What was once a former Mediterranean restaurant by Alain Ducasse has since transformed into a modern osteria. But it remains backed by the master chef, who has newly appointed Chef de Cuisine Natalino Ambra (the Italian native has worked in various top restaurants, most recently at the alluring Scena Italian Restaurant of the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Shanghai) to helm the lively concept. The space remains luxuriously spacious and bright, but what lands on the dining table has transformed – into freshly-made pasta, wood-fired pizza, exquisite seafood dishes and many more plates that will transport you to the Italian Riviera.
For the antipasti, get the signature red prawn tartare ($68), a celebration of fresh catch. The piquant starter features succulently sweet seafood, served on a bed of buffalo mozzarella, fish jelly, and Kristal caviar. Seasonal ingredients are also at play here, take the marinated amberjack ($28) for instance. It's a perfect matrimony of clean flavours, creamy amberjack with a rounding vibrance of pomegranate and citrus. There’s also a beautifully charred octopus ($38) with the fluffiest of potato foams scented with Mediterranean spice if you prefer a heftier start.
For pasta, the Barolo-braised beef cheek paccheri ($38) sees oversized pasta tubes that conceal fork-tender beef cheek and seared pork belly in each unctuous bite. The elegantly tangy red prawn ravioli ($45) is also masterfully balanced with creamy buffalo mozzarella and some salinity from Japanese sea grapes. Though, it is the new zucchini tagliolini ($52) that is likely to reign as a fan favourite. It eats light and vegetal while the finishing touches of Kristal caviar elevate the dish with a welcomed addition of brine.
As for the mains, the Atlantic cod fish ($68) is masterfully cooked where the glistening flesh is fatty yet firm in texture. Here, it comes with sweet earthy carrots and a vivacious orange sauce that helps refresh the palate every once in a while. Or enjoy produce from land with the Black Angus beef tenderloin ($78) with textures of celeriac and truffle jus. For a finishing flourish to the meal, order the eponymous baba ($18) that comes soaked in a generous pour of limoncello.
And in true Italian spirit, kickstart the evening with Camparitivo – a selection of Campari-based tipples – to help whet appetites. Swing by from Thursday to Monday, 6pm to 8pm, to enjoy $16 cocktails, or Italian wines at $12 a glass. Lunch sets are also available on Monday and Thursday to Saturday, with options of two ($39) and three courses ($46). Perfect for quick business lunches or those who want to enjoy a fancier treat without stretching the purse strings.
