With such a vast array of Italian food across the city, it can be difficult to know exactly where to go for authentic and quality cuisine. Luckily (for us and for you), our editors have tried and tested some delicious dishes. Read on for our verdict on three of the best Italian restaurants in Singapore!
Latteria Mozzarella Bar
Go for: Fresh mozzarellas and homey pastas to share
It’s almost impossible to find an authentic Italian restaurant that ticks all the boxes: central location, cosy ambience, delicious fare and accessible prices. Or at least that was what I thought before discovering Latteria Mozzarella Bar. The charming Duxton Hill spot comfortably fits up to 50 guests, with an indoor setting that’s intimate enough for date nights and family dinners. In addition, if you fancy an alfresco experience on a breezy night, there’s a 60-seater outdoor terrace that’s also popular for parties.
The speciality here is the fresh mozzarella selection, flown in from Italy twice a week. We particularly enjoyed the Nodini Pugliesi ($25), a mild and creamy cow’s milk mozzarella paired with savoury parma prosciutto. Another must-try is the Bocconcini in Carrozza ($22): deep-fried buffalo milk mozzarella with a flavourful, peppery arrabbiata sauce.
To the carbs, and our favourite of the lot was the crab and mascarpone linguine ($28): perfectly al dente pasta tossed in an indulgent sauce with chunks of crab meat. The homemade gnocchi with porcini and truffle cream ($30) came a close second. Prefer something meatier? Go for the slow-roasted lamb shanks with chickpeas and red wine casserole ($38). The flavours might be a little gamey for some, but the pairing of the tender meat and rich sauce is heaven in one bite!
Finally, do make room for the raspberry and pistachio meringue cake ($12) to share. The ingredients are simple, but, when placed together, made for a wonderful end to our meal.
– Anthia Chng
Latteria Mozzarella Bar
40 Duxton Hill
6866 1988 | latteriamb.com
Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse
Go for: Steaks as big as your head!
One of the things I really love about Bistecca is the layout of the long space. They have created small, intimate sections, so you can be tucked away; the restaurant reveals itself as you walk through. It’s perfect for a quiet night away from the kids!
Aside from the food and atmosphere, it’s how the team interacts with patrons and each other that makes this Italian restaurant successful. Bistecca absolutely excels in this. Drinks were topped up, items cleared without fuss, and everyone was engaging with the diners. Even the head bartender stopped by to see if we liked the cocktails!
On the recommendation of our server, we ordered some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes to start: pan-seared scallops with puttanesca sauce and rocket ($35), and slow-cooked octopus with chorizo and romesco sauce ($26).
My husband was bouncing off his chair in excitement to try Bistecca’s signature thick-cut, Tuscan-style steak to share. As ‘bistecca’ is Italian for steak, we knew we’d be in for a treat. Before it was cooked, the Fiorentina ($188) was proudly presented at our table, then its 1.1-kilogram meaty goodness was whisked away and returned to us, perfectly cooked, seasoned and sliced.
I’m less of meat lover than my husband and I really wanted to try a pasta. So, I ordered the agnolotti with a sweet pea, ricotta, pistachio, pickled onion and mint filling ($26). It was not only absolutely delicious, but also light and full of flavour.
Tip: If you can’t finish all that steak in one go, ask to take it home – perfect for steak sandwiches the next day!
– Kel Flanders
Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse
26 Mohamed Sultan Road
6735 6739 | bistecca.com.sg
Dolce Vita
Go for: A bellissimo brunch, complete with stellar views and bottomless bubbles!
Fresh seafood, luxurious resort-style interior and floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise the pool and bayside views – this rooftop brunch atop the Mandarin Oriental is quick to turn your city Sunday into a Sardinian sojourn. More than just an Italian restaurant, it’s also a perfect for a birthday brunch or ladies’ luncheon, the setting is summery and fresh, where panama hats, linen shirts and maxi floral numbers are fitting attire.
As the three-hour free-flow of Nino Franco Prosecco ($48) commences, the affettati buffet is a good starting point, with Italian food of cold cuts, glorious cheese, anchovies and fresh salads to line your stomach. From there, diners need not leave the comfort of their seats, as the sit-down options come as a two- ($68) or three-course ($78) selection from the menu. Seaside favourites include a half-dozen oysters, seared scallops with citrus dressing or a tender cod fillet on a bed of sautéed spinach, carrot and basil emulsion. Not to be missed, however, are the eggs Benedict with poached Boston lobster, avocado and citrus hollandaise, and the artichoke and black truffle risotto with Acquerello rice – both eloquently plated and tasting just as good as they look!
Tip: For a sweet finish, be sure to try Dolce Vita’s take on tiramisu: a scoop of rich espresso ice cream, generously doused in sinful mascarpone and crumbled cocoa biscotti.
– Leanda Rathmell
Dolce Vita
Mandarin Oriental Singapore 5 Raffles Avenue
6885 3500 | mandarinoriental.com
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This article first appeared in the August 2019 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue
