurs alike. From now till January 2018, customers can look forward to indulging themselves in a variety of tantalising truffle delicacies, enjoy perfect pairings with a selection of their fine wines available all while immersing in this authentic Italian style dining experience.

Burrata 4/5

Kicking-start the truffle feast, we had the Burrata ($38) which features a bouche of creamy burrata cheese, topped with an abundance of fresh truffle shavings that spews an unmistakable truffle aroma in accompaniment. Nicely charred, the grilled Belgium endive added an addictive crunch, while the hazelnuts contributed some subtle nutty undertones to the dish.

Foie Gras E Capesante 4.5/5

The Foie Gras E Capesante ($40) comes in a slab of tender foie gras, juicy pan-seared scallop on a bed of soft velvety potato, complete with a drizzle of rosemary gravy and truffle shavings to enhance the flavours of the dish. No doubt an appetising marriage of foie gras, scallop and potato, this dish is nothing short of impressive, and certainly will delight tastebuds of many.

Passatelli Con Funghi 4.2/5

Moving on, we had the Passatelli Con Funghi ($46) which comes in a bowl of passatelli, freshly made in-house from scratch, with roasted wild mushrooms and generous portions of black truffle atop. With short strips of pasta formed from bread crumbs, eggs and grated parmesan cheese, the passatelli boasts a soft texture. It makes up a warm, comfort dish that settles well with the mildly salted roasted mushrooms. Of course, the black truffle was a welcoming addition that further added depth to its taste and just elevated the entire dish.

Risotto Zucca E Anatra 4.2/5

The Risotto Zucca E Anatra ($48) is another favourite, with tender and juicy slices of duck breast meat sitting on a bed of richly flavoured pumpkin risotto. Cooked till al dente with the addition of a subtle sweetness of the pumpkin flavour, the risotto was deliciously creamy while retaining a sufficient firmness to its every bite. The aromatic black truffle sauce offers a rich, earthy tone that lends a perfect savoury finish to the dish.

IL Cervo 4/5

The IL Cervo ($56) features tender wood oven venison loin, with crunchy root vegetables and buckwheat plenta that contributed to a sophisticated twist and an interplay of textures and flavours, while the drizzle of truffle jus as finishing touch added a richer depth in its tastes.

Cioccolata Bianca Al Tartufo 4.5/5

The truffle does not end with its mains. For those desiring a sweet end to the meal, try the Cioccolata Bianca Al Tartufo ($18), which is the perfect marriage of truffle with desserts. A unique take on truffle desserts, the dish features a spongy fluffy cheesecake with roasted pumpkin oil, soaked in white chocolate soup that lends a subtle sweetness and moisture to the cake. (A small jug of the soup is provided for you to personally pour the white chocolate soup in). Topped with a scoop of smooth, creamy and aromatic truffle gelato for that extra oomph, this is perhaps the one of the best truffle desserts I had. Also the perfect way to end the truffle feast on a refreshing and satisfying note.

The special seasonal menu at Prego boasts a variety of decadent truffle-infused creations, and is definitely one of the best places for you to indulge in those highly-prized winter truffles. Do note that all dishes are served with 2 grams of shaved black truffle, with additional shavings of truffle available at $15 per gram.

Words and photos by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Prego
Fairmont Hotel Singapore
Level 1
80 Bras Basah Road
Singapore 189560
Tel:+65 64316156
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 10am (breakfast), 630am - 1030am (deli)
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm (lunch)
Sun: 1200pm - 3pm (brunch)
Daily: 6pm - 1030pm (dinner)

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

OSO Ristorante @ Oasia Hotel Downtown - Underground Chamber On The 27th Floor

Captivated. That was how I felt when I first stepped into OSO Ristorante. Though it is located on the 27th floor of Oasia Hotel Downtown, I felt like I have entered an underground chamber - the exposed brick walls and ceiling, illuminated by industrial style lighting fixtures. There's something evocative about the space, perhaps of the opulent chandeliers, the enigmatic vintage mirrors and larger than life portraits.

Newly opened, it was already half filled by lunch hour. Opened in 2004, the restaurant has been in a couple of places before shifting to Oasia Hotel Downtown. OSO has its strong pool of regulars who adore the dishes crafted by award-winning Italian chef Diego Chiarini, with overall dining experience completed by Stephane Colleoni and his team.

Onion Bread and Crispy Bread Sticks 4.5/5

We started off with some warm fluffy Onion Bread and Crispy Bread Sticks. The Olive oil provided for dipping is full bodied and smooth, citrusy and sunny with hint of Mandarin Orange. I actually had a few rounds of that.

Baked Sponge Bread 3.8/5

For appetiser, we had Timballo ($22) which I thought is a rather poignant dish. Over in countryside where where stale bread is commonly used, ours is a baked sponge bread akin to a savoury sticky pudding and embedded within this little drum is Toma. Toma actually means cheese made by the farmer himself! Flavoured with the strength from Toma and luxuriance from the truffle, taste elevated but essence of the dish kept.

Squid Ink Risotto, Prawns and Marjoram 4.5/5

Capellini, Crab Meat 4.5/5

For Risotto and Pasta, we had Nero ($28) and Capelli D'angelo ($24). The squid ink risotto though blackish, is exuberant with colours and flavours lent from the prawns and marjoram. Every grain is left firm and neatly separated from one another with a chewy bite. Many may leave the marjoram out but that gives the dish an uplifting fresh herbaceous taste and scent. I enjoyed the Capellini just as much. The texture of the pasta is possibly one of the finest I ever had. The shredded crab meat was soft with sweetness elevated by the tomato.

Sea Bass in Crazy Water 4/5

For Fish, we had Acqua Pazza ($32). Acqua pazza literally means crazy water in Italian. It is an Italian way for poached white fish which usually means poaching it in lightly herbed broth. The dish is known to originate from fishermen of the Neapolitan area, who would sauteed their fish in seawater together with tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil. The kitchen has done a great interpretation of the dish. The seabass was tender and moist, with a dash of good olive oil to lift its taste.

Duck Breast Roasted with Oakwood 3/5

For Meat, we had Anatra ($48). Elegantly plated alongside with mashed sweet potatoes, the duck breast is roasted with Oakwood and flavoured with just a drizzle of Whisky. It was however a bit too gamey for me.

Dolci 4.2/5 

Simplicity seems to be the common thread that strings the dishes together. Dolci ($14) is a dessert created with just one single key ingredient - strawberry. We have freshly sliced strawberry beautifully lined up like flower petals, crowned with a scoop of strawberry sherbet and drizzled with balsamic. The dessert is bot refreshing to the eyes and palate.

Honey Beetroot Cake & Coconut Sherbet 3.8/5

Showcasing OSO's honey which can be admired from the shelf at the entrance, is the OSO's Honey & Beetroot Cake ($14). It has a deep, mellow sweetness, somewhat like black sugar. OSO's coconut sherbet is kind of sweet but punchy with spiciness from  the pink peppercorn.

OSO has its menu is divided into 2 - Classics and Today's Special. Be it to satisfy your longing for familiar flavours or when you are searching for inspirations, there will be both old and new flavours that await your visit.

Words and photos 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.


OSO Ristorante
Oasia Hotel Downtown
Level 27
100 Peck Seah Street
Singapore 079333
Tel: +65 63278378
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sat: 6pm - 1030pm
(Close on Sun)

Direction: 
1) Alighat at Tanjang Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to destination. [Map]

Prego @ Fairmont Hotel Singapore - A Refreshed Italian Affair At Prego

Prego at Fairmont Singapore has made quite a name for itself in the last two decades as an authentic Italian restaurant with Chef de Cuisine Antonio Facchinetti at helm. His creative takes on traditional Italian fare has created quite a number of favourites adored by regulars and new diners alike. Once again, Chef Antonio took a number of familiar flavours and churned them into new signatures with a fresh look.

Char-grilled Octopus 3.5/5

We started off with Ligurian antipasti Polpo alla Griglia ($28). Nicely charred, the octopus was firm with a nice bite. The potatoes could be softer to complement the octopus better. I like the Italian salsa verde which added vibrancy and zest to the plate.

Wagyu Carpaccio 4.5/5

Carpaccio di Wagyu ($28) is like a plate of rose petals which had fallen neatly on a plate. Its soft paper thin body allows each piece to melt in my mouth readily, releasing its flavours. The earthy truffle dressing and savourypParmesan lifted that delicate sweetness gently before settling on my taste buds.

Sardinian Fregola, Baby Clams, Tomato and Saffron Broth 4/5/5

Zuppa Di Vongole con Fregola ($24) is a very soothing soup, flavoured with just tomato and saffron together with sweetness from the baby clams. A traditional dish that was cooked beautifully and I especially enjoyed chewing on the spherical pellets.

Cavatelli with Nduja Sausage, Red Onion, Pomodoro Fresco and Pecorino Cheese 3.8/5

Cappellacci in Butternut Pumpkin and White Bolognese Sauce 4/5

Moving on to pastas, we had Cavatelli con Nduja ($34) and Cappellacci di Zucca con Ragu Bianco ($36). The former felt like summer - intense, spicy and stimulating with Nduja sausage while the latter spelt Autumn- warm, sweet and comforting with butternut pumpkin. The Cappellacci is slightly on the thicker and firmer side but the mashed pumpkin filling was compact enough to balance it.

Roasted Pork Chop 3.8/5

Our main is a hearty Braciola di Maiale ($42). The pork was lean, yet it was tender and moist with a thin crisp skin. Stewed with white white, the red cabbage at the side acquired a piquant taste which accompanied the pork chop really well. It was almost like having a Christmas roast!

Ricotta and Wheat Soft cake 3.5/5

For desserts, we had Pastiera Napoletana ($12) and Baba al Limoncello ($14). I very much preferred the spongy yeast cake. I could imagine myself having it at an Italian's home. It is fully soaked in Limoncello syrup, yet it retains its crusty interior. The fluffy whipped cream is like how your whipped cream works on Frappachino for that extra oomph. It looked really simple but it is a complex dish to make.

Basil Whipped Cream 4.2/5

Some regulars lament that they lost favourites each time when there's a new menu but I guess Prego will continue creating new favourites with each and every inspiration that comes along the way.

Words and photos 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.


Prego
Fairmont Hotel Singapore
Level 1
80 Bras Basah Road
Singapore 189560
Tel:+65 64316156
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 10am (breakfast), 630am - 1030am (deli)
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm (lunch)
Sun: 1200pm - 3pm (brunch)
Daily: 6pm - 1030pm (dinner)

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Dolce Vita @ Mandarin Oriental Singapore - Discover The New And Refreshed Dolce Vita

Dolce Vita at Mandarin Oriental Singapore has reopened its doors with a fresh sense of sophistication and modernity. In the shades of browns and neutral tones, two classic Italian black and white tile showpieces stood out, promising you an authentic Italian fare with an added flavour of excitement. Other added features like an accent wall with vertical slit windows which allows you to catch the chefs in action has shaken up its traditional format as well, perhaps to align with the image of its head chef, Chef Marco Manocchio! We got the chance to be hosted for a Chef's tasting, to get a glimpse of his creative mind through the dishes, which are presented onto the table with a modern twist.

Vitello Tonnato 4/5

Dinner started with a taste of Northern Italy - Vitello Tonnato. The Milk-fed veal loin tasted like a fatty tuna belly sashimi but much more creamier and richer. The classic Tonnato sauce aka Tuna sauce, slated over it was savoury and layered with flavours akin to dijon mustard, giving the meat a lot of punches to its mild flavour. The pickled petals cut the richness of the sauce and meat which whetted up my appetite for more at the same time.

Tortelli 3.8/5

Next up, we had Homemade Tomato Tortelli. The idea of hot and warm elements within a dish is being played out by dressing the homemade tortilla with seared languostine caciucco on cold burrata flakes and marjoram. The tomato filling was rich and flavourful - sweet, tangy and sharp which goes really well with the savoury langoustine caciucco. When on one hand I had the warm and bold flavour, on the other hand I had the milder flavour from the cold burrata and the citrusy, herbaceous taste of the marjoram. Is this Chef's take of a traditional burrata antipasti, with the tomato, burrata and greens? Perhaps...

Merluzzo 3.8/5

For main, we had a Merluzzo - steamed cod fish fillet with almond milk. I really like the idea of using almond milk with some toasted almonds for visual purposes. That gives the buttery cod fish a interesting nutty flavour along with some crunchy bits. Given cod's flavour and texture, there's always a need for some umami. And that's when the sea urchin dressing comes in, seasoning it like Fleur de Sel.

Tiramisu 4/5

Rounding off the evening, we were treated to one of their signature desserts - Tiramisu. One of the most airy and fluffy tiramisu ever. The secret lies in the soft Mascarpone mousse, and encapsulated within is coffee ice cream. The chocolate texture lying underneath is like granolas sprinkled on yogurt, providing that satisfying crunch in every bite.

The revamped Dolce Vita is now even more in sync with its surrounding - its vast alfresco dining and drinking area that overlooks the skylight, the relax vibe of the entire space, the swimming pool at the side etc, dining here is simply a retreat from the city. The above are available ala carte, which you could enjoy with a range of fine wines curated by its award-winning sommelier. Lunch set menu is available as well, with a two course menu starting from $36++.

Words and photos 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.


Dolce Vita
Mandarin Oriental Singapore
5 Raffles Avenue
Singapore 039797
Tel: +65 68853500
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line), Esplanade (CC Line)


Opening Hours:
Weekday Lunch: 12pm - 230pm
Weekend Brunch: 12pm - 3pm
Daily Dinner: 630pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to Marina Square. Follow the signage to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to Marina Square. Follow the signage to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Acqua E Farina @ The Rail Mall - Simplicity, Tradition and Fresh Ingredients On A Plate

A new Italian restaurant, Acqua E Farina has opened next to the green corridor at The Rail Mall. Acqua E Farina offers a selection of North and South Italian cuisine to the hood with tried-and-tested recipes from their hometowns.

Fagottino di Mozzarella e Prosciutto 4.2/5

Our dinner at the new Italian restaurant started with the Fagottino di Mozzarella e Prosciutto ($23). Glowing like a shining gem in the middle of the plate is the fresh and creamy buffalo mozzarella, paired with tomatoes, parma ham and mixed greens.

Fungo Ripieno 4/5

If the buffalo mozzarella is a shining gem, the Fingo Ripieno ($18) will be the black pearl. Sitting on a bed of baby spinach is the baked stuffed portobello mushrooms, dressed in porcini mushroom sauce. A great option for vegetarian too.

Polipo e Patate 4/5

The Polipo e Patate ($28) comprises of sauteed octopus with potatoes, olives and capers with olive oil and herbs. The combination of flavours and textures give life to the tender octopus for a delightful finishing.

Tagliatelle alla Boscaiola 4.2/5

Italian cuisine is know for the pasta and not to be missed at Acqua E Farina is the Tagliatelle alla Boscaiola ($24). The egg-based tagliatelle is made in house for a fresh and delightful bite. Tossed in tomato sauce together with mushrooms, Italian sausage and bacon, it is given a touch of cream to round off the beautiful flavours.

Linguine ai Frutti di Mare 4/5

For the seafood lover, there is the Linguine ai Frutti di Mare ($26). The al dente linguine with clams, mussels, prawn and calamari is tossed in a light tomato sauce, complementing the fresh seafood.

Pizza Tartufo 4.5/5

At Acqua E Farina, you can savour two types of pizzas with different toppings. The two types are
Red (with tomato sauce base) and White (with a cheese base). We had the Pizza Tartufo ($26) which has a cheesy base of mascarpone and mozzarella topped with mushrooms and black truffle. It may look rather plain for a pizza but its packed with flavours on top of the thin crust.

Costoletta di Maiale 4.2/5

If you are tired of pasta and pizza in Italian cuisine, worry not as there are other mains on the menu such as the Costoletta di Maiale ($34). The pork chop is pan fried with pancetta and sage. It is served with vegetables, potatoes and white wine sauce to complement the tender pork and its crispy edges. You will be surprised that Italian can cook their pork well too.

Piatto di Dolci 4/5

Wrapping our dinner, we had the Piatto di Dolci ($14), a dessert platter comprising of mini portions of creme brulee, lava cake, panna cotta and tiramisu. It is hard to pin point which is the favourite as everyone of us have our own preference. I also meant that you can get to try everything and come back the next time for the full portion of your favourite dessert.

Have a party to throw but don’t want to deal with the cooking and after-party clean-up?  Acqua E Farina Party Helper will save the day and night! Generous servings of the carefully selected menu dishes and desserts, as well as 30% off Italian wines can be put together with fun presentation, delivery and clean-up at an extra charge, depending on the location and needs of guests.


Acqua E Farina
The Rail Mall
400 Upper Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 678050
Tel: +65 64620926
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Hillview (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 11am - 230pm, 530pm - 1015pm
Fri-Sun: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 1015pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Hillview MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left onto Upper Bukit Timah Road. Walk down Upper Bukit Timah Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]