We were at Robertson Quay to visit the Singapore Tyler Print Institute as they have free guided tours every Saturday. But since the tour starts at 1 PM, we decided to have lunch first at Bella Pizza just a few doors down.

Fagottino Di Bufala (SGD 21)

Buffalo mozzarella and fresh tomatoes, wrapped in Parma ham

This is something I definitely want to re-create at home! The combination of the salty ham with the creamy cheese and the sweet tomatoes made me think that sharing wasn't such a good thing...

Pizza Capricciosa (SGD 24)

Pizza with tomato, mozzarella, mushroom, cooked ham and artichokes

Let's just put it this way - this was better than the pizzas we've had over at Mario Batali's Pizzeria Mozza.

Pannacotta (SGD 9)

Custard served with strawberry sauce

The end to our meal wasn't that sweet as their pannacotta didn't quite make the grade. The custard was almost bland and the sauce was not to my taste.

But overall, this is a great place for those craving Italian and I definitely see repeat visits in our future.

Chatterbox

Chatterbox is famous for their chicken rice. So when my friend Merly came to visit recently, I decided that it was the perfect time to see what the fuss was all about.

Satay (SGD 18)

I have yet to encounter bad satay here in Singapore and this was no exception. Maybe I'm just not picky or anything that's dipped in peanut sauce is always good with me.

Crispy Baby Squid (SGD 16)

Good squid and I wouldn't mind going back to order this again! Jumbo Seafood also serves a version of this dish, but in my opinion, this one tastes better. Note though that they placed an upturned lettuce leaf underneath so the squid is just on top, and it's hollow in the bottom.

Barley Water (SGD 9)

The usual price for a glass of barley in an air conditioned food court is SGD 1.80 (slightly less at open air hawker centers). Since it tastes the same as the cheaper versions, you'd think they could at least give a bigger glass (or make it refillable). I'll stick to asking for iced water on my next visit.

Chicken Rice (SGD 27)

Merly loved the rice and couldn't get enough of it. As for me, I felt there was nothing spectacular about the dish considering you can get the same taste for less than SGD 5 elsewhere.

Strictly Pancakes

Pancakes for lunch? Everyone I've brought here were initially skeptical, but completely converted after trying it just once.

Potatoes Leeking Cheese (SGD 12)

Two pancakes stuffed with potatoes, cheese and leek served with sautéed mushrooms and sour cream on the side

Our friend Celia ordered this and ended up returning to Strictly Pancakes with her husband Mic in tow. Looks can be deceiving though, as the serving size may seem normal, but it's actually very filling.

Garlic Buttered Prawns (SGD 15)

Medium stack served with prawns buttered generously with garlic and cherry tomato salad on the side

I love this! So much so that I've had it on three separate occasions and wouldn't mind ordering it again.

Tiramisu (SGD 13)

Kahlua infused Mascarpone cheese slathered over three fragrant chocolate pancakes and topped with chocolate flakes, vanilla ice cream and a dash of cocoa

I was too full to appreciate this, but then again I've never been fond of Tiramisu (this was Mom's meal).