As one of Singapore's oldest Italian restaurants, Pete's Place has long provided comforting staples to lovers of Italian cuisines. Its setting is deliberately rustic and cosy - in Grand Hyatt's underground brick-walled basement, with tables covered in red-checked tablecloths. Some of the long-time waiters are as much an institution as their bread, soup and salad bar - which offers at least six to seven types of bread, along with three different home-made butters, and mix-your-own greens to go with almost a dozen toppings and dressings. At $48 per adult without alcohol, it's also one of the most affordable brunches for those who don't drink. For those who do, just pay $72 each inclusive free flow of draft beers, wines and Campari cocktails.

This is a place to feel at home, with a pizza oven serving up pizza by the slice and live pasta counter for you to load up on fresh pastas with your favourite ingredients - in our case, the choice of aglio olio was perfectly al dente. The range of Italian and Tuscan dishes in the warm covered dishes continue the homey feel, with a good range of meats and vegetables such as the popular grilled lamb chops and roast chicken. They don't leave out a cold seafood counter either - the chilled prawns were reasonably large and fresh during our visit.

With the manageable selections, you'll have ample room for dessert - including home-made ice creams, over which you can spoon the heavenly whole cherry griottes in liqueur. Strawberry cheesecake, chocolate tart, tiramisu, and endless trays of chocolate truffles later, we reluctantly bid farewell to our little slice of Italy and re-enter the crowded streets of Orchard Road above. Pete's Place Sunday brunch takes place 11.30am to 2.30pm every Sunday at Basement Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10 Scotts Road, 6732 1234.

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