It is true to say that ambience encompasses 80% of the meal. However, good food need not necessarily be served in a swanky or ostentatious locale. Here at Ristorante Da Valentino, expect wholesome Italian comfort food, in a cozy, unpretentious and homely setting. This quaint little restaurant; the brain-child of Chef/manager Valentino Valtulina and his family, is nestled inconspicuously in a row of old, peeling shop houses in the secluded and elusive Jalan Bingka estate. The quiet enclave seems to be in a time-warp; bubble-wrapped up in a little world of its own. The tranquility has an “other-worldliness” to it. However, once you step into the doors of Ristorante Da Valentino, the atmosphere drastically changes. Bursts of laughter and streams of lively chatter float out of the door, and the small restaurant is absolutely bubbling over with life. Like a tiny community on its own, Valentino sees many regulars who flock back to the restaurant for its great tasting homes-style dishes at affordable prices.

• The Vibe
  The tranquility of the Jalan Bingka estate is immediately transformed into a bustling hive of noise and activity once entering the doors. This new suburban semi-fine dining Italian restaurant is a home-away-from-home: cozy wall paintings, warm colors, oh-so-pretty festive decorations, a personal collection of memorabilia and simple furnishings. Unassuming and understated, one feels well at ease and comfortable in the laid-back dining area. Do not expect fanciful, over-the-top, state-of-the-art decorative pieces. Instead, one finds himself slowly easing into the quiet charm of this delightful little place.

• The Food
  Start your meal with the deep fried Calamari Fritti ($15.90), chewy squid, wrapped in a delicious golden-brown batter. After this scrumptious appetizer, opt for the Tornarelli All Granchio ($23.80), squid ink pasta lightly tossed with a gorgeous creamy tomato and crabmeat sauce. Granted that the sauce was a little too salty, overall the dish was still satisfying. Customers who love their hearty steaks will swoon over the Bisteccona ($88), grilled Florentine style steak for two, done to perfection. Substantially filling and heartily recommended, the luscious, tender slabs of meat taste delightful when taken together with the fresh rocket salad. The leaves have a minty, bitter aftertaste which brings out the strong flavors of the beef. A quaint, old-fashioned dessert trolley trundles along after a meal, where guests can choose from the tempting selection of home-made cakes and pastries. The recent renaissance of the traditional dessert trolley in some modern restaurant proves to be delightful. Like a European-style traveling pushcarts, the plastic trolley carries freshly baked blueberry with chocolate crust, light and fluffy sponge cake with rum , dainty chocolate profiteroles and moist fruit tart slices.

  The old-fashioned dessert trolley is a rarity, a vintage item uncommon in most modern restaurants/kitchens of today, and is a joy to see its revival. Instead of the usual dessert menu, the oh-so-delicious dessert trolley with the real deal is a true feast for the senses, linking us to the halcyon past. Often, the first and best taste starts with the eyes. With those luscious creations teasing your sights, it is difficult to resist a helping of dessert.

• The Service
  Valentino and his family are excellent hosts; extremely hospitable, constantly making sure all needs were taken care of. His regulars often drop by for an afternoon lunch and chat, and Valentino himself never fails to personally attend to customers or interact with them.

The SD Food Advisor's take on Valentino
The refreshing absence of ostentatious, over-the-top decorations may be its main draw. Laid-back ambience and character, Ristorante Da Valentino certainly has no lack of it. For the Nostalgic time-traveller, Ristorante Da Valentino stands it own.