Monte Risaia - Classy Lovely Japanese Italian Cuisine

I have just uncovered another gem through the sudden impulse to walk through Duxton Road! The upmarket black Lattice walls of the exterior of Monte Risaia made me stop in my tracks. When I saw it's Japanese Italian cuisine, I immediately conjured an image of soft carbonara spaghetti, and that did make me turn away as I'm looking for unique dining experiences. But somehow the exterior of the restaurant is so unique and classy that I had this feeling that the food here might surprise me. So on second thoughts, I turned back and strutted into the restaurant. And this is a great decision I had made 😉 Trusting my instincts instead of my assumptions.

Upon stepping into the restaurant, I'm totally impressed by the ambience here. The interior is posh, modern and classy. With black as the main theme for that stylish, mysterious vibe, the contrasting cherry wood colour of the kitchen counter immediately caught my attention. Yes, I get to see the chefs in action right in front of me.

The food is actually unique in its own rights and most important of all, delicious and palate simulating. Influenced by traditional Japanese cuisine, it is lighter in texture and taste, the dishes are packed with flavours.

The service here is very helpful and friendly. And he gives some good recommendations on food and wine.

I go for the omakase, naturally lol, since I want to get a feel of what the food here is like. And I really like what I have for the omakase.

First appetiser of Italian Prosciutto Ham with cherry tomatoes and shredded cheese is the one of the more Italian dishes in the omakase. The delicate, salty, meaty flavour of the paper-thin ham is enhanced by the fresh sweetness juices of the tomatoes. And the cheese adds a layer of light creaminess to the taste. Very appetite-whetting. Now I’m excited on the next dish.

The homemade bread here is a must try because it is so unique in texture. It is very dense, yet super fluffy and bouncy. I love it. The olives do very well refreshing the palates between the courses.

The soup features fresh, meatiest, most succulent clams. The taste of the clear soup becomes better with each subsequent sips as the sweetness of the clams and vegetables layers onto each other.

The risotto is my ultimate favourite of the meal. Obviously risotto is an Italian dish, but the chef incorporated the umami basis of Japanese cuisine into this lovely mould of starchy rice. Each grain is soaked with flavours that develop in the mouth to evoke a sense of warmth and satisfaction.

The seafood spaghetti is al dente 🎉 which overturns my assumption that Japanese spaghetti is usually softer than al dente. Packed with flavours, I actually enjoy every mouthful of this, despite my tendency to avoid spaghetti.

The grilled duck is impressively served in a wooden crate filled with smoke and rosemary twigs. The moment the frate is opened, I’m greeted by wisps of smoke with the herbal smoky aroma of rosemary. The duck meat is rich in taste and tender in texture. I love it.

Savouring Japanese Peach with nougat ice-cream is a very Japanese Italian way of finishing the meal. It features the glorious goodness of Japanese fruits and the creamy richness of Italian dessert. And they go very well with each other in this dessert.

I was only expecting a good satisfying meal when stepping into this restaurant, but Monte Risaia exceeded my expectations to provide an unique dining experience.

Thoughts: Lovely Meal!

59 Duxton Road

Nearest MRT: Maxwell or Tanjong Pagar