Hidden inside a former British army barracks, chef-owner Massimo Bottura’s Torno Subito harks back to the 1960s and summertime on the Adriatic Riviera. It’s an exuberant expression of la dolce vita, through which Bottura wants to share the “happiest moments” of his childhood memories with diners. And so, Italian designer Paola Navone and longtime collaborator of the COMO Group (Bottura’s partner in this venture) gave the restaurant a playful, retro aesthetic: think nautical stripes, lamps made from Campari bottles, and black-and-white checkerboard tiles. A mannequin of a lifeguard stands watch over the bar.

Holding the fort is executive chef Alessio Pirozzi, who previously helmed one-Michelin-starred Torno Subito in Dubai. In this small slice of Italy half a world away, the menu showcases specialties of the Emilia-Romagna region where Bottura was born. The Bottone di Parmigiana is a delicious mess of ravioli filled with moreish fried eggplant, tart sun-dried tomatoes, and juicy confit Datterino tomatoes coated in a robust provola sauce. If the decor doesn’t quite do the trick, the Cavatelli Riviera will transport seafood-lovers to Italy’s sun-drenched shores. The pasta shells, cloaked in a smoked paprika and lemon-seasoned sauce, are topped with fresh, flavorful Sicilian red shrimp. I Love Pizza is the classic Margherita made with Petra flour—highly prized by pizza chefs in Naples—and San Marzano tomatoes. Save room for the Tiramisubito, a deconstructed tiramisu with a shell that falls away to reveal layers of sponge fingers and mascarpone when cracked open. Diners are likely to leave with a happy belly. —Mavis Teo

tornosubitosg.com
+65 8121 6210
26 Dempsey Rd., #01-02, Singapore

Torno Subito: Italian Flair

Singapore Dining

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