If the unchartered west is where you're aiming to bring your date, pop by this cosy resto for amazing Italian nosh. Must-orders include the Traditional Stuffed Roman Schiacciata (from $10) – think creamy, aromatic truffle mushrooms embedded in a fluffy, chewy and slightly crusty flat bread. Trust the Burpple community's gut and go with the divinely crispy and crackly Porchetta (from $9), before finishing off with the delightful Pistachio Tiramisu ($14).
Photo by Burppler The Fine Diner SG
Run by the same team behind Etna, iO serves up heartier but no less authentic Italian food in a laidback, rustic setting within HillV2. This place is perfect for longtime couples looking to enjoy the food and each others' company. Decked out in wood and copper to resemble a traditional Italian tavern, the food, too, is comforting. Get the Porchetta ($16) to share — the crackling on the pork belly is spot-on, and we love the aromatic wild fennel stuffing. For mains, you won't go wrong with their pastas or risotto — the Homemade Raviolacci with Beef and Marsala Sauce ($16) and Slow-Braised Lamb Ragout Garganelli ($19) are favourites. Wines start from a reasonable $10/glass. You must end off with the Pistachio Tiramisu in a Jar ($10), a truly delightful spin on the dessert classic.
Avg Price: $45 per couple (without drinks)
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Julius Lim
iO Italian Osteria offers great Italian food in an extremely casual chic setting. With an open kitchen, open ceiling with hipster hanging lights and unpretentious wooden furnishings, this new restaurant basks in natural light from large side windows, providing diners with the ultimate chill ambience. Food is prepared from scratch using fresh high quality ingredients. Find anything from fresh bread baked in-house, plates of Italian street food, pastas, anti-pastas, and mains - which include options like the grilled US rib-eye and codfish in aromatic fish broth. Get some wine to accompany that, and don't forget dessert. Some tiramisu, perhaps?
