Buko Nero – Homely Italian Restaurant At Tanjong Pagar Road, With Michelin Recommendation

While Tanjong Pagar is known for its stretch of Korean restaurants, do you know there is this Michelin-recommended Italian restaurant here.

Buko Nero is a long-running neighbourhood joint along Tanjong Pagar, though I must say it was slightly hidden.

It is helmed by Veneto-born Chef Oscar Pasinato while his wife Tracy Ng from Singapore runs the front of the house as the host.

A refined Italian gastronomy with Asian influences best describes the food.

Chef Oscar constantly evolves his menu using seasonal produce, so be ready to find something new and aesthetic.

You can tell from the dishes how he melds simplicity with innovation.

The Michelin Guide Singapore acclaimed its Risotto with Saffron and Fermented Garlic.

Did you know that Buko Nero uses Acquerello rice? It is the world’s first aged white rice (Carnaroli, regarded by many as best for risotto) with its nutrient-rich germ.

The Acquerello Risotto Milanese Style Saffron and Orange ($32) is recommended. You would notice how the grains stay intact, consistent, and tastier without any stickiness. Risotto perfecto!

Their 3-course Set Lunch starts from $38++ per person, which I found value for its money for the quality of food.

If you are in a tasting mood, a Degustation Menu is available on request (5-course, $148++ per person; 6-course, $168++ per person).

Of course, their Pasta offerings are not to be missed.

I had the Homemade Tagliatelle with Octopus and Bottarga (part of Set Lunch) reflects Chef Oscar’s penchant for fresh pasta.

The tagliatelle which was crafted in-house, had an impeccable al dente texture, serving as the ideal canvas for the rich and complex flavors.

It featured the richness of bottarga, a salt-cured fish roe delicacy aka Mediterranean caviar.

My friend had the Homemade Spinach Gomiti Pasta with Sea Urchin Sauce and Red Prawns Tartare ($38), partly because we were also curious about a style of pasta we haven’t had before.

The Gomiti is also known as “elbow macaroni”, best described as a short, curved, tube-shaped pasta.

Infused with spinach, the Spinach Gomiti Pasta offered a subtle vegetal flavor and pleasingly chewy texture, creating a contrast to the creamy and rich sea urchin sauce.

The buttery and subtly sweeet sauce, provided a velvety blanket that enveloped each piece of pasta. “Delizioso”.

You might want to end the meal with a Sticky Dates Pudding, Caramel Coulis, and Homemade Tahiti Vanilla Gelato ($16) paired with Sambuca ($16) – an Italian digestif after a meal.

I had the My Grandmother’s Cake with Raspberry Coulis ($16).

While looking simple, this cake stood out for its moist, tender crumb with subtly sweet flavor reminiscent of vanilla and butter.

The real magic, however, lied in the vibrant raspberry coulis with its bright, tangy sweetness.

This cosy 20-seater also features a private room for exclusive intimate dining.

Buko Nero’s simple yet innovative Italian fare with a touch of Asian makes it a sought-after dining spot this side of Singapore. While the setting inside was kind of dark, the overall vibes was surprisingly homely.

Buko Nero
126 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088534
Opening Hours: 6pm – 11pm (Tues – Wed), 12pm – 2:30pm, 6pm – 11pm (Thurs – Sat), Closed Mon, Sun

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