Garibaldi Italian Restaurant & Bar: Dress Code, Menu, History

Finding a restaurant that balances elegance with genuine warmth isn’t easy. On Singapore’s Purvis Street, one address has been quietly doing exactly that since 2003. The MICHELIN Guide calls it one of Singapore’s best-known Italian restaurants, and it remains a go-to for both business dinners and relaxed weekends. Whether you are planning a first visit or just curious about the hype, this guide walks you through dress code, menu, and the story behind the name.

Founded: 2003 · Address: 36 Purvis Street #01-02, Singapore 188613 · Contact: +65 9438 6314 · Cuisine: Authentic Italian · Awards: Award-winning · Private Dining: Available

Seven key facts about Garibaldi, from location to dress code, show a restaurant that is consistent but leaves some details ambiguous.

What is the dress code for Garibaldi?

“Garibaldi staff … do not impose any specific dress code, though they recommend avoiding flip-flops and preferring semi-casual clothes.” — TripAdvisor user review (2020)

Can I wear jeans to an Italian restaurant?

• Garibaldi’s dress code is smart casual, and jeans are typically acceptable at Italian restaurants in Singapore. A TripAdvisor user review quotes Garibaldi staff saying they do not impose any specific dress code, though they recommend avoiding flip-flops and preferring semi-casual clothes.
• As a rule, avoid shorts, slippers, and sleeveless tops for men, per Quandoo Singapore.

General dress code tips for Italian restaurants

• Smart casual is the baseline for most Italian fine-dining spots in Singapore. A collared shirt, clean sneakers or loafers, and tailored trousers work. The bar area at Garibaldi may be more relaxed, but the main dining room leans polished.

The implication: Garibaldi’s dress code is flexible enough for impromptu visits but still signals a modest upgrade from a casual cafe.

Who is the owner of Garibaldi Singapore?

• The exact owner is not publicly listed on the official website or public records. The restaurant is part of the Garibaldi Group of Restaurants.
• Chef Milind Sovani, often associated with Bhoomi, is not connected to Garibaldi directly.
• Sources: Garibaldi official website (no ownership disclosure), MICHELIN Guide (lists the restaurant without owner).

The pattern: the restaurant deliberately keeps attention on the food and atmosphere, not on a single personality.

What is Garibaldi in Singapore famous for?

“One of Singapore’s best-known Italian restaurants, with a cosy contemporary style.” — MICHELIN Guide

Award-winning Italian cuisine

• Garibaldi has been a landmark in Singapore’s Italian fine-dining scene since 2003 (Garibaldi Italian Restaurant & Bar Facebook). The MICHELIN Guide describes it as one of the best-known Italian restaurants in Singapore, with a cosy contemporary style.
• TripAdvisor notes the atmosphere is stylish without being stuffy, and the menu emphasizes authentic Italian cuisine with ingredients imported from Italy.

Location and ambiance on Purvis Street

• Located at 36 Purvis Street, the restaurant sits in a heritage area near Raffles Hotel. The MICHELIN Guide calls it cosy and contemporary-styled.
• The bar offers wines by the glass and cocktails, per TripAdvisor.

Private dining and catering services

• Private dining is available, as stated on the Garibaldi official website. Chope also lists group menus and catering options.

Why this matters: Garibaldi’s fame rests on consistency and a welcoming atmosphere, not on a single gimmick – it appeals to both business lunchers and weekend diners looking for reliable Italian.

Who was Garibaldi and what did he do?

• The restaurant takes its name from Giuseppe Garibaldi, the 19th-century Italian general widely associated with the unification of Italy (the Risorgimento). The name is visible on the restaurant’s official site and signage.
• The restaurant does not provide historical detail beyond the name; the story of Garibaldi is not part of its marketing. Diners interested in the historical figure can consult external history sources.

The catch: the name is a branding choice, not a theme. The food and ambiance have nothing to do with the general’s legacy – they stand on their own modern Italian merits.

What food is Garibaldi known for?

Signature Italian dishes

• The MICHELIN Guide highlights ossobuco, costoletta alla Milanese, and tiramisu as signature dishes. The menu spans antipasti to desserts and drinks, according to the Garibaldi official website.
• Chope lists Risotto ai Frutti di Mare, Ossobuco, and Ravioli di Vitello e Porcini as menu highlights (Chope).

Menu highlights and pricing

• The official site groups offerings into lunch menus, dinner menus, weekend free-flow brunch, à la carte menu, group menus, and takeaways (Garibaldi official site).
• A three-course set lunch menu rotates weekly (Chope). Exact price points are not publicly listed – you will need to inquire directly or check the digital menu.

Does Garibaldi have a Michelin star?

• According to the MICHELIN Guide, Garibaldi is listed in the guide but does not currently hold a MICHELIN star. The guide’s page for Garibaldi shows it as a simple listing (no star icon).
• User reviews on TripAdvisor (700 reviews) do not mention a star either.

The implication: diners should not expect Michelin-star-level service, but the restaurant’s consistent inclusion in the guide signals reliable quality.

For first-time visitors to Purvis Street, booking a table for the weekly rotating set lunch at Garibaldi is the safest way to sample its range without overcommitting – or they can head upstairs to the bar for a more casual evening. For those who value ownership transparency or Michelin stars, other Italian options in Singapore may be a better fit.

Frequently asked questions

For more dining guides in Singapore, check out Ellenborough Market Café Photos: Food, Ambiance & Buffet Guide and Ya Kun Kaya Toast Menu: Prices, Tips & How to Eat.