Rooftop Italian restaurant il Cielo reopens its doors following a short closure; shedding its formal roots, il Cielo returns with a brand-new concept at the newly opened voco Orchard Singapore, promising good times, an all-new menu of comfort Italian fare and a laidback, vibrant experience. Set against the scenic city skyline, il Cielo features a charming outdoor dining space alongside a 28-seater indoor dining room for those looking for a more intimate spot to dine.
Helmed by Chef Marco Fregnan and Restaurant Manager, Ryan Hein, the restaurant will present a fresh selection of Italian comfort food, perfect for sharing, along with a selection of contemporary and organic wine labels, offering an unstuffy, casual and cosy rooftop dining experience to whet even the most discerning of appetites.
Drawing inspiration from the vibrant flavours of Italy’s diverse culinary traditions, as well as Chef Marco’s own, highlights from the refreshed menu, include appetisers like the Fritto Misto ($18)—traditional Amalfi fried seafood assortment, which includes calamari, prawn, soft shell crab and whitebait, along with vegetable and lemon aioli. Crisp, with a flavoursome and tender centre, each bite evokes the picturesque coasts of Amalfi, Naples from which this humble dish originates. The Carpaccio ($28) is also a standout—Angus beef tenderloin, mascarpone, shimeji mushroom, 24 months Parmigiano Reggiano—a historic dish kept minimalistic, true to its roots, but now elevated with delicate mushrooms and a touch of mascarpone.
You can also look forward to a selection of tantalising mains, including il Cielo’s take on the classic Cacio & Pepe ($28)—sure to hit home for fans of the iconic pasta dish—cacio e pepe sauce on classic angel hair topped with fresh pecorino cheese and oyster mushrooms. Other standouts include the Granchio & Asparagi ($32)— black ink angel hair, crab meat ragout, green asparagus, cherry tomato—a traditional delicacy where aromatic squid ink melds with classic fresh egg pasta, crab and locally-harvested asparagus and tomato to create a perfect harmony of flavours.
For sharing, il Cielo’s pizzas are perfect, with selections like the Prosciutto Parma ($30)—Fior di latte mozzarella, 20-months Parma ham, arugula, parmesan cheese—and the moreish 6 Cheeses ($28)—Fior di latte mozzarella, scamorza, taleggio, parmesan, gorgonzola, black pepper on a ricotta cheese base. Paired with the restaurant’s signature Homemade Limoncello ($15) which is made in-house with organically sourced lemons, or a selection of wines ranging from classics to contemporary selections, each meal at il Cielo is one to linger over, and a gustatory delight to remember.
You can expect interesting wines such as the selections from Ferro 13. Each label from this atypical Italian winery reflects a relatable yet distinct character and tells a story of its own; all its wines come with meal pairing suggestions along with playful music and book pairings, revealed through QR codes on bottles. Highlights include “The Lady” Pinot Nero, Ferro 13, Selected Regions, Italy—a fine, elegant, balanced white that pays tribute to the women of the world, and “Gentleman” Pinot Grigio, Ferro 13, Pavia Italy— a unique red that recalls notes of red fruits and berries. A curated selection of organic wines is also available, in line with voco Orchard Singapore’s commitment to sustainability.
A range of decadent dessert selections also awaits, including the Panna Cotta alle nocciole ($16), an old-time favourite of Chef Marco Fregnan—hazelnut praline panna cotta, crunchy hazelnut, caramel fudge, citrus marmalade—that artfully juxtaposes vibrant citrus flavour with nutty, creamy panna cotta.
il Cielo is located at Level 24, voco Orchard Singapore 581 Orchard Road, Singapore 238883 and is open for dine-in and takeaways. For reservations, visit: www.orcharddining.vocohotels.com/dining/il-cielo. For updates, follow il Cielo on Instagram: @ilcielosg
