Take your next group gathering sky-high at 1-Alfaro, a breezy restaurant-bar with picturesque sights.
Forget you’re in the city for a moment and head up to the newest rooftop restaurant-bar in Singapore, 1-Alfaro. With sweeping views of sparkling waters on the southern shores, its perch atop the far-flung Labrador Tower soars proudly above nearby skyscrapers. The space is home to two concepts: a chic Italian restaurant, La Torre, and the casual alfresco bar, La Luna. La Torre easily earns its place among the new Italian restaurants in Singapore for its scenic setting and laid-back elegance. It’s a pretty package for date nights – start with an intimate dinner, followed by drinks till late. I had a tranquil time dining communal-style, even though it was already buzzing on a weekday evening.
1-Alfaro review: Details at a glance
Best for: Romantic dates and wedding parties
Must-try items: Tagliatelle, stracciatella cheese, burrata gelato with rosemary tuile
How much: Pastas from $22, mains from $28, appetisers from $13
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 1am; Saturday, 10am to 1am; Sunday, 10am to midnight
Reservations: Book a table online
Address: 1-Alfaro, Level 34, Labrador Tower, 1 Pasir Panjang Road, Singapore 118479
The vibes are immaculate
“Not another rooftop restaurant!” said no one ever. Even I, a self-professed vampire who draws the curtains at noon and blanches at the thought of eating outdoors during the day, can’t resist the allure. Only during the golden hour, though. Plus points when it’s got sun-kissed sights by the water, like 1-Alfaro.
My dinner reservation at 6.30pm was perfect. From the open-air terrace, I had a dreamy experience watching the gleaming sun transform from a golden glow to vibrant, reddish-orange hues. I also spotted couples and groups of friends relaxing outdoors at La Luna, sipping cocktails while gazing at the panoramic views.
The main dining hall at La Torre is no slouch either. It’s bathed in sunlight and invites you into its serene embrace. With its floor-to-ceiling windows, elegant tables, and a 7.5m-long bar, I can already imagine the space hosting an intimate evening wedding ceremony, followed by a lively celebration late into the night.
Whether you’re there for brunch or drinks, the energy remains upbeat. And if you think the name sounds familiar, it’s because 1-Alfaro is under the umbrella of 1-Group. These are the same folks behind 1-Altitude Coast, Monti, 1-Flowerhill, and 1-Atico, so you know the standards are high.
Tip: I’d suggest you drive to Labrador Tower or take the train (it’s a quick, three-minute walk from Labrador Park MRT), as it took me a couple of tries to get a cab ride home after 9pm.
Fill up on comforting Italian food
Inspired by the northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, the food at 1-Alfaro is created with classic recipes and modern presentations. If you love sampling a variety of dishes, you’ll be happy to know you can order pasta in half or full portions. Oh, and don’t stuff yourself with the complimentary flatbread accompanied by caramelised onions and tomatoes. It’s nowhere near as tasty as the rest of the menu.
My table started with a handful of appetisers, including bite-sized fried lasagna ($16 for five pieces) that adds a delightful crunch to the familiar comfort food. If you enjoy a sweet-salty combination, the stracciatella cheese ($18) is right up your alley. With cheese, parma ham, cherry tomatoes, crispy polenta, and rosemary-infused honey in every bite, it’s an easy-to-enjoy mix of textures and flavours.
For a prelude to the heartier plates, try the tortellini ($16). You’ll warm right up after tasting the tiny pasta pockets filled with mortadella, pork, veal, and parmigiano reggiano, swimming in a light chicken consomme.
Next stop, more pasta! Don’t overlook the tagliatelle ($28) just because it’s tossed with the classic beef bolognese sauce. It’s elevated with a smooth, airy bechamel espuma that coats the long ribbons with a cloud-like layer.
For something lighter, the “Curzoli Romagnoli” thick egg pasta ($28) with Manila clams fits the bill. I loved its aromatic lemon parsley butter sauce and bottarga crumbs made of dry-cured mullet roe and breadcrumbs.
Take your time to savour the flavours
You might feel a tad full after the pasta, but the night is young, so make space for the meaty main: USDA Prime Heritage Linz ribeye on the bone ‘costata’ ($148). Charcoal-grilled and seasoned simply with salt and pepper, the tender, smoky steak is served with various accompaniments. From roasted garlic and caramelised onion to salsa verde and two types of sea salt – mulberry and smoked – each buttery bite never gets boring.
If you have space for extra carbs, get the fried wagyu fat potatoes ($16), topped with fragrant garlic crumbs for the full indulgence. For something that cuts through the richness, the simple salad of leafy greens ($12), drizzled with an aged balsamic vinaigrette, will do the trick.
If I had to pick one dessert, I’d recommend the house-made burrata gelato with rosemary tuile ($17). The star of this sweet-savoury treat is the creamy gelato blended with extra virgin olive oil and burrata. Add on crispy rosemary tuile, parmigiano reggiano, and fig vincotto, and you’ve got a one-of-a-kind creation.
Those who aren’t into indulgent dinners can pay a visit to La Torre in the morning to nibble on croissants, muffins, and quiches. For a leisurely afternoon, stop by to enjoy the set lunch (from $28 for two courses) or weekend brunch menu ($68 per person).
Unless you live or work nearby, Labrador Tower will likely be out of the way for you. It’s not exactly situated in a buzzy area either. But if you’re after a hip rooftop hangout that sits quietly away from the city bustle, 1-Alfaro hits the sweet spot.
