Prego at Raffles City: a veteran Italian Restaurant that still has plenty to offer

Some restaurants come and go within months. Recently, even establishments that had been popular for years have closed down. Prego, tucked within Raffles City Shopping Centre, has outlasted most of them by a considerable margin. Open since 1986, it has served generations of Singaporeans and expatriates seeking a reliable Italian meal in the heart of the city. That kind of longevity is rare. A recent weekday dinner visit suggested that the restaurant still deserves its place in Singapore’s competitive dining scene.

The Setting

Prego’s interior design artfully blends mid-century Italian nostalgia with sleek, modern luxury elements. The atmosphere feels sophisticated yet vibrant. The restaurant uses a rich, tactile palette, creating a sense of luxury. A curved bar dominates the space. It features vertical dark wood ribbing and a glowing stone countertop. A striking teal-green herringbone-tiled pillar acts as a centrepiece.

A pale blue classic Fiat 500 is a whimsical focal point, with a red leather suitcase strapped to its back, creating a playful Italian road trip theme. Brick walls feature colourful, retro-style Italian posters, adding a layer of rustic authenticity.

Prego’s Menu

Prego’s menu is structured around classic Italian courses. It focuses on high-quality ingredients and handmade elements. The “Pasta Fatta in Casa” section highlights this commitment. It means “home-made pasta.” Gourmet pizzas are also on the menu.

The “Taglieri” (Platters) are designed for two. These boards feature premium imports. These include 18-month Prosciutto di Parma, Mortadella Bolognese and various Italian cheeses. Hearty main courses, or “Secondi,” include Tagliata di Manzo (grilled Wagyu striploin), Guancia (red wine braised beef cheek) as well as fresh seafood.

Diners can also opt for set menus. Both 3-course ($58) and 4-course ($68) set dinner menus are offered.

Dinner at Prego

We had dinner at Prego recently. The complimentary Bread Service began the meal. Warm, fluffy rolls arrived with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

Calamari Fritti ($30) followed. Crispy deep-fried squid rings were served in a metal basket with salad and a lemon wedge. It was an enjoyable starter. The Polpo e Fagioli ($38) was tender charred octopus sat atop a Tuscan cannellini bean stew. The octopus leg had a smoky exterior and a firm, meaty texture.

Guancia ($52) was red wine-braised beef cheek served with silky mashed potatoes and garnished with crispy chips. The beef was succulent and easily fell apart with a fork. It was one of the best dish for the night.

Tagliata di Manzo, Porcini e Tartufo ($98) was the most expensive item of our dinner. The grilled Wagyu striploin was sliced to reveal a tender, juicy interior. The seasonal Italian truffle added an earthy aroma, while caramelized red onions provided a soft, sweet finish.

Pollo alla Diavola ($48 for half) was chilli-marinated spring chicken grilled to achieve a smoky, charred skin while maintaining moist meat. The Pommery mustard sauce offered a sharp, spicy kick. It was delicious comfort food.

The Signature Prego Pizza ($42) was a simple mozzarella and tomato base pizza with a chewy, charred crust. The saltiness of the cooked ham and Parmigiano Reggiano worked well with the tangy sun-dried tomatoes. It was a very enjoyable pizza that lived up to its reputation.

Ravioli di Granchio allo Zaffronano ($48) was an easy to like dish. The crab-filled ravioli were delicate and silky. The vibrant Sardinian saffron cream sauce was rich and aromatic, clinging well to the pasta and prawns.

A Standard for Consistency and Value

Service throughout the evening was attentive without becoming intrusive. The staff were knowledgeable and paced the courses well. While prices are not low, the experience provides fair value for the quality provided. Prego offers consistent, good Italian cooking within a comfortable, well designed space. It remains one of the most dependable options for authentic Italian food, whether for an intimate dinner, a business meeting or a lively group outing. For a restaurant that has been established since before many of its current diners were born, such a feat is no small achievement.

Ratings:
Food: 4
Service: 4
Value: 3
Atmosphere: 4
Overall Rating: 4 TOPs 

Prego
Level 1, Fairmont Singapore
80 Bras Basah Road
Singapore 189560

Tel: +65 6431 6156

Opening Hours: 6.30 am to 10.30 pm

Nearby MRT Station: City Hall (NS25 | EW13)

Website