There is a specific kind of magic that happens when you mix Singapore’s tropical beauty with the timeless chic of a Mediterranean harbour. Sitting in the elegant dining room of L’Amo Bistrò del Mare, watching the sunlight filter through the heritage trees of Fort Canning Park, the illusion felt complete. For two hours, I wasn’t a ten-minute walk from the chaos of Clarke Quay; I was somewhere along the Italian Riviera, anchored by a chilled glass in my hand and the scent of the sea-led menu.
The Setting: Coastal Calm in the Heart of the Hill
L’Amo (a play on both "the hook" and "love") is tucked into the newly minted METT Hotel, and it’s a masterclass in quiet luxury aesthetics. Crisp white linens softened by nautical blues and dots of greenery, the dining room exudes understated elegance. This is where the clinking of glasses and whispered dreams are the only other sound. That is, until the pianist steps onto the stage and takes over. Discreetly seated in a corner of the dining room, the live piano performance adds that touch of class that loud hotel buffets just can not compete with.
White alfresco seating beckons you outdoors for their Aperitivo a L’Amo program every Wednesday 5-7 pm where you can sip on Rosé wine, Prosecco, and spritzes, savoured with free-flow pinsa (the truffle one is to die for!) as the sun sets over Fort Canning.
But it is the Weekend Brunch experience that pulled me in. Saturday and Sunday afternoons at L’Amo Bistrò del Mare are languid affairs in the sun-dappled restaurant. And when the dining program is helmed by none other than Michelin-starred Chef Daniele Sperindio, you know you are in for a treat.
The Ritual: Brunch a L’Amo
The weekend brunch here ($78++) isn’t one of those chaotic, buffet-style marathons where you have to elbow a stranger for the last shrimp cocktail. It’s a civilized, curated affair where quality shines. You could add free-flow beverages ($88++) if you like bubbles with your brunch. Or like me, simply choose from their menu of mocktails for a refreshing sip.
The convivial atmosphere extends to the service which is friendly without being intrusive. A quip here and there, and hidden talent at taking photographs aside, servers at L’Amo move in quiet synchrony, like an orchestra rather than a solo act. The result is an effortless dining experience where you are pampered and looked after, while allowing you space and privacy to catch up on the week with your family or friends.
Appetisers Start Strong
Our choice of appetisers reflected the coastal romance of summers in Italy. We started with the Gamberi alla Griglia. Grilled prawns may seem simple, but they are notoriously difficult to perfect. One buttery bite and we were in seafood heaven. A dish like that has nothing to hide behind. The fresh seafood prepared at L’Amo Bistrò del Mare is of exceptional quality, as our second appetiser, Frittura del Pescatore, or lightly fried calamari attested. Often found in bar menus, the version at L’Amo spoke of restraint and elegance, served with a salty taramasalata.
To cut through the heaviness, we also tried the Insalata di Finocchi, or shaved fennel salad, lifted with slivers of mandarin. A great way to begin a meal.
The Pasta Course (The Soul of the Meal)
You cannot go to a Chef Daniele Sperindio concept and skip the pasta. It would border on sacrilege. We went for the Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe, a dish that we had enjoyed in Rome on our last visit. I was impressed that the server checked with us whether we were okay with the pasta being al dente, something that authentic restaurants serve by default, without catering to individual preferences.
A favourite with the kids, the Pecorino provides sharp, funky depth. And with black pepper hitting just the right notes of heat, this is a must-try at L’Amo Bistrò del Mare.
The Mains and the Finale
For the Secondi, the Pescato del Giorno alla Griglia (grilled fish) was the epitome of coastal cooking. Wonderfully flaky, and brightened with capers and lemon. It felt light enough to allow us to leave room for the dessert. Which was crucial because I knew the Tiramisu was coming.
Ah, the "TI...AMO...SU", what do I say about thee? They do the final assembly tableside, which provides just the right amount of theatre without being gimmicky. It’s airy, mascarpone-heavy, and just bitter enough from the espresso to wake you up for the walk back through Fort Canning. And an absolute winner.
The Verdict
L’Amo Bistrò del Mare isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, perhaps simply elevate it. It offers Singaporean diners incredibly high-quality Italian seafood in a space that makes you feel like you’ve actually escaped the city.
Priced at $78++, it offers great value for a special Sunday Brunch. Built for those weekends when you need to disappear into a dream of the Mediterranean; where the service is polished, the pasta is handmade, and the view is nothing but green trees and blue skies; L’Amo is the hook that will keep pulling you back.
Gather your family, book a table, and let the afternoon disappear.
a. 11 Canning Walk, Singapore 178881
e. reservations@lamorestaurantsg.com
w. https://www.lamorestaurant.com/singapore
Mothers' Day Special: Sunday, 10 May | 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM | $98++ per person
For the Mum who loves la dolce vita, L’Amo Bistrò del Mare is offering a special Mother’s Day brunch menu curated by Michelin-starred chef Daniele Sperindio, celebrating the best of coastal Italian cuisine. Elevate the celebration with free-flow beverages as an extra treat for Mum and enjoy a leisurely lunch affair surrounded by the lush greenery of Fort Canning Park. In celebration of the occasion, Mothers dining at L’Amo will receive The Harmony Duo by Jing Botanics – a thoughtfully curated hair care gift set.
