A casual concept by the Michelin-starred Buona Terra, Locanda sets the scene with homely vibes and Italian classics.
We’re calling it: 2024 is the year of the Italian restaurant in Singapore. With new places constantly sprouting up across the island, dishing out piping hot pizzas and hearty plates of pasta, we’ve got more reasons to make Italian cuisine our top pick for a night out. No complaints here! Locanda is the latest to make a splash, and it’s a quaint, cosy Italian trattoria brought to you by the folks behind Buona Terra, a familiar restaurant on Michelin-starred lists.
Locanda review: Step into the embrace of comforting Italian food
Snuggled in a calm corner of the vibrant Little India neighbourhood, the restaurant offers a quiet respite from the colourful chaos outside, just like its name, which is taken from the Italian word for “inn”, suggests. The service and ambience are warm, the red brick-lined walls and wooden tables are charming, and the menu’s Italian classics are a treat. In the spirit of true Italian hospitality, you’ll feel right at home here.
At the heart of Locanda is a deep love for pasta. From handmade ones to unique flavours, this much-adored dish takes the spotlight. It’s perfect for bigger groups to sample a variety of carb-tastic dishes, complemented by fresh seasonal produce and creations that take inspiration from regions across Italy.
A convivial communal feast awaits
Start with appetisers like salads and cold cuts, or opt for the bruscaccia ($18) featuring the restaurant’s signature onion focaccia topped with all things sweet, salty, crunchy and smoky. Truffle enthusiasts can go for the one with lardo, toasted hazelnuts, truffle-infused honey, black truffle slices, and Casera cheese – it’s quite a mouthful. For something a little lighter, try the smoked Artigiana scamorza, black pepper and grilled zucchini variation.
If you can’t resist charcuterie, order the gnocco fritto with cold cuts ($15 per 50g) to enjoy prosciutto and salami paired with crisp, lard-infused, bite-sized Italian bread that you can easily pop into your mouth. The veal eye round ($24) is also a great meaty option, consisting of tender veal slices alongside creamy tonnato tuna sauce and caper berries.
Continue the nibbling with dishes like stewed beef tripe ($19), charcoal grilled squid ($28), and deep-fried marinated sardine ($22).
Pasta point of no return
You know a joint is impressive when you’re already making plans to return while you’re dining in the restaurant. And you might just reach for seconds once the pasta dishes send you to noodle nirvana.
For something familiar in flavour, it’s a no-brainer to order the pappardelle ragu genovese with mixed mushrooms ($24). We’re just imagining lively nonnas in the kitchen whipping up the combination of slow-braised beef, sauteed mushrooms, and fresh pappardelle. That’s comfort food done perfectly.
Another twirl-worthy treat we loved? The tagliolini with tomato sauce, lemon zest, and sprinklings of crab meat. It’s simple and fresh – a clean contrast to the malloreddus with red wine octopus ragu and capers ($28). This chewy pasta is accompanied by fork-tender Spanish octopus tentacles for a delightful seafood dish.
If you’re in the mood to feast, the spaghetti ai frutti di mare ($118) feeds up to four with sauteed clams, lobster, scampi, and prawns. But those who prefer juicy meats can try the grilled secreto Iberico pork ($39) that’s served with braised endives and apple sauce. The hanging tender ($42) with a refreshing rucola salad is another meaty main that’s done just right for ample satisfaction. Pair it all with Italian wines, cocktails and mocktails, or finish strong with digestifs like limoncello and grappa.
Sweets and free-flow treats
To end, classic Italian desserts like the crowd-favourite tiramisu ($15) are made in-house. We loved the Sicilian cannolo ($15) for bites of crunchy pastry and a velvety smooth mix of ricotta, chocolate and candied citrus. Those into ice-cold treats can get the gelati ($9) in decadent flavours like hazelnut and pistachio. Or, try the peach or strawberry sorbetti ($9) for something lighter and more refreshing.
Oh, and did someone say brunch? Locanda’s got it covered with the brunch menu at $78 per person (for a minimum of two adults). You’ll enjoy a spread of appetisers, pasta, mains, and desserts. Throw in an unlimited prosecco ($68) or champagne ($98) package to sweeten the deal for the ultimate weekend indulgence.
Make a reservation for Locanda. Address: 109 Rowell Road, Singapore 208033; phone number: +65 9619 2691; opening hours: Wednesday – Friday 6pm to 12am, Saturday – Sunday noon to 3pm and 6pm to midnight
