Cugini, which is the Italian word for cousins, is a tightly knitted family restaurant run by four close friends, two of whom are cousins. The owners set out to provide a homely and exclusive dining experience which explains the presence of only about twenty tables at the restaurant side to ensure that each diner is not hurried and enjoys the Cugini experience. Established recently in October, the owners who are richly experienced in the dining industry, with their star-studded cast of chefs shifted their operations from London to bring the authentic and homely Italian food to our sunny shores.

• The Vibe
  Cugini's interior, as a whole, enhances your aesthetic pleasure the moment you step in. Designed by architect studio D-Linz, it resembles the chic and minimalist designs found in Europe where the focus is on the fundamentals to give it a clean and simplistic feel. The lounge bar consists of an illuminated bar counter surrounded by plush, comfy seats. Chic stringed-like curtain separates the lounge bar and restaurant, delineating the two areas.

• The Food
  A perfect start would be the Carpaccio Di Manzo Con Olio Tartufato e Falde Di Grana ($19). Consisting of beef carpaccio with truffle oil, shaved parmigano and rocket salad, it is unlike other fancy starters, as the preparation for this down- to-earth dish is kept simple. On its own, the paper-thin slivers of beef would be a tad boring to eat, but when paired with the savoury cheese, it certainly revved up our appetites. By virtue of being hand pounded, the beef is immensely tender and a cut above the rest.

  The restaurant has an exciting main course menu, boasting a good mix of hearty meat and seafood dishes. An Italian restaurant would be incomplete without pasta and here at Cugini, the pasta is handmade daily to ensure its freshness and quality. The Ravioli Fatti In Casa Al Tartufo e Patate Con Burro Alle Noci E Grana ($24) is freshly made truffle and potato ravioli with walnut butter and parmigano. A favorite of one of the co-owners, it is not hard to see why as the filling is rich and divinely smooth down the throat. The potato filling had a creamy texture and the truffles gave off an intense heady aroma which was hypnotically tantalizing.

  At Cugini, the risotto rice is specially imported from Piedmont, the northern region of Italy, to ensure the high quality of the produce. Expectations were high when the Risotto Con Salsa Al Porcini e Salsiccia ($24) was served. The risotto with porcini mushroom and Italian sausage was impressive and the creamy mushroom sauce was robust and infused in each grain. The Italian sausage added depth to the dish with it being slightly salty to complement the risotto. This dish really grows on you with each mouthful and it is one of the most comforting things to eat.

  For the mains, try the Costoletta D'agnello Al Coriandolo Con Tortino Di Polenta Al Rosmarino e Spinaci Al Buro ($37) which is lamb chops with coriander served with rosemary polenta cake and buttered spinach. The surface of the lamb chops was crusty whilst the meat was juicy with all the moist goodness locked within. The rosemary polenta cake was flavourful and had a strong ginger taste.

  A hot favorite at Cugini, the Ossobucco Alla Milanese Con Pure Di Patate ($28) is peerless. The Milanese-style veal hind shank served with potato puree is understandably a hit with the crowd with its wonderfully tender shank that has been stewed for hours. The stew sauce was made up of carrots, onions, tomatoes and a good dose of red wine. The shank meat was so soft that it melted in my mouth with the hearty stew sauce clinging to the meat. This dish truly deserves its reputation as one of Cugini's signature dishes.

  Be swept away in awe by the culinary prowess of the desserts chef at Cugini. The Cugini Selezione Dessert ($25) is best representative of true Italian desserts. The dessert selection comprised three different types of desserts, namely the glazed fruit tartlet with star anise custard with mango carpaccio, hot chocolate fondant cake with cherry sauce and semi-frozen ricotta cheese with shaved chocolate.

  The ricotta cheese with shaved chocolate tasted like ice-cream only that it is more intense in flavor. The warm chocolate cake with its moist interior, had a slight tinge of bitterness, which was superb for a chocolate cake. The fruit tartlet was nothing short of amazing as well because of the amount of fresh fruits found, raspberries, green apple, sliced mango and strawberries sitting atop the custard tartlet.

• The Service
  The owners and staff are like one closely-knitted family. This has translated to highly motivated staff who are attentive to the needs of each customer, ensuring that each diner enjoys the Cugini experience.

The SD Food Advisor's take on Cugini Restaurant and Lounge Bar

Cugini's concept of a restaurant and lounge bar is truly one of a kind and the food that is served here is top notch. The fact that the chefs do not compromise their taste to suit local palates is a mark of distinction that is highly commendable. That helps to ensure that the most authentic Italian cuisine is served here. I also found myself at home with the simplistic and comfortable design of the restaurant and this provides a much needed respite from the heavy working schedules of working professionals where they can chill out in the company of good food and friends. I will definitely return here for more when my craving for Italian food kicks in again.