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.
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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.
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The 34-seater space is decked with soft, sensual lighting and rustic warm tones, making it perfect for both intimate dates and larger groups.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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The Sautéed Kale (S$12) dressed with white balsamico, however, is the one side I have a soft spot for.
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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”!
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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).
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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)
Facebook | Instagram | Website
📍 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 ✨