Italian Evening at The Cliff at Sofitel Singapore Sentosa

Sofitel Singapore Sentosa, between Luxuriant Nature and French Art de Vivre

Nestled in a green setting at the southern tip of Sentosa Island, Hotel Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa captivates with its peaceful atmosphere, sheltered from the urban bustle. Overlooking the South China Sea, this tropical refuge harmoniously combines elegance and serenity, a stone's throw from a postcard-perfect beach and a prestigious golf course. Surrounded by lush gardens and animated by the song of free-roaming peacocks, this haven of tranquility invites you to a timeless break. We stopped there for a dinner at The Cliff, a refined Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of the Resort.

Subdued Ambiance and Open Terraces, the Charm of The Cliff

The Cliff immediately charms with its refined design and panoramic view over the South China Sea, whether seated in the elegant indoor room or on the open terrace. The restaurant blends contemporary touches with Mediterranean influences seamlessly: noble woods, brass accents, thick carpeting, and pristine tablecloths create a subdued and sophisticated ambiance. The high ceilings and large bay windows flood the space with natural light, enhancing the warm tones and clean lines of the furniture. Two spacious and meticulously decorated private lounges complete the setting, perfect for intimate meals or exceptional events.

Outside, the atmosphere becomes more relaxed. The covered terraces, furnished with comfortable chairs and touches of turquoise, invite relaxation, whether for a dinner with friends or a Sunset Aperitivo facing the horizon. From 5 PM to 7 PM, the evening's fiery sky becomes the backdrop for a convivial moment around a glass of Prosecco or a platter of canapés. This subtle contrast between sophisticated interior and warm exterior gives The Cliff a unique personality, adaptable to all desires, from romantic tête-à-têtes to festive gatherings.

A Gourmet Evening Under the Sign of Italy

The refined setting of The Cliff proved to be the perfect backdrop to explore the five-course tasting menu, The Cliff Journey, accompanied by a glass of Syrah 'Luna' 2018, straight from Martinborough, New Zealand. This wine, with its deep and spicy notes, paired beautifully with the dishes that followed, providing warmth and structure throughout the meal.

As an opener, we chose two antipasti as elegant as they were delicious. The finely sliced Parma ham, arranged in a rosette, paired perfectly with a creamy burrata and a drizzle of balsamic reduction, for a starter full of softness and balance. Simultaneously, the grilled octopus, served on a lively arrabbiata sauce and punctuated with pesto and marinated onions, offered a bolder and contrasting experience, between power, freshness, and delicacy of texture.

We then savored the Zuppa di Giorno, a velvety pumpkin soup enhanced by a few strands of green oil, giving it a subtly herbaceous dimension. This warm and comforting break provided a perfect transition to the pasta dishes, while illustrating the elegant simplicity of traditional Italian cuisine.

The pasta service allowed us to explore two complementary worlds. On one side, the smoked ricotta ravioli, enhanced by fresh basil and a shower of melting parmesan, revealed a delicate harmony between sweetness and woody character. On the other, the radiatori with smoked meat ragout offered a generous and rustic dish, where the richness of the sauce contrasted with the freshness of new onions, for a modern and tasty interpretation of pasta alla bolognese. The main course then came to perfect this culinary partition. The grilled lamb ribs, juicy and perfectly browned, were accompanied by crunchy broccolinis. Alternatively, the marinated barramundi fillet offered a lighter version, heightened by a simple lemon wedge to exalt its finesse.

Finally, the meal concluded on a sweet note, with two desserts as seductive as they were comforting. The tiramisu, served in a verrine, played on transparency and generosity, with its airy layers and contrasting bitter cocoa. The lemon tart, on the other hand, stood out with its neat presentation: a fine shortbread base, a tangy cream, a light meringue, and a ball of yogurt ice cream for a finale that was both fresh, indulgent, and perfectly balanced.

My Review

The dinner at The Cliff restaurant was enjoyable, in a neat and relaxing setting. I appreciated the peaceful atmosphere of the place and the quality of the discreet and professional service. The dishes were well-executed, with some nice flavor combinations. The setting remains an undeniable asset, particularly the terrace with its sea view, ideal for a quiet moment. The Cliff is, in my eyes, an address for those looking to combine sensory pleasure and ease of living in a verdant setting, away from urban tumult.

Practical Information

A big thank you to The Cliff for the invitation to discover their establishment. Of course, I remain free in my comments in this article!