OCTAVIUM

Octavium opened quietly over the summer of 2017, and remains discreet. Pitched as the ‘private kitchen' project of celebrated chef Umberto Bombana, the modestly sized restaurant is an arena for experimenting with dishes that are slightly more relaxed and approachable than that served at Otto e Mezzo. The soigné dining room, hidden behind a discreet sliding door, looks out over Des Voeux Central and is a plush environment that will cosset you throughout a well-paced meal of Italian creations. Bombana has chosen to keep the menu tight, with only two to three options per course. The daily changing menu will often include incredible pastas, from Sardinian gnocchi (delightfully toothsome to the bite) to truffle-scented risotto. Quality produce informs the creations too, such as Mayura beef, Te Mana lamb and Japanese snapper. As you would expect from the group, the list of wines is staunchly Italian and surprisingly well priced, with options on both ends of the spectrum—trust in the sommelier to guide you towards the perfect wine pairing. For dessert, you'll choose between two options and the Grand Cru chocolate soufflé has no contest.