In a little corner of Millpoint road sits my FAVOURITE Italian restaurant in Perth. Ciao Italia was opened in by chef Spartaco Rotella, who is more often now front of house rather than in the kitchen. I have not tasted ANY spaghetti cabonara or marinara as good as the one from here and I challenge ANYONE to recommend me a better cabonara!

I used to live on Millpoint, so it wasn’t too far of a journey for me. Ciao Italia doesn’t take reservations and is packed everyday from the minute doors open. Every time I go there, it’s at least a 15min wait. What you could do is open your bottle of wine and have a drink outside while you wait. When you do finally do get your name called, you will have to meander through a labyrinth of chairs to get to your seat.

Even though they are so busy, service is never compromised. Staff are quick to take your orders and even with a full restaurant, food is served fairly quickly. In all Italian style, restaurant is bursting with energy, vibe is lively and loud but cozy at the same time. Birthdays are a daily occurrence. At least twice in a night you will find the whole restaurant and staff piping to the happy birthday tune played on the sound system.

Mains are around $18.50-$27.50 and desserts from $5.50-$8.50. Portions are HUGE so I’d recommend sharing or doggie-bagging the left overs. If you have an impatient stomach, take away option is available and still highly recommended. The reheated pastas taste different, but just as amazing!

It’s been at least a year since my last visit, and it’s nice to know Spartaco still remembers his loyal customers.

My Recommendations (All prices include GST)

• Spaghetti Marinara (Combination of marinated seafood in a fresh tomato sauce) A$19.50
• Spaghetti Carbonara (Bacon, egg and cream cheese sauce) – A$18.50
• Ravioli Carbonara (Ricotta and spinach pillows of pasta) – A$18.50 – This one is a special request. I always get weird looks from the waiter when I ask for this combination
• Homemade garlic bread – A$4.50
• Tiramisu (A homemade Italian delight consisting of layers of sponge finger biscuits soaked in coffee, liqueur and mascarpone cheese topped with fresh double cream) – A$7.50
• Wood fired Pizza Siciliana (Whole peeled tomato sauce, Mozzarella cheese, mild italian sausage, bacon, black olives, Ricotta cheese and mushrooms) – A$21

Ciao Italia
Website: http://www.ciaoitalia.com.au/
Address: 273 Mill Point Rd, South Perth 6151
Phone: +61 (08) 9368 5500
Licensed: Yes
Operating hours: Tue-Sat 5pm-10pm
Payment accepted: MasterCard, Visa and EFTPOS
BYO $3 corkage per bottle
Parking: Limited lots available at the back of the restaurant. Alternative parking lots across the street at the jewellery & bookstore.

One of my favourite-est restaurants in Singapore is Oso Ristorante.

First time eating there was during an ICON lunch about 2 years ago when they were still located along the shophouses along Tanjong Pagar road. Their little Italian set up literally a hidden treasure, tucked away between Play disco and some cultural arts centre. They have now moved to Bukit Pasoh to a much larger venue opposite the Majestic Hotel.

Went there recently for the third time for a farewell dinner, and this time I remembered to take my camera along.

Dinner started off with warm breads with Balsamic vinaigrette and extra virgin olive oil. We shared a starter, each had a main and shared a dessert. Here is our fantastic dinner menu for the night.

Affettati “Cold Cuts”
Thinly sliced 200 days grain feed beef tenderloin “carpaccio” with black truffle puree

Carne “meat”
8 hours oven baked lamb rack “agnello” with black onions and green beans
Slowly braised veal shank “Ossocubo” with lemon gremolata and potato puree

Dolci Caldi “Hot Dessert”
70% hot dark chocolate tart “crostata” with milk and ice cream

Carpaccio was not bad, although I would have expected more aroma from the black truffle.

I absolutely love their Ossobuco. The veal shank was soft, tender and fell off the bone easily. The Lamb rack was alright, but not as flavourful as my dish, first choice is still the Ossobuco.

Dark chocolate tart was the highlight of the evening! I absolutely love (and I say love with passion and tears in my eyes) molten dark chocolate puddings and tarts; without a doubt one of my favourite desserts. The warm tart was baked to perfection; hard golden brown crust encasing a semi-firm hot chocolate tart with a wobbly centre. The minute you break the tart, warm chocolate lava just flows out slowwllyyyyy…hmmmmmm.

I’ve always had a pleasant dining experience at Oso, so I’d definitely go back again. The semi-fine dining concept is great for dates, girly catch-ups or business dinners.

Oso Ristorante
46 Bukit Pasoh Road
Singapore 089858
Tel: (65) 6327 8378
Fax: (65) 6224 9610
Email: reservations@oso.sg

Opening Hours
Lunch : 12pm – 2:30pm (Mon – Fri)
Dinner : 6:30pm – till (Mon – Sat)