Trattoria Nonna Lina: Homely Italian soul food

PUBLISHED December 4th, 2013 01:14 am | UPDATED June 6th, 2016 10:58 am

There are so many Italian restaurants in Singapore it’s hard to keep count. But how many of those can say they are truly, a family run outfit?

Well, Trattoria Nonna Lina certainly can. In fact, Chef Simone Vespasiani, a native of Porto Santo Stefano in Tuscany, moved his whole family over from Italy to support him in his endeavours. You can see he and his father busying away in the kitchen from your table, while his mother keeps busy entertaining his delightful baby. Beautiful, familiar scenes in restaurants across Italy, where dining amidst the warmth and hospitality of an Italian family is the norm, but a rare experience in Singapore, and very heartwarming indeed. Because what is better than good food, than good food created and served up amidst happiness and love?

Chef Simone was raised in a tight-knit family of chefs, and Nonna Lina, his beloved grandmother and the restaurant’s namesake played a major part in that.  As such, the food here is homely and authentic and served up with heart and soul in generous portions. There is a clear emphasis on simple, rustic yet flavourful dishes synonymous with the Tuscan region, where fresh, quality ingredients speak for themselves.

A perfect example of that is the Zupetta Argentarina ($23). I don’t normally get excited about soups but if you’ve been knocked by a bad day at work, then this will surely ease your troubles away. A bountiful serving of stewed mussels and prawns in a fantastically creamy porcini sauce and a remedy to all your troubles (if only temporarily) in one bowl.

The Sliced Beef Tenderloin (price on ask) is actually not on the menu but if you ask nicely Tuscan hospitality will oblige!  The wonderful combination of perfectly cooked beef and aromatic truffle oil makes this a must try.

It’s tough to get a good, memorable risotto in Singapore but Chef Simone has it spot on with the Risotto Contadino ($28). Beautifully creamy Italian rice cooked to perfection and packed full of porcini mushrooms – I was in risotto heaven. The beauty of this dish is the inclusion of eggplant which not only gives it an interesting textural dimension but also a slightly smoky flavour.

The Seafood Lasagne ($35) from the Christmas menu, is a welcome change from its meat-filled cousin. Rich, soft and savoury making it the perfect comfort food.

The menu is extensive, with so many items to try –  many of which are family recipes – and the above is only a very small sample of what’s on offer.

There’s something which I have come to rather like about this unassuming place. And if truly homestyle, delicious Italian cuisine just like Nonna would have made is what you’re looking for, well let’s just say that Nonna Lina would be proud!

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Written by Ms Demeanour

On this occasion the meal was compliments of Trattoria Nonna Lina