Nestled within the grandeur of The Empire Brunei, Spaghettini offers a dining experience that transcends mere gastronomy.
Under the guidance of our Italian Director of Culinary Rolando Manesco from Italy, each dish embodies the beauty of Italian cuisine, focusing on simplicity and authenticity.
“What I try to do is keep traditional Italian dishes very simple. Think of the simplicity and the texture of each ingredient, which should be similar or very close to those found in Italy,” shared Manesco.
His philosophy is deeply personal, drawing from cherished memories of his grandmother’s kitchen, where the foundations of his culinary passion were born.
Manesco’s culinary journey began in his childhood, under the watchful eye of his grandmother, an exceptional home cook, who alongside her sisters, turned cooking into a joyful competition.
“Everything started when I was very small. My grandmother took care of me while my parents were working. She was an excellent home cook”.
Today, Manesco channels this familial inspiration into his work, ensuring that each dish at Spaghettini reflects the same love and attention to detail that his grandmother’s meals did.
“With every bite, you’ll experience the special flavour of Italian cuisine. A taste of Italy is flavoursome but very light and simple,” he promised.
THE MENU
The menu at Spaghettini is a curated selection of dishes that celebrate the purity of ingredients and the richness of Italian culinary traditions.
APPETISERS
The journey begins with Gamberi, Insalata Cetrioli Melone – an exquisite prawn carpaccio delicately paired with avocado, cucumber, and watermelon, all graced by a vibrant citrus dressing.
This dish presents a captivating interplay of textures and flavours, where the crisp, refreshing cucumber and the silky smoothness of avocado harmonise with the bright citrus zest of orange and the subtle sweetness of watermelon, offering a refreshing and elegant prelude to the dining experience.
The Insalata di Mele e Pesce Barramundi follows, offering a well-balanced combination of flavours.
The pan-fried barramundi is accompanied by the subtle sweetness of apple and the creamy richness of homemade mayonnaise. A touch of lemon Napoli dressing brings a refreshing tartness, while the crisp texture of the apple contrasts beautifully with the smooth mayonnaise, exemplifying Manesco’s meticulous attention to detail and culinary finesse.
MAIN DISHES
The Arrosto di Agnello Glassato, Spinaci, Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino showcases roasted glazed lamb, accompanied by fondant potatoes and sautéed spinach infused with garlic, chilli, and extra virgin olive oil.
The lamb chop scottadito, pays tribute to Roman culinary heritage, its name meaning “burnt fingers” in Italian – a nod to the tradition of enjoying the chops straight off the grill, often too hot to handle. Traditionally cooked over an open flame, the lamb is marinated in a fragrant blend of rosemary, thyme, garlic, and olive oil, then grilled to perfection.
Served with sautéed potatoes and spinach, this dish embodies the warm, convivial spirit of Italian family gatherings, where simple, honest flavours are savoured and shared in a joyous celebration.
Continuing the experience, the Filetto di Manzo, Purea di Patate, Riduzione ai Funghi delivers an exquisite 200-gramme beef tenderloin, accompanied by a silky potato purée and a rich mushroom reduction.
The tenderloin is expertly marinated and seasoned, achieving a perfect harmony of flavour and tenderness. The purée, slowly infused with milk and butter, offers a creamy, indulgent foundation that enhances the dish’s comforting appeal.
A delicate sprinkle of beetroot powder introduces a subtle citrus undertone, adding a layer of sophistication and depth, making this dish a true celebration of rustic elegance and refined culinary artistry.
The Filetto di Merluzzo Arrostito, Mousse di Avocado, Compote di Pomodoro e Olive offers a refined, lighter option that artfully blends Northern and Southern Italian influences.
The roasted codfish, with its buttery, mild flavour and delicate texture, is perfectly complemented by the vibrant acidity of the tomato and olive compote.
The compote adds a burst of Mediterranean brightness, balancing the dish with its tangy notes. A smooth, creamy avocado mousse lends a luxurious touch, enhancing the overall richness while maintaining a refreshing lightness.
DESSERTS
The dessert offerings at Spaghettini provide the perfect, graceful conclusion to an unforgettable meal.
The Traditional Panna Cotta is a masterclass in simplicity, featuring a white chocolate panna cotta, mixed berries, strawberry sauce, and a delicate vanilla tuile.
Its velvety smooth texture, infused with a subtle vanilla essence, is complemented by the rich sweetness of the strawberry sauce. The mixed berries provide a refreshing contrast, while the tuile offers a crisp, airy texture.
This exquisite dessert strikes a perfect balance between lightness and indulgence, with a refined sweetness that lingers on the palate.
It’s a dish that invites you to savour each bite and truly appreciate the moment.
As the final course, Manesco’s signature Tiramisu is the perfect culmination of a remarkable dining experience, paying homage to his grandmother’s cherished recipe.
Layers of delicate ladyfinger biscuits, velvety mascarpone cheese, and a light dusting of rich chocolate come together in this dessert, which strikes a harmonious balance between airy and indulgent. It’s the essence of traditional Italian sweetness, leaving a lasting impression as a serene and memorable finale to a culinary journey that has been nothing short of sublime.
In every dish, Rolando Manesco captures the essence of Italian cuisine: simplicity, dedication, and a deep connection to his roots. At Spaghettini, dining becomes an intimate journey, where every bite tells a story of tradition, love and culinary excellence.
