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Taking over the space of sister restaurant, Fynn's, the third concept under the Cicheti umbrella brings traditional Italian coastal cuisine to Singapore

The Cicheti Group has expanded its empire with a new Italian concept. With chef co-owner taking Lim Yew Aun taking the lead, the focus is on homely comfort dishes on the shores of Italy—served at their uncomplicated best.

“With Caffe Cicheti, we’ve taken the goodwill we’ve built with the first Cicheti, together with everything we’ve learned from the success of Bar Cicheti, and imbued it into an existing product that further solidifies what we wish to achieve as a group moving forward,” shares restaurateur Liling Ong. 

(Related: Tatler 10: The Most Stylish Restaurants in Singapore)

Here's why you should check out Caffe Cicheti. 

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Above Restaurateur Liling Ong and chef co-owner Lim Yew Aun (who's also her cousin)

1. Dynamic Duo

The latest concept under The Cicheti Group, which includes classic trattoria Cicheti and contemporary pasta place Bar Cicheti, modern‑day osteria Caffe Cicheti takes over the space previously occupied by the group’s Aussie joint Fynn’s at South Beach Tower. Restaurateur Liling Ong explains that the decision was “not to take away what Fynn’s had built but to continue building its legacy”.

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Above Vongole with fresh clams, garlic butter and a squeeze of lemon juice
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Above Prosciutto panini

2. Coastal Cooking

Lim pays homage to the flavours and aromas of the Italian coast with an extensive menu of traditional Mediterranean favourites. Start with the panzanella, a classic Tuscan bread and tomato salad, before digging into pasta dishes such as vongole. The Venetian dish, loaded with plump Hobinosugai clams from Japan, features al dente spaghetti coated in a piquant garlic sauce, offset with a squeeze of burnt lemon and a hint of spice.

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Above Grilled cheese provolone, parmigiana,fior di latte, cheddar, tomato veloute
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Above Ricotta hotcakes

3. Weekend Feast

Some of Fynn’s all-time favourites, such as ricotta hotcakes, feature on Caffe Cicheti’s weekend brunch menu. The fluffy pancakes are topped with fresh berries and drizzled with maple syrup, and also come with a scoop of whipped mascarpone for extra indulgence. The brunch menu also features reinvented comfort dishes such the all‑American grilled cheese. The chef has given the dish an Italian makeover using a combination of melted provolone, parmigiana, fior di latte and cheddar.

(Related: The Best Weekend Champagne Brunches In Singapore)

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Above Sommelier-partner Ronald Kamiyama takes care of the wine list, which includes popular favourites as well as obscure labels

4. Unique wine list

Like its sister establishments, Caffe Cicheti’s wine list is curated by sommelier-partner Ronald Kamiyama. Start with the organic sauvignon blanc from Folium Vineyard in Marlborough, New Zealand. The wine’s clean flavours, with just enough salinity, pair well with the fresh salads. For red meats, Kamiyama recommends the 2014 Fragments Tempranillo from Castell d’Age, which holds its own when paired with bold dishes.

(Related: 11 Exceptional Italian White Wines You Should Try)

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Above The interior has been given an update with a fresh coat of paint and the addition of tropical prints

5. Caribbean Feels

Fynn’s well-loved foliage-inspired concept, dreamed up by Ong and Amsterdam-based interior designer Simone Königshausen, also remains. But the intimate space has been updated with a fresh coat of dark emerald paint, jazzed up by tropical prints for a Bohemian chic vibe. There’s even a charming bistro-style patio where you can park yourself on a lazy afternoon while savouring brunch classics.

Caffe Cicheti26 Beach Road, B1-21 South Beach Tower, S(189768) | 6384 1878 | eat@caffecicheti.com

 

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