Housed in a colonial building tucked away in a corner of Duxton Hill, Alba 1836 is giving more established fine Italian restaurants a run for their money. Not only is the cuisine executed with finesse, the decor also smartly balances stylish modernity with traditional elegance. Kick off the experience with the kitchen’s take on tuna carpaccio—delicate slivers of fresh fish topped with dollops of smoked caviar, sour cream and sea urchin from the Mediterranean. Follow with something heartier, such as the spinach and parmesan tortelli. The homemade pasta is rolled to just the right thickness and coated with a comforting butter and sage sauce. Every bite yields a splendid burst of nuanced flavours, while toasted almond flakes add a touch of crunch.

The highlight of the main courses is a roasted lamb loin with Sardinian pecorino cheese crust, served with purple potatoes and sautéed green asparagus. This choice cut retains its succulence perfectly, while the crumbly cheese endows it with delicious umami. Dessert-wise, you cannot go wrong with the dark chocolate millefeuille.