Just about everyone loves Italian food, and here’s a delightful dozen of our favourites, together with recommendations from our readers.

Bontá

#01-61 UE Square River Wing
207 River Valley Road
+65 6333 8875

www.bonta.com.sg

Located in the buzzy Mohamed Sultan area, this chic Italian eatery has plenty of competition; but it has a respectable number of local diners this Thursday evening.

The wine list boasts a huge Italian selection that is sure to gladden the heart of the Italian specialist. Three of each category – sparkling, white, red and sweet – are available by the glass; we start with a prosecco ($16) and carry on with a full, rich Chianti Classico ($18).

The arrival straight from the oven of little bread-loaves filled with feta cheese and sundried tomatoes, is a pretty sure indication that we’re in for a treat from Chef Luca Pezzera’s new menu, and so it proves.

The traditional Italian cold cuts platter ($28) features top quality speck ham, bresaola, a pungent salami and Parmesan cheese. I’m a sucker for crabmeat, which is the main ingredient of the delectable sauce accompanying our freshly made pasta, a black squid-ink tagliolini ($29). Great chunks of crab are soused in a basil tomato sauce with the merest hint of chilli – and can I taste coriander? Black Angus short ribs ($38) melt on the tongue with slow-cooked stickiness, accompanied by perfect rosemary potato strips and a tart peppercorn sauce.

Crispy apple crumble ($24) is not what my trenchantly English husband expected, surrounded as it is by light pastry and served with pistachio ice cream. The cinnamon emulsion is a good touch, though.

The verdict? Friendly, efficient service and an excellent chef make Bontá one of the better Italians in Singapore.

Verne Maree