singaporecity360° Buona Terra
Buona Terra — "good earth" — is a one-star contemporary Italian restaurant set in a restored colonial black-and-white bungalow on Scotts Road, where chef Denis Lucchi cooks tasting menus only.
- Cuisine
- Italian Contemporary
- Neighbourhood
- Newton / Orchard
- Nearest MRT
- Newton (NS/TE)
- Chef
- Denis Lucchi
- Indicative price
- Lunch from S$128++; dinner from S$248++
- Address
- 29 Scotts Road, Singapore 228224
Buona Terra — "good earth" — is a one-star contemporary Italian restaurant set in a restored colonial black-and-white bungalow on Scotts Road, where chef Denis Lucchi cooks tasting menus only.
Signature dishes
- House-made tagliatelle with white truffle.
- Carbonara with a cured Japanese organic egg and Perigord truffle.
- Squid-ink tonnarelli with Alaskan king crab.
- Cauliflower panna cotta with Hokkaido uni and Italian caviar.
- Braised wagyu beef cheek with potato cream and red wine.
The concept
The cooking is a contemporary reading of classic Italian, built as set menus that move from seafood through vegetables and meat to a restrained dessert. The pace is deliberately unhurried — dinner runs to around two and a half hours — and MICHELIN files it as a date-night room.
The chef
Denis Lucchi comes from Brescia in Lombardy and has led the kitchen since December 2012. He went to culinary school at 14 and worked in MICHELIN kitchens in London, Rome and around Lake Garda, as well as at Gattopardo and Garibaldi in Singapore, before earning the star here in 2019. Sommelier Gabriele Rizzardi runs an Italian-focused cellar, and the service is quiet and formal.
Getting there
The restaurant is at 29 Scotts Road, in the Chateau TCC colonial bungalow complex between Newton and Orchard, sharing the grounds with Ki-sho. Newton MRT on the North-South and Thomson-East Coast lines is about a five-to-six-minute walk; Orchard is a little further.
Prices
Lunch, Monday to Friday, is a four-course at S$128++ or five-course at S$178++. Dinner starts from a six-course at S$248++, also available at lunch subject to availability. A three-glass Wine Flyer is S$88++ and a six-glass pairing S$178++; corkage is S$90++ per bottle. "++" is before service charge and GST.
How to book
Book through TableCheck rather than Chope, or call +65 6733 0209 or +65 9456 3147. A credit card confirms the booking; cancel at least 48 hours ahead or face S$100 per guest, and give 24 hours' notice for dietary requests. With only around 24 to 30 seats, book well ahead, especially for weekend dinner.
Opening hours
Lunch Monday to Friday, midday to 3pm. Dinner Monday to Saturday, 6.30 to 10.30pm. Closed Sunday.
The room & dress
A restored colonial black-and-white bungalow with a wine-bottle display at the entrance, white linen and warm lighting across roughly ten tables, plus private rooms. It is cosy, intimate and romantic; dress smart casual to formal.
A little history
Buona Terra opened in December 2012 with Lucchi in the kitchen, won its first star in 2019, and has held one star since, including in 2026.
Who it’s for
For diners after authentic but contemporary Italian fine dining, a date night or a special occasion, and anyone who values ingredient-driven cooking. The heritage-bungalow setting, a consistent star since 2019 and a central location near Newton and Orchard are the draws.