Tucked away beside Michaelangelos; its brother restaurant, in the ever chic Chip Bee gardens, Sistina Ristorante feels like a traditional trattoria located in the heart of Tuscany . Hidden away from the bustling chaos of the main roads, the quiet neighborhood offers a peaceful and pleasant dining experience. Despite its seeming reticence, there is an undercurrent of energy and vibrancy, emanating outwards, inviting diners into its comfortable and relaxing embrace.

• The Vibe
  Sistina gives diners the option of dining casually al-fresco, or in the air conditioned comfort of its luxurious interiors. At night, the place becomes magically transformed into a picture of romance. Milky strains of light from the interiors spill out onto the patio, bathing diners in its warm and rosy glow. Vintage Italian murals adorn the walls, adding a splash of vibrant color in its dim interiors. Wine racks hold its own in the corners, with an excellent selection for diners.

• The Food
  Gourmet pizzas are Sistina's house specialty. Expect high-quality, innovative gourmet pizzas, made only with the freshest ingredients. However, more then just a neighborhood “pizzeria”, Sistina also offers an excellent selection of pasta, meats, seafood and dessert. The BBQ chilli calamari platter ($18) was nicely char-grilled and served with a tasty homemade lemon mayonnaise sauce which was commendably a refreshing change from the usual. The grilled marinated squid was a light starter for a heavier meal, and a healthier option compared to its deep-fried counterparts. The seafood antipasto “frutti de mare” for two persons ($42), literally translated as “fruits of the sea”, was served in a boat-shaped bowl with bits of calamari, lobster and scallop swimming in a red sea of tangy Napolitano sauce. Though many customers adored this dish I found it not so spectacular, the sauce a little too bland.

  A pizza affair in Sistina is one that differs from the other pizzerias out in the scene. Diners are invited to select from a 60 different types of toppings and custom make their very own pizza, in a thin or thick crust. Alternatively, one could select from the ready-made creations off the menu. Pizzas come in two sizes, and they are good to share, so one can sample a wider variety of flavors. Take a break from the ordinary and try a Sophia Loren Pizza ($24). Generously topping this pizza are luscious bits of bacon, Spanish onion, button mushroom, spinach, tomato and anchovies, with a huge, yellow egg yolk nestling in the centre of the pizza. Hearty and flavorful, this is a good pizza for people who want something different. If pizzas are not your thing, Agnello ($39) will be a good choice. Baby rack of lamb is marinated and chargrilled, draped with a fragrant rosemary sauce and creamy mash. The Tagliatelle Arancione ($28) is a nice pinkish pasta dish with chicken, apricot and bacon in a beautiful rose sauce. Some may find its taste too “exotic”, or a deviation from the norm, but I personally favored it. Sweet little bits of dried apricot added an extra zing and zest into the dish. It was a joy, crunching tangy bits of apricot with the pasta, giving it a curiously sweet aftertaste.

  End off the meal with a Tiramisu ($12), moist saviordi biscuits soaked in coffee and liquor, sandwiched between rich and creamy layers of zabaglione and mascarpone cheese. If this ending proves to be too rich, opt for a lighter citrus terrine ($12), a brightly colored, jelly-like pudding with pieces of fresh grapefruit and tangy orange embedded within its interior, topped off with ice-cream. This refreshing dessert is light on the stomach and invigorating to the taste, a nice simple ending after a rich meal.

The SD Food Advisor's take on Sistina
Good ambience creates the perfect mood for any occasion, be it a gathering with friends or even that romantic first date. The place gets busy on weekends, so do not forget to make a booking. Overall, the pizzas and desserts were superior, ranking above arrange according to Singapore 's standards. The pasta selection, though not spectacular, was rather decent as well. There is a buzz that reverberates around the restaurant as the restaurant teems with live and vibrancy. Definitely not Tuscany , but this is the closest we get.