The recent popularity of Italian restaurants in Singapore has had Italian delis springing up all over the island, each with a different concept of their own, but ultimately radiating the warmth of an Italian home. Galbiati, which opened in December 2005, packs its homely goodness into boxes as takeaways – for households, for the busy executive, for students, for everybody.

• The Vibe
  Overlooking the railway bridge at Upper Bukit Timah Road , a simple door sign welcomes each visitor. Wooden furnishings and open freezers make up the interior, reflecting its homely and simple nature. With the aroma of Italian coffee and whiffs of pizza toppings wafting about, Galbiati provides a quiet corner in the mid-afternoon for a latte and an appetizer to idle the lazy afternoon away.

• The Food
  Restaurant owner and chef Roberto Galbiati simply delights in authentic Italian fare despite having traveled the world. Galbiati was opened to bring into each home, a taste of Italian cuisine through its takeaway dining concept. Of course, there's always the choice of dining in for those who have time on their hands.

  Galbiati's dishes reflect the chef's preference for light and simple meals. The menu is fully home-made, consisting of pizza, pasta, antipasti, biscotti, roasted meats, desserts and bread. Popular favourites are Stuffed Portabello and Spinach Flan, normally taken as appetizers. The Stuffed Portabello (approximately $8 - $10) consists of a mix of different mushrooms (shiitake, oyster and butter mushrooms) chopped up and moulded together with portabello – thus emitting a strong taste of fresh and chewy mushrooms, light on the palate. Olive oil brings out the flavour of each individual ingredient as well as complements the basic mix of tomatoes and basil in the dish. Combine it with fresh Spinach Flan ($4 for dine-in, $3 to takeaway) which strikes a pleasant balance between the overwhelming taste of spinach and other ingredients to kick off your Italian meal proper.

  The Smoked Salmon Pizza ($6 per serving) shines in its simplicity. Contrary to pizzas served in other restaurants, Italian pizzas have thin crusts and are light in ingredients. Similar to pizza takeaways peppering the streets of Italy , the pizzas here are cut into easy-to-eat slices. The salty smoked salmon melts in mouth together with the cheese, leaving a slight salty aftertaste such that the tongue craves for more. The crust is thin and crispy; it can be a delightful snack with its tomato base and mozzarella cheese.

  Italian desserts are the highlight of the menu. With ingredients and signature desserts imported directly from Italy , even Roberto Galbiati confesses he has trouble picking out the best. The classic Tiramisu ($5 to dine-in, $4.50 to takeaway) remains till date his personal favourite among all the others. Each layer a distinct buttery cream alternating with powdered cocoa, the tiramisu was sweet, smooth and will melt on the tongue.

  The Pinenuts Tart ($6 to dine-in, $5.50 to take-away), popular in Italy , is a favourite amongst locals as well. Soft pinenuts add a different taste and balance to the creamy yet crumbly tart. The dessert is not overwhelmingly sweet, whilst its pastry is firm, yet crumbles easily upon you biting into it. The Lavender Cheesecake ($5.50 to dine-in, $5 to take-away), another Italian dessert, pampers the senses with the soothing fragrance of lavender. The cheesecake is unlike its New York cousin; less moist, but still maintains its creamy cheese taste.

• The Service
  Being a small restaurant, Galbiati staff will recognize regular customers and extend their warmth beyond serving. Friendships are made within this restaurant as customers chit-chat happily with the staff whilst waiting to be served. Galbiati comes across as more of a home than a fine-dining restaurant; therefore service will not be of the same standards, though diners may be assured that they will be attended to promptly.

SD Food Advisor's take on Galbiati Gourmet Deli:
Galbiati eases the soul with its simplicity and relaxing atmosphere, and it is lovely to idle away the afternoon here with a cup of Italian brew. Since Galbiati's business caters to mainly takeaway customers, food made is chilled and easily microwavable. The restaurant's small premises may not seat enough during peak periods, so takeaway is a good alternative for busy people.