Dinner at Alkaff Mansion Ristorante

10 Telok Blangah Green, Singapore 109178

Tel:  6510 3068

Website: http://alkaff.com.sg

Website: https://www.facebook.com/AlkaffMansion

Alkaff Mansion is a 19th century colonial bungalow located on a hill, built in 1918 by a prominent member of the Alkaff family as a weekend home for parties and socializing. This 2-storey Tudor-styled bungalow served as the headquarters of the World Buddhist Society and then went through a series of being developed, restored, conserved, returned to government, opening and closure of restaurants.

Today, Alkaff Mansion Ristorante occupies this beautiful property restored to the glory of yesteryear, complete with a sleek garden with fountain, as well as open terrace for al fresco dining. This exquisite, award-winning Italian restaurant serves up authentic Italian fare for lunch, dinner and weekend brunches. They started a Grigliata Grill concept lately as well.

The interior is grand, elegant and romantic, complete with dim lighting and large chandeliers, a modern touch to the carefully-restored vintage floorings of the colonial mansion. Tables are well-spaced, and choice of furniture is luxe and comfort combined, making for a good dining experience. Private dining rooms are available as well. Service is a little slow and has room for improvement.  Music was also American pop at one point, which was a little odd against the posh Italian settings of this retaurant.

We started the meal with some Bread and Olive dip. The bread was a little hard but had a distinct fragrance to it.

For starters, we had the Pan-seared Hokkaido Scallops (SGD$28.00) with Cauliflower Purée and Avruga Caviar. I needn't describe the popping sensation of the delicious caviar - tiny but robust. The scallops were orgasmic - springy in texture, contracting firmly under the knife and expanding juicily again thereafter, catching the teeth with its delicious flavour.

For mains, *V had the Homemade Veal Ravioli (SGD$28.00) in Alba Truffle Cream Sauce and Porcini Mushrooms. The pockets of minced veal was utterly soft and smooth, melting lusciously in the mouth with the robust, solid truffle cream. The mushrooms added flavour and texture to the creation, bringing it one step closer to heaven.

I chose the Porcini Mushroom Risotto (SGD$28.00) Superfino Aquerello with Thyme.  Flavour was distinctive and sapid in an earthly manner, with the aroma piercing the senses sharply; the dish was smooth and creamy - a little too creamy; the risotto became like congee literally.

For desserts, *V chose Vanilla Affogato (SGD$9.00) which was a literal scoop of vanilla ice-cream with espresso doused over it, served in an ice-cream bowl. Presentation of this drink / dessert was disappointing, but probably this was "authentic Italian way" of doing it? Flavour was not bad - smooth, with coffee aroma made creamy by the vanille ice-cream.

I chose a drink instead, a berry cocktail whose name eluded me, filled with sweetness of various berries mixed together.

Overall, we enjoyed dining at Alkaff Mansion Ristorante and would like to return to try more items while basking in the luxurious ambience.