We’ve been itching for Procacci of Florence fame to open ever since we first heard about them and they’ve managed to keep us in a state of suspense. After giving them a month or so to find their feet, we headed down for a taste.

Located at Customs House (see also Kinki, Nueva Cuba and Oyster Bar), we’re not going to tell you again about the view (that’s a given). Appreciate it fully in their alfresco area, which is simply enchanting in the evenings. Or dine in a sophisticated space indoors, with light wood‑paneled floors and dark wooden tables. The palette of earth tones with dark green and olive accents channels a quietly elegant feel. There’s even an L‑shaped bar for boozehounds.

On our visit, it seemed like they’d kept things so low‑key that we were the only ones there, aside from several other diners. No matter, we were glad to christen our meal with a piping hot truffled potato soup which proved to be a most welcome appetizer, especially considering their overly‑aggressive air conditioning. While the soup was pleasant enough, we would have preferred if they’d strained it. Their eggplant parmigiana was a standout performer. A caramelized top hiding luscious melted cheese draped lazily over the thinnest slices of aubergine and a perfectly‑tart smooth tomato sauce—so good we were fighting each other off for it.

Our server presented the medium rare sirloin strips. The meat was tender albeit a little under‑seasoned and the arugula side salad, topped with shavings of Parmigiano‑Reggiano, was simple and fresh. Our spicy prawn capellini quickly distracted us. Crowned with a large king prawn, the pasta was an aromatic blend of chives, oregano and sausage bits.

Suitably fed, we turned our attention to dessert, debating between several traditional Italian classics. The profiteroles, filled with an almost‑too‑subtle vanilla custard cream, were showered with a copious amount of toasted almond flakes and chocolate sauce. Their vanilla bean panna cotta had a lingering lemon aftertaste, while its creamy sweetness complemented the tartness of sliced strawberries.

Procacci’s unobtrusive staff, along with the lack of a crowd, makes for an intimate dining experience.

Have you tried the Eggplant Parmigiana at Procacci? It's one of I-S Magazine's 50 things to eat in Singapore before you die (2010).