Fine dining restaurants can sometimes give off the impression of being stuffy, where you’ll need to sit and eat with proper etiquette, or risk being seriously judged. But here at this newly-opened Italian restaurant in Dempsey, it’s the total opposite.
The famed Torno Subito is helmed by internationally celebrated chef Massimo Bottura, boasting a Michelin star for their Dubai outlet, and they’ve just opened their first outpost here in Singapore! Inspired by the Italian Riviera, the nautical-themed space is probably one of the most eclectic and colourful restaurant interiors we’ve seen in Singapore.
We love the welcoming and fun vibes of the place that’s decked in hues of bright blue, red, yellow and turquoise: with vibrantly coloured stripes, checkered flooring, quirky table settings and even beach-inspired “bathing boxes” for wine cellars!
Pappa al Pomodoro; Tartelleta di Baccalà
Babà Mantova
Not only is the feel of the place super whimsical, but so is the menu. We had their specially curated 6-course Ciao Singapore! ($168++ per person) menu featuring some of the best the restaurant has to offer, including some items that are not available on the a la carte menu. The course also includes amuse-bouche, a bread course and petit fours to finish—so you’re really getting at least 9 items in the entire course.
It’s Not Pasta
You have some novel creations like the It’s Not Pasta, that looks like regular tagliatelle but is in fact, not made with actual pasta. Instead, the pasta “noodles” are made entirely from thinly-cut cuttlefish strips for a “noodle” texture that’s both firm and pleasantly briny.
I Love Pizza
Pizza lovers will love the I Love Pizza, a spin from the traditional Margherita that’s made “upside-down”! Not literally, just that the basil pesto sauce is put first before the tomato sauce instead of the other way around, and topped with a cool cheese foam. We suggest eating this right as it’s served so you can enjoy the uber fluffy and puffy texture of the pizza straight from the oven!
Cavatelli Riviera
Navigando
Seafood lovers can then tuck into the Cavatelli Riviera, tiny handmade pasta tossed in a tangy, seafoody sauce and topped with a juicy Sicilian red shrimp. The Navigando sees a tender poached cod steak with a soft and delicate texture that’s a little plain on its own but tasty when eaten together with the borscht-inspired special sauce.
Modena Ribs
The Modena Ribs is one of the items that you can only get in the set menu, as it’s not available as an a la carte dish—and is also one of the most fun. Instead of a prim and proper plating, the beef ribs are served atop haphazard splashes of colourful sauce (beetroot, parsley and sweet potato), making the dish look like some abstract work of art!
Tiramisubito
Chocolate Salted Caramel Tart; Panforte
End off the meal with their signature Tiramisubito, a twist on the classic Italian tiramisu that requires a little bit of hands-on action on your part. Smash into the pristine espresso-infused chocolate shell with your spoon and dig into the creamy treat! We love that the tiramisu is not overly sweet and all, but rather more espresso-forward with an addictive bittersweet flavour. We daresay this is one of the best tiramisu in Singapore, and we’ll definitely be back just to have it again.
Torno Subito definitely succeeds in making Italian food taste and look exciting, while still retaining the authenticity of the cuisine. Prices for a la carte dishes are also pretty accessible, starting from $15, with pizzas to share priced from $32. If you’re looking for a laid-back fine dining experience where you can simply let loose and have fun sharing great food with friends and family, Torno Subito is the place to be.
Price: $$
Taste: 9/10
Must-try dish(s): I Love Pizza, Cavatelli Riviera, Tiramisubito
Torno Subito
Address: 26 Dempsey Rd, #01 02, Singapore 249686
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 12pm-3pm & 6pm-10pm
