Introducing a vibrant Italian dining concept served cicchetti-style for groups, il Giardino opens just in time to co-celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Singapore Botanic Gardens’ UNESCO World Heritage List status this month. Within this lush locale, it will serve shareable Italian creations elevated with fragrant local herbs and subtle Asian touches—making it a deliciously inviting spot for couples and families to gather.

True to its name — which translates to “The Garden” — il Giardino embraces its unique setting with an inviting, botanical ambience. Within its new interior, it features walnut wood finishes, with accents of copper and forest green, and an abundance of fresh plants. Its biophilic design extends to the breezy terrace, which is designed to stay cool on warm days and is enveloped with the sounds and sights of nature.

Where Traditions of Italy are Uplifted by the Garden Flavours of Singapore

 

The menu at il Giardino draws inspiration from across Italy, with premium ingredients such as Pecorino cheese (from central Italy), Mostarda Di Frutta (a Northern Italian condiment of candied fruit and mustard syrup), and Panzanella salad (a Tuscan classic). It also incorporates some garden-themed produce, herbs, and botanical influences with sustainable practices — tying it back to the restaurant’s verdant home.

To start, diners can expect small plates with refreshing flavours and playful tweaks. The Panzanella ‘Singapura’ ($14) reimagines the Italian dish, classically made with leftover ingredients, using green mango, croutons, cashew nuts, and “ugly” heirloom tomatoes that would otherwise be discarded, drizzled over by smoked tamarind vinaigrette — a bright, tropical interpretation with local nuances. The Italian Harvest Salad ($16), packed with roasted vegetables, spicy salami, arugula, and grana padano, captures the essence of seasonal bounty and is served tableside for a touch of showmanship.

Sharing Italian Mains that are infused with Heart and a Hint of Local Charm

 

The menu is thoughtfully crafted by 1-Group Culinary Associate Director Felix Chong — whose industrious career spans some of Singapore’s most well-known Italian restaurants including Monti. Its offerings celebrate cicchetti-style dining, reflecting the Venetian ‘Bacaro’ tradition of communal dining, ideal for convivial meals celebrated with wine and cocktails. Select dishes come in small or large ‘family style’ plate options to offer flexibility.

For hearty appetites, il Giardino’s Pastas as well as Sharing Plates and Mains offer comforting, soulful dishes. The Slow Braised Osso Bucco ($28 S / $38 L) features forktender veal in a rich Barolo wine jus, complemented by smoothly whipped potatoes and a zesty kaffir lime gremolata — a refreshing Asian twist to balance its richness.

The Roasted Corn-fed Chicken ($16 half chicken, $28 whole chicken) offers such succulent, moist flesh as the bird is first brined before being oven roasted, and finished off with a light Amalfi lemon caper sauce. Fish lovers will enjoy the Pan Roasted King Salmon ($28), which is crowned with a crisp parsley and pine nut crust, and delivered with a ginger flower salsa verde alongside Chef Felix’s signature eggplant caponata — bright, tangy, and full of flavour.

Seafood fans will enjoy the tender signature il Giardino Slow Cooked Venetian Octopus ($20 S / $32 L), paired with fresh lemon, Laudemio extra virgin olive oil (representing the best extra virgin olive oil from 21 historical estates in Tuscany), and elevated with a housemade gremolata, and ginger flower salsa verde to go with the octopus and house bread — diners get to enjoy having the dish plated tableside from a large pot with rustic elegance.

Cocktails Inspired by Nature

il Giardino offers an equally enticing beverage experience. Indulge in an intoxicating journey through nature-inspired cocktail creations, where classic Italian tipples are reinvented with refreshing twists. Signature drinks are infused with herbs and botanicals — from basil and kaffir lime to elderflower and rosemary — offering a uniquely local take on timeless Italian classics.

The classic Spritz is transformed here as the Giardino Spritz ($18) — Prosecco and Limoncello form its vibrant base, finished with a fragrant house-made thyme syrup. Or try Under the Tuscan Sun ($18), where white rum finds an Italian soul in Limoncello, with fresh basil and lemon lending understated yet alluring twists.

The il Giardino Affogato ($14) will be a luxurious Italian finale — with a scoop of gelato resting on a crunchy buttered base made from almond and upcycled ground coffee — part of the restaurant’s zero-waste ethos. A hot pour of espresso is served tableside, melting a delicate Valrhona chocolate shell to add bites to the gelato, mint leaf, and berries beneath, releasing rich aromas and dramatic swirls for both the senses and lens.  Take your pick from vanilla or hazelnut gelato, or opt for something fruitier with honey ginger or blood orange sorbet. Similarly, the Crispy, Fried Italian Pastries ‘Chiacchiere’ ($14) comes with these four options of gelato or sorbet.

A Toast to Gardens and Gatherings

With its refreshed interiors offering a verdant retreat and a flavour-forward menu that highlights the taste of fresh, quality produce delivered several times a week, il Giardino marries the pleasures of Italian dining with the serenity of nature. Its communal style and garden-driven concept make it a picturesque gathering place — for weekday lunches, weekend family dinners, and important celebrations. Even before it officially launched, it has hosted a resplendent, intimate wedding, and will be set for more, be it anniversaries or corporate occasions, offering a memorable setting in one of Singapore’s most iconic locations.

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Gardens’ being on the UNESCO World Heritage List and Singapore’s upcoming National Day, il Giardino will be offering a 20 per cent opening promotion on all dine-in food items, valid until 31 July 2025.

il Giardino is located at The Garage, Level 2, Singapore Botanic Gardens. Open daily for dinner, except Monday and Tuesday.

Reservations highly recommended: ilgiardino.sg

Website:  http://www.ilgiardino.sg
Address:
il Giardino, The Garage, Level 2, 50 Cluny Park Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore 257488

Prices:
Small plates start from $12
Pasta and Pizza from $14 for small, up to $28 for large
Sharing Plates and Mains start from $16 to $48
Desserts range from $14 to $16

Opening Hours
Wednesday to Friday: 6pm to 10pm (Last order at 9.30pm)
Saturday & Sunday: 5pm to 10pm (Last order at 9.30pm)

Social Media
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ilgiardinosg
Instagram: @ilgiardino.sg
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