il Cielo may be that hidden dining gem that you are looking for, perched on Level 24 of Hilton Singapore, complete with a semi-alfresco dining experience with a panoramic view of Orchard Road.
So, what have you been missing?
The restaurant has recently appointed Chef Yohhei Sasaki as Chef de Cuisine, who has introduced a NEW menu featuring Italian flavours with unique Japanese flair.
I have a thing about Italian cuisine cooked by Japanese chefs (oh, Uni Pasta!), which is either full of pleasant surprises or elegantly intricate.
This happens to be both.
The dishes here are created with three key elements – using locally sourced natural ingredients, seasonal Italian and Japanese gourmet produce, and handcrafted with Chef Sasaki’s refined techniques.
Chef Sasaki took a bold step by travelling to Italy to be trained in top Michelin-starred Italian restaurants in Tuscany and Lombardia, and came to Singapore a few years back.
When I had the Amuse Bouche which was part of the Degustation Menu, I was already impressed especially with the Foie Gras Macaron – an indication the menu is on another level all together.
Diners can order the il Cielo signature dishes (some featured below) available in the ala carte menu, or degustation menus – available as set lunches or 5-course dinner menu.
The Degustation Tasting Menu is offered in 2 themes – Italian at $88 per person ($118 with wine pairing), and Japanese at $118 per person ($148 with wine pairing). (Quote ‘DFDilCielo’ to enjoy a complimentary wine flight, including 3 glasses of wines worth $30++.)
Here are some of the signature dishes in il Cielo’s revamped menu by Chef Sasaki:
Carpaccio di Kinmedai
Kinmedai Carpaccio, Seaweed Tuile, Madeira Wine Dressing, Pink Grapefruit Snow
A starter that provides that expectation of what is to come, and you realise you cannot quite pigeon-hole the food here.
The Kinmedai “Golden Eye Fish” Carpaccio resembles a sashimi dish, except that this has a lot more going on.
With the theatrical presentation, it was sprinkled with pink grapefruit snow, created by nitro-freezing the fruit mix into powder. The tuile wafer made with seaweed and rice was a well-intentioned addition, providing both crisp texture and savoury umami taste. Loved it.
Calamaro Ripieno alla Viareggina
Stuffed Squid, Squid ink Bagna Cauda Sauce, Italian Parsley Puree, Squid ink Powder, Sea Water Foam
Stuffed squids are common in the Mediterranean which inspired this dish. The sea water foam resembled the bubbles in the ocean.
I enjoyed the beautiful texture and flavours. The squid was tender and didn’t have that rubbery texture. The portion was great too.
Cappellini Burro e Timo
Homemade Capellini Maine Lobster, Thyme Butter Sauce, Porcini Crumble, Black Truffle
While there were pricier ingredients of black truffle and Maine lobster, the homemade pasta was clearly the star of this dish.
That soft yellow hue, rich eggy flavour, cooked al dente with a good bite.
Spaghetti ai Ricci di Mare
Homemade Spaghetti, Hokkaido Sea Urchin, Sardinia Bottarga, Yuzu
Rich, moderately creamy, and elegantly delicious Uni Pasta.
I generally liked the lightness of the dish. You could taste the delicate blend of flavours from the saltiness of the fish roe, acquired ocean briny taste of the sea urchin, with hints of tangy yuzu for that brought that subtle zest at the end.
Costina di Manzo ‘Toriyama Wagyu A4’
Caramelized Toriyama Wagyu A4 Short Ribs, Sautéed Saffron Risotto, Lemon Gel, Italian Parsley Sauce
The Toriyama Wagyu came expectedly with great marbling for that melt-in-mouth sensation. I only wondered about the risotto which came creatively like a piece of patty beneath, if it could work better with more creaminess within.
Duo di Maiale
Herb Roasted Pork Collar and Slow Braised Belly of Mangalica Pork
Between the two pieces, I enjoyed the braised mangalica pork a lot better. Known for its stronger taste and fuller fat content, the meat was ideal for slow cooking to savour that juiciness after.
Il Nostro Tiramisu
Mascarpone Cream, Coffee ladyfingers, Espresso Espuma, Crushed Chocolate
My dining partner called this the “tamed down Tiramisu”. I guess she was right.
Without the intense alcoholic flavour, this dessert came across as a lighter, fluffier version of the traditional tiramisu. Makes a suitable end to a satisfying meal.
La Sfera
Yuzu Sphere, Ricotta Cheese Espuma, Lemon Sorbet, Acacia Honey Gel
Looking like a yellow balloon on a plate, you cannot imagine the amount of work that goes into making one of these. But it was worth the effort.
Beneath the yuzu sphere was a ‘treasure’ of lemon sorbet (not easy to keep it not melting), with its tanginess balanced with the addition of mildly sweet ricotta cheese and acacia honey gel – known to be one of the best types of honey in the world.
Literally a refreshing ball of pleasure.
I certainly think that the creativity and the quality of ingredients used make this restaurant Michelin-star worthy.
With its intimate setting with 48-seater capacity, the name “il Cielo” which translates to “the sky” can be that dining place for corporate lunches, to romantic dinners and celebrations.
Pricing for Degustation Menu
Lunch: 2-course ($25++), 3-course ($35++)
The set lunches come at a great price, with 3-course at $35++, and 2-course at $25++. They are also weekly rotational depending on the freshest ingredients available. Enquire with the restaurant on the menu for the week.
Dinner: 5-course ($88++ for Italy menu, $118++ for Japanese menu)
Exclusive DFD Promotion
Quote ‘DFDilCielo’ to enjoy a complimentary wine flight (including 3 glasses of wines worth $30++) when you order the 5-course degustation menu during dinner. First 50 reservations / limited offer allocations daily.
*Only valid during dinner and 5-course Italian/Japanese degustation menus.
il Cielo Restaurant
Level 24, Hilton Singapore 581 Orchard Road Singapore 238883
Tel: +65 6730 3395
Email: ilcielo@hilton.com
Website: https://singapore.hilton.com/ilCielo
Opening Hours: Lunch 12:30pm – 2.30pm (Mon – Fri)
Dinner 7:00pm – 10:30pm (Mon – Sat)
il Cielo Festive Specials, December 1 to 31 2017
You can look forward to exquisite dishes including roasted Maine Lobster and Agnolotti with Lobster Bisque Sauce, Béchamel Espuma and Saffron Potatoes; homemade Cold Pesto Capellini with Shogoin Kabura (turnip), Smoked Salmon and Ikura; and Herb-Roasted Premium Hokkaido Snow Beef Chuck Short Ribs with Black Garlic Cream, Celeriac Purée and Seasonal Japanese Radish.
Pricing
• 6-course Festive Menu, December 1 to 30 | $138 per person*. (Not valid from December 23 to 25.)
• 5-course Christmas Menu, December 23 to 25 | $138 per person**
• 6-course New Year’s Eve Menu, December 31 | $138 per person**
Exclusive DFD Festive Promotion
*Limited to first 50 reservations, quote ‘DFDilCieloXmas’ to enjoy a complimentary wine flight (including 3 glasses of wines worth $30++) when you order the 6-course Festive Menu from 1 to 30 December.
** On top of Citibank 20% off early-bird promo, quote ‘DFDilCieloXmas’ to get additional 5% off (must have Citibank card) for bookings made before 10 Dec. Subject to availability.
*This entry is brought to you in partnership with Hilton Singapore.
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