Bar Somma

The vibe

This school-library-turned-cocktail-bar is style and sophistication in equal measure. But of course, we wouldn't expect anything less from Chef Mirko Febbrile and The Lo & Behold Group. Luscious, plush pink sofas in the lounge, candles by the bar counter, flattering ultra-high arched ceilings that let in the light, and a crowd that ranges from cocktail enthusiasts to those simply soaking in the atmosphere. It’s a spot to see and be seen. 

The drink

16 signature cocktails split into four straightforward categories: Aperitivo, Savoury, Renewed Classics and Somma Classics. Italian flavours take the lead, and savoury cocktails shine. Start with bright, easy pours from the Aperitivo section like the Pine Highball ($28), featuring lapsang souchong-infused Monkey 47 and pine soda. Those who love a Bloody Mary should try the pasta-inspired Amatriciana ($26), where guanciale-infused vodka meets a house tomato blend, green pepper liqueur and lemon – a savoury dream. 

As the night deepens, sip on classic cocktails given a new lease of life under the Renewed Classics section: Torino Velvet ($28) for coffee liqueur fans, Montalcino Cure ($26), which brings the Christmassy warmth of mulled wine and rye, Taras Fungorum ($26) with an interesting mushroom tincture and more. Not forgetting the Somma Classics, of course. These have been on the menu since day one, with familiar names like the Last Word ($30), Margarita for Mel ($28) and Mirko's Martini ($32) – the latter a take on the dirty martini. 

If nothing piques your interest on the main menu, there are nine classic cocktails ($18 to $28) that might, whether it's a simple, fizzy Campari Seltz to do the job, a stiff Vesper, or a glass of vino, if you so wish.

The food

Come for the vibe and cocktails, stay for the food. Honestly, you wouldn't expect pasta of this quality to be served at a bar – decent portions, and al dente noodles with spot-on sauces. The radiatori with shreds of river crab ($34) has an intense depth and savouriness, but the vegetarian-friendly bucatini alla nerano ($26), which balances the freshness of herbs with a rich and creamy sauce, wins by a small margin.

There are other plates worth snacking on. The fried oyster mushrooms ($17), for one, are a table favourite, save for the beetroot ketchup that we don't find quite necessary – a simple ketchup or mayo dip would suffice. Something fancier would be the yellowtail amberjack crudo ($28) with pine nut milk, though crudo and cocktails are not quite the common pairing. Caramel flan ($16) makes for a safe finale, but we like the nostalgic factor that the adorable fruit popsicles bring ($9), so order that instead.

Time Out tip

Golden hour is the best time to visit, not just for the light-bathed space oozing with atmospheric charm, but for a solid happy hour deal running from 6pm to 7.30pm: a complimentary serving of rigatoni carbonara (dare we say, one of our favourites in town) with the first drink you order.