The Place If you are into gorgeous dining views in Singapore, then this new spot is one to check out. 1-Group’s newest concept 1-Alfaro is located on level 34 of Labrador Tower, and it boasts a gorgeous dining view of Singapore’s southern sea view no less. There are two distinct experiences at 1-Alfaro: La Torre is the dining room serving Italian cuisine with a focus on cuisine from Emilia-Romagna in Northern Italy where you can expect dishes like fried lasagna and handmade pastas such as Fettuccine flat egg pasta; while La Luna is a rooftop restaurant and bar concept.
While there are many restaurants town which offer the marina bay view of Singapore, there are not many which offer the southern waterfront view and 1-Alfaro is located at the highest point on the southern coast of Singapore.
What I like about the interior of La Torre is the floor-to-ceiling windows which frames up the sea view.
The Food The menu at La Torre is Curated by Chef Felix Chong, 1-Group’s Head Culinary Development – Italian & Mediterranean Cuisine, and Chef Alessandro Giustteti, Chef de Cuisine at Monti. Classic recipes from Emilia-Romagna are featured for the dishes here, instead of being a generic Italian concept. The focus is on gathering, sharing, and indulging in extraordinary food.
My meal started with a series of small plates like La Torre’s Fried Lasagna (5pcs, S$16++) where the lasagna noodles is layered with beef ragu, basil-tomato sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan encased in a crispy, panko-crumbed fried exterior.
The Stecco Petroniano (3pcs/S$14++) from Bologna has slices of mortadella ham and Provolone cheese rolled with bechamel and double crumbed before deep-frying, so you get that cheesy bite.
One of the highlights on the menu are the homemade pastas, and it is also a plus that the pastas are available in half or full portions. The House-Made Tagliatelle (S$14++ half, S$28++ full) is one of the most iconic pastas of Bologna, and the house-made tagliatelle here comes with beef bolognese. It is also topped with an airy bechamel espuma for a tinge of creaminess along with some grated Grana Padano.
Other pasta options include the likes of La Torre’s Pan-Roasted Lasagna (S$13++ half, S$26++ full) with beef bolognese and mozzarella cheese, and “Curzoli Romagnoli” Thick Egg Pasta (S$14++ half, S$28++ full) with Manila Clams and Lemon Parsley Butter.
For meats, the USDA Prime Heritage Linz Ribeye on the bone ‘Costata’ (600g) (S$148++) is great for sharing for 4-5 pax. The well-marbled Australian beef boasts a rich flavour and tender texture, where the beef is sourced from sustainable, ethical farms. The ribeye is just lightly seasoned and grilled simply over binchotan charcoal.
The other protein I had was the Queensland Baby Barramundi (300g to 500g) (S$38++) which features a whole sustainably farmed ‘baby’ Barramundi sourced from Australia. The fish is simply seasoned, grilled over an open wood-fire, and served alongside three sauces – pesto, sun-dried tomato paste, and lemon vinaigrette. Portion wise, good to share for 3-4 pax.
For desserts, I had the Italian Trifle “Zuppa Inglese” (S$15++) which offers layers of soft Savoiardi biscuits soaked in Cherry liqueur in vanilla-lemon pastry cream and a light chocolate mousse along with a tart raspberry gel and raspberries.
I also tried La Torre’s House-made Burrata Gelato with Rosemary Tuile (S$17++) which is accompanied by fig compote, crisp rosemary tuile and citrus crumbs, completed with grated parmesan cheese and a drizzle of fig & vincotto.
Rants I visited when the restaurant was in its early days of operations, and the service was a tad patchy.
Will I Return Again? This is a gorgeous dining destination which is great for date nights, or a cosy catch up with friends. It is also away from the hustle and bustle of the CBD, yet not too far off. The pasta and meats are generally quite hearty, with a good value lunch set to take note of.
TheRantingPanda says:
Taste bud: 3.5/5
Hole in the pocket: 3.5/5
Ambience: 4.5/5
Overall Experience: 4/5
1-Alfaro
Labrador Tower, Level 34
Singapore 118479
Tel: +65 8093 5683
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday: 8am to 1am
Saturday: 10am to 1am
Sunday: 10am to 12am
Ranted by The Ranter