We have all seen picture-perfect postcard images of Italy’s Amalfi Coasts, where picturesque terraced villages are nestled along sun-kissed cliffs amidst fragrant lemon groves with the Mediterranean turquoise waters below. Its Mediterranean charm does not end at the sights, as the region’s flavours represent some of the finest of all Italy. Olives, figs, eggplants, peaches, lemons and tomatoes native to this region chorus to a siren’s medley, beckoning the travel-wary to indulge in the simple pleasures of Campanian cuisine.
Not everyone has the chance of visiting the Amalfi Coast, which is why Fabio Iannone, chef and owner of the Limoncello Group, decided to bring a slice of the famed coast to Singapore. Chef Iannone’s culinary adventure began in Singapore some 25 years ago, starting with La Braceria Restaurant in Bukit Timah. After a successful three-year stint in their Greenleaf Road location, the restaurant moved to Greendale Avenue, offering a unique dining experience away from the bustling avenue. La Braceria, colloquially translated to grill house in English, featured hearty protein servings and Neapolitan-style pizzas grilled to perfection alongside the traditional antipasti and pasta dishes.
Limoncello Restaurant was later added to the group’s portfolio. It differentiated itself from La Braceria Restaurant by focusing on warm and genuine service and traditional fare hailing from the coast of Amalfi. While its locale is not as stunning as Amalfi’s, the restaurant’s location alongside Singapore River’s downstream is a charming alternative to the bustling upriver Clarke Quay. Its al fresco dining area is lovely on balmy evenings to take in the serene sights and sounds of the quaint neighbourhood along the Singapore River. Those who prefer the indoor experience would naturally have an air-conditioned area, or, if need be, a private room which provides an intimate and tailored experience led by Limoncello Restaurant team lead Alessio Fraquelli.
On the dining front, expect traditional elevated Italian cuisine that aims to bring the Amalfi Coast onto your dinner plates. As with most Italian restaurants, the culinary journey with Limoncello Restaurant begins with antipasto for the table to share. Perennial classics such as caprese, burrata e prosciutto di Parma 30 mesi e pomodoro, and saute’ Vongole al profumo di mare bring a medley of flavours to start the night while the eggplants of the Parmigiana di Melanzane is a lovely and lighter alternative to cured cuts. If you are spoilt for choice, simply opt for the Antipasto Limoncello for a generous portion of Burrata cheese served with Parma ham, salame, mortadella and mix grilled vegetables.
For primo, delight in the wide variety of pasta available that demonstrates Chef Iannone’s full breadth and understanding of Italian fare and its nuances. Hearty options such as Penne alla Bolognese and Lasagna will satiate larger tables, while more intimate tables can opt for the Ravioloni ricotta e spinaci, burro e salvia (homemade ravioli stuffed with spinach and ricotta cheese in light butter and sage sauce) or Linguine al granchio (linguine with fresh crabmeat in light bisque sauce). While it is traditional to have pasta for primo, there is no fault should you decide to go with Limoncello’s signature pizza. The Neapolitan-style pizzas are definitely ones to consider to keep all ages happy with its selections, including the white base Alla Braceria with mozzarella, beef sausage, porcini mushrooms, button mushrooms and parmesan. Staying white base pizzas are the Alla Bismark with mozzarela, cooked ham, egg and creamy truffle aroma and classical Quattro formaggi with four cheeses of emmental, gorgonzola, mozzarella and parmesan.
Limoncello Restaurant’s secondi is where the restaurant hits the homerun with its range of pork, beef, chicken, lamb and fish. Enjoy Spanish Iberico pork cooked in Italian flair with the Braciola di maiale alla milanese or revel in Australia’s finest marbling steak cuts, including the Controfiletto Di Manzo Wagyu (MBS 6 grilled wagyu striploin) or a 1.2kg Prime Tomahawk Wagyu beef (MBS 5). One interesting dish worth gambling on is the Guazzetto Mediterraneo, a soup that features the flavours of the Mediterranean Sea with fish fillets, clams, prawns and squids. Round up a spectacular night with sweet dolce such as the Tipsy Affogato (gelato drenched with espresso and liquor), Torta al cioccolato (Chocolate layer cake filled with rich chocolate cream, topped with a chocolate mirror) or a classic tiramisu. And in true Italian style, end the night with a glass of after-dinner limoncello digestif to cocoon your dining experience on the Amalfi Coast.
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