Splendidly refined (and beautifully presented) cucina Italiana is the calling card at this must-visit restaurant that effortlessly carves out a place on the Top Ten lists of most self-respecting Singapore gourmands. The kitchen dips liberally into a larder of luxury ingredients from scallops and caviar to Bresse pigeon and Alaskan king crab, but they also do wonderful things with relatively humble ingredients like zucchini, pecorino and girolles. The secret is their deft use of a Josper oven and shichirin grill, which means chargrilling here is second to none. Try the scallops with miso and pinenuts or the wagyu beef tortellini with pumpkin and Castelmagno fondue. The tasting menus are well regarded, and to add further layers to the experience, sit by the open kitchen and watch the chefs work their magic.
While there are Chiantis, Barolos and SuperTuscans to inveigle the tastebuds, there’s also Saint Emillion and Napa Valley to widen the offering. Handsome waiters and a genteel host make Braci as impressive for a business lunch as for a serious tryst at dinner.
With all this excitement going on, it's easy to forget the joys of its setting, occupying the top two rooftop floors of a charming heritage shophouse overlooking the river in the bustling Boat Quay neighbourhood.