[Review] Sospiri: ilLido Group’s New South Italian Restaurant & Rooftop Bar at IOI Central Boulevards Towers

The bustling Singapore Central Business District recently welcomed Sospiri, a Southern Italian restaurant and rooftop bar by renowned restaurateur Beppe De Vito of the ilLido Group, the group behind concepts such as Amò at Hong Kong Street and Southbridge at Boat Quay.

Located on level 7 of the newly constructed IOI Central Boulevard Towers, Sospiri blends authentic Southern Italian culinary offerings with breathtaking panoramic skyline views.

The name ‘Sospiri’ was inspired by De Vito’s favorite childhood dessert in Puglia, Italy, and the space draws from the lively ambiance of Roman holiday homes, transporting guests to a lavish Italian-Mediterranean escape.

The 128-seat restaurant features an interior that combines warm colours and bold natural light to create a comfortable yet chic environment. A private dining room accommodates up to 14 guests for intimate gatherings, while a stylish rooftop bar, with space for 60 guests, offers a blend of sophistication and relaxation for dining and drinks.

Leading the culinary team at Sospiri is Michelin-starred Chef Matteo Ponti, a valued member of the ilLido Group since 2021.

Sharing mains

Sospiri seeks to capture the true essence of Southern Italian cuisine with dishes made from the freshest ingredients, including ripe tomatoes, wild vegetables, and tender artichokes.

The menu reflects rich traditions and sun-drenched flavours, making it an ideal spot for family and friends to gather and share generous portions of handmade pastas and succulent seafood.

We were invited for a dinner tasting and these the items we savoured for the night:

House-made bread with olive oil
Cocktails:
Left: Bella Vita Sling – Widges Basil Gin, Silvio Carta Mirto, Apricot Lime, Pineapple, Bitters
Right: “Kiss Don’t Tell” – Codigo Blanco, Strawberry Ginger Cordial Dry Orange, Citrus
Capocollo di Martina Franca
Apulian Cured Ham with Olive Pettole – $28
You eat the Pettole (Italian fried dough balls) together with the cured ham
Burrata di Andria con la Vignarola
Burrata Cheese with Broad Beans and Artichoke Salad – $26
Battuta di Tonno
Blue Fin Tuna Tartare with Amalfi Lemon Salmoriglio and Pantelleria Capers – $24
Chitarra Cacio e Pepe al Tartufo
Homemade Spaghetti alla Chitarra with Black Truffle and Cacio & Pepe – $32
Fettuccine con la ‘Nduja
Homemade Fettuccine with Spicy Pork, Nduja and Caciocavallo Silano Cheese – $28
Picchiapò di Guancia
Wagyu Beef Cheek with Truffled Roman Gnocchi – $38
Ventresca alla Ghiotta
Grilled Swordfish Belly with Datterini Tomato Sauce and Sicilian Caponata – $36
Sospiri al Pistacchio
Angel Cake Puffs with Bronte Pistachio Chantilly – $12
Diplomatica
Lemon Custard Millefuille with Alkermes Sponge and Meringue – $18
Torta Caprese
Moka Cake with Chocolate Mousse and Fig Vincotto Glaze – $16

As you can see, the food portions are huge at Sospiri as they are designed for sharing. It is best to visit Sospiri in a large group to sample more items.

We found all the dishes flavourful and authentic, bringing out the best of homely South Italian cuisines. We particularly enjoyed the two pasta dishes, each presenting a distinct note, bringing something different to the table.

The inclusion of a street food snack, the humble Pettole as a starter was a delightful touch and we loved the blue fin tuna tartare as well which brought out ocean flavours.

For the mains, the wagyu beef cheek was soft, moist and sinfully indulgent, best enjoyed paired with a slice of truffled gnocchi. We could not get enough of this and mopped up all the gravy from both plates. If you prefer something lighter in flavours, go for the grilled swordfish belly.

Overall verdict?

Sospiri is well positioned for success, with its awesome rooftop view in a brand-new central building, coupled with authentic, elevated South Italian comfort food, to be paired with a wide selection of craft cocktails and curated wine list.

The service at the restaurant was meticulous and it is impossible to find any fault overall.

Set Menus

Sospiri offers weekday set lunches starting at $38++ per person, perfect for business lunches and corporate events, with menus refreshed weekly.

For special occasions, Sospiri provides set dinner menus with 4-course meals at $78++ and 5-course meals at $98++. A 4-course sharing option is also available at $88++ per person.

On weekends, Sospiri offers an indulgent brunch at $58++ per person, with luxurious beverage packages available for $58++ and $88++. Brunch is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm.

Overlooking the iconic Marina Bay Sands, Sospiri’s rooftop bar features Italian bar snacks and finely crafted cocktails amidst lush greenery. The bar offers a selection of wines, beers, and spirit-forward cocktails, with a team of experienced mixologists creating a diverse and sophisticated cocktail menu.

Sospiri

Address:
IOI Central Boulevard Towers, Level 7
2 Central Boulevard Singapore 018916

Email:
book@sospiri.sg

Operating Hours:

Sospiri Restaurant:
Lunch (Monday – Friday), 11:30 am to 2:30 pm
Brunch (Saturday – Sunday), 11:30 am to 3:00 pm
Dinner (Monday – Sunday), 6:00 pm to 12:00 am

Sospiri Rooftop Bar:
Monday – Friday, 2:00 pm to 12:00 am
Saturday – Sunday, 3:00 pm to 12:00 am

alvinology

Alvin is a marketer by day and blogger by night. He is a 100% geek who spends too much time surfing the web.

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