The buzz: Coming from the people behind furniture brand Minotti, this colorful, artsy space channels not only their eye for design but also their love for Italian food.  

The decor: Taking much the same approach as they would with their showrooms, the modern two-story dining space is filled with a sleekly curated selection of chairs of varying designs and colors, vibrant home accessories and neon artwork. Glass windows make up the full facade of the restaurant, ensuring a light and airy feel.

The food: Anantara Riverside’s former chef, Antonio Facchinetti, has created an approachable, classic Italian menu. Sample the house-made pasta in fresh pomodoro fresco sauce (B420) or the octopus ink paccheri (large tube pasta) in chili-garlic sauce, topped with roasted octopus (B490). Cheese and cold cut fiends will go wild for their delectable Italian selection, all sourced from the town of Saludecio in Emilia-Romagna—an region known for its cheese and salami. Carnivorous cravings will be quelled by their black Angus menu—we highly recommend the gigantic 1,500g Tuscany Fiorentina (B3,500), seasoned only with salt and pepper, which allows its wonderful, juicy texture and natural flavor to shine. Alternatively, the beautiful layers of fat in the Picanha (sirloin cap, B890/200g) lend the meat much tenderness and juiciness when grilled.    

The drinks: A thoughtful selection of wines from Italy and France offers just enough choice, without being overwhelming. We recommend the Italian Lugana D.O.C from Lombardia (B300/glass) or the Pinot Grigio from Friuli (B250/glass). Champagne, prosecco and cocktails are also available.  

Why we’d come back: With its cheerful, modern decor, this place offers a good alternative to the old-school Italian diners, though good steak and classic comforts like their pasta dishes are enough to secure a return visit.