Da Luca Italian Restaurant is located in Goldhill Plaza, the old pinkish building oppposite Novena station. This is the last place I would expect to find a good Italian restaurant, which makes Da Luca Italian Restaurant an underrated gem.
Run by chef-owner Luca Pucciani and his wife, Da Luca Italian Restaurant serves classic and contemporary Italian cuisine.
Da Luca Italian Restaurant – Decor
The outside of the restaurant is not impressive-looking but step inside and it’s another story altogether.
The interior is cosy with cream-color walls alternating with brick walls. The bar near the entrance has an impressive collection of spirits and wines.
Black wooden tables lined with crisp white tablecloth paired with black wooden chairs give the restaurant a classic Italian feel. It reminds me of iO Italian Osteria.
Da Luca Italian Restaurant – The Food
This restaurant is famous for their Signature Capellini tossed in Truffle Emulsion [S$98] but it is too expensive.
Antipasti/Appetizers
We ordered Rucola Al Balsamico Con Pere E Parmigiano [S$16] which translates to Wild Rocket Salad with Pear Parmesan in Balsamic Dressing. The slight tanginess of the salad makes whets the appetite for the rest of the meal.
For a hot appetizer, there is Parmigiana [S$26] which is oven-baked eggplant with mozzarella, basil and tomato sauce. It’s almost like a no-carbohydrate version of baked rice, with a nice touch of creaminess.
You can never go wrong with 300gm Burrata Con Spinach, Pomodorini E Riduzione Al Balsamico [S$45]. The creamy Italian cheese pairs perfectly with spinach, Italian tomato and balsamic glaze.
Mains
Pasta is a staple in Italian cuisine, such as the simple Penne Al Granchio [S$34]. It’s easy to eat, with crabmeat to add a touch of luxury and tomato chilli sauce to give your palate a little heat.
Ravioli Di Carne Con Funghi E Panna [S$30] looks a little sad with just 4 pieces of pasta pockets stuffed with pork sausage but the accompanying cream sauce makes up for it.
For the meat-lovers, there is Wagyu Bistecca Alla Florentina Con Contori [S$20]. The meat on wagyu T-bone steak is so tender, there is delicious marrow in the bone.
Besides the items on the menu, Da Luca Italian Restaurant regularly offers off-menu dishes. There was melt-in-the-mouth Pan-Seared Cod Fish and crispy Roasted Pork on the day we were there.
Desserts
If you are not sure which dessert to order, Tiramisu Di Luca [S$18] is a good choice. The handwhipped mascarpone cream cheese is delightfully light, espresso taste is not too strong.
Fondente Al Cioccolato Con Gelato Al Pistacchio [S$18] is not as oozy as I would have liked. The valehona chocolate is velvety smooth but the lava inside doesn’t really flow. Pistachio ice-cream is a nice change but I still prefer good old vanilla ice-cream.
Da Luca Italian Restaurant
Address: 1 Goldhill Plaza, Goldhill Plaza #01-19/21, Singapore 308899
Telephone: 62584846
Opening Hours: Daily 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064207083982&mibextid=LQQJ4d
