Nestled among the row of colonial buildings along Scotts Road, Buona Terra is a one Michelin-starred contemporary, fine-dining Italian restaurant helmed by Chef Denis Lucchi. The restaurant promises a novel selection of luscious, artfully prepared cuisine in a dining haven of serenity, featuring a personal touch of experience with hints of Northern Italy’s robust flavours infused in its all-rounded contemporary Italian cuisine.
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If you’re looking for a quiet romantic evening with your partner filled with exhaustive food options, a never-ending wine list and a breathtaking view along the side of the Chateau TCC, then Buona Terra is the place to be. It has only 24 seats and the dine-in option is available only in the evening, making the experience even more intimate. It is situated in the quiet bungalows of Chateau TCC, along Scotts Road amidst the busy streets of Newton and Orchard. Italian fine dining in Singapore is as authentic as it gets, what with a magnificent spectacle, celebrity chefs brewing and stewing their magic and places like Buona Terra which focus on extensive experimentation with their flavours.
The all-star duo of Chef Dennis Lucchi and virtuosic sommelier Gabriele Rizzardi take it upon themselves to give their diners a delightful evening. Being a wine connoisseur himself, Rizzardi also gives frequent recommendations from his wine cellar which flaunts a list of exclusive Italian varieties.
There is a great disparity in the vibe of the restaurant and the length of the menu. The restaurant might be warm and cosy, but the menu card tells a different story. The sinewy mollusc ($20) is prepared sous vide and comes with a churn of celery, almond, some mouth-watering sweet melons and titillating tagliatelle. A unique take on the blanched asparagus with a crunchy tortellini dumpling and a rich, creamy three-cheese sauce toppled with healthy amounts of black truffle makes it impossible to overlook it on the menu.
Half the taste is in the smell, but a lot rests on the presentation. Everyone likes eye candy, and the bowl of searing hot seafood bisque is the perfect combination of looks, smell and taste, loaded with shellfish and an entire langoustine head. A burst of flavours as you treat your mouth to the first sip: rich, creamy, spicy and extremely gratifying.
Not only with soups and starters, but Lucchi knocks it out of the park with pasta and mains too. A unique, yet subtle take on the famous combination of tagliolini, crab meat and caviar involves a dash of lemon which contributes to the zest with the pasta being slightly overdone ($34). Even more formidable is his homemade pappardelle: smooth and velvety as it hangs on to a hare and salami ragout with a slightly salty black olive tapenade ($28). Order the ibérico pork jaw and knock yourself out with a burst of flavours with the first bite. The pork jaw is thinly cut, slightly robust and exceptionally buttery accompanied with leafy Belgian endives and some smooth apple sauce. Prices may seem a little extravagant but if you’re looking to dive into a variety of delicious meals, then the six-course degustation menu cannot be missed ($138). This includes the cuttlefish tagliatelle and the crunchy asparagus dumpling with the homemade tagliolini crab pasta and the oxtail tortelli. This is followed by a tender lamb loin with a crispy pistachio crust accompanied with artichoke and whipped potatoes: something for the health-conscious people. To end this food lovers’ paradise, they have the nougat semifreddo. The traditional parfait is nutty and marinated with some delicious Passito wine sauce. The last thing on the menu is the mixed berry tarelette which comes with beautiful fat berries on top of a tart shell and some anglaise pastry cream with a quenelle of vanilla gelato
The cleverly designed wine cellar area equipped with Enomatic wine dispenser brings you to a true wine tasting journey.
The simple yet elegant dining is led by the colourful wine cellar. The use of warm colour scheme and lightings is well harmonized with the quirky paintings, enlivening the atmosphere while adoring the romantic set-up.
Completed with a cosy private dining room, reservations are a must for that extra special touch of class. Welcoming our guests to Victorian arm chairs and aristocratic tableware accompanied with crystal wine glasses, your senses are further pampered all around with our personalized service.
