Griglia is one of those Italian restaurants that do things differently.
It’s not a place to visit if you’re craving the usual pizza and pasta. Instead, it offers a fresh take on the traditional grigliata, whereby families gather round the charcoal grill in the summertime, cooking and feasting in a convivial manner.
Naturally, when I received news that it’d opened in a second location at none other than my favourite neighbourhood in Singapore — Katong — I was more than thrilled to visit.
Just like its first outpost in Tanjong Pagar, Griglia Katong serves up rustic yet refined Italian flavours on sharing plates, featuring fire-kissed produce from the land, sea, and garden.
The 34-seater space is decked with soft, sensual lighting and rustic warm tones, making it perfect for both intimate dates and larger groups.
I always recommend starting off with a selection of finger-food snacks like the Mortadella Mousse (S$6), Prawn Tartare (S$7), or even Brisket Slider (S$8).
I always try my hardest to go easy on the bread served at Italian restaurants, but in this case, the House-made Foccacia (S$8) with garlic and rosemary was a force to be reckoned with. It was soft, springy, and wonderfully charred, with a crisp yet chewy crust, and when dipped into extra virgin olive oil, proved irresistible.
As for starters, the Sicilian Tomatoes (S$19) generously seasoned with aromatic wild oregano and topped with Tarallo bread crumble, would sit well with those who prefer something lighter and more palate-cleansing.
However, I felt that it paled in comparison to the Beef Tartare (S$22), comprising marinated diced beef crowned with Beluga capers and smoked quail eggs. You’re meant to wrap it up with the accompanying fresh romaine lettuce leaves — sorta like those Asian lettuce wraps.
But it was the Hokkaido Scallops (S$28) with crunchy white corn — sweet, smoky, and fresh-tasting in all the right ways — that really stole the show.
If you fancy the flavours of lasagna (but without the carbs), the Baked Eggplant (S$24) comes smothered in an umami-rich tomato sauce with just the right amount of buffalo mozzarella.
No visit to Griglia is complete without ordering at least one pasta dish, and you should let it be the Fusilli “Monograno Felicetti” (S$32), which pairs perfectly al dente pasta with jumbo crab, ‘Nduja (spicy salami), and Calabrian chill.
It was delightfully spicy, piquant, and smoky — I couldn’t get enough.
I may or may not have behaved like a kid in a candy shop when the array of sides were served, starring crowd favourites like the Potato Purée (S$11) with horseradish and smoked caciocavallo (cheese) bits; crunchy Romaine Lettuce (S$12); and the wildly popular Charcoal Grilled Baby Corn (S$12).
The Sautéed Kale (S$12) dressed with white balsamico, however, is the one side I have a soft spot for.
This also signalled the arrival of the savoury charcoal-grilled mains, all of which can feed two diners or more. If it’s seafood you’re after, treat yourself to the Half Spanish Turbot (S$78), which boasts firm, succulent, and mildly sweet flesh — no wonder it’s referred to as ‘King of the Sea”!
Other meatier options include Bone-in Angus Striploin (S$88), Suckling Pig Porchetta (S$98), and even a hulking 200 Days Grain Fed Angus Beef Prime Rib ‘Costata’ (S$298) for larger groups of four to five people.
The Tuscan-inspired 30 Days Dry Aged Porterhouse ‘Fiorentina’ (S$158) is my top pick, because it’s so, so hard not to swoon over those perfectly pink and flavourful slices of beef (oh, and the beautifully charred crust is a bonus).
Don’t forget the best part — the extra tender meat and fatty bits along the bone.
As for drinks, you can choose from a well-curated selection of wines from renowned Italian regions, or hit up the in-house bar for signature cocktails like the refreshing Tropica Spritzer (S$18) and classic Negroni (S$18).
If you’ve still got room for dessert, there’s always the Nocciolamisu (S$14), a rich and indulgent mascarpone-forward tiramisu spiked with Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur).
The fun-to-eat Sicillian Cannoli (S$4 per piece) stuffed with chocolate and ricotta, and rolled with crushed pistachios, is ideal for those with a real sweet tooth. Otherwise, cleanse your palate (and end the evening on a high) with the Sgroppino (S$18), zesty lemon sorbet and vodka topped off with prosecco.
So, easties, what are you waiting for? A hearty Italian fireside feast that’ll sweep you off your feet awaits!
Reservations can be made here.
Griglia (Katong)
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📍 139 East Coast Road, Singapore 428829
🕑 5.30pm–11pm (Tue to Thu), 12pm—3pm, 5.30pm–11pm (Fri to Sun), Closed on Mon
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Photos by Christabel Tan
I'm always feelin' either boozy or boujee ✨