Covo, which means hideout in Italian, is tucked away near the edge of the quiescent dining precinct of Greenwood Avenue . With clean lines, raw concrete surfaces and wide open spaces, it is easy to mistake this restaurant for an uberstylish design studio. Its minimalist distinct décor alone has attracted countless curious glances from the passersby since its launch in July 2006.

Covo Bistro is a virgin venture by landscape architect Oliver. His attention to detail is paired off with excellent culinary talents of his chefs to conceive an inviting dining space, bucking the trend of today’s restaurants.

• The Vibe
  Covo Bistro exudes a sense of understated elegance that sets its guests right at ease in its quaint surroundings. There are two different areas to this restaurant: the main dining area housed within the compound and a small lounge pad just on the outside. The vibe gathered here is one of subtlety and versatility. Being the veins behind Oliver’s design inspiration of this restaurant, they are the keypoints used to add interesting features to jazz up the otherwise minimalist interiors.

  Simple surfaces of the floors and walls are played up with intricately designed overhanging white lamps and translucent white drapes, while classical leather chairs and more white surfaces grace the space outside. In months to come, Oliver is looking to host some local art pieces on the grey concrete walls or play it up further with other elements to harness an even greater feel of being distinct from today’s restaurant scene.

• The Cuisine – Light Tapas
  Experience the riveting marriage of different cuisines combined into one culinary kitchen at Covo Bistro. Behind this fusion creation is the ex-executive chef hailing from the prestigious Hyatt Hotel, whose experience and skills is surely not to be undermined. If you are looking to just munch on some light bites, their tapas menu is recommended. Offering a range of up to 11 choices, you can pick a combination of either 2 or 3 dishes to sample ($13 for 2, $17 for 3), alongside some wines or beers. Commendable ones include the pan-seared salmon and scallop, which is wrapped in thinly sliced cucumber, as well as the tuna tartar tapas, that is served with a cocktail glass capped over it, and topped off with fresh slices of tuna sashimi. Both dishes are incredibly light on the palate and fresh to the taste buds, while its presentation is simply exquisite. The restaurant has just recently updated its menu to include a new selection of tapas, including delectable soft shell crab as well as foie gras, and a spread of soups in little saucers. 

• The Cuisine – Wholesome Mains
  Those in the mood for some serious eating can opt for more wholesome selections from the range of dishes in the ala carte menu. For a sumptuous Asian-accented dish, try the oven roasted baby lobster with lightly spiced Vietnamese rice noodles ($18). The rather large baby lobster with its luxurious spread of melted cheese over its surface is pleasing to the senses, while the soft rice noodles are soaked in a flavourful Asian sauce giving it rich traces of lemongrass and ginger flower. The fragrance of this dish is sense-engulfing, while the tastes it afforded are rather gratifying.

  Those in the mood for some Japanese and French fusion will have the desires met with the Pan-fried Semi-Crumbed Yellow-Fin Tuna ($20). Accompanied with an aromatic truffle butter sauce, there is also a side of sautéed spring vegetables. Despite its crispy breaded exteriors, the raw tuna inside remains surprisingly tender and sweet. In addition, the aromas of the truffle butter are evidently absorbed into the dish and made it a delightful one to savour.

  Conclude your feast with their signature lemon meringue pie that was a no-frills dessert affair that packs in that tangy punch to my taste palates. Touted to be a hot favourite amongst the patrons of this bistro, be sure to grab a slice before it runs out! If you are in the mood for some hearty breakfast bites, do head down to Covo as they have also created a new breakfast menu. Simply perfect for lazing away Sunday mornings.

The SD Food Advisor’s take on Covo Bistro
Having just been in operations for a few months, this restaurant is still in the midst of its experimentation with different cuisine and ambience styles. Presentation of food here is immaculate, while service is friendly. On the whole, Covo Bistro has proved to be a rather good place for some heartwarming chow, while simultaneously offering an alternative space for some valuable after-meal chill out sessions.