If you find the name familiar, it’s because this place is the latest addition to the Cicheti family’s line of Italian restaurants. And like its siblings, you can expect good, hearty Italian grub here. After all, it’s brought to you by chef Yew Aun Lim, restaurateur Liling Ong, and sommelier Ronald Kamiyama – the same people responsible for the success behind Cicheti and Bar Cicheti.
But unlike its siblings, the vibe here is simpler and more laid-back. It could be due to the remnants of its former tenant, Australian restaurant Fynn’s, lingering in the same wooden furniture. It could also be due to its menu, which draws from the scenic coasts of Italy. Either way, the result is a warm, inviting space.
Settle in and start off some fried sardines ($18) served with garlic aioli, or get the refreshing panzanella ($15) where stracciatella comes punctuated with sweet heirloom tomatoes and juicy cucumbers. Naturally, pasta remains a highlight at Caffe Cicheti, with classics that include the pesto ($22) and vongole ($26) with garlic butter, lemon, and palm-sized clams. If you’re skipping carbs, get the tender Iberico pork ($29.50) served with kale and apples, and order a side of charred brussels sprouts ($10) – it's meant for sharing but chances are, you won’t want to after a taste of its sticky-sweet pomegranate molasses coating topped with a sprinkling of candied pecan.
And with only four dessert options, you might be tempted to skip it altogether. Don’t. A bite of the moist olive oil cake ($11) perfumed with lemon thyme will make you glad you didn’t. Other dishes on the menu to look forward to includes a selection of panini (from $19.50) available only during weekday lunch, and familiar brunch staples like ricotta hotcakes ($19) on weekends.
