After more than 32 years of serving Italy on a plate, homegrown trattoria has grown to serve up an authentic slice of Europe. Its latest, and eighth, outlet, in particular, will whisk hungry diners away to the buzzy courtyards of Tuscany, under the cover of preserved olive trees.
Pull up a rattan-backed seat, and fill the terrazzo-tiled tables with a slew of everyday Italian staples done well. The menu changes depending on when you visit; daytime spotlights hearty breakfast plates of sourdough topped with creamy free-range scrambled eggs ($11) and whipped avocado ($12).
From the salad bar, choose from a colourful variety of greens and grains ($13.90) – all of which are cooked minimally. Layer a bed of chewy barley grains with spoonfuls of shredded raw brussels sprouts sweetened with cranberry bits; or a refreshing salad of kale and broccoli stems, stained red with shredded beetroot. To finish, throw in slices of Moroccan-spiced chicken thigh and dollops of creamy hummus.
Those with time to spare can indulge in dishes from Da Paolo’s virtual brands: Panini Italiani packs layers of salami with provolone cheese and caramelised onions ($18) into a grilled sandwich; and the Pasta Bar, which uses freshly made egg variants to cook up slurp-worthy plates. Strands of tagliatelle can come perfumed with heady garlic aroma and crabmeat chunks in Al Granchio ($27), or twirl up fat strands of spaghettone ($25), dressed simply in a creamy base spiced with nduja and cracked pepper.
Hand-stretched pizzas are also assembled upon order, and cooked in a stone bake oven till charred and golden. A Roman-style thin base might come showered with shaved 24-month-old parma ham and rocket leaves ($24), or crowned with mozzarella, shiitake mushrooms, and black truffle ($29).
Just as the Italians do, wine down with the classic Appertivo experience. From 5pm, construct your own platter of salumi and cheese, and sip on a refreshing spritz made with Aperol or Campari ($18), spiked with Peroni beer ($18), and even blended into bittersweet slushie ($20). Otherwise, sip on fresh brews made using beans roasted at The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or cool off with an icy scoop from the gelato counter.
The flavours of Da Paolo can also be easily brought home, in takeaway bags and ready-to-eat tubs. From the retail section, fill the grocery bag with warm loaves of bread, exclusive pantry products, and other artisanal finds.