The Place After 45 days of renovation, Zafferano is now Altro Zafferano. ‘Altro’ means ‘the other’ and it signifies a new chapter of the Italian restaurant in Ocean Financial Centre in Raffles Place where the space and menu have transformed. Helmed by Executive Chef Andrea De Paola, Altro Zafferano focuses on contemporary Southern Italian cuisine where there are multiple seating options ranging from cosy booth seats to large round tables in the main dining area. I was drawn to the long open kitchen countertop where you can watch the kitchen crew at work. 

The new space is also designed for private events where one of the private dining rooms comes with a private entrance, along with other private rooms which can be tailored to different group sizes. The new interior space of Altro Zafferano feels more refreshed than its previous look, and I certainly welcome the idea of doing away with white tablecloths as it feels more fine-casual now as compared to before.  

Other than indoor dining, the alfresco Terrace Lounge is another highlight where the space has been spruced up as well, though one element which has not changed is the impressive view of Singapore’s skyline.  

The Food Other than an a la carte menu, there is also the Experience Menu (S$148++ per person) where you get to curate your 4-course dishes form the a la carte menu. Lunch set include a 3-course weekday set lunch (S$78++ per person); and at the alfresco Terrace Lounge, light snacks (from S$10++) are offered. 

I had the Experience Menu and started with a complimentary Italian Aperitivo as an amuse bouche. This features classic aperitivo elements through a layer of olive foam made with pitted Castelvetrano olives, tomato consommé, and extra virgin olive oil that conceals martini gel, capsicum, tarallo cubes, Toritto almond, and tuna cream below.  

Amuse bouche, bread, and petit four are complimentary for all guests during lunch and dinner. 

My first course is the Oscietra Caviar, Sea Urchin Ice Cream, and Red Prawn Waffle (Supplement of S$20 (with 15g caviar) for the Experience Menu). It is quite the divine combination for me – creamy Uni ice cream along with the indulgent caviar just go so well together. That red prawn waffle is crispy and the freshness of the prawn is evident.

For my second course which is a pasta dish, I had no regrets choosing the House-made Tagliolini with Langoustine Carpaccio, Amalfi Lemon Garum, and Sea Grape (S$48++). The house-made tagliolini is dressed in a light scampi sauce infused with mild heat from chilli oil and topped with scampi crudo marinated with house-made Amalfi lemon garum along with a luscious scampi bisque and briny sea grapes. You get a nice al dente texture for the tagliolini, where the flavour of the scampi sauce is just right for me. Not too heavy a pasta dish to enjoy, I like how fresh every element is here where the portion is just right as well.  

My other dining mates had the Spaghetti with San Marzano Tomatoes and Oregano (S$32++) which I managed to try a bite. This is a simple looking pasta, but equally delicious. A contemporary rendition of the classic Pasta al Pomodoro, there are two types of tomatoes at play here – San Marzano and Datterini tomatoes.

Alternatively, there is also the Aged Acquerello Risotto with Zucchini, Smoked Eel, and 20-Year Balsamico (S$38++) if you are looking for a pasta dish with a bolder flavour. Expect the usual creaminess of risotto, except that this is dressed in a sexy smoked eel foam.

For mains and also the third course of the Experience Menu, I chose the MBS 8-9 Yugo Wagyu Beef Striploin with Pizzaiola, Blue Foot Mushrooms, and Pink Garlic (S$88++). Beef lovers like myself will love that well-marbled and flavourful F1 Yugo wagyu beef along with the roasted blue foot mushrooms. The meat is accompanied by pizzaiola sauce, an amalgamation of cherry tomatoes, fresh oregano, and garlic. 

Last but not least, there are a few selections for the dessert course, and I went for the Giffoni Hazelnut with Guanaja Dark Chocolate and Raspberry (S$18++), a multi-textured sphere with Giffoni hazelnut, vanilla, and red berries. It does not taste as rich as it sounds as the berries balance the hazelnut and dark chocolate flavours.  

Other dessert options include the likes of Amalfi Lemon with Pink Pepper and Limoncello (S$18++) and Espresso, Mascarpone, Clementine Orange (S$18++). 

To conclude the meal, I had the series of Petit Fours.

Rants Nothing in particular. 

Will I Return Again? I like the ravamped space of Altro Zafferano which looks more refreshed and contemporary as compared to before. It offers a beautiful view of Singapore’s skyline from the outdoor terrace, and the quality of the food is commendable. This is definitely one of the best restaurants in the CBD currently.

This was an invited tasting, though all opinions expressed are our own.

Make your reservations instantly at Altro Zafferano here.

TheRantingPanda says:
Taste bud: 4/5
Hole in the pocket: 4/5
Ambience: 4.5/5
Overall Experience: 4/5

Altro Zafferano
10 Collyer Quay, Level 43, Ocean Financial Centre  
Singapore 049315 
Tel: +65 6509 1488 

Opening Hours 
Mondays to Saturdays 
Lunch: 12.00pm – 3.00pm (last order 2.00pm) 
Dinner: 6.00pm – 11.00pm (last order for food 9.00pm) 
Closed on Sundays 

Ranted by The Ranter