A haven for gourmands seeking a taste of Italy’s diverse culinary tapestry, the new restaurant proudly showcases distinct flavours of both the North and South. Using a variety of ingredients sourced primarily from Italy, the passionate chefs present an irresistible repertoire of classics given a ‘DUOMO’ touch. “It’s about capturing the essence of Italian cuisine that we know and love. Fresh, high-quality ingredients from Italy allow us to showcase the true depth of flavour of regional Italian dishes. We want our guests to experience a slice of Italy, and using these ingredients is fundamental to achieving that.”, enthuses General Manager Giuseppe Frascolla.
Housed within the meticulously restored walls of CHIJMES, Duomo Ristorante takes its name from the Italian word for ‘cathedral’; the perfect complement to CHIJMES, home of CHIJMES Hall, the former Gothic Chapel of CHIJ. Here, diners get a taste of “la dolce vita”, whether they are partaking in an aperitivo in the cheery outdoors accentuated with distinctly Italian decorative touches, or enjoying a meal in the welcoming dining room.
Duomo’s menu celebrates the essence of Italian cuisine, blending beloved classics from Northern and Southern Italy with a modern twist. Guests can begin their culinary adventure with invigorating antipasti and soups. Highlights include La Bruschetta, a dish featuring fluffy bread topped with sweet Sicilian pizzutello tomatoes and Pecorino cheese, and Wagyu Beef Carpaccio, enhanced with a house-made parmesan sauce. Seafood lovers can enjoy the hearty Seafood Cioppino, a tomato-seafood broth with calamari, clams, and prawns. Another savory option is the Homemade Polpette, succulent meatballs in a signature tomato sauce, garnished with fresh basil.
The pizza selection at Duomo is led by the Bella Duomo, featuring a white base topped with mortadella from Bologna, Sicilian pistachios, and creamy stracciatella cheese. Classic options like the Margherita and the indulgent 4 Formaggi Al Tartufo are also available. For pasta enthusiasts, the Tagliolini Gamberi & Lemon captures the essence of an Italian summer with fresh lemons and grilled prawns, while the Gnocchi Funghi & Salsiccia offers homemade gnocchi with pork sausage, soffrito, and white wine. The Pappardelle Beef Cheek is a northern Italian delight with slow-cooked beef cheek in a rich Sangiovese sauce.
Main courses at Duomo range from the succulent Nodino di Maiaele, a marinated and grilled pork chop, to the Costata Di Manzo, a perfectly cooked Angus beef dish. Seafood lovers can indulge in the Polipo Arrosto, a grilled octopus with a citrusy salmoriglio sauce. Desserts include the timeless Duomo Tiramisu, with ladyfingers soaked in coffee and layered with mascarpone, and the light Pannacotta Alla Vaniglia, made with a traditional recipe. Guests can unwind with Italian aperitifs, classic cocktails, and a curated selection of wines. The Sunday brunch set offers a sumptuous spread, including freshly baked focaccia, beef cheek ragu, grilled seabass, and marinated pork chop, complemented by a Pizza of the Day, rocket salad, and bottomless Aperol Spritz and bubbles.
Nestled amid lush greenery, the alfresco seating area invites you to dine in a vibrant setting. Awash with warm orange tiles, island bar beckons guests to watch skilled bartenders craft their signature cocktails. Comfortable wooden furniture provides a relaxed ambience for enjoying the open-air oasis, all complemented by a captivating view of CHIJMES Hall (formerly the chapel of CHIJ).
Alternatively, step indoors into an elegant, yet warm and welcoming space. White pillars evoke a subtle European influence, while floor-to-ceiling glass panels allow natural light in. Ornate paintings grace the walls, adding a touch of artistic charm. For a more intimate gathering, a cosy nook transforms into a private haven. Equipped with a projector, this space is ideal for hosting celebrations and events with a touch of personalised flair.
