Italian conviviality

Capasso

Discover Capasso, a chic lounge and restaurant in the CBD, perfect for enjoying vibrant Italian dining and drinks in a welcoming atmosphere. Created by a group of bankers and chef-owner Fernando Arévalo, it is the ideal spot for patrons to partake in convivial Italian dining and tipples under one roof.

As guests walk in through the brass doors with handles sculpted after a sensual female figure, they are greeted with a custom-made marble pedestal and an artisanal chandelier of 200 crystals. The atmospheric interiors by design firm Grey Matters aim to achieve harmony between masculinity and femininity through colours and details. The use of deep blue velvet, glass, marble and brass flows throughout the space and represents bold masculinity, while the velvet curtains represent the softness of a woman.

Challenging the stigma that whiskies are predominantly for men, Capasso aims to provide an equal space for women whisky drinkers to imbibe. The highly affordable dining menu features bold takes on traditional Italian dishes curated by Arévalo to match its storied collection of wines, whiskies and special cocktails.

For sharing, we recommend small plates like the Anchovies Del Nono — a cold dish where fresh, sweet figs are paired with briney anchovies served with champagne vinegar and vanilla. The Burrata Tradizionale served with sweet San Marzano baby tomatoes is a must-have, as well as the Polpettone — a juicy meatball made with Iberico pork, parmesan cheese, and stuffed with buffalo mozzarella cheese. Enjoy these with Pane Della Casa, a fluffy koji-based house-baked sourdough served with smoked butter.

We also enjoyed the Coniglio Del Nonno, a savoury rabbit ragu made with soft rabbit meat and served with homemade pappardelle, and the Anatara e Rosmarino, homemade ravioli wrapped with shredded duck confit and served with Jerusalem artichoke topped with crisp pork crackling.

The piece de resistance is the 1.1kg Costata di Manzo, a bone-in ribeye that boasts a luxurious, flavourful marbling. Cooked in the Josper oven, this flamekissed cut of meat boasts a smoky barbecue charred exterior and a melt-in-mouth, pink centre. It goes extremely well with the Patate Gratinate, mandolin-sliced Russet potatoes marinated with salt and garlic, topped with paprika aioli, then crowned with generous shavings of parmesan and chives.

Another unlikely hero is the Sella Di Agnello, a young lamb saddle pan-seared for perfectly crisp skin, then cooked in the oven whole. The meat is then portioned, de-boned and crisped in the Josper. This dish, paired with fermented mushroom glaze and a savoury sauce of onions and yoghurt, is every meat lover’s dream.

Visit Capasso is at 92 Telok Ayer Street. You can call 8819 3306 for reservations.