Modern Italian concept Sophia at St Regis offers elegant views and refined sharing plates

Singapore gets a lot of new openings every week, but the St. Regis Singapore’s modern new Italian restaurant, Sophia, might just be one of the more stunning additions in recent times to the city’s dining scene.

Elegant interiors, warm hospitality, and thoughtful Italian fare come together seamlessly in a space that feels refined, but is still very much inviting.

While Italian restaurants are quite commonly found in Singapore, the new Sophia at St. Regis distinguishes itself through its graceful energy — the dining experience is indulgent, yet intimate and sophisticated.

At the helm of the kitchen is Puglia-born head chef Angelo Sergio, who celebrates the flavours of the 11 different regions across Italy. 

His menu pays homage to time-honoured recipes, but reimagined with finesse and modernity, with everything coming together to reflect the timeless art of Italian hospitality.

An elegant space

As promising as its menu sounds, it wasn’t the first thing we noticed. 

Rather it was the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows that caught our eye as they flooded the room with natural light — we can just imagine leisurely lunches or mid-afternoon cuppas here. 

Sunlight glints off glassware, and with the cool and soft tones of its interior, the energy at Sophia is open and lively, great for engaging in heartfelt conversations.

Even a simple cup of coffee here feels like an indulgence.

Though we were there just for lunch, it’s easy to imagine how the space would transform at night, with the chandelier aglow and soft lighting all around, likely lending a romantic ambience to the room.

In case you’re wondering: Yes, Sophia at St. Regis is open for dinner, too. Perfect for lovebirds looking for an elegant evening out.

An extensive menu

Beyond its ambience, the food at Sophia more than holds its own. 

If you’re looking to grab lunch there, in its full brightly lit glory, it is serving up two- and three-course set lunch menus, at S$42 and S$58 respectively, from Mondays to Saturdays. 

If not, its a la carte menu is also a great go-to — the menu is crafted for sharing and includes anything from pizzas and pastas, to solid antipastis, and hearty protein mains, too. 

We started things off with the hearty beef bresaola (S$18) focaccia, where soft, thin beef slices come paired with creamy goat cheese and a touch of sweet honey. 

The interplay of salt, sweet and tangy was an addictive bite, anchored by the soft but firm focaccia bread.

From the antipasti selection, the vitello tonnato (S$28) stands out. The tender veal eye-of-round cut works well with the silky tuna mayonnaise sauce, with a light brinyness owing to the tart caper berries.

It’s delicate, savoury, and a satiating rendition of the northern Italian classic.

The porcini e tartufo (S$26) pizza, one of four pizza options at Sophia, is another must-try. 

It features fior di latte (fresh mozzarella from cow’s milk), porcini mushroom, black truffle, and parmigiano reggiano — an umami-forward dish that’s a great addition to any table.

The crust crackles with just the right crunch, and the truffle aroma ties everything together. My truffle bias aside — this was easy to clear.

Next, the tagliatelle atavi e porcini (S$28), which sits in the primi piatti — or first course, in Italian — section of the menu, along with six other hearty plates. 

The smoked tagliatelle pasta (which we’re told can’t be found anywhere in Singapore) carries an earthy depth of its own — robust, rich, with a deep lingering smoky taste.

It comes tossed with porcini mushrooms and veal jus, and makes for a deeply savoury and comforting plate that satisfies without being too cloying.

From the extensive list of hearty secondi choices, the tagliata di manzo (grilled striploin with arugula, parmigiano reggiano, and balsamic vinegar, S$58) was my favourite. 

The grilled striploin arrived beautifully charred — crisp on the outside, juicy within. 

The bed of peppery arugula and shavings of Parmigiano Reggiano added freshness and bite, while a drizzle of balsamic gave it a subtle and rounded tang, helping round off any heaviness from the indulgent protein.

Experience your desserts at Sophia tableside

Some of the desserts at Sophia are plated tableside, with a touch of theatrics and flair.

The salame di ciocoolato (S$16) is a playful mix of chocolate, pistachio and biscotti “salami”, served with blood orange pate de fruit.

It’s rich yet balanced, with the citrus cutting through the sweetness, and one I could easily down more of even after a filling meal.

Then, there’s the cannoncini alla crema (S$7 per piece) — a flaky puff pastry filled with silky vanilla custard and finished with pistachio nibs. 

It’s the best combination, really. 

Buttery, flaky pastry with light and creamy custard, and a touch of nuttiness from the pistachio — a great note to end our dreamy afternoon at Sophia at St. Regis on.

The restaurant is also working on finalising a Sunday brunch concept — promising mimosas, Aperol spritzes, and a leisurely afternoon bathed in sunlight.

Until then, it’s well worth heading down for a leisurely lunch, whether for its a la carte or for its value-for-money lunch sets, with your loved ones just to bask in the gorgeous interior. 

Those looking for a new romantic dinner date spot in Singapore will do well to save a spot here too — it’ll make for a dinner experience that is sure to feel quite special.

This was a hosted tasting.

For more ideas on what to eat, check out Mamma Mia, a new focaccia deli at Amoy, or St. Regis’ other new location, its Tea Room.