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A lush new chapter unfolds at Singapore Botanic Gardens this July 2025 with the opening of il Giardino, a garden-inspired Italian restaurant that brings cicchetti-style dining, botanical cocktails, and heritage Italian flavours with a twist. Taking over the second floor of The Garage, il Giardino blooms just in time for the 10th anniversary of the Gardens’ UNESCO World Heritage status — inviting you and your loved ones to celebrate with hearty sharing plates and alfresco Italian vibes in one of Singapore’s most iconic natural landmarks.
il Giardino — which means “The Garden” in Italian — is a natural fit for its setting. The interiors glow with walnut wood finishes, copper accents, and forest green tones, made all the more vibrant with the addition of live plants and an airiness that draws nature in. Its breezy terrace is purposefully designed to stay cool on warm tropical evenings, while the biophilic design of the space creates a seamless blend between restaurant and rainforest.
From weekday date nights to weekend family feasts, the ambience here is an invitation to slow down, savour, and share. Even before its official launch, it had already hosted a wedding — setting the tone for the kind of moments this restaurant is designed for.
Under the direction of Chef Felix Chong, 1-Group’s Culinary Associate Director, il Giardino introduces the Venetian ‘bacaro’ tradition to the heart of Singapore — small, shareable dishes meant for lively communal dining. Chef Felix’s career includes leading some of the country’s top Italian kitchens (including Monti), and here, he infuses classic Italian flavours with local herbs, botanicals, and Asian inspirations.
Take the Panzanella ‘Singapura’ ($14), for instance — a reimagined Tuscan salad using green mango, cashews, heirloom tomatoes, and smoked tamarind vinaigrette. Or the Italian Harvest Salad ($16), served tableside and brimming with roasted vegetables, spicy salami, arugula, and grana padano for a dramatic touch.
Plates are offered in small and large portions, with some dishes such as the Slow Braised Osso Bucco ($28 S / $38 L) standing out for their richness and depth. Here, fork-tender veal in Barolo wine jus is lifted with a kaffir lime gremolata — a subtle Asian accent that cuts through its richness beautifully. Similarly, the Roasted Corn-fed Chicken ($16 half / $28 whole) is brined for succulence, then roasted and finished with a lemon caper sauce inspired by the Amalfi coast.
Seafood lovers will be drawn to the Pan Roasted King Salmon ($28), topped with a crisp crust of parsley and pine nuts, and served with a tangy ginger flower salsa verde and signature eggplant caponata. The Slow Cooked Venetian Octopus ($20 S / $32 L), a rustic favourite, arrives from a large pot and is plated tableside — a visual and sensory feast. Dressed with Laudemio extra virgin olive oil and paired with house bread, this dish brings a generous Mediterranean spirit to the table.
Each plate celebrates the bounty of the garden — from traditional Italian cheese and house-made gremolata to the subtle brightness of ginger flowers and local citrus. Dishes like these reflect Chef Felix’s philosophy: start with strong roots, and let new flavours grow.
No garden gathering is complete without a toast, and il Giardino’s cocktail list is where things bloom even further. The signature Giardino Spritz ($18) pairs Prosecco and Limoncello with a fragrant thyme syrup. Meanwhile, Under the Tuscan Sun ($18) blends white rum and Limoncello with basil and lemon — capturing the freshness of the garden in every sip.
As for dessert, expect nothing less than performance. The il Giardino Affogato ($14) brings together hazelnut or vanilla gelato on a crunchy buttered almond-coffee base, hidden under a delicate Valrhona chocolate shell. At the table, a hot shot of espresso is poured to melt it, releasing aromas and a molten chocolate swirl that is made for the ‘gram.
Looking for something lighter? The Crispy Fried Chiacchiere ($14) comes with a choice of four gelato and sorbet flavours, including honey ginger and blood orange.
With its tranquil views, elevated dishes, and zero-waste ethos, il Giardino feels at once indulgent and grounded. The restaurant welcomes intimate dinners, casual family gatherings, and milestone events — all against the backdrop of tropical trees, birdsong, and botanical elegance. Its cicchetti-style dining encourages conversation, laughter, and slowing down — reminding you that good food tastes even better when shared.
Address: il Giardino, The Garage, Level 2, 50 Cluny Park Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore 257488
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Friday: 6.00pm – 10.00pm (last order 9.30pm) Saturday & Sunday: 5.00pm – 10.00pm (last order 9.30pm)
Website: https://www.ilgiardino.sg Instagram: @ilgiardino.sg Facebook: facebook.com/ilgiardinosg
Hashtags: #ilGiardinoSG #CicchettiStyle #ItalianInTheGardens #GardenDiningSG
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