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COVA
Pasticceria-Confetteria

Nestled at the end of Paragon shopping centre along Orchard Road is COVA Pasticceria-Confetteria, an elegant and luxurious cafe famous for their exquisite cakes and pastries.

Established in Milan since 1817, it opened its doors in Singapore in June 2008.

One can easily imagine that this would be rest stop for tai-tais and tai-tai wannabes about their business (read: shopping).

Word from the grapevine is that jewellers located in and around Paragon have been spotted wooing their customers and closing their sales right here in the cafe.But those who fear being stifled by chi-chi surroundings, fret not. The servers are welcoming and polite, but not stiffly so.

While well-known for their desserts, many may not know that they serve meals as well. From now till 30 June 2009, COVA will be having a Wagyu beef promotion, featuring items such as the Wagyu beef tartare ($28++) and Risotto with Wagyu cheek ($28++) on the menu.

Contact details
#01-20A Paragon Shopping Centre
290 Orchard Road
Singapore 238859

For reservations: 6733 0777

Opening hours
9am - 10pm (last order at 9.30pm) daily

Cuisine
Traditional Italian dishes such as pastas, pizzas and risottos are the thoroughfare here. They serve an extensive array of salads, quiches and sandwiches as well.

Portions
Portions at COVA are refined but substantial enough for a girl with a healthy appetite.

Setting
Elegant and luxurious in the indoor Tea Room, the cafe also has a more casual open-concept space just outside the entrance.
Whichever you choose, it is a wonderful spot to indulge in a cosy tete-a-tete with your best pals, or just while away a lazy saturday afternoon.

Must-tries (also available on the ala-carte menu)
Their lamb rack with eggplant carozza and coffee sauce ($39++), was well-executed. Still rare in the middle, the meat was tender, without being too gamey. However, I thought the subtly-perfumed coffee sauce did nothing to enhance the dish.

Price factor
Budget at least $40 per person for a meal, including coffee. Prices range from $14++ for their sandwiches, $16++ for a Margherita pizza to $46++ for the Wagyu rib eye.
High tea sets are available from $18++ per person (Mon-Thurs); $28++ per person (Fri-Sun).

Things you didn't know
All pastries, cakes, breads and cookies at COVA are baked every morning at 5am and ready before 9am for breakfast. The cakes that you find in the Singapore outlet are 40 per cent less sweet as compared to those back in Italy, to cater to the local palate.

Verdict It is a good place to give your bestie a birthday treat, or just hang out with a small group of friends. Their robust coffees and wide selection of desserts makes this a great place for a weekend high tea.