Italian food in Singapore is stereotypically known for its pizzerias and pasta outlets. Whether it's take-away or dine-in, I'm a big fan of both. I love the aroma, rich cheese and assorted herbs, spices and other ingredients. Accompanied with a glass of Sergio Barale Berolo Bussia 2000, Italian food is perhaps one of my favourite cuisines.
Moving away from the classical European ambience, Via Veneto is elegant but not intimidating. The restaurant is divided into two sections so you can choose to either dine by the Singapore River, or in its clean cut fine-dining shophouse restaurant.
Contemporary furnishings, framed oil paintings depicting the classical European era and stylishly dressed tables provide a sophisticated eatery perfect for a romantic rendezvous or business meeting.
Ezio Barbero welcomed me with a hazy accent I wasn't too familiar with. Disturbed by my inability to accurately distinguish his accent, I carefully observed his mannerisms and concluded that he was definitely an Italian. The CEO of Via Veneto is suave and easy to dine with.
- Served
Appetizers:
Aragosta Insalata (Lobster Salad)
Insalata Via Veneto (Duck Salad)
Mains:
Tusilli Mamma Mia (Curled pasta flavoured with garlic, chili, capers, anchovies and a dash of tomato sauce and extra virgin olive oil)
Tagliata di Manzo Gratinata (Beef steak grilled sliced and broiled with Asiago cheese flavoured with red wine sauce and served on an Arugula and Chicory salad bed )
Desert:
Gelato Al Cioccolato (Home-made Italian ice-cream Chocolate)
Seated comfortably next to Via Veneto's wine rack, I quickly scanned its labels and realized that this Italian restaurant wasn't bias with its collection; instead bottles from all over the world shared the same space on its wooden rack. I think it was my curiosity that alerted the gentlemen who waited on me to pour me a glass of Australian Chardonnay. Pleased with his kind service, I gladly sipped it while waiting for the starter.
I'm not a big fan of salads but anything that smells this wonderful has to be relished. A tinge of sweet sauce (olive oil and lemon dressing) tossed with a small portion of broiled baby lobster and arugula salad. Then upon recommendation, I tried a roasted duck salad in balsamico dressing with arugula, sun-dried tomatoes and anchovies. The salads easily tease your taste buds tempting you to indulge further into this fine Italian dining experience.
If you're looking to impress a special someone or client from overseas, Via Veneto is probably the place you'd like to go to. There's nothing too distracting about its interior except for its compilation of Italian, South American and American classics from the 50s that gives this place a much needed casual feel to it.
As we dipped freshly baked wholemeal bread into olive oil, Ezio and I talked about the growing entertainment and dining market in the Clarke Quay area and Singapore's cultural diversity; a topic that included the increasing appreciation of Italian food in Singapore. With more pizzerias and pasta outlets, locals and expatriates are falling in love with the aroma and juice of good Italian food.
Pasta when cooked right and served with an interestingly spicy tomato sauce produces a flavour distinct from any other pasta dishes, not forgetting to mention mouth-watering as well. What followed was far more fitting to my taste: beef layered with thick cheese. I was warned that perhaps I might not enjoy the cheese topping but I gently sliced piece by piece and before I realized it, my course was over. Juicy, tender, quality meat is rare and the art of cooking it to achieve its finest taste is a skill worthy of praise. The Italian chef at Via Veneto received a thumbs-up from me, particularly for that dish.
Service
Staff at Italian restaurants have to acquire a certain amount of knowledge about its products to better serve its customers and at Via Veneto, I was pleased that the well-attired waiter who attended to my needs throughout lunch was well-equipped with all the necessary information I needed.
Expect to pay between S$60 to S$150 per person. Via Veneto is open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are necessary for dinner.