Viva Italia: The best Italian restaurants to try in Singapore

With the opening of Torno Subito Singapore, celebrity chef Massimo Bottura debuts his first permanent dining concept in the Lion City. But don’t expect a copy of the Dubai outpost as “every restaurant that we have is completely different,” he assures. Bottura’s the brains but executive chef Alessio Pirozzi helms the kitchens with a team of young aspiring chefs to bring forth authentic Italian flavours in its handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas and moreish mains—all bearing Bottura’s innovative twists.

Reserve your appetite for the six-course set menu, playfully titled “Ciao Singapore!”, if you’re down to savour Bottura’s highlights. It promises the restaurant’s signature dishes such as “It’s Not Pasta”, a cold tagliatelle dish in a reinvented cuttlefish and bell pepper stew. Pizza, of course, is not to be ignored. The cavatelli riviera dish is a highlight, starring al dente hand-made pasta in a light sauce seasoned with smoked paprika and lemon and served with fresh Sicilian red shrimp.

In case you missed it: Italian chef Massimo Bottura on why he chose to open his newest restaurant, Torno Subito, in Singapore

It’s never a dull affair at Acqua e Farina. Managed by chefs Antonio Manetto from Naples and Milanese native Roberto Galbiati, Italy’s diverse regional culinary styles are displayed in full force. From the rich and hearty flavours up North to the light and vibrant down South, the cosy restaurant’s gastronomic identity is poised to marry the best of both worlds.

A must-try is the montanara, a twice-cooked pizza with a 36-hour hand-pressed dough and deep-fried till golden. The pie is then topped with mozzarella, Naples-style tomato sauce, house-made pork sausage, and Italian spicy salami paste, before baking in the oven. Topped with creamy burrata, the result is a crispy, non-greasy pizza that is jam-packed with flavour. The handmade cocoa pasta isn’t to be missed either. The springy strands are tossed in a velvety sauce seasoned with spicy nduja salami paste, and bejewelled with meaty portobello mushrooms, and plump grilled shrimp.

Locanda is the sister outlet of Michelin-starred Italian restaurant Buona Terra. Meaning “inn” in Italian, the restaurant screams rustic with its exposed red brick walls and rustic wooden furnishings. Helmed by an experienced team from Buona Terra, its food menu draws inspiration from various Italian regions, including that of Northern Italy.

The restaurant’s focaccia is made from stone-ground Italian wheat flour and braised red Tropea onions, a process which takes six to seven hours to prepare and proof, resulting in a richly toasted onion focaccia topped with melted Casera cheese. Other dishes include pasta with flavourful, savoury sauces and in-house-made gelato.

Sospiri is the name of a delicate cream-filled pastry beloved by many Italians. It was also the favourite dessert of Beppe de Vito, having spent his childhood in Puglia, and it is these memories of joy that inform the culinary direction of Sospiri, located on the seventh floor of the newly-constructed IOI Central Boulevard Towers. Served amidst a backdrop resembling the luxurious and comfortable Roman holiday homes, the spread juxtaposes with imaginative interpretations of classic southern Italian recipes that add a breath of fresh air into the cuisine.

Plucked from Michelin-starred chef Matteo Ponti’s delicious repertoire, standouts include the ribbons of pappardelle with Cardoncelli mushrooms and cured tuna roe; the expertly grilled octopus with buttery controne white beans and the aromatic peperone crusco; and a generous list of classic Italian desserts, gleaned from the Ponti family’s recipe books that would make even the toughest nonnas swoon with delight.

When pining for that familiar taste at that Italian trattoria many summers ago, Casa Vostra is your answer. This Italian joint is no stranger to Singapore, first launching a delivery-only pizza stop in 2023, followed by a pop-up at Ann Siang Hill to much fanfare. The brilliant mind behind it all is Italian chef-owner Antonio Miscellaneo, of the wildly popular pizzeria La Bottega Enoteca in Joo Chiat. Its popularity is certainly taking the brand to greater heights, finding its new home at Raffles City.

The brick-and-mortar store will offer Casa Vostra’s trademark handcrafted 12-inch Newpolitan and Doublecrunch pizzas that first captured the heart of the nation as a humble delivery service. Aside from pizzas, pasta aficionados can look forward to a lineup of unique pasta plates that are proudly made from scratch and by hand, with high-quality, natural ingredients.

Opening this month along with the grand return of Grand Hyatt Singapore, Pete’s Place has been an Italian favourite amongst local palates—for over 50 years. And dare we say, it’s back and better than ever. Helmed by newly appointed chef Salvatore Giorgio Catania, this cosy trattoria offers quintessential Italian dishes made using culinary techniques from Northern and Southern Italy. Be prepared to feast on scrumptious starters like vitello tonnato, as well as a selection of seasonal cured meat like parma ham, napoli salami, and copa, which are best enjoyed with gnocco fritto.

Save space for the showstopping mains though. The costoletta alla milanese, a large breaded tender fried veal cutlet, a communal dish often seen on the table at Italian degustations, is a must-try as it’s made extra tasty by shallow frying in butter. Its refreshing return also includes a highly personalised off-menu experience at the specially designed chef’s table.

One of Intercontinental Singapore’s culinary gems, Luce is Italian chef Andrea Rossi’s homage to classic Italian flavours influenced by his roots in the culinary epicentre of the delicious region of Emilia Romagna. And there’s no better way to savour every part of town with the buffet spread, where every morsel tempts you for another bite. Of course, burrata is never a bad choice. But don’t fill up too much, as Rossi’s hallmark Roman-style pizzas are the main draw. Made fresh and delivered piping hot from the hearth, the pies feature a range of flavours from classic Neapolitan to the imaginative triple cheese pizza—mozzarella, taleggio and provolone—drizzled with toothsome acacia honey. 

The proscuitto di parma pizza is not to be missed either, made as it is with a traditional recipe of homemade tomato sauce, mozzarella, Parma ham, arugula, and parmesan. And if you’re peckish for dessert, don’t forget to try the “Luce-misu”, Luce’s signature version of tiramisu featuring a mascarpone cream espuma served with espresso syrup, lady finger sponge, and crunchy feuilletine. On Sundays, champagne brunch draws in the crowds, where DJ sets and theatrical live stations complement free-flowing pours of Bauget-Jouette champagne.

Colombian chef Fernando Arévalo is proud of his Italian roots, as shown in his latest restaurant opened in honour of his late paternal grandfather (who was originally from Castelnuovo di Conza, Italy). The menu is inspired by his food memories growing up in Bogota, the capital of Colombia, where his family and cousins would feast on pasta dishes and the family’s traditional homemade sauce. Pasta features heavily on his menu with creations like the pappardelle tossed with rabbit ragu, parmesan and thyme, and the tagliatelle with fermented mushrooms, datterini tomatoes and basil. But there are also fish and meat dishes, if these are what you’re craving for. More than the food, Capasso is also a destination for imbibers who want to savour some good ol‘ scotch whiskies, wines and cocktails.

Experience the beauty of Puglia without leaving Singapore at Fico, chef-owner Mirko Febbrile’s ode to his hometown in Italy. Fashioned after a masseria (a farmhouse built on an estate), the gorgeous space comprises a live pasta counter (where you’ll see the chefs making fresh pastas daily) and communal tables which encourage lively conversations over food and wines. Dishes here are made with three to four ingredients only; the signature foccacina, for example, is crafted with 80 per cent semola and 20 per cent flour, and topped with an assortment of toppings such as anchovies, black olives, and capers. 

A visit to Caffe Fernet for the gorgeous Marina Bay view is a must, especially when the fireworks season rolls around. This casual-chic “new Italian” restaurant exudes date night vibes with its low lighting, party music, buttery leather booth seats and high tables lining the walkway with unencumbered views. The menu focuses on small plates like cured meats, cheeses and bread, with a tight selection of pasta and main courses. The must-order is the punchy and hearty bowl of rigatoni spicy vodka with pork sausage; cooked al dente, the pasta serves as the perfect vehicle for the piquant, lightly fiery tomato sauce thickened with a splash of cream and loads of parmesan. While there’s a decent wine list, Caffe Fernet specialises in cocktails, which is unsurprising given that it shares the same owners as award-winning bar Jigger & Pony.

The Amalfi Coast in Italy is the inspiration behind this beautifully designed restaurant which overlooks the Singapore River. Enjoy the view as you tuck into an array of modern Italian fare spanning artisanal handcrafted pizzas, pastas and steaks. The cacio e pepe is a standout, as the creaminess of the cheese is offset by the freshly ground black pepper and truffle shavings. The lobster spaghetti is worth ordering too—you’ll get meaty Boston lobster perched atop al dente pasta coated in a decadent lobster bisque sauce, and served with tomatoes, chilli and basil.

Bar Cicheti specialises in hand-made pasta, and has entrenched itself in Singapore’s crowded culinary scene as one of the best pasta bars in the city. Its new menu further demonstrates its chef’s creativity, without veering far from its ethos. A must-have is the signature stracciatella, which is the culinary team’s unique take on the classic burrata dish. It features a creamy burrata served with sweet heirloom tomatoes, sundried datterini (little dates), microgreens and toasted breadcrumbs. It would be a crime to skip the bowls of hearty pasta. For something different, try the sagna e pezza—short ribbon squid-ink pasta cooked with fresh prawns, squid, clams and passata. If you prefer something more classic, order the agnolotti, a scrumptious dish featuring grass-fed beef cheek that’s been braised for ten hours in Fondo Bruno and enhanced with parmigiano reggiano. It’s comforting, flavourful, and a delightful way to cap an evening.

This Italian restaurant’s prime waterfront location overlooking Marina Bay and its accompanying skyline is unparalleled, and the guests that it draws are from the more privileged crowd. Standout dishes include the Acquerello risotto, a truffle-y affair that is tossed in a wheel of parmigiano reggiano; and the “Sanchoku” beef F1 Wagyu striploin with the steak bone in. Save room for dessert and indulge in standard Italian favourites like tiramisu, comprising layers of smoked mascarpone, layered over espresso caviar, tart Morello cherry and pistachio and coffee crumbs. 

Head to this Italian steakhouse for Tuscan-style steaks and authentic Italian fare. Begin the meal with refreshing burrata, accompanied with rocket and tomatoes. Once your palate has been whet, dig into hearty mains, like the seppia spaghetti, squid ink pasta crowned with luxurious lobster and prawns. When it comes to meat, its selection is extensive, ranging from Miyazaki A4 Wagyu striploin to grain-fed Bistecca alla Fiorentina. Go for the F1 Kuroge Washu-bred Wagyu beef, a gorgeously marbled cut that has been grilled until tender and succulent. Be sure to order a side of roasted brussels sprouts. Delightfully crisp and loaded with smoked bacon and whole grain mustard, it’s satisfying in its own right. 

If you haven’t visited contemporary Italian restaurant Art’s new home at the National Gallery Singapore, do yourself a favour and book a table soon. Helmed by executive chef Daniele Sperindio, the restaurant serves innovative Italian dishes in the seven-course Italian Tale tasting menu. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list with over 500 Old- and New-World bottles.

Diners may not be able to travel the world, but they can indulge in the beautiful flavours of Italy at Dolce Vita. Its name, which means “a life full of pleasure” aptly describes the menu as they will be able to tuck into authentic Italian cuisine, presented with a modern touch. Pastas and pizzas aside, there’s also a mouthwatering agnello (or lamb) on the menu that’s slow-braised to achieve a delicate texture and decorated with carrot confit, creamy potatoes, oyster mushroom. For dessert, the crostata al limone cleanses the palate with its tangy lemon curd and pleasant elderflower-flavoured ice cream.

One of Singapore’s best known Italian restaurants, Garibaldi offers an extensive menu that features seafood, pasta, meat dishes, and even vegetable-based choices, alongside a stellar drink list of Italian wines and cocktails. A must-order is the beautifully plated cold angel hair pasta with sweet fresh oysters and Carelian caviar; the dish is sometimes served with sea urchin, prawn tartare and caviar. For pasta fans, the Lunghetti Gamberi E – spaghetti aglio olio, with tiger prawns and bottarga, is also exceptionally flavourful. Tiramisu’ di Mamma Bice with the interesting addition of chocolate chips, created using the recipe of chef-owner Roberto Galetti’s mother, makes for the perfect sweet ending.

For authentic, contemporary Italian cuisine accompanied by gorgeous views, head to Oso Ristorante on the top floor of the Oasia Hotel Downtown. The elegant restaurant features many spaces to entertain and socialise, from the Antinori Room to the Macallan Bar. The menu focuses on seasonal produce. Must-have dishes include the tegamino, a comforting serving of pan-fried eggs with black truffle purée and cheese; risotto with mascarpone cheese and black truffle purée; beef tenderloin steak with minced black truffle on a bed of poached green asparagus. End your meal with the crostata, a freshly baked 72 per cent chocolate tart, paired with luscious homemade milk ice cream.

Conveniently situated in the Central Business District, Otto Ristorante serves up quality Italian food and hearty hospitality. Acclaimed Italian speciality chef Michele Pavanello helms the kitchen, creating authentic delicacies with a fresh perspective and quality ingredients from his native Veneto region. These include a crispy suckling pig dish, generously lacquered with acacia honey and balsamic vinegar; the Hokkaido scallop carpaccio (when available on the quarterly changing menu); and the seasonal White Truffle menu. The dishes are complemented by a well-chosen list of wines, sourced entirely from Italy.

An ode to Southern Italy, expect to find fresh seafood, handmade pastas and heirloom recipes at Waterfall Ristorante Italiano. Must-try dishes include the vitello tonnato, a popular summer dish featuring poached sliced veal slathered with a creamy tuna sauce; carpaccio di polipo using Mediterranean octopus; and the linguine allo scoglio, tossed generously with prawns, mussels, scallops, clams and cherry tomatoes. Expect warm Italian hospitality and generous pours of wines by the glass.

The brainchild of chef-owner Mauro Colagreco (Mirazur, three Michelin stars) and helmed by chef de cuisine Antonio Corsaro, Fiamma is an homage to the fresh ingredients of the Italian country and the simple nostalgia of grand family meals. Nestled in the secluded Capella Singapore at Sentosa, you’ll find ultra-fresh antipasti like the amberjack carpaccio beautifully dressed in a basil-saffron vinaigrette and topped with toasted pistachios for crunch alongside hearty salt-crusted branzino in a citrus virgin dressing and smoked tomato. Don’t miss its handmade pastas or risotto, which includes an indulgent risotto cooked in a lobster bisque sauce, served with Alaskan king crab and fresh uni that doesn’t pull back from the umami flavours of the sea. 

Capturing the essence of an Italian grigliata (a barbecue party), executive chef Andrea de Paola brings the heat and char of the flame at Griglia Open Fire Italian Kitchen, presenting both classic Italian recipes and contemporary styles of cooking that makes this restaurant worth a trip. A highlight is the 100-day aged, barley-fed bone-in ribeye that’s impossibly juicy and perfect for sharing, as well as Pacific tiger prawns that carry the char of the grill while remaining fresh and plump.

Located at the top of the Ocean Financial Centre is Altro Zafferano, where you’ll be treated to brilliant views and even better Italian fare. Helmed by head chef Andrea de Paola, the à la carte menu is populated by gems such as the risotto featuring aged Acquerello rice, zucchini, smoked eel and 20-year balsamico, and an MBS 8-9 Yugo Wagyu beef striploin that’s seasoned impeccably and served with blue foot mushrooms and pink garlic.

The pinnacle of Altro Zafferano’s offerings is its Journey tasting menu, which explores the culinary intricacies across Italy’s regions. The Venetian pigeon, for one, pays tribute to one of the most commonly used meats in the Veneto region with pigeon breast and leg cooked to perfection, served in a rich pigeon jus and a black shallot pâté to add depth of flavour to the dish. Don’t miss out on other playful iterations of classics like the “Mamma’s Parmigiana”, which sees fried eggplant moulded into a spherical mould made of tomato water, presenting the classic flavours of eggplant parmigiana into compact spheres.

Attracting a four-figure waiting list when it opened in 2022, Forma’s handmade pasta offerings are meticulously researched by culinary anthropologists, with an eye on regional variations and specificities. Nestled in a cozy corner on Joo Chiat, you’ll find corzetti stampati, a medieval Liguran pasta shape stamped from beechwood moulds, served with pesto alla Genovese that’s undeniably fresh and aromatic. You’ll also find raschiatelli, a close relation of the more commonly-known orecchiette, tossed in a ragu alla potentina of pork and lamb, then garnished with horseradish, peperoni cruschi, and Canestrato di Moliterno IGP, an aged sheep and goat’s milk cheese. 

It’s almost easy to miss Amò on Hongkong Street, but once you find it, you’re in for a treat. Pulling together the regional delights of Italy, you’ll find delights like the deep-fried calamari seasoned with sumac and a sundried tomato aioli, elevating a typical Italian antipasti. If you’re a meat lover, though, don’t miss out on the Yamaguchi A5 Wagyu striploin, paired with charred baby romaine for balance and freshness. But Amò is most famous for its pizzas, so make sure to order offerings like the mushroom and truffle pizza, with a rich mascarpone and drizzled with Tuscan pecorino, or the prosciutto and arugula pizza with creamy straciatella and a subtly sweet fig vincotto.