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There can be many Italian restaurants around in Singapore , but one restaurant definitely worth trying is the Papi Trattoria, which is a semi-fine dining bistro just along Mohammed Sultan Road that opened just on 27 th June this year. Those with a penchant for home-made food would love the skillfully hand crafted pastas and pizzas that this Italian restaurant serves up. As wholesome as they come, the delectable Italian dishes that the chefs whip up will leave you satisfied, and perhaps even tempt you back for more.
- The Papi Ambience
The one thing that strikes me most about Papi is how bright and breezy the interiors are, with its glass doors that allow you to gaze out onto the roads, and a glass panel of skylights that cast a cheery stream of sunlight over the open concept pizza and coffee counter. Washed in tones of warm browns and crimson red floors, the easy-going ambience of Papi is unmistakable, and sets its patrons right in the mood for some classic Italian affairs.
Walk further into the restaurant to appreciate its simple yet charming décor, with its feature wall of framed monochrome photos depicting old Italy , as well as brass pots and pans that line another wall. Its timeless Italian appeal, just like the music they play in the background, is truly magnetic.
- Overview of Papi’s Italian Dishes
The main draw of this restaurant is their home-made pasta, which is prepared with an age-old pasta machine, which is actually one of the oldest models of pasta machines manufactured in the world. Freshly made everyday by the chefs, Papi prides itself on serving quality food at reasonable prices. Diego, who is one of the owners of Papi, as well as its sister establishment Oso Restaurant, doubles as the master chef and is dedicated to retaining the standards of both restaurants. Besides the pasta, their thin-crust pizza, bread and sweet desserts are all freshly handmade daily. Those who fancy wines can take their pick from Papi’s extensive menu of purely Italian fine wines that are imported from the various regions of Italy .
Due to Papi’s rather generous portions, it is advisable to order a few mains to share and simultaneously enjoy its variety, while the braver ones can just go ahead and polish a main course off on their own!
Appetizers see a classic selection of Italian delicacies, and those worth sampling are the Vitello Tonnato ($14), which is a platter of thinly sliced roasted veal that is bathed in a creamy tuna sauce that held hints of the natural veal broth, as well as the peppery deep fried calamari rings ($12) served with a side of sweet and spicy arrabiata sauce.
- Papi’s handmade pasta and pizza
With the meal moving onto a more wholesome route, take delight in savouring their Papi Pizza ($20). Papi Pasta ($18) as well as the Ravioli in pesto sauce ($17).
The pizza was a simple yet delicious affair, consisting of a crispy thin crust with tomatoes and melted cheese, laced with some black truffle puree on top and an egg right in the middle. The pasta is a handmade Tagliolini that comes with shrimps, topped off with a creamy prawn bisque sauce that also has strips of orange zest to add a citrus twist to the dish. Finally, I would also like to commend the chefs on their ravioli pasta that is stuffed with a generous serving of ricotta cheese, and held subtle aromas of the pesto herbs, and was excellently paired off with its sweet cherry tomatoes.
