Love Italian cuisine? From rustic homestyle classics to elevated champagne brunches, these four top Italian restaurants in Singapore will take you on a journey with their Italian food and even Italian wines. They’re ideal for a business dinner, group of friends or date night.
Best Italian Restaurants in Singapore for fabulous Italian Food
Osteria BBR by Alain Ducasse at Raffles Hotel
One of the best Italian restaurants in Singapore is located in the historic Bar & Billiard Room, one of the oldest parts of Raffles Hotel Singapore (and fabled for the last tiger that was apparently subdued here in 1902!), Osteria BBR by Alain Ducasse showcases the rich, warm flavours of the Italian Riviera as seen through the lens of this world-renowned French chef.
There are plenty of delights to enjoy here. Their Italian cuisine include Mazara del Vallo red prawn tartare, presented with creamy buffalo mozzarella and delicate jelly, and topped with a dollop of Kristal caviar; Eliche di Gragnano, a pasta featuring succulent Maine lobster; and bistecca alla Fiorentina, a wagyu porterhouse steak grilled Fiorentina-style.
For the ultimate Osteria BBR experience, indulge in the Menu Tentazioni, “Temptation Menu”, a specially curated set menu presenting must-try signatures. Complete the experience with a selection of Italian cocktails, wines and spirits. On Sunday, you can enjoy a leisurely brunch with special dishes and a 90-minute flow of choice bubbly.
Raffles Singapore, 1 Beach Road
6337 1886 | osteriabbr.com.sg
Dolce Vita – with a Champagne Brunch too!
For a bellissimo brunch in the heart of the city, complete with resplendent bay views and pool views, try Dolce Vita in Mandarin Oriental. It’s one of the Italian restaurants in Singapore that has stood the test of time. It’s also the perfect spot for a birthday brunch or ladies’ luncheon as the setting is fresh and summery.
The premium produce used in the kitchen here is flown in directly from Italy, so you know you’re in for a treat. The three-hour brunch takes place from 12pm to 3pm on Saturdays, and costs $188 per person including unlimited “R” de Ruinart Champagne, house pour wines and beers.
Brunch begins in antipasto style with a selection of fine Italian food. Cold cuts and cheeses, and refreshing light bites such as oysters on ice. Or try their cured salmon with fennel, sour cream and citrus dressing. There are some comforting and rustic pastas to overload on too, including homemade orecchiette with seafood ragout, and wild mushroom risotto. For mains, options include a hearty Angus beef tagliata with mashed potato and wine jus, and vibrant pan-roasted barramundi with purple potatoes, broccolini and white wine sauce.
Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, 5 Raffles Avenue
6885 3500 | mandarinoriental.com
LUCE by Davide Giacomelli – Inspired Italian Food
Following a global culinary superstar hunt, LUCE by Davide Giacomelli is the new Italian “bistronomic” (yep, that’s “bistro” and “gastronomic” combined!) at the InterContinental Singapore.
Chef de Cuisine Davide, who now helms his namesake restaurant, has 13 years of culinary experience with stints at several Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe. The Italian food he creates are classics inspired by the authentic flavours of his hometown. Try the Bruschetta as a starter, followed by another beloved Italian dish, Parmigiana di Melanzane – the perfect harmony of creamy aubergine with tomato sauce and rich oozing cheese; then, move on to a main course of Acquerello Lobster – carnaroli rice cooked in rich lobster stock and served with a half Boston lobster and chervil! Desserts include a modern take on tiramisu conceptualised by Executive Pastry Chef Desmond Lee, the “LUCE-misu” All items are paired deliciously with a wide range of Italian wines and special cocktails.
It’s one of the Italian restaurants in Singapore that also offers a weekday set lunch menu, refreshed weekly, with a choice of two or three courses. Also, look out for the upcoming weekend brunch, including live music and incorporating classic treats found on the streets of Italy, showcased in kitchens that encourage interaction with the chefs. Saturday’s brunch will be aimed more at foodies, while Sundays will have a family-friendly atmosphere.
Level One, InterContinental Singapore, 80 Middle Road
6825 1008 | intercontinental.dining@ihg.com lucebydavide.sg
LAVO – Italian Restaurant at MBS
Perched 57 storeys above the water at Marina Bay Sands, LAVO Singapore is the first Asian outpost of the internationally renowned restaurant and nightlife concept from New York. LAVO has a name for lavish dining experiences, including hearty Italian food and creative cocktails, and that’s what you’ll find here.
Authentic Italian-American favourites take centre stage on the menu. Italian food favourites like penne alla vodka and the restaurant’s signature chicken parmigiana and charred octopus are yours to try. Also of note is “The Meatball”, a majestic one-pound sphere of fresh ground imperial wagyu, veal and Italian sausage, topped with fresh whipped ricotta. Rounding off the offerings of Italian cuisine are an array of brick-oven pizzas and juicy grilled meats. End things on a sweet note with one of the irresistible desserts like the house-made gelato, Oreo zeppole, or the indulgent 20-layer chocolate cake.
Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Tower 1, Level 57
6688 8591 | lavosingapore.com
To find out about more restaurants in Singapore, read our big guide, and for more about living in Singapore read our latest City Guide here for free!
This article first appeared in the August 2022 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
