Altro Zafferano: Southern Italy and the art of everyday dining

With its newly refreshed concept and menu rooted in simplicity and warmth, Altro Zafferano embraces a more relaxed, everyday style of Italian dining — one that celebrates the warmth of everyday simplicities, without losing the refined elegance that it is known for.

Formerly known as Zafferano, this contemporary Italian restaurant has been a mainstay in Singapore’s F&B scene since 2012, admired for its modern finesse and elevated dining.

As of March, the kitchen — under the leadership of Puglia-born head chef Federico and executive chef Andrea De Paola — now leans towards flavour-forward dishes designed for sharing. The menu is casual, convivial and deeply rooted in southern Italian tradition.

Head chef Federico credits his mother as his first and most formative culinary mentor, instilling in him an appreciation for simplicity and the magic of humble ingredients.

He crossed paths with chef Andrea when he was just 23 years old, sparking a creative partnership that continues to define Altro Zafferano’s evolving identity. Together, they craft contemporary Italian fare that stays rooted in tradition, while pushing into fresh, expressive territory.

Their latest foray comes with an exciting new menu tailored for every kind of gathering — from casual weekday lunches, to dinners that bring people together over shared plates.

Plates that bring people together

The new a la carte menu is crafted with sharing in mind — relaxed, flexible and the embodiment of Italian dining. In this menu, the Southern Italian flavours are at the forefront.

To begin, try the pomodoro e basilico (S$15) — an in-house focaccia made from sourdough and baked with sweet Neapolitan tomatoes. It is finished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil leaf.

The bread’s interior is incredibly soft and fluffy. Though the portion of bread may seem daunting at first glance, we polished it off with ease — it really was that good.

As for starters, the carpaccio di manzo, pecorino e senape (S$26) left a lasting impression. The thin slices of Australian grain-fed beef are melt-in-your-mouth tender, elegantly rolled with rocket and pecorino cheese, then topped with fresh shallots.

A drizzle of balsamic vinegar introduces a gentle acidity, while the whole grain mustard dressing — inspired by the classic Venetian Cipriani sauce — adds sharpness and creaminess in equal measure, deepening the dish’s overall flavour.

The rigatoni alla gricia (S$36) makes a dramatic entrance, tossed tableside in a massive, hollowed-out pecorino cheese wheel. This infuses each pasta with a rich, salty intensity. Handmade with southern Italian flour, the rigatoni’s firm and chewy texture holds the cheesy sauce perfectly.

It is topped with thin strips of crispy guanciale (cured meat) for a savoury crunch. The pepper blend, a mix of Sichuan and black pepper, delivers a noticeable heat. Altogether, it provides a layered, punchy and well-rounded bite.

Moving on to the mains, the branzino all’acqua pazza (S$58) is a baked Corsican seabass designed for sharing — though it is so satisfying I could have easily finished it myself.

The Sardinian seabass is deboned and reassembled, baked acqua pazza-style (poached), in a light broth of Vermentino wine, sweet mini-san Marzano tomatoes, olives, vegetable stock and parsley.

The fish is cooked perfectly — soft, moist, and boneless for effortless eating. Amalfi lemon slices add a clean citrus note that cuts through the richness, while a final drizzle of olive oil ties everything with a velvety finish. 

The flavours are clean, bright and allows the freshness of the fish to stand out.

For a shorter midday affair, the refreshed weekday set lunch offers a two- or three-course option (S$58, S$68) that considers the everyday simplicities — whether you’re catching up with a friend, or hosting a work lunch.

A view to unwind to

With this renewed focus on ease and enjoyment, Altro Zafferano’s beverage menu has also seen a refresh. Whether it’s a crisp spritz (from S$20) or a glass of wine (from S$18) to pair with the evening breeze, the terrace lounge beverage menu caters to all tastes.

There is also the sunset aperitivio Happy Hour from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, featuring some discounted drinks and a complimentary plate of free snacks with your first order.

And this is all with a stunning backdrop that’s perfect for winding down, or toasting to the moment.

Altro Zafferano has always felt like a place to treat yourself — or someone you care about. And while the refreshed concept leans into ease and approachability, it doesn’t lose its sense of occasion.

It’s still a splurge for me, but it is one that delivers — from the sweeping views to the thoughtful, well-executed dishes that strike a balance between tradition and creativity.

Whether it’s a quiet dinner, a weekday lunch, or sunset drinks on the terrace, Altro Zafferano makes the moment feel special. Bring the people you love — the new menu is designed for exactly that.

This was an invited tasting.

For the latest food news, read our stories on Pizza Hut’s first-ever sourdough pizzas and Chef’s Tavern’s new casual-cool spot at Craig Road.

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Book a table at Altro Zafferano via Chope, then a ride to Ocean Financial Centre.