Singapore is a global financial center and a meeting point for cultures from all around the world. Chinatown, Little India and winding Arabic walkways are all found close together here, a melting pot of people, styles and traditions just waiting to be explored. And if you’re seeking some flavorful Italian fare, you’ve come to the right place, as Singapore boasts some of the finest chefs in Asia who cook up delicious dishes of pizza and pasta all over the area. Here’s the top Italian spots not to miss when in Singapore.
Tucked away on the second floor of the regal Regent Hotel, Basilico is a venue exuding a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and offering a ginormous and delicious buffet of Italian delicacies; a spread which includes marinated fish, mozzarella and cured meats. The Italian cheese selection here is arguably the best in Singapore, and other highlights include an espresso bar, a walk-in wine cellar and an outdoor terrace overlooking an idyllic pool area.
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Alkaff Mansion Ristorante boasts a gorgeous location, in a mansion atop Telok Blangah Hill, and exudes a sophistication and elegance worthy of royalty. A top choice for a romantic dinner, don’t miss the lobster broth bisque with tarragon scent and orange, or the tiramisu, which is presented exquisitely. The mansion was first built in 1918 as a venue for the wealthy owning family to entertain their guests. It became known for hosting high society parties in the 1930s, and has been a center for affluence and style ever since.
Otto Ristorante offers a charming mix of the old and the new, featuring chic and sleek furnishings as well as a homely, old-fashioned feel. Designed by Jasper Chia, Otto’s sophisticated yet quaint ambience is accomplished by blending unique materials such as black glass, polished metal and oak wood with the framework of a preserved traffic police building. One of the leading Italian restaurants in Singapore, Otto Ristorante’s meals are out of this world, a top pick being the smooth and creamy pan-seared Italian octopus carpaccio with olive pesto, crispy celery and a lemon dressing.
Bella Pasta is an Italian joint located on the picturesque river at Robertson Quay. Rustic wooden furnishings adorn the interior here, whilst the pastel-colored, airy outdoor terrace brings a little bit of balmy Italy to the riverside of Singapore. The Italian fare here is authentic and flavorful yet comfort, with a long list of freshly made pastas, risottos, meats and seafoods. Diners are implored to try their creamy burrata, linguine frutti di mare, porcini risotto, tartufo and for something sweet, their piping hot apple crumble. The restaurant also now offers gluten-free options.
Restaurant, Bar, Wine Bar, Italian, European, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, $$$
Garibaldi is a fine, upmarket establishment serving sophisticated dishes in a modern setting. The main dining area here is decorated with light colored wood, with ornately decorated curtains adding a certain grandeur to the place. Dishes you have to try here include the tender, braised veal shank and the rich and moreish saffron risotto. An elegant bar is located on-site too, offering an array of beverage options, and making any dining experience here well-rounded and extremely pleasant.
Valentino specializes in rich and delicious classics from north Italy, and boasts a Mediterranean interior to match, with a spacious and airy dining area and a relaxing outdoor terrace. Warm and homely, this establishment pleases its hoards of customers with recipes passed down through the head chef’s very own family. A must-try here is the burrata mozzarella served with tomatoes, and the carpaccio-style air-dried beef with sheets of parmesan cheese.
La Braceria is a joint which exudes a more modern, contemporary ambience than that of its competitors, and is an easy-to-miss hidden gem nestled in the corner of Greendale Avenue. But make sure you find it, as the fresh ingredients sourced straight from Italy, excellent waiting staff and freshly squeezed juices make for an extremely enjoyable meal. This is also the only spot which serves scrumptious Italian-style roast pork in the area.
Buona Terra is housed in a restored colonial building just along Scotts Road, a venue furnished luxuriously and serving the best in southern Italian cuisine. Generous portions will leave you feeling full for days, and you should not miss the fresh and crispy salads here, one popular favorite being the parma ham, tomato, melon and rocket variety.
