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, with a clear focus on high-quality ingredients and handmade elements. In particular, the “Pasta Fatta in Casa” section highlights this commitment, with the name translating simply as “home-made pasta.” Gourmet pizzas are also featured.

The “Taglieri” (Platters) are designed for two and showcase a range of premium imports, among them 18-month Prosciutto di Parma, Mortadella Bolognese and various Italian cheeses.

The main courses, or “Secondi,” include Tagliata di Manzo (grilled Wagyu striploin) and Guancia (red wine braised beef cheek), as well as fresh seafood.

Additionally, diners may opt for either a 3-course ($58) or 4-course ($68) set dinner menu.

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 dishes for the night.

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

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

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. While prices are not low, the experience offers fair value for the quality provided. Prego ofers good Italian cooking within a comfortable, well-designed space. Over the years, it has proved one of the most dependable options for authentic Italian food, whether for an intimate dinner, a business meeting or a lively group outing, and it remains so. For a restaurant established before many of its current diners were born, that 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