ilLido at the Cliff - The Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa
There was a time when ilLido was the top of mind recall when one mentions Italian Fine Dining. Then things went a little down south and they moved out of the Sentosa Golf Club in Aug last year. A revival came in the form of a merge with The Cliff in Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa early this year. Now, diners can pretend to be on the Amalfi coast, indulging in gourmet Italian classics with the gorgeous backdrop of the South China Sea at the new ilLido at the Cliff.
It's easy to forget you're still in Singapore once you step into the luxurious Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa. Breathtaking views and lush tropical greenery conjure the seaside holiday vibe. On a good day, the alfresco area is perfect for enjoying your meal and view without leaving unsightly sweat stains. Otherwise, head indoors to the elegant restaurant where you can feast on the extensive menu featuring seasonal antipasto, pastas, and wholesome Italian mains.
Simple fresh goodness is the Burrata with Rucola and Cherry Tomatoes ($26) with compressed tomato and pesto. The cheese is flown from Italy and has a firmer texture than my usual creamy milky preference but a decent burrata no doubt.
The Grilled Octopus with Roman Artichokes ($28) was skillfully prepared. No tug of war or jaw-breaking chew to get a piece of this nicely charred octopus into your belly.
I'd recommend the octopus along with the Hokkaido Scallops with Nduja and Sweet Pea Cream ($29). See that golden sear? What you don't see is the light pink succulent center that is so delightfully sweet.
Tuna Tartare with Salmon Roe and Sea Urchin Hollandaise ($26)- was a refreshing dish. It looked like a garden and tasted like one. Mild tuna, ikura and pops of capers were coated by a faint sea urchin hollandaise. Was looking forward to the Uni sauce but i couldn't taste any bit of the creamy roe in the dish.
Handmade egg pastas are the best and ilLido at the Cliff sure lives up to its Italian fame. The Pappardelle with Smoked Pork Jowl ($30) has light chewy sheets coated with a sweet almond sauce and a hint of balsamic. Each mouthful balanced with the salty melt-in-your-mouth pork. The meat may be a tad salty on its own but it's perfect with the pasta sheets. Plus it still tastes great even when cold!
Fettuccine with Venison Ragu and Radicchio Tardivo ($32) was another favorite! This pulled meat has absorbed all that braising sauce for a flavorful bite. The radicchio tardivo lent a crisp bitter crunch that complemented the sweet meat.
A familiar taste of home was found in the Tagliolini with Scallops and Truffle ($35). The thin noodles were like our Chinese Mee Kia but this was elevated with the lovely sear on the scallops and the light truffle scent. There were generous shavings of truffle but strangely we didn't taste much of it.
For your Secondi, definitely go with the Kurobuta Pork Milanese ($45) fried in clarified butter, served on top a Butternut purée and Cherry Tomatoes! I tend to avoid fried pork as they easily turn dry and coarse but not this one. Firm, lean but juicy meat in a buttery and thin crispy batter, paired with a creamy purée. I would love to have more of that pumpkin for sure!
The Wagyu Beef Cheek with Spinach and Beetroot puree ($38) may look like a massacre but it is taste and texture over presentation for this one. All connective tissues have been broken down, resulting in flavorful bites held together by collagen. The beetroot added a light natural sweetness which was welcomed. That said, flavors are mild in this one and could do with a sharp accent to balance it.
For the milder palates, go with the Black Cod with Caramelized Celeriac and Lemon Capers ($38). That if you're really mild. It was forgettable IMO.
For dessert, look forward to Italian classics like the signature ilLido Tiramisu and the Almond Panna Cotta with Peaches and Pistachios ($18). Such smooth milky creamy curd with bursts of light sweetness from the peach! And crunch from the cookie crumble. Lovely!
I thought the Buffalo Ricotta Cheese and Orange Cake ($18) was rather interesting as it was slightly salty! This baked sponge makes for a lighter dessert with a citrus perfume.
Enjoy the contemporary Italian fare at ilLido at the Cliff along with their compilation of Old and New World wines like Amarone, Barolo, Brunello, and France’s Bordeaux and Burgundy.
Their 3-course set lunch menu is only priced at $38 and 5-course gourmet menu at $88. Keep a lookout for ilLido's Weekend Brunch with free-flow Prosecco ( $128/pax) later in the year.
ilLido at the Cliff
Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa
2 Bukit Manis Road Sentosa Singapore 099891
Tel: +65 6708 8310/8360
Daily: 12 - 2.30pm, 6 - 9.30pm
Complimentary on-site self parking and free shuttle bus service available.
Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa
2 Bukit Manis Road Sentosa Singapore 099891
Tel: +65 6708 8310/8360
Daily: 12 - 2.30pm, 6 - 9.30pm
Complimentary on-site self parking and free shuttle bus service available.
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