Monday, November 10, 2025

Terra Tokyo Italian @ Tras Street - Unveils Its First-ever A La Carte Menu and Weekday Set Lunch Starting from $45

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Terra Tokyo Italian embarks on an exciting new refresh under the direction of Head Chef Shozo Sugano. Trained in Italy for 8 years, Chef Shozo brings a new perspective to the Michelin-starred restaurant, unveiling its first-ever à la carte menu and an enticing weekday set lunch starting at $45.

The new à la carte dining format invites guests to rediscover the soulful artistry of terra’s Tokyo Italian philosophy, now with the added freedom to curate their own meal and experience in tune with their personal tastes and preferences. It could be a simple evening of pasta and wine, or a leisurely multi-course meal shared with someone special. The choice is entirely yours.

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Hokkaido Sweet Shrimp Crudo with Passionfruit and Yoghurt 4.5/5

The meal begins on a high note with the Hokkaido Sweet Shrimp Crudo with Passionfruit and Yoghurt ($28). Fresh, creamy amaebi is artfully paired with passionfruit jelly, diced green apple, yoghurt and crispy focaccia chips. It offers a refreshing balance of sweetness, tang and texture that’s delicious and satisfying.

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Smoked Salmon with Creamy Hokkaido Potato 4.5/5

I really loved the Smoked Salmon with Creamy Hokkaido Potato ($29), a silky potato espuma that gently envelops the smoked salmon. Finished with Amur caviar and a hint of lemon, this appetiser is savoury and comforting with an airy lightness in the espuma that prevents the dish from feeling too rich or cloying. It’s a must-try!

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Burrata from Puglia with Fruit Tomatoes 4/5

The third appetiser we tried was a classic Burrata from Puglia with Fruit Tomatoes ($24). It’s naturally delightful; it’s hard to go wrong with this combination. Compared to the other appetisers, where Chef presented more unique interpretations, this dish felt more like a safe and less inventive option. Still, the burrata and tomatoes were excellent and tasty.

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Linguine al Pomo-d’oro 4.2/5

I’d heard that the pastas at Terra Tokyo were delicious, so I decided to try the Linguine al Pomo d’Oro ($29), a seemingly simple tomato-based pasta with a twist: it’s made with yellow tomatoes (the word “oro” means gold, so the name of the dish is a clever pun!). Finished with guanciale, salsa verde, and Parmigiano Reggiano chips, the dish showcases a simple yet flavourful sauce made with yellow tomatoes, basil, and ricotta cheese.

For something more indulgent, there’s also the Chitarra ai Hokkaido Sea Urchin ($38), which I didn’t try but sounds incredible. In this creative take on carbonara, the uni replaces the egg yolk, while pecorino is replaced by karasumi (salted mullet roe), adding an umami depth to the dish.

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Char-grilled A4 Tochigi Wagyu Beef with Fig & Hazelnut Pesto 4.8/5

For the Char-grilled A4 Tochigi Wagyu Beef with Fig & Hazelnut Pesto ($68), the Tochigi Wagyu has been sourced from the very same farm since the restaurant’s opening, thanks to the deep relationship with its producers. Beautifully marbled and richly flavourful, the beef melts in the mouth with a buttery tenderness. It’s a true indulgence, elevated by the Fig and Hazelnut Pesto, which complements the meat’s richness. Each bite felt like a luxurious treat.

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Italian Lava Cake with Raspberry Sorbet 4.2/5

The Italian Lava Cake with Raspberry Sorbet ($17) is Terra Tokyo’s take on a perennial dessert favourite amongst Singaporean diners: a well-crafted molten chocolate cake with a crisp exterior and a gooey centre. We thoroughly enjoyed it, and we left not one lick of chocolate on the plate.

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Rare Cheese Cake with Apricot Sauce 4.5/5

The Rare Cheese Cake with Apricot Sauce ($15) is a pretty special dessert, tasting like a light, fluffy cloud with a luscious apricot sauce centre that adds a slight tartness. Whilst I love chocolate cake more than cheesecake in general, this rare cheesecake is the more creative and interesting dessert between the two. Anyway, there is nothing to stop you from having both cakes for dessert, and that’s precisely what I did!

Blending Japanese finesse with Italian heart, Terra Tokyo Italian delivers a dining experience that’s refined and balanced, made complete with an impeccable wine and sake selection by Head Sommelier Daisuke Shibuya. Their new à la carte menu may be concise, but the dishes on offer are solid options that make for a lovely evening out.

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.



Terra Tokyo Italian
54 Tras Street
Singapore 078993
Tel: +65 97512145
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, November 9, 2025

Il Toro Woodfire Grill @ Gemmill Lane - A Celebration of Woodfire Showcases Fire-Driven Italian-Australian Flavours

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IL TORO Woodfire Grill at Gemmill Lane is a brand new concept by Chef Drew Nocente, the same chef-owner behind Cenzo and Chicco Pasta Bar. Drawing inspiration from the Italian tradition of grigliata and shaped by the Australian spirit, the restaurant places fire at the core of its menu. Expect bold flavours, whole cuts of meat, and a warm sense of hospitality, all anchored by the primal draw of woodfire cooking.

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Focaccia, Beef Fat Candle 4/5

A playful start to the meal, the Focaccia ($8) comes accompanied by a candle made from beef fat. As it melts, the rendered fat becomes a savoury spread. The Focaccia itself is grilled for a crisp exterior, making this both fun in concept and enjoyable in flavour.

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Foie Gras, Fig & Pistachio 4/5

The Foie Gras ($8/pc) is rich and creamy, paired thoughtfully with sweet fig and crunchy pistachio. The combination provides a balance of sweetness and nuttiness, lifting the foie gras without overwhelming it.

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Coffin Bay Oysters, Yuzu Koshu & Smoked Beef Fat 4/5

The Coffin Bay Oysters ($6/pc) offer clean brininess with a bright citrus touch from yuzu koshu. The smoked beef fat adds depth, resulting in a finish that is both vibrant and savoury.

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Sea Bream, Amalfi Lemon, Bone Reduction and Caviar 3.8/5

The Sea Bream ($22) is served in a ceviche style with Amalfi lemon and bone reduction, topped with caviar. While well assembled, the flavours could be bolder to better highlight the fish's natural sweetness.

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Iberico Pork Belly & Sausage Skewer 3.8/5

The Iberico Pork Belly & Sausage Skewer ($8/pc) is hearty and satisfying, and many tables seemed to be ordering it. Although nicely grilled, the seasoning could be punchier to fully showcase the meat's richness.

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Tiger Prawns, Garlic Chilli 4/5

The Tiger Prawns ($10/pc) are sweet and smoky from the grill. The garlic chilli brings bold flavour and enhances the prawn's natural sweetness, giving a rich, robust kick.

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Octopus, Nduja, Burnt Chive Butter & Miso Corn 4.2/5

The Octopus ($36) is well handled, tender, and has a pleasant bite. The pairing of nduja and burnt chive butter adds layers of umami and spice. The side of miso corn is notably excellent, sweet, juicy, and highly addictive.

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Blackmore Wagyu MS9+ Tri Tip 4.2/5

The Blackmore Wagyu MS9+ Tri Tip ($78, 200g) is exclusive to IL TORO and available daily in limited quantities. While tri tip is naturally leaner, it is cooked beautifully here, resulting in tender, flavourful meat with the signature woodfire aroma.

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Baby Potatoes, Hot Honey & Ricotta 4.5/5

A standout side, the Baby Potatoes ($12) are tossed in hot honey and served on creamy ricotta. Sweet, savoury and texturally satisfying. This is the kind of side you'll want seconds of.

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Mint Slice Al Fuoco 4/5

For dessert, the Mint Slice Al Fuoco ($16) features mint semifreddo, smoked chocolate ganache and meringue. The tableside brûlée of the meringue adds theatre and creates a pleasing caramelised crunch to finish.

Overall, IL TORO delivers a bold, fire-forward dining experience that showcases Chef Drew's strong understanding of balance, produce and smoky depth. The woodfire element is consistent and intentional, from starters to dessert. A welcome addition to Gemmill Lane for those who appreciate grilled meats and Italian-Australian conviviality.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Il Toro Woodfire Grill
18 Gemmill Lane
Singapore 069255
Tel: +65 82591021
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun & Mon)

Direction:
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 6 minutes. [Map]