PUBLISHED October 15th, 2019 06:30 am | UPDATED July 25th, 2024 01:59 pm
Weekend brunches have never been this fun, now that Publico Ristorante, Singapore’s quayside Italian playground and waterfront dining destination, has launched Isola Weekends. And of course, this invigorating island-inspired brunch offers a bottomless selection of free-flow wine options such as Zardetto Prosecco, Tenut Maccan Pinot Grigio, and Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve Champagne.
No brunch is complete without a hearty selection of Italian favourites to accompany your never-ending glass of bubbly. For starters, nothing beats fresh and creamy Burrata served with thin slices of Prosciutto ham and arugula slathered in premium extra virgin olive oil (S$35++). For an extra umami burst, try the Squid Ink Salmon Carpaccio (S$24++) – slices of savoury salmon that are house-cured with squid ink and rested on a tangy bed of herbed yoghurt, capers, shaved fennel, and radish.
Having a brunch party with friends and family? Don’t miss out on Publico’s Griscia (S$25++), a pizza that’s inspired by the pasta dish of the same name. An intense topping of mozzarella, cream, pork guanciale, and grated pecorino is perfectly baked atop a fluffy dough for a pie that’s sharp and flavourful without being too overbearing. Be forewarned, you might have to order a second serving because of how addictive it is.
While the huge selection of classic Italian fare can be easily found each time, you should try their specials if you get the opportunity. During our visit, we were recommended the wonderful Cannelloni that’s off the menu. Wrapped around a core of pesto, spinach, and ricotta, the handmade pasta is then baked with tart tomato sauce and more cheese on a cast iron pan, which really brings out the flavours of this rich and indulgent dish.
We were lucky enough to try their Wagyu Rump (S$48++) from straight off the grill, served with a side of truffle butter potatoes and fresh greens. The beef was succulent, tender, and full of flavour with a very satisfying chew. Perfectly balancing it out is the healthy serving of baby potatoes coated with truffle butter. Soft and creamy, the bite-sized pieces melt in your mouth, with a slight hint of truffle just to add a little dimension to a classic accompaniment. The restaurant’s grill is only fired up on the first Sunday of every month, and the fare changes based on the seasonality of the ingredients, but we recommend giving their grill a go as you’re definitely in for a treat.
Don’t be caught off-guard if you see some furry friends around while you dine. Publico Ristorante is a pet-friendly restaurant, and there are many diners who bring their dogs along as they unwind for the weekend, so feel free to bring your furry ones along. It gets a little crowded for sure, so make a reservation if you can to avoid disappointment.
Isola Weekends is available on Sat 12pm – 3pm, Sun 11am – 3pm. Enjoy free flowing from 1pm – 4pm and 4pm – 7pm in partnership with Angra Wine & Spirits.
Publico Ristorante is located at 1 Nanson Rd, Singapore 238909. Bottomless drinks are available at S$75++ per person, exclusive of food.