IL Giardino @ The Garage (Singapore Botanic Gardens) - Italian Cicchetti Dining with Asian Twists

il Giardino is the newest addition to The Garage at Level 2 of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, introducing an Italian dining concept served cicchetti-style, perfect for sharing among groups. Opening in time to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Gardens' UNESCO World Heritage status this month, the restaurant offers a lush, garden-side setting with Italian creations elevated by fragrant local herbs and subtle Asian touches. It's an inviting spot for couples, families, and friends to gather over good food and conversation.

Beer Bread 'Gnoco Fritto' with Ginger Flower Salsa Verde 4/5

We began with the Beer Bread ‘Gnoco Fritto’, served warm with a ginger flower salsa verde. The bread had a pleasant chew, reminiscent of our local ‘butterfly’ snack, with an airy pocket inside. The salsa verde added brightness and a subtle floral lift.

Artigiana Burratina 4.2/5

The Artigiana Burratina ($19) was luxuriously soft and creamy, paired with sour plum tomatoes, carrot purée, and trapanese & mint pesto for a vibrant punch of flavour. Almond nuts added a nutty crunch to contrast the creaminess.

Panzanella 'Singapura' 3.5/5

Panzanella 'Singapura' ($16) reimagines the rustic Italian dish with local twists comprising green mango, croutons, cashew nuts, and "ugly" heirloom tomatoes that might otherwise be discarded. The smoked tamarind vinaigrette tied it together with bright, tropical acidity.

il Giardino Hand-Cut Pressed Potatoes 4.2/5

These il Giardino Hand-Cut Pressed Potatoes ($16) delivered a crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy interior. Scallion and kelp lent an aromatic lift, while the roasted garlic aioli dip added a creamy, savoury depth.

il Giardino Slow Cooked Venetian Octopus 4.2/5

Seafood lovers can savour il Giardino's signature Slow-Cooked Venetian Octopus ($22 S / $32 L), tender and delicately infused with fresh lemon and Laudemio extra virgin olive oil (a premium blend from 21 historic estates in Tuscany). The dish is further elevated with housemade gremolata and ginger flower salsa verde, served alongside warm house bread. Adding to its charm, the octopus is plated tableside from a large pot, exuding a rustic elegance.

Spaghetti alle Vongole 4.2/5

Cooked to an al dente bite, the Spaghetti alle Vongole ($19 S / $28 L) was perfumed with fresh clams, garlic, white wine, and parsley. Herb crumbs on top added extra texture and savouriness.

Porcini & Ricotta Cheese Ravioli 4/5

The Porcini & Ricotta Cheese Ravioli ($16 S / $24 L) was rich with a five-cheese sauce, enhanced by fried sage and hazelnut for fragrance and crunch. The pear compote offered a refreshing contrast to the cheese’s richness.

Parma Pizza 3.8/5

From the Ciabatta Romana Pizza selection, the Parma Ham ($19 S/ $28 L) version came topped with parma ham, mushrooms, arugula, honey, and truffle cream. It offered a lively mix of sweet, savoury, and earthy flavours on a satisfying dough base.

Pan Roasted King Salmon 3.8/5

The Pan Roasted King Salmon ($28) was crowned with a crisp parsley and pine nut crust. The ginger flower salsa verde and Chef Felix's eggplant caponata, which was tangy and flavour-packed, made for a bright pairing.

Half Roasted Corn-fed Chicken 3/5

The Half Roasted Corn-fed Chicken ($18 half / $28 whole) was moist and succulent from brining and roasting, finished with a light Amalfi lemon caper sauce. A deeper char or punchier seasoning could elevate it further.

Slow Braised Osso Bucco 4/5

The Slow-Braised Osso Bucco ($28 S / $38 L) presents fork-tender veal bathed in a luxurious Barolo wine jus, paired with silky whipped potatoes and brightened by a zesty kaffir lime gremolata. This refreshing Asian twist cuts through the richness. Of the three mains, this was easily my favourite.

il Giardino Affogato 3.8/5

A decadent finale, the il Giardino Affogato ($14) featured gelato on a crunchy buttered base of almond and upcycled ground coffee. A hot espresso pour melted the Valrhona chocolate shell, revealing berries and mint — aromatic, dramatic, and delicious.

Crispy, Fried Italian Pastries 'Chiacchiere' 3/5

Choose from vanilla, hazelnut, honey ginger, or blood orange sorbet/gelato with these airy, crispy Fried Italian Pastries 'Chiacchiere' ($16). Dusted generously with powdered sugar, they were light and sweet, though more memorable for texture than flavour.

With its cicchetti-style Italian menu infused with local and Asian touches, il Giardino makes for a charming dining experience in one of Singapore’s most scenic settings. While some dishes could use a little more punch, most plates hit a satisfying balance between creativity and comfort, making it a welcome addition to the Botanic Gardens dining scene.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


IL Giardino
The Garage (Singapore Botanic Gardens)
Level 2
50 Cluny Park Road
Singapore 257488
Tel: +65 9831 1106
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Nearest MRT: Botanic Gardens (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Fri: 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Botanic Gardens MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to Cluny Park Road. Turn left onto Cluny Park Road and continue walking down the road. At Cluny Park Gate, walk in and walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Sospiri @ IOI Central Boulevard Towers - Chic Italian Restaurant in the Heart of Singapore

Perched atop the newly opened IOI Central Boulevard Towers, Sospiri is one of the newest additions to Singapore's Italian dining scene. From the moment you step in, you're transported into a charming Italian-Mediterranean retreat, reminiscent of a Roman holiday villa. Bathed in natural light with breezy interiors, the ambience sets the stage for a food journey through Southern Italy, where fresh, quality ingredients take centre stage.

Burrata di Andria ai Pistacchi 4.8/5

We began our meal with the Burrata di Andria ai Pistacchi ($26), a beautifully composed starter featuring creamy burrata, smooth avocado, and prized Bronte pistachios. The pairing worked harmoniously, offering a balanced contrast of rich, milky cheese and the buttery crunch of nuts. A dish that's as elegant as it is satisfying.

Battuta di Tonno 4.2/5

Another highlight from the antipasti selection was the Battuta di Tonno ($26). The zesty brightness of Amalfi lemon, aromatic salmoriglio, and briny Pantelleria capers lifted this refined bluefin tuna tartare. Light, fresh, and layered with Mediterranean character, it made for a refreshing start.

Ravioli alla Vaccinara 4.2/5

Moving on to our pasta, we had the Ravioli alla Vaccinara ($35). Each homemade ravioli is filled with tender and flavourful ox tail, perked with lemon zest and complemented by the addition of pine nuts for a nutty finish.

Spaghetti alla Puttanesca 5/5

The standout dish of the evening was the Spaghetti alla Puttanesca ($30). The spaghetti was perfectly cooked al dente and coated in a punchy, spicy tomato sauce that brought depth and vibrancy to every bite. The dish was thoughtfully paired with summer vegetables, which added a refreshing contrast and balance to the bold, savoury flavours. It was a bright, satisfying plate that delivered both comfort and complexity, a clear favourite of the night.

Tiramisu 4/5

To round off the meal, we had the classic Tiramisu ($22). Well-balanced with just the right touch of bitterness from the espresso and sweetness from the cream, it was a familiar yet delightful finish to the dinner.

Sospiri al Limone 4.8/5

If you’ve got room for one more bite, don’t miss the Sospiri al Limone ($12). These airy, fluffy Amalfi lemon angel cake puffs are light, zesty, and highly addictive. I’d gladly save room or find a second stomach for these again.

Sospiri offers an elevated Southern Italian dining experience, serving refined dishes that remain true to their regional roots. With stunning city views, warm hospitality, and an exquisite menu that marries tradition and creativity, it's a welcome new gem in the heart of the CBD.


Sospiri
IOI Central Boulevard Towers
2 Central Boulevard
#07-02
Singapore 018916
Tel: +65 94780906
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Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line), Shenton Way (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 3pm - 12midnight
Sat: 1130am - 12midnight
Sun: 113am - 11pm

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

2) Alight at Shento Way MRT station. Take Exit 4 or 6. Walk to Commerce Street. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

CUDO @ Stanley Street - Modern Comfort Food with Latin Soul

Located along Stanley Street, CUDO is the latest bold concept by the team behind Siri House and Moxie. Rooted in the spirit of modern Latin American cuisine, CUDO draws on bold, comforting flavours reimagined through a contemporary lens. With Chef Steve at the helm, the menu offers a vibrant medley of dishes inspired by his culinary travels and nostalgic eats, all given a fresh, creative twist.

Torched Truffadito 4.5/5

We began our dinner on a high note with the Torched Truffadito ($25). This refreshing small plate features thick slices of Japanese yellowtail, macerated in soy sauce and gently torched for a touch of smokiness. Finished with chipotle aioli, pickled cucumber, and radish, the dish is a beautiful balance of freshness, savoury, and zesty crunch.

Warm Crab Queso 4.2/5

The Warm Crab Queso ($18) is CUDO's take on a classic cheese dip, elevated with luxurious touches. The dip combines cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, smoked mozzarella, and chilli cheddar, infused with Worcestershire, Tabasco, and white onion confit. Sakura ebi oil and crispy ebi add an umami punch, while zucchini and lump crab bring freshness and texture. It is perfect when scooped up with the accompanying fried tortillas.

Calabaza 4.2/5

A vegetarian delight, the Calabaza ($12) spotlights roasted Japanese pumpkin with a smoky chipotle aioli spiked with yuzu kosho. The sweetness of the pumpkin is complemented by pomegranate molasses, salty cotija cheese, and pistachio dust, which is a creative and flavour-packed small plate.

Disco Fries 4.5/5

Inspired by Chef Steve's time in Staten Island, the Disco Fries ($16) are indulgent, satisfying, and utterly addictive. Crisp fries are blanketed in mozzarella and cotija cheese, drenched in a beef jus-based brown gravy, and tossed with chorizo, pickled onions, and salsa Rosada. It's a glorious mash-up of American diner nostalgia with Latin vibrancy.

Chipotle Butter Prawns 4.2/5

The Chipotle Butter Prawns ($18) bring the heat and depth of flavour. Tiger prawns are rubbed with chipotle, roasted, and glazed with agave molasses before being finished with a torch. Served with house pesto and lime, each bite is smoky, sweet, and savoury with a zesty lift.

Grilled Seabass Fillet 3.8/5

The Grilled Seabass Fillet ($33) was beautifully plated with parsley-lime sauce and pineapple salsa, but the over-charred skin was slightly too bitter, distracting from the fish's freshness. While the flavour elements were sound, the execution slightly fell short of the mark.

Spaghetti Con Camarones 4.5/5

One of the showstoppers of the evening, the Spaghetti Con Camarones ($38), features squid ink pasta tossed in a luxurious Ancho bisque and topped with grilled tiger prawns. The sauce, made from sundried tomatoes, capers, white wine, ancho chilli paste, and seafood stock, packs rich, crustacean flavours balanced with tang and spice. Finished with chipotle oil, it's a must-order.

Coconut Tres Leches 4.2/5

Light yet indulgent, the Coconut Tres Leches ($14) delivers a tropical spin on the classic dessert. The housemade sponge is soaked in coconut milk, vanilla, and condensed milk, then sprayed with white rum and topped with coconut cream, toasted coconut flakes, and berry compote, making for a refreshingly sweet end to the meal.

Chocolate Tart 4.2/5

For chocolate lovers, the Chocolate Tart ($16) hits the spot. A silky chocolate mousse ganache is encased in a tart shell and garnished with cocoa pearls, housemade chilli jam, and candied nuts, creating layers of richness with a slight kick.

Toffee Plantain 4.2/5

The Toffee Plantain ($15) is a decadent finale, combining a moist plantain-banana sponge with banana mousse, vanilla ice cream, and caramelised plantain. The orange zest adds a lovely citrusy lift, rounding off a dessert that’s both comforting and refined.

CUDO impresses with its thoughtful reinterpretation of Latin American dishes, presented with flair and rooted in comfort. From inventive appetisers to bold mains and delightful desserts, it’s a welcome addition to Singapore’s modern dining scene.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


CUDO
13 Stanley Street
Singapore 068732
Tel: +65 8221 6330
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 1130pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street, walk to Boon Tat Street. Turn left onto Boon Tat Street. Turn right onto Stanley Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

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

American Mass Hall @ Lumiere - Classic Amercian Food Layered with Vibrant Asian Nuances

American Mass Hall at Lumiere revives classic American comfort food while introducing creative dishes layered with vibrant Asian nuances. Chef Heman Tan oversees the menu, which spans a broad spectrum — from sides and soups to salads, appetisers, mains, and desserts. We began our meal with a selection of appetisers, soups, and a salad.

Mass Hall’s Oyster Bay 4/5

French Onion Soup 4/5

Hush Puppy Corn Ball 4/5

Mass Hall's Oyster Bay ($5/pc) showcased plump Japanese oysters topped with orange granita, adding a burst of citrus acidity that brightened the brininess of the oyster. Though made with vegetable stock, the French Onion Soup ($9) impressed with its well-balanced sweetness and savoury depth — a surprising feat given the absence of beef stock. The Hush Puppy Corn Ball ($8) was a delight with its crisp exterior and sweet corn-studded interior. A dollop of spicy mayo added a satisfying sweet-spicy kick and boosted its overall mouthfeel.

Chilli Crab Mac & Cheese 2/5

Moving to the heavier plates, the Chilli Crab Mac & Cheese ($18) came loaded with rich, gooey cheese and a unique chilli crab topping. While the spicy crab element helped to cut through some of the richness, the dish leaned too sweet for my liking, and the macaroni was somewhat overwhelmed by the cheese.

Burrata Lava Cheesy Wonderland Lovers 2/5

The same sentiment applied to the Burrata Lava Cheesy Wonderland Lovers ($24), for which I found the execution a little one-dimensional. To balance out the richness, I would have preferred a blend of cheeses with varying sharpness and complexity. The dough, too, could have been more aerated for that chewy bite.

Octopus 4.5/5

The Octopus ($22), served with mashed potato, sous vide egg, and hollandaise sauce, was an interesting and indulgent dish. Digging into the combination of buttery mash, runny egg, and rich hollandaise felt luxurious — creamy, velvety, and deeply satisfying. What elevated the dish was the charred edges of the sous vide octopus, which added a gentle smokiness that helped balance the overall richness.

Burrata Salad 2.5/5

For something lighter, we tried the Burrata Salad ($19), which paired burrata with watermelon, tomato, and Parma ham. The combination was refreshing and offered a nice interplay of sweet, juicy, and savoury elements. Unfortunately, the burrata itself was a letdown — too firm, lacking the pillowy softness and milky freshness that a good burrata should deliver.

“Bone Drop” BBQ Iberico Prime Ribs 4.2/5

120-day Grain Fed Angus Beef Short Ribs 3.8/5

For mains, we feasted on the "Bone Drop" BBQ Iberico Prime Ribs ($39), served with fresh coleslaw and potato wedges. True to its name, the meat was tender, succulent, and finger-licking good, coated in a sticky, smoky BBQ glaze that hit all the right notes. The 120-day Grain Fed Angus Beef Short Ribs ($30), smoked tableside, could have been more tender but made up for it with a satisfyingly rich, beefy flavour.

Fish & Chips 3.5/5

Cajun Blackened Barramundi Fillet 3.8/5

From the sea, the classic Fish & Chips ($18) uses Barramundi fillet instead of the usual dory, which gave the dish a more flavourful bite. The thin and airy crust was especially enjoyable. The Cajun Blackened Barramundi Fillet ($25) was well-executed with just the right amount of char. The smoky flavour from the blackening added depth to the naturally sweet and moist fish.

Spaghetti Prawn Aglio Olio 4/5

The Spaghetti Prawn Aglio Olio ($22) was a true crowd-pleaser. Tossed in a specially concocted Aglio Olio chilli, the al dente spaghetti was loaded with umami and a spicy kick. Slices of mushroom soaked up the sauce beautifully, adding layers of spicy, savoury richness to each bite.

Desserts

Desserts were varied and playful. My personal favourite was the Deconstructed Apple Crumble ($9), which delighted with chunks of cinnamon-spiced apples and buttery crumble bits that offered a satisfying crunch. Though eggless, the Tiramisu ($9) was impressive — light mascarpone cream paired with bittersweet, generously boozy ladyfingers made for a decadent treat. As for the Crème Brûlée Cempedak ($10), the dessert itself was delectable, perfumed with fragrant cempedak and topped with a nicely caramelised crust. However, while delicious, the scoop of ice cream atop added a touch too much sweetness and softened the brûlée's crisp surface more than I'd like.

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.


American Mass Hall
Lumiere
2 Mistri Road
#01-01
Singapore 079624
Tel: +65 9743 0116
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit D or H. Walk straight down Anson Road to Parsi Road. Turn left onto Parsi Road. Walk down Parsi Road towards Mistri Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]