Otto Locanda

We had our first trip to Otto Locanda last night for my birthday. We had a little bit of trouble getting there due to the construction and the taxi driver dropping us in a random spot, so we were a few minutes late for our reservation. Luckily, it wasn’t an issue and we were greeted with a friendly smile and seated at a table in the corner.
The ambiance of the place leans more towards upscale, but is still pretty relaxed. The songs they were playing were remixes of popular tunes with a roaring 20s vibe.
We started the evening with a bottle of red wine and went on to order a house salad, pumpkin and potato gnocchi with a seared scallop and bacon, followed with lobster. All were delicious. We cheated a bit on the pasta, but as long as it’s not chalked full of wheat, this Paleo girl will gladly consume some white potatoes on her birthday!
My husband booked the reservation online and mentioned it was my birthday, and to our surprise they walked out with hazelnut cake with vanilla sauce and «Happy Birthday Melissa» written in chocolate around the plate. This was accompanied by a birthday song and a follow up lemon-​cello shot. Neither were Paleo, but hey, it was my birthday… and it was delicious!
The service was phenomenal. They were very attentive, and unobtrusive. You barely realized your glass got low or that it was continually filled. We’ll definitely be back. I really dig this place!

Otto Locanda offers an authentic Italian trattoria experience right in the heart of Singapore’s creative district. Only a short walk from its upmarket predecessor Otto Ristorante, Locanda provides a relaxing setting fitting for the rustic notes of its menu.
The menu is dynamic and is constantly surprising, offering artistic reinterpretations of Italian classics. Whilst the antipasti and pasta e risotti set the stage with well-​executed comfort dishes, the Secondi is where the Chef truly shines and flexes his culinary repertoire. A recent visit was once again met with exceeding expectations with new menu additions such as the Cod Fish «Cartoccio» Style and the 4 Hour Braised Korobuta Pork Cheek, each dish ambitious yet simple in its appreciation of the ingredients.
Perhaps Locanda’s greatest virtue is the impeccable service one can enjoy with each and every visit. The staff understand ingredients and the comprehensive wine list, and provide recommendations with enthusiasm. Chef Marco is also no stranger to conversation, and offers warmth and courtesy at the end of the meal. It is a rare and welcoming attribute in a country that often sacrifices customer service in its many eateries.
A must visit for Italian food and wine aficionados looking for a hearty meal with a modern flair.

We popped in here as a last minute resort due to a change in dinner plans which didn’t go well.
As it was 9pm before we got in, we were looking for just one course to settle our hunger but not overindulge too much, ending up with indigestion in the morning.
Let me start by saying that the Pasta here is great. We cannot fault the food at all. I think I will come back and try more on their menu.
What I will fault is their wine recommendation. I am unfamiliar with Italian reds so asked the only female wait staff working on the floor for a sommelier and she advised that she could make a recommendation for us. So I suggested that we would like an Italian red that’s on the lighter side. I stated very clearly «Something like a pinot.»
What she brought back was heavy. As heavy or heavier than the Amarone I usually have back in Otto Ristorante but of course, no where near as good.
I was at fault for trusting her advice on this without a proper taste test.
Service was about right.
We will be back to sample more of the splendid food (kudo’s to the chef)…and to choose our wines with more scrutiny.

So we had a large group come here since our friend knew the chef. I have tried a few italian places here in singapore but this was definitely one of the better ones. Alot of the food we had was made for us so it might not be on the menu but it was incredible. The quality of the food was great so I’m pretty sure everything else is just as good. We had something like 12 courses. Everything from foie gras risotto to large plates of shellfish and seafood. It was truly an exercise in over indulgence. As I mentioned everything was delicious and well prepared.
The ambiance was cozy and romantic. The service was great. It was a great night. You really should check this place out.