Authentic Italian fare may seem tough to find, especially in Singapore, but it’s actually all about locating the right places. From one Michelin-star restaurants to homely trattorias, below are some of the best Italian eateries in town.
Basilico
Presenting fresh, seasonal and authentic Italian cuisine, this Regent hotel stalwart offers a wide selection of signature dishes encompassing antipasti, mains and desserts. Best known for its lavish weekend brunches, Basilico serves up a delectable spread thanks to its Di Fine Settimana menu, and that includes table service of Fresh Black Truffle Risotto with Porcini Mushrooms on Parmesan Wheels and Truffle and Burrata Cheese Gelato, prepared a la minute for all guests. Got a hankering for cheese? Feel free to enjoy a wide selection as over 30 Italian farmed cheeses are housed at its grand cheese counter.
Braci
Housed on the second floor of a charming heritage shophouse by the Singapore River, the one Michelin-star Braci is a reliable and surprisingly unostentatious spot for fine Italian cuisine. And that’s exactly what’s so great about this cosy locale; just dig into thoughtful dishes via its degustation menus that include flavours of parma ham, mead, uni and more.
Cicheti
For irresistible, wood-fired pizzas kneaded with dough that’s been through an extensive fermentation process, head to none other than Kandahar Street to find Cicheti which now boasts a revamped menu. Having survived the tumultuous F&B scene for years in addition to multiple expansions, the original Cicheti is definitely one of the best trattorias in Singapore for Italian cuisine. Its current menu features the new Sicilian summertime favourite Zuppa di Cozze e N’duja, Sea Prawns grilled over an open fire as well as the pastas (try the Whole Wheat Stracci) and classic pizzas which need no introduction.
iO Italian Osteria
Here’s another option that won’t steer you wrong. At the far-flung HillV2 near Bukit Panjang lies this gem of a restaurant serving homely Italian fare that even nonnas would approve of. Besides the popular Orecchiette pasta brimming with juicy pork sausage and saffron sauce, and the slow-braised lamb ragout Garganelli; also tuck into eats like the baked pork belly aka Porchetta, plus the hearty Seafood Guazzetto served with garlic croutons. Daily specials are also available, and if you’re lucky, enjoy new pizza flavours and mouth-watering bombolinis for dessert.
Zafferano
One of the best places in Singapore to celebrate a special occasion, Zafferano Italian Restaurant & Lounge doesn’t just serve up delicious food, but great views too. On the 43rd floor of the Ocean Financial Centre, the locale’s rooftop bar overlooks the gorgeous Marina Waterfront so dinner affairs are definitely made more memorable. For food, go straight for the refreshed Chef’s Menu as pasta, seafood and even dessert will all be laid out on the table for you.
