What was formerly River Valley Primary School is now a building that houses a restaurant serving bona fide Italian cuisine – La Villa. La Villa which means “The House” in Italian offers a homely vibe. It has antique wooden chairs, soft lighting and interiors that emanate warmth. There is a bar and a semi-open kitchen where diners can watch chefs work their culinary magic. And if you like a taste of the outdoors, you can do that too, at La Villa. Its patio and lush garden is decked up in fairy lights when the sun sets. Here, diners can enjoy an alfresco meal and watch the stars or cars zip by along River Valley road. Certainly, the ambience here is quiet and relaxing, perfect for a romantic dinner or just chilling out with your best friends over a meal.

The menu is chiefly Italian and inspired by produce from, of course, Italy. Aside from the usual pasta and pizza dishes that most Italians establishments offer, La Villa’s trump card is the classic grilled specialty. There is an extensive selection of starters such as the must-try Antipasto where a medley of cured meats and grilled vegetables will tempt your taste buds. Another must-try appetiser is the “La Villa Salad” – a winsome creation of feta cheese, eff, black olives, tomatoes, smoked turkey and tuna. Every mouthful is sheer delight.

And if you have an affinity for wholesome, homecooked pasta then you should check out the Angel Hair Pasta Capellini with Lobster Ragout ‘Sardina Style’. The sauce is divinely flavourful and the Capellini is superbly al dente. The preferred style of eating is to twirl the pasta and mop it up with the sauce and take a stab at the lobster chunk – deliriously delicious! Grilled meats such as seafood, lamb and beef are not to be missed. They are lightly salted for you to enjoy the taste of the meat. Every bite of the lamb or beef is tender and unctuous. The grilled seafood like mini lobster and fish is minimally salted for you to taste the freshness of the oceanic catch. Down it with a stellar Chianti, and you wish for seconds.

Wine lovers will not be disappointed. La Villa offers a well appointed list of old and new world wines. By-the-glass options are limited but their range of wine by the bottle can sate the most discerning oenophile. End the meal with their range of scrumptious desserts such as their traditional Tiramisu or Pannacota with Stawberry Coulis. Ah… La Villa epitomises the way Italians like to wine and dine! And La Villa’s Sunday brunch (11.30am to 2.30pm) is not to be missed! The brunch consists of free-flow prosecco, a semi-buffet of antipasto and desserts and choice of mains for just $58! Check details with the restaurant. For reservations call 6836 5286 or visit them at 341 River Valley Road, #01-03.

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