Italian

4.5 munchies: While Peperoni Pizzeria prides on its XXL size pizzas, this Baked Seafood Misto, which is relatively new on the menu, is THE item you ought to go for. Seafood lovers like me would definitely enjoy the assortment of seasonal fresh fish (we got barramundi, yay!), tiger prawns, squid, and venus clams. What absolutely smashed it was the umami, buttery broth infused with natural sweetness from all the seafood goodness. Give me some toasted bread to soak up the juices and I’d be in seventh heaven!

3.5 munchies: Well-cooked tender pieces of sea bass doused in tangy tomato sauce with a tinge of garlic and basil. I liked how fresh and meaty the fish was, though some of my dining companions found the fishy taste a tad strong. Fried potatoes were also well-seasoned and crisp on the outside. #Burpproved

The Sea Bass is part of the Ultimate Recovery Brunch menu that is available every Sunday from 11.30am to 2.30pm. Priced at $78++ per person, the menu showcases Chef Gabriele Piegaia’s classic Italian specialties alongside two hours of free-flow Bloody Mary, Espresso Martini, Prosecco, and house pour wines. Kids up to 12 years old can also enjoy Burlamacco’s spread at $24++ per child.

This was a hosted meal by Burlamacco Ristorante; many thanks to HEAT branding for the warm hospitality and invitation!

Imagine the circumference of this pizza is as wide as the width of a dining table – they call it the XXL Pizza (21 inches) here at Peperoni Pizzeria, and it can’t get more literal than this. Like most Singaporeans who love our chilli crab, we jumped straight into ordering it for the first half of the pizza, and Pancetta for the other.

Unfortunately, the Chilli Crab fell short of expectations with the sauce not being spicy enough and that the ginger taste was slightly overpowering. I really enjoyed the savoury Pancetta that contains cured bacon, sliced tomatoes, and two sunny side-up eggs. And oh, don't we all love how crispy and thin Peperoni's crust is?

This was a hosted meal by Peperoni Pizzeria; many thanks to Merissa and team for the amazing hospitality, and Burpple for the invitation!

3 munchies: Tossed in an umami sauce infused with great seafood flavours and a hint of lemon zing, the homemade tagliolini comes with tender prawns, crunchy asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic breadcrumb sprinkles. There was also just enough sauce to soak up the pasta that was slightly overcooked. The Prawn Tagliolini might be the only pasta dish that I'd recommend from this traditional Italian tavern, however, there were more misses than hits with the mains and desserts.

3.5 munchies: Who'd have expected the stuffed Roman-style pizza to be the stand-out dish at this traditional Italian tavern? Each portion of the crusty flatbread is sandwiched with oozy, melted pecorino cheese and aromatic black truffle, making it a palate-pleasing starter for sharing! #Burpproved

4.5 munchies: Perfect for a chilly morning like this, the Caffè Gianduja is one of the house specials that features its exclusive 1882 Espresso blend and thick hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. Using a slow-roasting method that takes 18-22 minutes instead of the commercial "turbo toasting" which takes 5-6 minutes, flavours and aromas of the Arabica beans are more thoroughly extracted, producing a balanced roast. This indulgent drink from the city of Turin is every chocolate and coffee lover's dream! #Burpproved

4.5 munchies: Topped with sweet, briny white clams and garnished with Italian parsley, the al dente rice-flour spaghetti was cooked to perfection. The creamy, non-dairy Japanese white miso sauce was absolutely smashing – savoury, peppery, and garlicky with acidity from the crisp white wine. Served best when hot, the Spaghetti alle Vongole is perfect for coeliacs and others who have to avoid gluten! #Burpproved

4.5 munchies: Using only 100% natural ingredients unspoilt by flavourings and emulsifiers, the gelato is made with high-quality fresh milk, cage-free eggs, and the best raw ingredients. With more than 20 flavours to choose from, I picked the signature Crema di Grom and Pistachio for my small cup.

While both gelati were luxuriously thick in texture and rich in flavours, Pistachio stood out more for me. The combination of the sweet, almost balsamic-tasting "Perfect Green" pistachios and the more fragrant and musty "Mawardi" gave the gelato a full, pronounced taste. It couldn't have complemented the smoothness of the Crema di Grom better – a pastry cream gelato made from organic eggs, soft meliga cookies, and Ecuadorean chocolate chips.

GROM is located near the Concierge, ground level of HK ifc mall.

3 munchies: Served on a bed of well-cooked squid ink risotto, the tender, house-poached octopus was charred till it had a slight caramelisation on the outside. While the salted egg yolk sauce was rich and had some of the grainy textures, I wasn't so sure how it complemented the briny flavours of the risotto, though.

5 munchies: Simmered in a marinara sauce, the casserole of Neapolitan fish stew was loaded with barramundi, prawns, calamari, mussels, and clams. The umami-ness of the broth was absolutely smashing – packed with sweet-savoury goodness from the variety of seafood as well as white wine that imparted a fruity, mineral flavour!

Helmed by Chef Andrea Tarini with a 3-Michelin-star background, all dishes at Atmastel are prepared using only the freshest artisanal ingredients air-flown weekly from Italy.

4.5 munchies: Loaded with milk-braised pork belly and ragù, the large tubes of smooth paccheri were incredible in holding the rich, tangy tomato-based sauce. The full-bodied, gooey provolone piccante was intense in flavour when melted, making it an excellent condiment for the pasta and meat. #munchinginNY

4 munchies: Monday night means all handmade artisan pastas go for $10 after 9pm! Pork lovers would enjoy the al dente fusilli with tender Neapolitan pork shoulder ragù cooked in a tomato-based sauce. The soft and creamy texture of the robiola was perfectly melty when tossed the hot pasta! #munchinginNY