Rediscover Alkaff Mansion Ristorante

If you have seen our Telok Blangah Food Guide, you would be familiar with Alkaff Mansion Ristorante. The 96-year old heritage bungalow turned Italian restaurant and bar on Telok Blangah Hill warrants a short climb to get there. But it's worth it. The Showstopper The Italian dishes here recently received a touch of Sardinian flavours following the appointment of their new Executive Chef, Simone Depalmas, whom you'll get to meet if you order the Oven Baked Sea Bass in Salt (600g/$48,700g/$56,800g/$64). Encased in salt, the fish is flambéed by your table and skillfully deboned by the chef himself. And to highlight its natural flavours, just a light seasoning of black pepper, extra virgin olive oil and a lemon juice are drizzled on top.

Good for two to three But for the ultimate indulgence from the ocean’s catch, go for the Seafood Platter ($68), comprising tiger prawns, tuna tartare, sea bass carpaccio , octopus salad and lobster chunks in a citrus dressing. Meant to be shared between two, you get every buck’s worth in this hefty portion – same goes for the Sardinian Pasta with Assorted Seafood ($28) and Porcini Mushroom Risotto Superfino Acquerello with Thyme ($28).

For a real meaty delicacy, there’s nothing more satisfying than the Slow Cooked Sardinian Style Suckling Pig ($46). Hidden under the hard-shelled skin are good amounts of melt-in-your-mouth fat atop moist and tender meat. We especially like the homemade mixed berry compote that helps to cut richness of the pork.

A refreshing end Finish off minty fresh with the Fresh Mint Vanilla Panna Cotta ($14), which bags a perfect level of creaminess balanced out with a light mint layer on top, as well as mixed berry sauce and fresh fruits.

Did you know Currently a hot spot for wedding celebrations, Alkaff Mansion Ristorante was originally built as a weekend retreat home and was known for hosting high society parties back in the 1930s. Think Jay Gatsby's mansion, then scale that down a little. Text and Images: Peh Yi Wen See Also: Western food to satisfy your cravings Check out our foodies' recommendations in the area