Chef Giuliano Dacasto's hand-wrought Italian cuisine at L'Angolo has won him a fierce following over the past year. It comes as no surprise then that he has ventured forth on an independent project with Zaffiro, the latest power dining spot to open at the heart of the Central Business District. "The menu at Zaffiro marries the freshest ingredients with classic Italian recipes to reinvent the wheel, bringing forth flavours that are both exciting and comfortable to the most seasoned palates," says Dacasto. With Dacasto at the helm, we expected nothing but quality ingredients dished up with contemporary flair, and he did not disappoint on both counts.

For starters, we tried the Alaskan king crab served with asparagus, zucchini and sweet chilli, where the sweetness of the crab and crisp freshness of the zucchini spoke for itself. The sweet chilli, while unexpected, added a subtle kick of spice. Then the greenland scallops arrived - plump, beautifully roasted and thoughtfully paired with a Franciacorta wine sauce.

When it comes to pastas, we're told that only handmade pasta makes it out of Dacasto's kitchen doors. Try the veal shank ravioli, a toothsome parcel stuffed with veal and savoy cabbage. Shaved truffles crown the dish, but if you ask us, this hearty dish could hold its own weight regardless.

The roasted suckling pig came recommended. The pig is stewed for three hours in a mirto broth before it is roasted for 10 minutes. While we would have enjoyed the hog in a leaner cut, the accompanying squashed celeriac, turnip, shallot and mirto sauce helped to cut through the fatty taste.  

For dessert, we tried Dacasto's traditional rum "Baba" sponge cake. It turned out to be a moist sponge cake shot through with citrus zest. As far as sponge cakes go, it was well executed on all counts, but lacked the creativity and finesse that the other dishes displayed.

On the whole, the food at Zaffiro is worth a return visit for its honest Italian fare and emphasis on quality ingredients.

#01-01, 8 Marina View, Asia Square Tower 1, 6636 0590; www.zaffiro.com.sg

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