Agreeable combination of vibrant osteria-style bar & refined Italian dining in the heart of Singapore’s CBD
June 26th, 2015
A welcome addition to the quality dining options within Singapore’s business district, Osteria Art opened in May 2015 within a street front space in the heart of the city. Taking inspiration from the polished eateries found in major Italian cities, Osteria Art offers an enticing combination of a lively bar serving first-rate Italian aperitivo-style beverages and snacks, while beyond the bar, a refined dining room exudes an understated sophistication with red leather banquettes, white linen table clothes, and a menu of authentic Italian cuisine, elevated with contemporary culinary sensibilities. The latest addition to the collection of restaurants opened by highly-rated Singapore-based restaurateur Beppe De Vito (see also Southbridge and &SONS), at Osteria Art he cleverly balances quality fine-dining cuisine and impeccable service with approachable pricing, while the absence of pretension ensures relaxed and convivial dining. Already a popular lunchtime dining destination for city executives, the vibrant bar is also attracting a solid after-work drinks crowd.
Design Set back from its Market Street frontage, Osteria Art is entered via the open-air terrace across the full-height glass facade of the bar space. The spaciously proportioned bar evokes its Italian heritage with dark timber panelling, white marble-topped bar, and patterned tile flooring. Partially raised a few steps up from the bar, the dining room differentiates from the bar with its elegant contemporary decor and restrained sophistication. An understated neutral palette of light browns and white blends harmoniously with dark timber wainscot panelling and the bold red leather seats.
Cuisine Diners at Osteria Art can expect the authentic, first-rate Italian cuisine that has been the hallmark of De Vito’s other Italian restaurants. Fresh seasonal produce, traditional ingredients and familiar regional Italian dishes anchor the culinary approach – with the well-constructed a la carte menu featuring selections of antipasti, handmade pastas, fish and meats, and flavourful desserts. Under the direction of Chef Andrea De Paola, traditional Italian cooking techniques are complemented with modern presentation to create accomplished renditions of classic dishes. At lunchtime, a popular Power Lunch set menu offers three courses at the attractive price of S$32++.
Cocktails For a more casual dining option, the front bar serves a menu of gourmet Italian bar foods including panini, salami and cheese platters, and crostini. Beverage options include an impressive wine list comprised primarily of French and Italian labels, plus a bar list that features classic aperitif options ranging from Italian vermouths and grappas, to the signature Italian-inflected craft cocktails.
Osteria Art serves lunch in the restaurant Monday to Friday, and dinner Monday to Saturday, while the bar is open Monday to Saturday from 5pm. Table reservations in the 80 seat dining room are recommended – with group or corporate event bookings also available.
