What’s it like? As you turn off Telok Blangah Road onto the bridge that links Singapore to its resort islet of Sentosa, you can already feel the city's hectic pace slow down and a soothing calm settle in. By the time you arrive at Il Lido, your mood would have been so finely tuned, you're raring for the gastronomic adventure ahead. Il Lido opened in early February to gourmands eager to sample the magical combination of Venetian influenced Italian cuisine by Chef Michele Pavanello and hospitality defined by restaurateur Beppe de Vito.
The immediate talking point of this restaurant, however, is the panoramic, unobstructed views of the South China Sea from the verandah, and a daily showing of spectacular sunsets that we, city folks, usually miss out on as we’re always chasing deadlines.
Where is it? At the Sentosa Golf Club. Entering the resort island, private cars are subject to S$2 (US$1.26) entry charge (per vehicle), while visitors arriving by taxi only pay the admission fee of S$2 per person.
Seating options: Guests can dine indoors in air-conditioned comfort. The muted gold flooring, dark wood fittings and off-white walls are fittingly accented by maroon sofas paired with orange and green designer chairs. Alfresco seating is available on the verandah. If at the bar, you get to admire bartenders in action.
The food: There is a choice of a la carte or asking Beppe to tailor a menu for you. Ever present, the jolly signor is only too happy to assist, eager for the chance to show the true meaning of Italian hospitality. All he asks is to give him “a chance to please you”. We left the job of ordering in his good hands and he didn’t disappoint.
Dinner started with a Tomino (S$22/US$13.83) – a yummy presentation of cheese, ruccola and mushroom that just melted in one’s mouth, followed by a very dry, yet delicate Sea Urchin Pasta, done al dente with a nice mild herb spice that muted the otherwise strong urchin taste. Our main course was the Atlantic Cod with tomato, potatoes, caperberries and olives (S$35/US$22). Chef Michele uses only the freshest ingredients available and this was obvious from the first bite. By the time the Venetian Style Tiramisu (S$12/US$7.54) in a clear glass tea cup arrived, the verdict was final – the meal was molto buono!
The wine: The wine list at Il Lido is extensive enough to please anyone passionate about wines, and the good news is that the prices are not overly expensive. A light and mildly sweet wine good enough to start any meal is the Fragolino Rosso NV available at S$9 (US$5.66) a glass or S$60 (US$38) a bottle. For the repast we had, the Tomino will go well with Italian sparkling wine like the Prossecco (S$9/US$5.66 per glass); red Rosso at S$11 (US$6.91) a glass or even a flute of Champagne. To complement the sea urchin pasta, a stronger red such as the Primotivo is recommended and a dry white Chardonnay will accent the freshness of the atlantic cod.
Verdict: The food at Il Lido was outstanding and well worth driving out to Sentosa for.
Opening hours: Daily from 1130 to 1430 for lunch and 1830 to 1100. Bar opens 1100 to 1200 Sunday to Thursday and 0100 on other days.
CONTACT: Il Lido, Sentosa Golf Club, 27 Bukit Manis Road, tel 65 6866 1977.
Goh Chui Peng
