Osteria BBR had been a spot that I have been wanting to make a visit for a long while; glad to have finally made the visit thanks to a chance opportunity of a spontaneous dinner where it was only arranged a day before. Entering from “patio” area at the back of Raffles Hotel, the main entrance to Osteria BBR is tucked at the side of the building; stepping into the restaurant and one will be greeted with a clean aesthetic that sees white and red being the main colours used throughout the entire restaurant. There is really a great incorporation of the building’s style against the interior decor of the restaurant — the colonial-era elements such as the windows seemingly blending well into the modern aesthetic so well; the middle of the space being dedicated to the kitchen and food preparation area, while the dine-in area surrounds that afore-mentioned area so diners can get to see the action going on without being seated by the counter seats. Visiting Osteria BBR during dinner service, they serve up both an ala-carte menu and a prix fixe set menu — the former being segmented into sections such as Antipasti, Pasta E Risotto, Pizza, Da Condividere (i.e. sharing plates), Secondi Piatti (i.e. main course), and Dolci (i.e. dessert). They also do have an extensive list of alcoholic beverages available; patrons can also opt to have coffee to go along with their dessert if they wish.

There were several highlights to our meal at Osteria BBR, but our favourite would possibly be the Mezzi Paccheri Alla Guancia Di Manzo E Barolo. The dish features Paccheri pasta and Barolo-braised beef cheek; one would not be wrong to call this Osteria BBR’s rendition of a braised beef cheek pasta. The waitress had asked us if we would like our pasta to be done al-dente or slightly past al-dente; the reason being the Paccheri pasta being a little thick and it being done al-dente meant that it could be a little firm to some — ordering the pasta to be done slightly past al-dente would bring it closer to the texture of a typical pasta that is done al-dente. We eventually requested for our order to be done in the normal way (i.e. al dente). Being a tube-shaped pasta, the Paccheri pasta carried quite a bit of bite — we could see why the waitress had forewarned us about the texture of the pasta and asked us for our preferences earlier; that being said, we totally enjoyed it being al-dente, considering how it was pretty toothsome with all the tender and savoury braised beef chunks that saw the infusion of red wine in the braising process. The braising liquid pretty much acted as a “sauce” to the pasta, giving the pasta this luscious flavour — the braised beef adding that meaty touch without being particularly gamey. All in all, a really enjoyable dish that we found comfort in.

Our meal at Osteria BBR is nothing short of enjoyable — other items that really stuck an impression with us were the Polpo, Spuma Di Patate, Profumi Mediterranei (i.e. Octopus, potato foam, Mediterranean scent), Costoletta Di Vitello Alla Milanese, Insalata Di Rucola E Pomodorini (i.e. Veal chop Milanese-style, arugula salad, cherry tomatoes) and the Baba Al Limoncello, Panna Montata (i.e. Signature baba, limoncello, whipped cream) — the Polpo, Spuma Di Patate, Profumi Mediterranei featuring a well-executed octopus leg that carried a good bite with a bit of crisp char on the outside that is in no way rubbery, while the Costoletta Di Vitello Alla Milanese, Insalata Di Rucola E Pomodorini had a golden-brown batter yet with the flesh done with a pinkish centre; crisp on the exterior and tender inside; the exterior crust somewhat bearing a resemblance to Hainanese-style biscuit-battered pork chops that we found to especially appealing. The Baba Al Limoncello, Panna Montata ended the meal beautifully; one of the most subtle Rum Baba that we have came across to-date where it wasn’t too overwhelmingly heavy on the alcohol, and carried a gingery undertone in its finish that was pretty refreshing. It is without a doubt that we would find ourselves craving for quite a number of the items that we have had at Osteria BBR — the experience was a good one on the food, but made even better with the service crew that knows their stuff; takes pride in introducing the items for guests to make a decision on what to order, yet willing to engage in small talk with patrons at appropriate times. A spot that works for dates, anniversaries or just a fancy catch-up; definitely a spot we would like to return to again!