Jamie's Italian Singapore - A Jamie Oliver Restaurant in VivoCity

Unless the television is able to produce smell and taste, the limitations of technology have prevented us from accurately deciding if Jamie Oliver’s cooking is what it looks to be. The “mmhs” and “ahhs” from his cooking show have compelled me, like many others, to purchase one of his many cookbooks in hopes of evoking the same responses from friends. While I’ve been disappointed with my results thus far, the recent opening of Jamie’s Italian Singapore @ VivoCity gives us an opportunity to finally assess if he’s a better cook than actor.

The menu is extensively Italian, while the interior décor seem somewhat amiss. Browsing through the menu, the World’s Best Olives on Ice ($7.50) caught my eye. Indeed quite a proclamation, but the dish does live up to its name. The large green olives are juicy and sweet, while the accompanying side of black olive tapenade with crackers makes a great start to the meal.

Pasta wise, everything is home made. Jamie’s Italian also offers a choice of half or full portions. While I tried to stomach most of the interesting looking varieties, its bland taste certainly did not help. The Vongole Tagliolini ($17/$25) was average at best, while the Tagliatelle Bolognese ($15/$22) could not have been better than your pasta mania option.

The Wild Truffle Risotto ($16/$24.50) was a far better choice, albeit a simpler dish. Generous shavings of truffles atop al dente risotto cooked in butter and Parmesan is as Italian as tradition gets. Simple, wholesome and a hearty dish.

As for the mains, Jamie’s Italian Burger ($27.50) saved the entire meal. The wagyu steak is flavoured with sea salt, lending an occasional burst of flavours with every bite. Stacked with smoked mozzarella, pancetta, balsamic onions, tomatoes, etc., leave your self-conscious self at home because it’s going to get messy. I assure you, though, it is worth every tomato stain on the lip.

The Beef and Veal Meatball ($28.50) was an odd looking dish. The gargantuan meatball was unfortunately, not gargantuan in taste. The flavours of the sauces do come together beautifully, but the dryness of the meatball was certainly a putoff. The Veal Flash Steak ($32.50) faired much better – the meat was tender and juicy, albeit a cut too thin.

Surprisingly still having room for dessert, the Creamy Panna Cotta ($9) was a delightful way to end the meal. The consistency was just right to the point where one drop less of gelatin, the entire dish would collapse. On the other hand, the Chocolate & Vin Santo Pot ($12.50) was overwhelmingly filled with cocoa powder making it impossible to eat within the first few bites. It didn’t get more pleasant as the dish went on either.

On the whole, Jamie’s Italian misses the standard we have come to expect from a famous tv celebrity chef. While most of the dishes faired average at best, the flavours were bold and simple. Jamie’s Italian is a good homage to authentic Italian food, but a far cry from the many better Italian restaurants in town.

Jamie's Italian Singapore VivoCity, #01-165/167 1 HarbourFront Walk Singapore 098585

Tel: +65 67335500

Opening Hours: Daily: 11.30am - 11pm