As the F&B scene in Singapore evolves, I have witnessed how many high-end restaurants have resorted to offering abridged versions of their tasting menus or even ala-carte versions. terra Tokyo Italian is one of those venues, having recently launched their more accessible ala carte dinner menus as well as lunch sets that start from just S$45. I visited terra after a year to check out the new menu, prepared by their new chef – Shozo Sugano – who had trained in Italy for 8 years.
The Beet Root and Ricotta Salata Salad ($20) opened the meal with a vibrant interplay of color and texture. The natural sweetness of red and yellow beets was elegantly offset by the briny bite of aged ricotta salata, creating a clean and appetising start. Simple but well-executed.
Next came the Hokkaido Sweet Shrimp Crudo with Passion Fruits and Yoghurt ($28) which leaned toward the delicate and refreshing. The amaebi’s sweetness was brightened by the passionfruit-yoghurt dressing, while diced pear added crunch and light sweetness. It was a smart combination, though the passionfruit’s acidity could slightly overshadow the shrimp if not eaten in balance.
The creamy potato in the next dish, Smoked Salmon with Creamy Hokkaido Potato ($29) stole the show with its satisfying paste-like texture. Together, the smoky salmon, silky potatoes and spoonfuls of Amur Oscietra caviar formed a luxurious trio. Each bite felt rich yet not cloying — a worthy transition toward the pastas.
If there’s a dish that defines Terra, it’s the Chitarra ai Hokkaido Sea Urchin ($38). The square-cut pasta was firm and springy, carrying the richness of uni and pecorino in every strand. Mullet roe added umami punch while a touch of yuzu zest provided lift. It also helped that the serving of uni was rather generous.
While I loved the urchin pasta, ultimately it was the Linguine al Pomo-d’Oro ($29) which did it for me. This course demonstrated how much care goes into even a seemingly simple tomato pasta. Made with yellow tomatoes, the sauce was bright and tart, layered with basil pesto and crispy guanciale that lent savory depth. A well-balanced dish that highlighted both freshness and comfort.
Among the mains, the Koji-marinated Karei with Creamy Vinaigrette ($47) showcased Japanese technique at its core. The five-hour koji marinade tenderized the flatfish, giving it a melt-in-the-mouth texture. The creamy vinaigrette added depth without masking the fish’s natural sweetness — refined, understated and quietly memorable.
The Char-grilled A4 Tochigi Wagyu Beef with Fig & Hazelnuts Pesto ($68) was a satisfying finish to the savory courses. Grilled to a perfect medium rare, the beef carried gentle smokiness and buttery tenderness. The fig and hazelnut pesto added a sweet, nutty contrast — though the flavours, while pleasant, was on the subtler side.
It’s hard to go wrong with a classic dessert. The Italian Lava Cake with Raspberry Sorbet ($17) hit those classic notes well. The molten center was lush and dark, the sorbet tart and cleansing — a well-judged pairing that didn’t reinvent but perfected the familiar.
The Rare Cheese Cake with Apricot Sauce ($15), on the other hand, showcased a more nuanced side. Presented in deconstructed form, with a crumble base and airy cheese espuma hiding an apricot sauce sphere, it balanced creaminess and fruit acidity in every spoonful — a light yet intriguing finale.
Wine pairings are also available, with beverages that include wine as well as sake.
Verdict
The new ala carte format at terra Tokyo Italian allows diners to mix and match between crowd favorites and balance it with their budget as well as level of hunger. Overall, the restaurant remains a fine example of how Japanese technique can elevate Italian cuisine in Singapore. Every plate reflects technical finesse and respect for ingredients. I had a great experience when I dined there last year and I am happy to say I feel the same during this visit with the new chef.
terra Tokyo Italian
54 Tras Street
Singapore 078993
+65 9751 2145
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday, 12PM to 2:30PM / 6:30PM to 10:30PM
Saturday, 6:30PM to 10:30PM
Bino
Hi, my name is Bino and I started I Wander around 15 years ago with the aim of sharing about some of my personal journeys and experiences, hoping that the information may benefit readers like yourselves.
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