Pizza, pasta, risotto, lasagne – just some of the most iconic dishes in the grand cuisine that is Italian! When it comes to flavour and taste, in Italian food we trust. But it’s easy to forget that franchise restaurants like Pizza Hut, Pastamania and Eighteen Chefs aren’t exactly true Italian flavours. So we offer you a list of 15 of the best authentic Italian restaurants where you can immerse in the true Italian flavour that they carry. Warning: Reading this article may give you intense hunger pangs and make your mouth water like crazy!
Bella Pasta
Pasta is a dish that even a rookie can cook well. But the challenge lies in making it mind-blowing, and Bella Pasta makes mind-blowing pasta that really delivers the taste of Italy! From excellent service to a stunning waterway view, Bella Pasta also has a menu to die for. Customers that have been to the authentic Italian restaurant always leave with high praise for their burrata dishes – whether in the form of a starter with a Burrata Pugliese (S$38), or a homemade egg pasta stuffed with burrata in a Pansotti Burrata (S$26), or a Pizza Burrata (S$28) that delivers sweetness from both the fine cheese and fresh tomatoes!
There is also a pasta and wine pairing menu for you to enjoy a pasta of your choice with a wine that perfectly complements it. You could also consider a weekday-exclusive set lunch at S$25++ that entails a starter, a main, a dessert of the day and a choice of tea or coffee. All this and so much more await to take your tastebuds on a ride!
Visit Bella Pasta at 30 Robertson Quay, #01-09, Singapore 238251! You can also reserve a table to beat the queue.
Bella Pizza
The older sister of Bella Pasta, Bella Pizza specialises in… well, pizzas! Their menu leaves you spoilt for choice with their dizzying number of options! But Bella Pizza prides itself on its namesake Pizza Bella Pizza (S$26) where tantalising ingredients like ricotta, salami and spinach come together in a beautiful Bella Pizza marriage! Another restaurant recommendation is one for truffle-lovers: if you’re a truffle fan, the Pizza Mascarpone is yours to take on (S$26)! Similar to Bella Pasta, Bella Pizza also has a wine pairing menu, but with pizza. Wine and pizza can be a tricky combo if you don’t pick the right pairing, which is why Bella Pizza does it for you! Bring a friend along and explore this new world of authentic Italian pizza together!
Visit Bella Pizza at 30 Robertson Quay #01-14 Riverside View, 238251! Chope a table in advance to get a speedy entry so as to not keep your bellies waiting!
Monte Risaia
Italian cuisine on its own is breathtaking, but when combined with another in a magical fusion, that’s when the world stops. Monte Risaia is an Japanese-Italian restaurant helmed by Chef Tazio Yamada. Most popular for its Omakase experience (a style of intimate Japanese dining where the chef cooks your meals in front of you based on your budget), Monte Risaia makes Omakase affordable with a starting price of just S$98. But for the ultimate experience, to truly have a taste of Chef Yamada’s skill, the five-course Chef’s Special Course (S$228) is one you should go for!
Head down to Monte Risaia for a brilliant Japanese-Italian fusion at 59 Duxton Rd, Chinatown Point, Singapore 089523!
Craving some Japanese? Check out this piece where we compile all the best Japanese restaurants!
Extra Virgin Pizza
When a pizza place prides itself on its crusts, you know you’re signing on for the real deal. Extra Virgin Pizza is exactly that. They are serious about ensuring their crusts are perfectly airy and crisp to a tee! And they are confident that you will not find a more delicious Neapolitan pizza anywhere else in Singapore! Aside from meatless and vegan options, Extra Virgin Pizza has a variety of flavours for you to choose from.
But some of the Chef’s Recommendations include: at S$30, The Breakfast Club (artichoke cream, guanciale, poached egg, pecorino romano, fior di latte, black pepper), at S$34, Peace Be Ragu (tomato, beef ragu, salsiccia, soppressata, fior di latte, organic evoo), at S$30, Aloha’m (smoked tomato, pineapple slow-cooked under parma ham fat, prosciutto cotto, fior di latte, organic evoo, spring onion, black pepper), and finally, at S$28, the mysterious Secret ‘Stache (bronte pistachio pesto, pumpkin, rocket, ricotta salata, fior di latte, lemon citronette). There are also pie and pasta options that you can look through their online menu on their website to explore!
Although they are closed on weekends, check them out during lunch and dinner times on the weekdays at 8 Marina View #01-04 Asia Square Tower 1, 018960! If you’d like, you can also make a reservation in advance!
Latteria Mozzarella Bar
As the name suggests, Latteria Mozzarella Bar is a haven for all us cheese-lovers! The freshest Mozzarella and Burrata cheeses are reinterpreted into different dishes that will have you falling in love with cheese all over again! But don’t let that fool you; they also have an array of traditional Italian dishes that truly give you a taste of Italy. From the pasta options, you have Mac & Cheese served in a pumpkin (S$28) and Linguine Crab & Mascarpone (S$30) or even mains like a Roasted Red Snapper Fillet (S$38) or spicy pork and cheese Grilled Italian Sausages (S$30), or a variety of beef!
From their fully-vegetarian Mozzarella Bar, the Mozzarella di Bufala (125gr Buffalo Milk Mozzarella with Cherry Tomatoes & Basil; S$25) sounds phenomenal! If you want something a little more indulgent, the Bocconcini in Carrozza (3 x 50gr Buffalo Milk Mozzarella, deep-fried, served with Arrabbiata Sauce; S$22) might be your next guilty pleasure! If you’re feeling some burrata, the Burrata Peperonata (300gr Burrata from Puglia with Sweet Peppers; S$35) sounds divine!
Bringing you a slice of Southern Italy at 40 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089618! To reserve a table, book a reservation here. Your table is held for strictly 15 minutes, and only cashless payment is allowed.
Pastaria Abate
Walk in and you will feel like you’ve been transported to an Italian home, and it’s intentional! Pastaria Abate is all about the homey feeling even in their food – from fresh handmade pasta to homestyle flavours. In fact, the recipes for all the food you try have been passed down over many generations within their family, adding a sentimental touch to all that you try. Everything about this restaurant screams family and home! Even the staff treat you like a family friend more than a customer and come to have a drink with you. Absolutely lovely.
When it comes to their menu, you can either go for an à la carte, lunch menu or a 3-course-dinner set. For the à la carte, you have appetizers, pasta, pizzas, mains, and homemade desserts to choose from. We recommend the pasta for the customisability that Pastaria Abate offers – you can pick a pasta you fancy, and a sauce (red, white and wine, or cream) to complement it! The lunch set comes in the form of either a three-course meal at S$38.80 per person – a soup of the day, the main course, and a dessert; or a two-course at S$30.80 without the dessert. The dinner set comes with an appetiser, pasta, speciality pasta, and a dessert of the day at S$62.80. Do explore the full menu because there’s so much to look at!
To get the true taste of Italian home cooking, Pastaria Abate at 86 Neil Rd, Singapore 088846 is the place to go! Book a reservation here.
Rosso Vino
Rosso Vino, when translated to English, literally means ‘red wine’. Looks like you know what to expect here – wine and a whole lot of feel-good food. Story of all Italian restaurants, huh! From the appetizers, the Burrata e Prosciutto (S$29) seems like the only right way to start off the meal! Burrata cheese served with Parma ham – this feels like a dream come true. Also, the Tris Di Bruchetta, which seems to be a cheese board, contains an assortment of bruschetta, Bruschetta with fresh diced tomato, Bruschetta with taleggio and truffle, Bruschetta with diced tomato, olives and goat cheese.
Rosso Vino also has an array of homemade pasta. One that especially caught our eye is the Ravioli con Gamberi in crema Allo Zafferano at S$29 (Ravioli stuffed with spinach and ricotta cheese in saffron cream sauce with prawns). With more on the menu ranging from pasta, gluten-free pasta and risotto to meat, fish and pizza! Their fine desserts are another guilty pleasure that deserves your attention.
Open till midnight to satisfy your late-night cravings, Rosso Vino at 15 Merbau Rd, Singapore 239032 is your place! Make a reservation today!
Super Dario Lasagne
You’ve read about pizza, pasta, and even a cheese bar, but one of the true gems of Italian cuisine has yet to be mentioned: lasagne. Super Dario Lasagne specialises in lasagne that makes your belly full and your heart happy! They promise that with them, you will experience a whole new world of homemade lasagne with fresh ingredients. The beef Super Dario World (from S$14.90) especially caught our attention with the spinach and ricotta!
Their options scream inclusivity with their halal ingredients and vegetarian options – the Super Impossible (from S$15.90) uses Impossible meat and the Trio (from S$13.90) sounds especially bomb with ingredients like zucchini, bell peppers and scamorza (smoked cheese!). There are also chicken and lamb options if you’re not feeling beef. But leaving Super Dario Lasagne without a taste of their traditional Italian desserts is a massive shame. Their popular Tiramisu (S$5.80) is a must-try, among the Panna Cotta (S$5.80) and Profiteroles (S$5.80).
Check out authentic, homemade lasagne at 180 Kitchener Road, City Square Mall #04-17, Singapore, 208539!
D.O.P Mozzarella Bar & Restaurant
Another Mozzarella Bar joins the ranks! But D.O.P Mozzarella Bar & Restaurant has a story to tell. Their owner, Luca Iannone, comes from Campania Region, where the unique Mozzarella di Bufala Denomination di Origin (D.O.P. – otherwise known as protected origin denomination) comes from. D.O.P works with the very best farms and cheesemakers that are dedicated to milking their own herds and producing the best quality of mozzarella – specifically with a porcelain white shine, milky texture and distinctive taste.
The Assorted Cheese Platter (S$24) is a highly-recommended dish with mouth-watering ingredients like Truffle Cheese, Pecorino, Caciocavallo, Parmesan Cheese! Another dish that will surely earn your gold star is the Homemade Tortelloni pasta – stuffed burrata, basil and ricotta cheese in a pink sauce. Insane! They also have a wide array of drinks and desserts that serve as the perfect palate cleanser.
Head to 60 Robertson Quay, #01-04A The Quayside, Singapore 238252 to get a taste of one of the best! And to make sure you surely get to try that stunning cheese platter or the Homemade Tortelloni, make a reservation now!
Caruso Italian Restaurant
Lamb – an underrated staple in all Italian restaurants. Hailing from an area popular for its lamb preparation, Caruso makes it a point to incorporate this preparation in two of their popular dishes: Pappardelle with Braised Lamb and Roasted Lamb Chop with Artichokes! Other than their mouth-watering lamb dishes, Caruso also has pizzas, pasta and soups that are bound to tickle your fancy. The Spaghetti Alla Marinara (S$30) sounds nothing less than magical with its array of seafood ingredients like prawn, squid, fish filet, mussel and clams. But the magic isn’t complete without a dash of Pinot Grigio Wine! More pizzas include the Pizza Puglia (S$34) where the beloved burrata cheese takes the limelight. For a little more of a truffle punch, Pizza Porcini E Tarufo (S$32) will be your adventure for the day!
Bound to be a favourite among the westies, Caruso is located at 791 Bukit Timah Rd, #01-01, Singapore 269764. Especially for our fellow easties that are travelling, to make sure no time is wasted, make a reservation!
Vespetta Italian Restaurant
For an authentic Italian meal overlooking the stunning waterway at Boat Quay, Vespetta is the place to be! They don’t just ensure, but respect high-quality ingredients, which in itself shows their dedication and passion for their cuisine and craft. They aim to bring Italy to you and do so with their à la carte dishes and their set lunch menu. Enjoy the set lunch menu (from 12 pm to 2 pm every Monday to Friday, except on public holidays and eves) with either the 2-course option at $35++ or the 3-course at $39++.
From their menu, the Super Calzone pizza (S$32) is a hot recommendation by the people at Vespetta themselves! Calzone is a folded pizza and this one contains tomatoes, mozzarella, salami, cooked ham, mushroom, and oregano. Apart from their array of pizzas and pasta, the menu shines with some wonderful main options – Zuppa di Pesce alla Barese (S$35; a seafood soup with prawns, squid, sea bass, clams, mussels, chilli in tomato broth), and also the Porchetta (S$34; Crispy Slow Roasted Pork Belly with Roasted Potatoes and Salad).
Vespetta is yours to take on at 40 Boat Quay, Singapore 049829. Make a reservation!
Pasta Fresca Da Salvatore
The story behind Pasta Fresca is so beautiful – Carecci Salvatore, a former diving specialist, settled in Singapore after meeting his Singaporean wife! With his passion for cooking for others never fading, he began his own business in 1988: a simple Italian restaurant that started with just three tables. This very restaurant is now one of the top South Italian restaurants in Singapore with ingredients so fresh and delicious and amazing service. Before we look at anything else, the Chef’s Special is a definite must-have! The Orecchiette con Cime Di Rapa (S$22) is a dish that is loved and celebrated in Puglia, Southern Italy.
For an authentic experience that will bring Puglia to you, pair this dish with a glass of Primitivo or Squinzano. Or you can also enjoy the Orecchiette (pronounced o-ray-keeyeh-tei) with any pasta sauce on the menu at no extra cost! Pasta Fresca believes strictly that good pasta comes from the heart. Hence, they encourage you to customise your pasta for a plate that truly speaks to you and represents you, with over 16 types of pasta and 21 scrumptious sauces to choose from! Feel free to ask for a pasta pairing guide if you want the perfect yet adventurous combination!
Touching the East, West and Central, Pasta Fresca Da Salvatore dominates Singapore with three outlets:
30 Boat Quay, Singapore 049819;
9 Upper E Coast Rd, #01-01, Singapore 455203;
1 Fifth Ave., #01-02 Guthrie House, Singapore 268802.
SALVO by Pasta Fresca
Another restaurant by the same founder, Carecci Salvatore, this one is more focused on casual dining! Built to operate faster and on a smaller scale, SALVO by Pasta Fresca offers a huge range of antipasti, salads, fresh pasta and pizzas for those of us on the go. This makes it the perfect place to buy a meal when we are in a rush. But you are always welcome to dine in and enjoy a more intimate and friendly interior that is promised to resemble “your Italian friend’s kitchen”! The food here is also so much more affordable, as seen in their S$16.90 authentic Italian two-course set lunch – a main, a dessert and a drink that complement each other to give you a taste of Italy!
An appetiser, or antipasto, that will rob your heart is Arancini (S$16.90), also a chef’s recommendation: Italian rice infused with parmesan cheese and chopped button mushrooms, stuffed with heavenly mozzarella cheese and served with spicy, heavenly Italian sauce! Plus so much more that will have your heart thumping with joy, SALVO by Pasta Fresca is bound to be your next adventure, at Paya Lebar Quarter: 2 Tanjong Katong Rd, #01-05, PLQ3 437161.
Guccio Ristorante
Guccio Ristorante represents the surname and the origins of he who helms this restaurant, Chef Marco. He has transformed his culinary journey, bringing it from a hearty ol’ homemade meal to a fine dining culinary masterpiece. Chef Marco’s signature style involves using a core ingredient and making it the star, the main actor of the show. Other ingredients and sides support the ingredient, as if in a show or a play where supporting artists give rise to the ultimate experience. The most unique thing about Chef Marco and Guccio is that the menu is changed seasonally to align with the four seasons of Europe.
Another unique thing is that Guccio offers a Degustation menu, which is a menu that consists of a ton of different dishes to try. A five-course meal at S$148, and an additional S$100 for some fine wine pairing.
Check out Guccio Ristorante at Chinatown Point, 20 Gemmill Ln, Singapore 069256. Stay ahead of the queues and make a reservation!
Casa MANINI
Mi casa, su casa. But this is Casa MANINI, where you get the taste of the casa of Manini! Starting as Ristorante Manini in the 1900s, it was founded by Chef and owner Fulvio Manini’s paternal grandparents Francesco and Lucia Manini. Family-owned then and family-owned now, Chef Fulvio Manini helms the kitchen and his wife, Fiona, everything else outside the kitchen. She also curates the alcohol selections as well as crafts classic Italian cocktails, while the Chef births dishes from his family recipes for hungry customers.
Start the game strong with the off-menu special, Gnocchi Puttanesca (S$24): potato dumplings, spicy tomato sauce, olives and capers. Also part of the off-menu specials, the Burrata with truffle ham and tomatoes (S$28) also sounds absolutely delectable. From the Pasta section, the Gomiti Quattro Formaggi (S$22) sounds so fancy, but it’s really your Italian mac & cheese! And pizza galore! From vegetarian options like the mozzarella and basil Margherita (S$18) to other options with salami, four cheese, prosciutto, or even our all-time favourite burrata!
So much more here at Casa MANINI, located at 14B Kensington Park Rd, Singapore 557265.
There you have it! 15 recommendations on the best Italian restaurants in Singapore that offer authentic Italian cuisine, rich with legacies and made from the heart. Gather your friends and family and head to these locations for some fiercely delicious meals that will leave you in love! Visiting all 15 of these locations must be part of your bucket list! Order your burrata and your pizzas and pasta, indulge in this magnificent cuisine and transport yourself to Italy! Which one are you heading to first?