The Place Taking over the space of the now-defunct Restaurant Chaleur, Assaggi is a new Italian restaurant located on level two of the shophouse space and is by the team behind one-Michelin-starred Buona Terra and Locanda. Assaggi means “tasting” in Italian and true to its name, the menu here focuses on tasting menus only. The Italian restaurant will be opening on 10^th August 2026, where the idea of the team is to offer good and affordable premium Italian cuisine without the premium price tag. 

The interior of Assaggi takes on a contemporary, open concept look where diners have an open view of what goes on in the kitchen as the chefs plate each course meticulously. There is also a separate section of the restaurant which doubles up as a private dining corner which is apt for small events. 

The Food The menu here starts from S$58++ for three-course lunch, while dinner tasting menu is at S$88++. There are two dinner menus  – Signature Journey or Pasta Journey, all in tasting portions. Main difference between the two menus is that the latter features four types of pastas whereas you get other proteins in the courses on the Signature Journey menu. 

I had the Signature Journey (S$88++) for dinner and here is what to expect: 

Canapes 
A trio of snacks to start the meal.

Bread 
Served tableside, the glistening bread is glazed with honey and duck fat, and it is hard not to pay attention to the mountain of soft whipped butter. 

Starter 
Octopus, Potato, Capers, Olives, Green Beans 

Veal Eye Round, Artichoke, Quail Egg, Tuna Sauce
 

Pasta 
Pappardelle, Osobucco, Gremolada 

Fusilli, Capsicum, Red Prawns
 

Supplement 
Pork Arrosticino, Preserve Cabbage, Burnt Apple (+S$18) 

Main 
Roasted Duck, Peaches, Fennel 

Stone Bass, Parsley, Zucchini, Mugnaia
 

Convivio 
Paccheri Amatriciana Style
 

Frutta  
Peach & Granita
 

Dessert
 
Rum Baba, Vanilla, Olive Oil, Salt 

Rants Granted, there are no luxurious ingredients on the menu at Assaggi which is also how the team managed to price their menus at this range. 

Will I Return Again? Assaggi is neither too formal nor too casual, and to some extent it fills a void in the dining scene today. The price point is also a sweet spot where you get to enjoy a multi-course meal experience without breaking the bank.

TheRantingPanda says:
Taste bud: 4/5
Hole in the pocket: 3.5/5
Ambience: 3.5/5
Overall Experience: 4/5  

Assaggi 
77a Neil Road 
Singapore 088903 
Tel: +65 8984 6495 

Ranted by The Ranter