Da Paolo’s latest outlet, located in the scenic enclave of Dempsey Hill, gathers the best of its concept under one roof – or more specifically, under an overhanging preserved olive tree. The menu changes depending on your time of visit: breakfast is served till 11.30am, where you can have spicy shakshouka ($26) and burrata bruschetta ($24) for brunch.
But it’s in the pasta and pizza selection, served during lunch and dinner, that you shouldn’t miss. Try the Naples-style 8 Cheese ($35) pizza, where a chef’s selection of cheeses covers a homemade dough that’s fermented for over 72 hours to yield a soft, chewy bite. Or sample pasta creations like the Butternut Pumpkin Mezzelune ($25) with cashew curcuma creme and brown butter and Carbonara Calabrese ($30) tossed with cream, spicy nduja, and fresh egg yolk.
Feeling peckish? The Gran Antipasto ($68) provides a wide range of cold cuts and cheeses that change according to what’s in season. You might be presented with blue cheese with chocolate liqueur or ocelli wrapped in chestnut leaves. For dessert, dig into a slice of pistachio tiramisu ($15), made with Sicily-imported nuts, or grab a scoop of gelato ($7), churned in collaboration with Chocolat Milano. The retail counter also stocks a variety of cheeses, cured meats, pasta sauces, and other ingredients for those looking to bring home a slice of Italy.
