1 Michelin Star:
Terra
The food is Italian so don’t get confused by the ‘Tokyo-Italian’ strapline – it refers to the two countries’ shared respect for seasonal ingredients. To fully experience the considerable skills of Tokyo-born chef-owner Seita Nakahara it’s best to have his ‘omakase’ menu which may include his homemade bottarga with Hokkaido sea urchin and spaghetti, or roasted scallops with vegetables. The dining room is equally pleasing on the eye.
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Michelin Selection:
Alkaff Mansion
Built in 1918 by a family of Yemeni traders, this mansion in the Telok Blangah Hill Park lay derelict for some years before being restored to the charming, romantic spot it is today. Its current owner hired an Italian chef whose cooking is largely classical but with his own added little twists. He imports much of the produce directly from Italy and pays special attention to the homemade pasta; other standouts include Sardinian-style suckling pig.
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Aura
If nourishment is needed after a contemplative tour of the National Gallery, then Aura and its breezy Sky Lounge sister are right on hand. Beppe de Vito and company have gathered together a seasoned team who understand the concept of hospitality and who deliver eminently satisfying Italian dishes like trofie with crab and porcini, scallops crudo with avocado and truffles, and grilled sea bream with pistachio salsa.
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Basilico
By concentrating on quality not quantity, Basilico proves that buffets and good food are not mutually exclusive. The main course at dinner is served at the table but everything else is from the various stations – all regions of Italy are covered and the dessert counter is especially good. The handsome dining room, on the 2nd floor of the luxurious Regent hotel, comes with an impressive walk-in wine cellar, an open kitchen and an outdoor terrace.
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Buona Terra
The entrance to this sophisticated and intimate Italian restaurant, housed within a refurbished colonial house, is flanked by an imposing glass display of bottles from its impressive wine collection. Lunch sees a good value set menu while at dinner the flexible menu allows for any combination of appetiser, pasta or main course. Signature dishes include scallop tartare, squid ink tonnarelli, lamb loin with pistachio crust, and nougat parfait.
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Dolce Vita
Next to the hotel’s swimming pool is this authentic Italian restaurant. It has an appealing Mediterranean feel, and through the floor-to-ceiling windows you can see the pool and the bay beyond. The cooking has its roots in traditional recipes but the kitchen adds its own little touches. The bright surroundings, relaxing atmosphere and charming service make it a good choice for family gatherings, with weekend brunches being particularly popular. Booking details
Forlino
Italian flair, Japanese precision and super-fresh ingredients combine to create delicious dishes in this plush dining room with great views. At lunch most are in for the quick business menu but if you opt for the à la carte menu you get to see what the kitchen can really do, with dishes like linguine with Hokkaido sea urchin and bottarga, or slow-cooked black cod with tripe and white polenta. For dessert, few see past the signature tiramisu.
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Ossobuco, costoletta alla Milanese and tiramisu are some of the signature dishes here at one of the city’s best known Italian restaurants. The affable owner, though, wants everyone to be able to find their favourite dish which is why he offers such a large, all-encompassing menu. The impressive wine list, featuring over 7000 labels, is another feature for which this cosy and contemporary-styled restaurant is celebrated. Booking details
The name means ‘The Sky’ and this intimate Italian is perched on the top floor of the Hilton, right beside the pool. The cuisine comes with a dash of creativity and uses the best natural and organic ingredients. At lunch you’ll find a good value set menu while at dinner the luxurious nature of the produce is clearly apparent. Signature dishes include burratina with basil cream and olives, Hokkaido scallops with pineapple, and roasted Tuscan fish. Booking details
Authentic and recognisable dishes from across Italy draw plenty of customers to this well-regarded, well-established and comfortable Italian restaurant that’s proven a good fit with the CBD. The various pasta dishes are not to be missed, as are the ossobuco and suckling pig; a truffle menu is offered in season and the lunch menu is great value. To accompany it all is a well-chosen wine list sourced entirely from Italy. Booking details
Great views, warm service and Italian food – for those looking for a romantic meal this is as close to a sure thing as you can get. Be sure to start with a drink on the rooftop to take in the dramatic vista before moving inside to enjoy the familiar Italian fare. The menu pays much attention to the southern coastal regions; the cooking eschews ostentation and instead focuses on what is needed to make a particular dish delicious. Booking details
This authentic Italian gem occupies a sizeable space on the 43rd floor of the Ocean Financial Centre and provides wonderful views to go with your Brunello. But it’s not just the terrace that draws the crowds – the kitchen shows passion and flair in all it does. Stand-outs include creamy burrata pomodorini with Cutrera olive oil and the various pasta dishes, like paccheri with Canadian lobster claw and luscious tomato sauce. Booking details
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