Pepenero @Chinatown, Telok Ayer

The Telok Ayer area on a weekday could get really quiet, and Stanley Street is one of it. This quaint place with Italian decor is equally quiet as well. When we entered the restaurant, there was only one table of two. As we ate, there were only 3 tables who came in. The servers knew their stuff and were quite prompt, a few times asking if my bread basket is to be re-filled, which was quite uncommon. The bread is generous, and came with bruschetta-kind of olives dipping, which I loved it, departing from the usual butter.

Burrata con crudo di Parma ($29)

Burrata served with Parma ham

Astice alla Sarda ($45)

Boston Lobster in Sardinian Style with Lemon sauce, cherry tomatoes, onion and fresh fruit (600 grams)

Astice alla Sarda ($45)

Boston Lobster in Sardinian Style with Lemon sauce, cherry tomatoes, onion and fresh fruit (600 grams)

Tagliata di Manzo con Patate e Funghi ($45)

Angus Beef Tagliata with roasted potatoes and wild mushrooms (250 grams)

Tagliata di Manzo con Patate e Funghi ($45)

Angus Beef Tagliata with roasted potatoes and wild mushrooms (250 grams)

Tiramisu’ ($12)

Classic Italian Homemade Tiramisu’ with lady fingers, eggs, mascarpone cheese, sugar, liquor, coffee & cocoa powder

Burrata con crudo di Parma ($29), which is Burrata cheese (the white blob in the photo) and salty, thinly-sliced Parma ham, both of them make quite a great pair, but only with an extra dash of olive oil on the Burrata cheese, in my opinion, Else, it could get a bit too bland if eaten alone.

Tagliata di Manzo con Patate e Funghi ($45), Angus Beef Tagliata with roasted potatoes and wild mushrooms (250 grams), had a close to perfect doneness. The fats melt in the mouth, and the meat red where it should be. Although, it is under seasoned, and probably could do with a bit of olive oil and sea salt, the chef's technicalities shine in this dish. The wild mushrooms and roasted potatoes went well with the meat, providing an extra crunch to the meat.

The Tagliata's limelight could be easily stolen by the Astice alla Sarda ($45), Boston Lobster in Sardinian Style with Lemon sauce, cherry tomatoes, onion and fresh fruit (600 grams). It is one of the sweetest lobsters we have ever tried. Medium rare, slightly undercooked which is perfect in this case, retaining the lobster's sweetness and natural juices. Fruits like raspberries and blueberries dotting the slate plate added another layer of taste to the dish. The lemon sauce is good, of the right acidity. Very sour, but goes well with the lobster. It is not a very filling dish, but you could order the pasta to go along. Or, just go for another bread basket refill! Either way, you'll feel that sweetness filling up inside you, and you'll definitely be savouring each and every bite.

Rounding off, we had the Tiramisu' ($12). Classic Italian Homemade Tiramisu’ with lady fingers, eggs, mascarpone cheese, sugar, liquor, coffee & cocoa powder. Well, it is actually really normal. At $12, it could be considered an above-the-average portion. Creamy and not very alcoholic. If you love the creamy kind of Tiramisu, you'll love this dessert.

I would definitely be back, to try their pasta and risotto, and perhaps another of that sweet juicy Boston lobster... This place is perfect for a romantic date out!


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Verdict:

Food: 4/5

Service: 4/5

Ambiance: 4/5

Total Score: 4/5

[1- Never visit again, 2-Won't visit unless there's no other option, 3-Perhaps, 4 & 5- Yes!]

Good for? Couples, Groups

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About it:

Pepenero

Address: 14 Stanley St, Singapore 068733
Menu: http://pepenero.sg/