While Italian food is having a bit of a moment in Singapore right now, there’s a reason why some restaurants have withstood the test of time.
Most of these establishments usually have a combination of winning elements like reliably tasty food, a great ambience and homely service, though only a few restaurants are lucky enough to have all three.
Enter Latteria Mozzarella Bar, a Duxton Hill stalwart that’s outlasted the never-ending restaurant churn with steady operations for over a decade in the rush of the Central Business District.
It has earned a loyal following of regulars primarily for its homemade pasta and gnocchi, made fresh daily with Italian 00 flour and semolina (though gluten-free options are available too), along with fresh mozzarella and burrata imported from Italy twice-weekly.
But that’s not the only reason the Southern Italian restaurant has withstood the test of time. Located in a conservation shophouse, Latteria Mozzarella Bar manages to strike a fine balance between cosy family restaurant and romantic dining destination, catering to diners of all persuasions.
Of course, the breezy alfresco terrace certainly helps too, especially when it comes to gatherings with the conviviality turned up to eleven. Think outdoor dinner parties, wedding solemnisations, grand fetes and in keeping with the upcoming holiday season, Yuletide feasts.
The restaurant’s recently launched festive menu (S$88 per person; now to Jan 6, 2025) invites diners to partake in an Italian Christmas with sharing style appetisers like Buffalo Mozzarella paired with cured Culatello Ham, Pan-Fried Octopus and Burratina with Smoked Salmon.
Next, revellers are able to pick a main course of choice, whether that be an indulgent Jerusalem artichoke risotto studded Hokkaido scallops and a festive shaving of black winter truffle, or homemade linguine crowned with Boston lobster. The festive feast ends with a classic Christmas cake, panettone, doused in lemon custard sauce.
Diners can also opt for the recently revamped a la carte menu, which features a host of novel flavours and presentations including a Florentine plate of gigli pasta paired with smoke-kissed Scamorza cheese, seasonal mushrooms and shaved black truffle; 12-hour slow-cooked Berkshire pork ribs laden with garlic confit and baked potatoes; and homemade gnocchi smothered in Fotina cheese, finished with black truffle and served in an adorable bijou pumpkin.
Otherwise, there’s always Sunday brunch, which comes with a selection of classic Italian starters– bruschetta topped with poached veal loin; buffalo milk stracciatella; the works – a choice of pasta for sharing, a main course and dessert at $68 per person, with the option to pay a little extra for free-flow soft drinks and juices or, if you’re feeling boozy, beer, red white and white wine.
The kicker? Kids up to 10 years old get free pasta for every brunch menu sold.
Latteria Mozzarella Bar is at 40 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089618. For reservations, click here.
