It seems that Valentino’s is now ubiquitous with Casual Italian Family Dining (“Fine-ish prices though”), and it is not hard to see why. Friendly staff (though, they seem to treat their regulars a lot better) and comfort Momma’s cooking are clearly reasons why people continue to patronize Valentino’s on a regular basis. Personally, the ever changing list of  ‘specials’ is THE reason why I return.

My last visit was way back in February and the review can be found here.

Appetizers

(Special) Mix Saute of Mushrooms

We started dinner with a serving of fresh mushrooms sauteed in a wine sauce. The mushrooms were not overcooked and I liked the simplicity of the dish which brought out the natural flavours of the mushrooms, rather than overpowering them.

(Special) Baked Eggplants

The baked stuffed eggplants were decent. It was one of those dishes – where there was neither something that could have been faulted, nor something that was a stand out.

Main Courses

Pasta with Beefballs

Tossed with a olive oil, the pasta was cooked al-dente and I would have not expected anything less coming from the kitchens of Ristorante da Valentino. The beefballs were good – think finely minced beef moulded into balls and not your usual kopitiam fare.

While they were generous with their portions, frankly, this dish, without much of a sauce, was a tad too dry. My dining partner for the evening, nodded her head, in agreement.

Raviolis with Porcini Mushrooms

I did not try my dining partner’s raviolis, but based on my previous experiences at Valentino’s, they should have been nothing short of al-dente.

Unfortunately, I am unable to comment too much on the flavours of this dish. That said, I am certain that this dish was a joy to eat, especially so, with the knowledge of the wonderful distinct flavours that porcini mushrooms infuse into a dish.

Vanilla Panna Cotta

My favourite Italian dessert is the simple Panna Cotta. No other Italian dessert really comes close!

I’ve always claimed that the panna cotta, with its white exterior signifying purity and innocence and with such elegance and poise, would definitely be a innocent and beautiful female if it could come alive. Dreams aside and review proper, Valentino’s rendition of the Panna Cotta beats any of their competitor’s version hands down. It is firm enough to hold its shape and form, yet at the same time, soft when it goes into the mouth.

The tiny specks of Vanilla Bean gives it a, if I may so claim, soothing taste, to the dessert. A sweet berry (Strawberry is my assumption) sauce that goes so well with the panna cotta, completes the innocent dessert.

Creme Brulee

Creme Brulee was my dining partner’s choice of dessert. How can you not love the sweet, smooth custard infused with vanilla beans topped with caramelized sugar. Again, this was one of those where you can hardly find something in the dish to be faulted with, yet at the same time, nothing really shouts out to you.

Conclusion

Valentino’s is a place that one should always have in mind when thinking of an Italian joint. Homely Family Italian cuisine is the name of the game here where friends or loved ones, enjoy a glass of wine paired with homely food. A thing to note though, the sheer size (or rather, lack of) of the restaurant means that a reservation is most definitely required. They have 2 seatings each for lunch and dinner and expect one to reach the restaurant on time.

Ristorante Da Valentino
11 Jalan Bingka
Mayfair Park

Tel: (65) 6462 0555