Basilico – The Best Hearty Italian Semi Buffet

Basilico

We have been eyeing this place for a while, but it is after Littledevil who went to Basilico for her BFFs' birthday celebrations that she has been pestering me to go, knowing that I will like the place.

Basilico - with Wine Rooms in each side of the entrance

Basilico is an award winning Italian Restaurant located in The Regent Hotel Singapore. Basilico means (sweet) basil in English, always emphasises on using the fresh, seasonal in presenting their authentic Italian Cuisine.

The Centerpiece of Basilico

Basilico served two dining option: À la carte and semi-buffet. The semi-buffet option mean that you choose one main dish, to accompany the buffet of antipasti and desserts. No doubt you will be able to guess which option that we go for :)

Open Concept Kitchen (Left of the Centerpiece)

Desserts Kitchen (Right of the Centerpiece)

Once you are seated, you will be served bread sticks appetizer with mince olive dip. The bread sticks is freshly baked and crunchy. However, as we are not the people who fancy olives, we did not really appreciate it as much.

Bread Stick with Olive Dip

We started our entrée with the antipasti and begun with something light. Seared Tuna, smoked salmon, Boccocino, Mozzarella Cheese and tomatoes. The Boccocino, Mozzarella Cheese and tomatoes are our favourite. We always order this as entree when we go to any Italian restaurant. It is a simple dish and just allow the ingredients to speak for itself. The same can be said here, the ingredients are fresh and the cheeses are lovely. The same can be said about the sear tuna, while smoked salmon was not overly salty, can be consider quite subtle good to pair with the cheeses.

Seafood Antipasti, Mozzarella, Boccocino and Tomatoes

For the cured meat selections the selections are Pancetta, Prosciutto di Parma, Salami and Ham. Unlike other buffet, which they control the output of the parma ham, you can really satisfy yourself with the servings here. Served with slices of rock melon, I have to limit myself, remembering that there is still the main dishes to come.

Olives and Cured Meat Selections (Prosciutto di Parma w/ Rock Melon especially)

For the mains, I had the Crispy Pork Belly with Oven-Baked Apple. “Agretti” Salad and a Honey Cinnamon Reduction. The crackling is light and crispy, with similar texture to Cantonese roast pork belly. The meat tasted clean and not gamey, while the Oven-Baked apple and honey cinnamon reduction really balance the fattiness of the roast pork belly. Yummyy!!!

 Crispy Pork Belly with Oven-Baked Apple (Front View)

 Crispy Pork Belly with Oven-Baked Apple (Back View)

Little Devil ('LD') ordered Tender Wagyu Rump with Oven-baked Potatoes and Braised Spring Onions. Although using only the Rump cut, the meat is tender and succulent. Cooked to her order of medium rare. The potatoes is slightly crispy on the skin and soft on the inside. The Au Jus is just flavourful.

 Tender Wagyu Rump

Meanwhile, Tracy's BFF, Lady Baker ('LB') satisfying her cravings for lamb. She had Grilled Spring Lamb Chops with Rhubarb and Ricotta Goat Cheese Cream, Green Asparagus. The lamb chops are small in size, I would say more towards a lady's portion. Consider LB asked it to be cooked to Well Done, it was well executed and the meat remain tender. Asparagus were sweet and crunchy, good with the Ricotta.

Grilled Spring Lamb Chops

For desserts, the selections are also impressive. Our picks are: The Bread and Butter Pudding which was very rustic and good. I paired it with a scoop of chocolate sorbet. Bonet (Chocolate Pudding with Amaretti Biscuits provide a good velvety chocolate flavour, while the Crema ai Lamponi (Raspberry cream) will give you a good sour perk up after the meal. For the rest of the desserts, just stick to those with chocolate, as the one without chocolates are quite ordinary.

Part of Desserts Selection

Part of Dessert Selections: Biscotti, Sorbets and condiments

Part of Dessert Selections: Cannoli, Bread and Butter Pudding,Puddings, Cream & Pastry 

Although the Italian are renowned for the coffee, I was left disappointed with the coffee on offer here. I ordered a cappuccino, not only the coffee feels watery, it was burnt as well. I should have stick with black coffee with milk on the side. On the upside, I need to praise the bartender for coming up a good Lemon Lime and Bitters which I ordered in the beginning of the meal

Disappointing Cappuccino

Selections of Cheeses

The atmosphere here is just amazing. The dining section is dimly lid, which provide a very good atmosphere for romantic dinner. The space between table is sufficient to give you a slight sense of privacy. Meanwhile, round central section, is the centre stage for the food. It is brightly lid, with beautiful chandelier and semi open kitchen concepts on the East and West section of the circle. The service is very personalized and professional. One of the best service we ever experience. Big Thumbs up for the service.

The Table Setting

The Centerpiece View from the seating area

Overall, Basilico is definitely a place to go for Italian. The Semi Buffet is a must try and the ingredients are always at the freshest and authentic Italian. Kudos to the team for maintaining the consistency all these year. Cincin!! Cheers!!

Food & Drink: 9/10

Value: 8/10

Service: 9/10

Ambiance: 9/10

Budget per Person: $ 81 & Above

Basilico

1 Cuscaden Road

Level 2, The Regent Singapore

S249715

T: +65 6725 3232

W: http://www.regenthotels.com/EN/Singapore/Cuisine/Basilico

OH:

Breakfast, Mon – Sat 06.30 – 10.30; Sun 07.00 - 10:30
Lunch, Mon – Sat 12.00 - 14:30; Sun 12.00 - 15.00
Dinner, Daily 18.30 – 22:00

Three-Course Dinner with a choice of main course at $82++

Basilissimo with Wine pairing 2 glasses $112++

Basilissimo with Wine pairing 3 glasses $132++