Pete's Place @ Grand Hyatt Singapore - Beloved Italian Restaurant Since 1973 Reopens with a Refreshed and Modern Aesthetic

With the much-anticipated reopening of Grand Hyatt Singapore at Scotts Road, the iconic Pete’s Place has also made its comeback. Since 1973, this beloved Italian restaurant has been serving hearty, authentic Italian fare, and its 50-year legacy continues with a refreshed yet cosy atmosphere. While the restaurant has adopted a modern aesthetic, it retains the nostalgic charm of its original design, most notably the signature red brick from its past.

We started our meal with the quintessential Italian welcome: freshly baked warm bread served with olives, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar — a simple yet delightful way to start any Italian feast.

Suppli Romani 4/5

Our first antipasti was the Suppli Romani, an Italian street food classic. These deep-fried potato croquettes arrived golden brown, stuffed with pecorino cheese, and seasoned with black pepper. Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, this appetiser was comforting and indulgent, setting an excellent tone for the rest of the meal.

Piadina Pugliese 4.2/5

Next up was the Piadina Pugliese, a flatbread pizza topped with ricotta cheese, coppa ham, and sundried tomatoes. The thin, crispy crust provided a delightful contrast to the creamy ricotta, while the coppa ham and sundried tomatoes added layers of savoury and tangy flavours. A well-executed dish that ticks all the right boxes for texture and taste.

Vitello Tonnato 4/5

The Vitello Tonnato, another antipasti, showcased tender slices of veal complemented by a creamy tuna sauce. The dish was topped with capers, which provided a welcome burst of acidity that enhanced the richness of the veal and tuna combination. It was a unique dish that brought a lovely balance of flavours, from the earthy meatiness of the veal to the light, oceanic notes of the sauce.

Risotto Gamberi e Melone 4.2/5

One of the more surprising dishes was the Risotto Gamberi e Melone. I was initially taken aback by the use of fruit — specifically rock melon — in a risotto. But any scepticism quickly faded as the dish revealed itself. The sweet, juicy rock melon paired harmoniously with the red prawn tartare, while the crispy capers added a delightful crunch. This unexpected combination of flavours worked beautifully, delivering a risotto that was not only refreshing but also memorable.

Bistecca alla Griglia 4/5

We indulged in the Bistecca alla Griglia for mains — a 1kg Australian bone-in ribeye steak grilled to a perfect pink doneness. The Tuscany rub of herbs gave the steak an aromatic and savoury crust, which complemented the rich, juicy meat. Grilled to perfection, the ribeye was flavourful and tender, making it a carnivore's dream. It's definitely a highlight for any meat lover.

Pete's Signature Tiramisu 4.8/5

A visit to Pete's Place would only be complete with trying Pete's Signature Tiramisu. What makes this dessert extra special is the tableside presentation. The chef brings out a whole tray of tiramisu, made with layers of mascarpone, savoiardi biscuits soaked in espresso, and a touch of white amaretto. He serves a generous scoop right at your table, ensuring you get the freshest experience possible. The tiramisu was beautifully balanced — rich and creamy without being overly sweet. It was easily one of the best tiramisus I've had in a long time, a dessert that left a lasting impression.

Pete's Place may have undergone a facelift, but it has kept the essence of what has made it a favourite for so many years. The combination of hearty, authentic Italian dishes with a touch of modern flair continues to draw both old and new patrons alike. The menu offers something for everyone, from the comforting Suppli Romani to the surprising Risotto Gamberi e Melone. And of course, don't leave without trying the Signature Tiramisu — it's a true classic.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Pete's Place
Grand Hyatt Singapore
10 Scotts Road
Singapore 228211
Tel: +65 6738 1234
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12 - 230pm, 6 - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about  6minutes. [Map]

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
Facebook
Instagram
Website
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]

LUCE by Davide Giacomelli @ InterContinental Singapore - launches new Italian Bistronomic Champagne Brunch

LUCE by Davide Giacomelli at InterContinental Singapore recently launched a new Italian Bistronomic Champagne Brunch, featuring an extensive buffet line of Cold Starters, Hot Specialities, Pinsas, desserts and live stations, jazzed up with the accompaniment of live music.

Charcuterie Room

One may start off from the Charcuterie Room, located right beside the main entrance of Luce. It impresses with a wide selection of imported cheese and cold cuts from Italy such as Grana Padano, Mozzarella, Taleggio, Mortadella and Cured Ham, all lined up with a slab of honeycomb as a centerpiece. Alongside the cheeses and cold cuts you will also find Bread and Condiments such as Focaccia, Baguettes, as well as interesting spreads Grissini Sundried Tomato Butter and Basil Pesto Butter.

Aged Parma Ham Wrapped Rock Melon

One of my favourite Cold starters is this Aged Parma Ham Wrapped Rock Melon - The parma ham had such a luscious bite to it, and its savouriness was well paired with the sweetness of the juicy rock melon.

One of the main drawn of the Champagne Brunch is the Seafood and Sashimi on Ice. Perfect with champagne, you will have your freshly- shucked oysters, Boston lobster, snow crab leg, tiger prawns, and sashimi.

Cheese Wheel Pasta Cacio e Pepe

Moving on to the Live Stations, Cheese Wheel Pasta Cacio e Pepe is also one of the highlights - made ala minute, you will have your freshly-prepared Mafaldine Pasta tossed inside a Parmesan Cheese Wheel. Best enjoy when its hot from the wheel!

And no brunch buffet is complete without a good roasted meat. At the Meat Carving station, enjoy Slow Oven Roasted Angus Beef Striploin, served with condiments such as caramelised onions and Dijon Mustard.

Orecchia di Elefante

Hot stations give you a taste of Italy, such as this specialty of Lombardy, the Orecchia di Elefante– a bone-in, thinly sliced tender veal meat that is breaded and fried. Known as the “elephant ear”, Chef Davide has his fried in clarified butter for richer flavours.

One of my favourites is the Eggs a l’ Amatriciana. Lovers of baked eggs dishes and runny yolk will definitely be awed by this brunch item. The golden yolks of the Cage Free Eggs were satisfyingly unctuous, and the tomato sauce which is loaded with with pancetta and perfectly cooked-down red onions was vibrant with flavours.

Spezzatino di Manzo is another hearty hot dish - Italian Beef Stew with Mediterranean Vegetables such as capsicums and mushrooms. Both the softened beef and vegetables were beautifully flavoured.

Hand-tossed Italian Pinsas

Pinsas station is a hot favourite with its variety of hand-tossed Italian Pinsas freshly made once each flavour runs out. There are classic flavours such as the Margherita and Four Cheese, but I quite fancy the fancier creation Rustica Pinsa, topped with Scamorza – an Italian cow’s milk cheese layered with Bacon, Zucchini and Potato.

Salad Bar

Club Salmon Norwegian

The Salad Bar is wholesome and vibrant with organic Vegetable from local farms. There is also a selection of finger food such as Club Sandwich Smoked Turkey, Club Salmon Norwegian and Chilled Marinated Heirloom Tomato Soup.

Bread & Butter Pudding

Crostata Pistachio Strawberry Frangipane

Crunchy Choux Pastries

The Dessert station allures you with a plethora of desserts handcrafted by Executive Pastry Chef Desmond Lee - The Crostata Pistachio Strawberry Frangipane is stunning with green pistachio hues and gorgeous red strawberries, Bread & Butter Pudding with Baileys Vanilla Sauce beckons with its beautiful golden crust and the petite Crunchy Choux Pastries look simply irresistible. And many more awaits.

Italian Bistronomic Champagne Brunch is available every Sunday 12 to 3pm. For a complete experience, get free flow Taittinger Champagne or Italian Franciacorta, Aperol Spritz and selected Cocktails and Wines at $158 or with free flow Prosecco, Peroni Beer, Aperol Spritz and soft drinks at $138.

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.


LUCE by Davide Giacomelli
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 68251008
Facebook
Website
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]

Cowaramup Roadhouse @ Telok Blangah Road - Australian Roadhouse Style Family Restaurant & Bar

Newly opened along Telok Blangah Road is Cowaramup Roadhouse, an Australian roadhouse style family restaurant and bar by Mooloolabar and Kitchen by JT. It replaces the now-defunct San Laksa Steamboat. Customers can look forward to an extensive menu featuring a wide variety of starters, grilled skewers, gourmet meats, sharing platters, kids and weekend breakfast. It even has a dog-friendly alfresco dining area.

Since Cowaramup is an Australian roadhouse-style restaurant, I just have to kick start the dinner with a few beer glasses.

Veal Sweetbread 3.5/5

From the starters, we had the Veal Sweetbread ($18) to kickstart our dinner. The deep-fried breaded veal nuggets are incredibly tender, an ideal munch to go with a few drinks. It is a change from the usual fries and chicken wings.

Seafood Skewer 3.8/5

A delightful starter is the Seafood Skewer ($25 for 2pc), comprising of tiger prawn wrapped with fish skin, squid, scallop and baby octopus. If you are not a seafood person, there are other skewers such as chicken, beef, lamb, and vegetarian.

Oven-baked Barramundi 3.8/5

We started with the Oven-baked Barramundi ($22) for the mains. The huge fillet of barramundi comes wrapped in bacon, resting on a bed of creamy spinach, crowned with smoke onion rings. It is indeed value for money.

Beef Wellington 4.2/5

Suppose you have tried the western fare at Meet 4 Meat at East Coast Road by Chef Jimmy Teo for its affordable gourmet meat. In that case, you will be delighted to know that Chef Jimmy Teo curates the menu at Cowaramup. I have tried his beef wellington before, so I am glad that he had brought the dish to the West. Now, I need not travel to East Coast to savour it anymore.

Beef Wellington 4.2/5

The Beef Wellington ($34/$100/$180) comes in three weights - 200g, 500g and 1kg. The charcoal-grilled Australian beef tenderloin and mushroom duxelles are wrapped in puff pastry paired with a brown sauce and fresh herb salad. Customers who want to perk up the enjoyment further have a choice of adding foie gras.

Cowaramup is a new exciting addition to the F&B scene in the west. I am glad that there is a new place near my home for me to grab a drink complemented with affordable Western fares. I am looking forward to my next visit to try more of the dishes curated by Chef Jimmy Teo, especially his Duck Wellington and Chicken Parmigiana.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Cowaramup
404 Telok Blangah Road
Singapore 098840
Tel: +65 85001111
Facebook
Website
Nearest: Telok Blangah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri:3pm - 12midnight
Sat-Sun & PH: 9am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Blangah MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Turn right and walk down Telok Blangah Road. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]