Few restaurants enjoy such an enviable location right on the waters of the Marina Bay. Housed in the pod-like Fullerton Pavilion, Monti is both restaurant and bar, and an all-around fantastic destination in which to spend an evening. Make a reservation and request a window-side table. Then come at dusk and watch the bay come to life with twinkling lights as you sip on a glass of wine.

On the menu are refined Italian dishes, the most memorable of which is the risotto cacao e pepe, made tableside in a wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. The hot rice is flambéed in the wheel, and as the chefstirs the mix and scrapes at the delicious cheese, the rice becomes suffused with its deeply savoury flavour.

The fresh pastas, made in a show kitchen, are also outstanding—in particular, the invertiti, or fresh ravioli stuffed with pulled veal shank and swathed in a light bone marrow sauce flecked with lemon zest.

Traditionally rustic Italian meats and fish are given an elegant spin at Monti. For instance, an incredibly tender secreto cut of Iberico pork is served on a bed of silky polenta and paired with earthy chanterelle mushrooms. Monkfish fillet is wrapped in pancetta and fried to a lightcrisp and served with neatly diced ratatouille.

Post-meal, linger for the nightly jazz performances by some of Singapore’s finest talents, including Jeremy Monteiro, Louis Soliano, and Melissa Tham. The service here is happily attentive and the staff knowledgeable about the offerings available. No doubt, Monti is one ofthose places that will impress both Singapore residents and visitors alike.