Locanda, a lively casual concept by 1-Michelin-starred Buona Terra, opens at 109 Rowell Road this July, in the colourful heritage district of Little India. Its name taken from the Italian word for “inn”, Locanda charms with a home-like warmth. Traditionally a welcoming place of respite in the countryside of Italy, locandas are where weary travellers are refuelled with simple and hearty Italian classics before continuing their journey. With a sense of place and intimacy, these inns are loved for their delivery of generosity and passion characteristic of Italian hospitality.
In celebration of these humble institutions, Locanda brings their timeless charm to the city fringe address of Rowell Road – located just beyond the bustling city and with a distinct personality of its own. Warm and inviting in its style of hospitality, Locanda is set to be a destination to relax and refuel at the spirited cultural and historic Little India precinct.
This cosy Italian trattoria is also a new destination for diners to unwind over quality wines and comforting Italian fare, carefully crafted by Buona Terra’s Italian Resident Chef Denis Lucchi. He is supported at Locanda by an experienced team, including longserving team members from the fine dining restaurant, Head Chef William Bai and Sous Chef Anthony Chang, who now helm the casual concept. Together, they apply their wealth of culinary experience and deep knowledge of the flavours of Italy in every dish served at Locanda.
The spirit of Italian hospitality lies in making guests feel like they are part of the family, and a meal at Locanda is akin to an invitation into the kitchen – the heart of the home. Locanda sets out to deliver personable service reminiscent of traditional, family-run Italian inns. Heading the service team is Italian Operation Manager Daniele Fiore, who prides himself with warm and passionate service distinctive of Italian hospitality. Emphasising comfort and conviviality, Locanda is like a home-away-from-home for diners – a place to enjoy the simple pleasures of good food and good company.
The food on the table further illustrates the way of Italian hospitality: beyond taste and quality, each dish is a display of generosity, just as one would be pampered at the home. Created using authentic ingredients sourced from all over Italy and around the world, the diverse a-la-carte menu allows diners to create a communal spread to their own taste preferences. Like the space, the menu of Locanda carries with it the rich traditions and heritage that shape Italian cuisine and hospitality.
Drawing from the rich culinary heritage of Italy, Locanda serves up comforting Italian cuisine – honest-to- goodness dishes inspired by the many Italian regions. Central to this experience is the beloved pasta. Just as its sister restaurant is well-known for its signature pasta creations, Locanda will also showcase this versatile staple deeply rooted in Italian tradition and often associated with family and community. Diners can enjoy an array of pastas, some handmade and each a demonstration of unique flavour profiles and cooking techniques.
In addition to the house specialties of classic pastas, diners can also look forward to hearty dishes that will satiate with robust flavours. House-baked bread, bruschetta, refreshing starters such as a cold cuts selection with Gnocco Fritto, salads, a Crudi selection, as well as appetisers great for sharing, and main courses will share the limelight. True to its identity as a convivial space for building bonds over a meal, there are hearty, Large Serving platters such as Beef OP Ribs, Spaghetti ai Frutti di Mare, and more.
Created using authentic ingredients sourced from all over Italy and around the world, the diverse a-la-carte menu allows diners to create a communal spread to their own taste preferences. Like the space, the menu of Locanda carries with it the rich traditions and heritage that shape Italian cuisine and hospitality.
Locanda offers a curated selection of beverages that reflects their commitment to quality with great value. The menu features a variety of over 150 premium wines from small-scale and lesser-known producers around the world, made with natural, biodynamic methods and in limited quantities – with some labels as scarce as fifty bottles for the entire Singapore market.
Beyond wines, Locanda offers Italian liquors like limoncello, a range of grappa, amaretto, montenegro, averna, fernet branca, sambuca molinari, and Italian craft beers. Non-alcohol options include artisanal bottled juices, Italian sodas, mocktails and sparkling fruit beverages.