Having made something of a name for itself here in Singapore, the Da Paolo group of restaurants currently boasts 5 popular eateries and is known for its high quality and authentic Italian fare. Along the quiet stretch of Jalan Merah Saga in Holland Village lies Da Paolo La Terrazza, a tranquil spot ideal for a laidback lunch or intimate dinner. Slightly formal without being pretentious, La Terrazza comes across as a well-orchestrated operation with the goal of providing its guests with a comfortable, up market dining experience that doesn't bust their wallets.

• The Vibe
  From the outside, La Terrazza seems pretty ordinary. Its façade could use a little work, and its canopy obviously needs replacing. Inside though, it manages to exude an ambience that can only be described as cosy. Pristine, white tablecloths adorn all tables, which are matched with light, rattan chairs. This seems to be a recurring theme as the ceiling is also artfully decorated with rattan. Mirrors line the walls, opening the space up even further. La Terrazza is well-ventilated and airy, a characteristic surely much appreciated by diners.

• The Food
  Though not exactly expansive, the menu at La Terrazza has more than enough options to keep hunger pangs at bay. Comprising the obligatory antipasti, pastas, pizzas, meats and seafood as well as traditional Italian desserts, there is nothing extraordinary about the variety of dishes available.

  Start off with the Insalatina con Salmone e Caprino ($22), a smoked salmon salad that is both aesthetically pleasing and quite substantial. Drizzled with goat cheese-yoghurt dressing to offset the bitterness of the fresh rocket leaves, this dish is sprinkled with avocado pieces. Generous slices of fresh, salty smoked salmon are a welcome addition to this colourful concoction.

  If pasta is your weakness, the Taglioni Verdi alla Paolo ($24) comes highly recommended. As most of the pastas at La Terrazza are homemade, this green spinach one is cooked as it should be, that is, al dente with the slightest bit of bite. This cream-based delight is served with ham, mushrooms and cooked au gratin, so that its top layer of parmesan is crisp and brown. While the earthy taste of the mushrooms complements the salty strips of ham well, the cream sauce can be a little cloying after more than a few mouthfuls.

  For something somewhat lighter on the palate, try the Merluzzo con Pomodorini Caramellate ($32), or baked codfish with baby spinach and caramelized cherry tomatoes. Crumbling nicely at the slightest touch, the fish is delightfully soft and buttery, its freshness apparent in every bite. Lightly seasoned to maintain its natural flavours, the taste of the codfish is further enhanced by the sweet cherry tomatoes.

• The Service
  The service at La Terrazza is nothing short of exemplary. However, the smartly- dressed staff seem to lack warmth and hospitality. While ice water is refilled regularly and dishes served in a timely manner, it seems like the servers are just going through the motions, which is disappointing as there is hardly a smile to be seen.

The SD Food Advisor's take on Da Paolo La Terrazza
Fans of Italian cuisine will enjoy this restaurant simply because the food cannot be faulted. It is authentic, delicious, and not as expensive as one would expect. Coupled with the ambience, it is worth a visit or two, and though the service is not as friendly as I would have liked, it will hardly affect the business of the establishment, considering it carries the ever popular Da Paolo name.