Introducing bar Milano Italian Bistro & Cocktail Bar by SJS Group
Invigorating Singapore’s Italian cocktail & dining landscape, bar Milano, an Italian Bistro & Cocktail Bar by SJS Group is a cosy-chic new alcove that embodies a European bon vivant atmosphere. Nestled in the heart of Keong Saik road, bar Milano welcomes diners and cocktail connoisseurs throughout the day into evening to enjoy Italy’s laidback spritz culture alongside authentic dishes with a generous dose of heartfelt hospitality.
The 38 seat restaurant & bar is anchored around an homage to the classic tavernas of Europe, curated for apertivo and Italian food lovers alike. bar Milano’s specialty “Spritz Bar” boasts unique concoctions using Italian vermouths and aperitifs deeply rooted in tradition. Highlights include the Bianco Spritz- Cocchi Americano, Prosecco, Italian Basil, house made sweet and sour and the Rinomato Spritz- Rinomato, London Dry Gin, Prosecco, house made rosemary and black pepper tincture along with a selection of hearty mains, delicate desserts and an expertly curated fine Italian wine and curated Lambrusco offering.
SJS Group has been at the forefront of highly curated experiences, with popular notable concepts that include Pasta Bar, LuLu’s Lounge, Employees Only, and Papi’s Tacos.
Always looking for creative ways to express their vision, SJS bucked the traditional route of design and engaged a movie set designer to assist in bringing bar Milano to life. Carefully researched for authenticity, bar Milano exudes the persona of a quintessential European cafe and bar with warm finishes, vintage lighting, restored furniture and fixtures, and Italian hand-painted tiles. As music also plays an important part of the sensory experience, the founders have spent months curating the perfect balance of everything from 1960’s Italian pop to 1990’s New York funky beats.
“While dreaming up the design, we thought it would be a very different experiment to engage a movie set designer rather than a traditional designer to really bring the experience to life. We love films, and sometimes you take for granted the incredibly talented people it takes to dream up those sets that draw you into the story. We researched long and hard all of our favourite design features from European cafes and either imported speciality items, such as a 1960’s gate from an Italian home to use as the bar face, or used amazing local artists and craftsmen to replicate certain features.”- Sarissa Rodriguez- Schwartz, SJS Co-Founder.
bar Milano’s highly curated experience begins with a selection of antipasti, including the Baked Fontina – made with Italian vermouth and served with herbs and sourdough, Burrata with honey roasted peaches, and Steak Tartar with anchovy cream .
The main feature – a menu of 4 different Pizza Frittas- otherwise called “the other Neopolitan Pizza”. The first in Singapore, this fried pizza dough instead of baked, is a rendition is known as “pizza of the people” and gained a cult following in Napoli during WWII. Although finding this dish outside of Napoli is difficult, bar Milano does it justice. Their specialty Pizza Fritta menu consisting of options such as truffle smoked ricotta & wild mushrooms, mortadella & stracciatella, broccolini & anchovy, and, of course a classic tomato mozzarella & basil.
Outside of the antipasti & pizza fritta selection, four wholesome mains change depending on seasonality, and include a classic Chicken Milanese – served with apple and fennel coleslaw and a Italian Paella with Pugliese baked rice, mussels, prawn, and potato.
For dessert, the indulgent Nutella Mousse with amaretti, torched Italian meringue, and vanilla ice cream and the Carrot & Walnut cakewith mascarpone cream cheese filling immerse diners into Italy’s quintessential food culture. Guests can relax late into the evening with artisanal Italian wines or a selection of classic cocktails, including The Godfather and The Cipriani Bellini - a recipe from the famed creator of the Bellini- from the original Harry’s Bar in Venice.
Staying true to a European cafe, bar Milano has competitive coffee program to highlight their brunch and lunch offerings. Daytime menu offerings include Uova in Purgatorio- shakshouka-style baked eggs, spicy arrabiata, red pepper, pesto, garlic toast, Overstuffed Focaccia Sandwiches, and a poached salmon nicoise salad. Compliment your daytime meal with and Spiked Frappuccino- blended fresh coffee, Sailor Jerry spiced rum, Kahlua, house made infused vanilla bean syrup or an Italian Bloody Mary with French-Pressed San Marzano Tomatoes, Reyka Vodka, olive brine, celery salt, smoked paprika, pickled jalapeno, and prosciutto.
“Our goal at all of our venues is not to create a historically accurate simile, but rather an emotion of something transformative. Everything from our lighting, music selection, food and drink offerings and style of service is carefully crafted to stir up and evoke a time, a place or a feeling. We know we have succeeded in that when guests say, this place makes me feel like I am somewhere else.” - Josh Schwartz, Co-Founder SJS Group.
