Squisito Italian restaurant

Nestled in the vibrant Arab street neighbourhood, Squisito Italian restaurant on Bali Lane offers a delightful dining experience that combines the heartiness of Italian cuisine with a laid-back, casual ambiance. Let’s take an evening dine-in at Squisito with an exploration of their menu, ambiance, and overall dining experience.

Upon entering Squisito, the casual setting immediately catches the eye. The restaurant’s interior exudes a relaxed ambiance and atmosphere with tabled seating and a bar and kitchen at the far end of the ground floor. Service is prompt and friendly. Also, tabled seating is available on both the ground and second floors, accommodating groups of up to six people. However, the restaurant does have issues accommodating large dining groups. This is physically limited due to the nature of shophouses here in Bali Lane with a narrow width.

This tad deviates from the stereotypical formality associated with Italian dining which are often spacious but cluttered with trinkets and decorations. Moreover, Squisito adopts a culinary philosophy that takes pride in creating a homey atmosphere, intertwining family values with a touch of Italian flair. Moreover, Squisito offers a Halal-Friendly Menu, situated in the Arab Street vicinity near Bugis and a stone’s throw away from the iconic Sultan Mosque. Squisito does caters to a diverse audience. The restaurant proudly offers halal options, ensuring inclusivity for all communities seeking an exceptional Italian dining experience. The menu further accommodates for differing customer dietary preferences, this includes gluten-free food, as well as organic, and vegan choices.

Great value mains and Steaks

Squisito’s menu boasts a variety of tempting options. Noteworthy is the generous portion size of Squisito’s dishes, particularly the steak. Their Angus Ribeye Steak, priced at S$30, offers good quality and value. Also, the Angus steak, served atop a bed of small baked potatoes with a side of leafy greens, exudes freshness and a premium quality feel.

I recommend having it cooked to medium rare. The steak is soft and tender within, and does not exhibit the toughness typically seen in cooked from frozen steaks. Although the edges of the steak might border on being too well done, the overall quality remains commendable. With a price range in the $30s, the offerings compete favorably with other value-driven establishments, reminiscent of, and even rivaling the quality and experience we had previously at iSteaks with their grass fed steaks.

Try their Beef Wellington

Additionally, Squisito’s Beef Wellington (S$39) is a notable menu highlight worth trying. It is served in two parts with a large curry-puff sized puff where the beef and spices are stuffed within. Your dish is served with sides of mash and greens. Though it does have tad more of British than Italian influence, still a 100% European dish. However, patrons should expect a waiting time of up to 30 minutes for this dish. It is also their most expensive mains on the menu.

Squisito menu offerings good value proposition for a good balance of restaurant-style quality at main-street pricing. The affordability of Squisito’s dishes enhances its appeal. Their Beef Wellington, though not as soft and tender as a counterpart at a high-end restaurant, but is up there in terms of excellent value for a casual restaurant, and priced three times less than a comparable Beef Wellington we had at Gordon Ramsay in Marina Bay Sands. You’re your main course, sides, such as fries can be added a discounted $3. An alternative to standalone side dishes, which can be priced upwards of $12 per side.

Pizza and Pasta Selections

Of course, being an Italian restaurant, you can’t stray away from pasta and pizza staples. For a more diverse culinary experience, sharing a side or pizza with a group is recommended. There are 10 pizzas to choose from their menu with price ranging from $15 for a Vegan Marinara, a spicy Vesuvio ($22), to $25 for their Charcoal pizza. If you are undecided, I would recommend their house-branded Squisito di Carne pizza, priced at $24. A potpourri of turkey ham, bacon, sauages and beef salami, tad a meat lovers delight. Their pizzas are thin crust and tomato based, with 8 slices adds a flavourful and shareable dimension to the dining experience.

In addition, Squisito’s menu includes an array of pasta options, from classic spaghetti to more elaborate choices like Ravioli Aragosta, and their Burratina cheese at $24. Also, it is notable that Squisito’s commitment to crafting an authentic experience extends to the daily preparation of handmade fresh pasta. The menu reflects a fusion of traditional Italian dishes and modern interpretations, using only the freshest and flavoursome ingredients.

Calamari sharing ($12)

Ravioli Aragosta ($24)

Squjito mocktail priced at ($9)

The restaurant is also one of the few places which sells less seen pasta, like Ravioli, in Aragosta ($24) and with spinach. There is also Lasagne for $19 a pop if you have the craving for one.

Wrapping up

Wrapping up their menu are a selection of desserts like cake of the day, as well as juices and coffees. In a pleasant surprise for a halal restaurant, Squisito features a selection of mocktails on their menu. The Squjito mocktail, priced at $9, adds a refreshing touch to the overall dining experience.

All in all, that wraps up with our dinner dine-in at Squisito Italian restaurant. The place stands as a gem of a restaurant, tucked away on Bali Lane. Its unassuming exterior hides a culinary haven that delivers both in taste and value. With no frills, just good food, Squisito offers a welcoming space for those seeking an enjoyable Italian dining experience in the heart of the Arab street neighbourhood.

This review is not sponsored by the establishment nor did they provide any editorial input or reimbursements into the content and outcome of this review. All meals were paid for in full out of my own pocket as a regular and anonymous patron.