Decade-old Latteria Mozzarella Bar at Duxton Hill begins new era as Casa Latteria
In Singapore’s fast-moving F&B landscape, even the most beloved institutions need a refresh from time to time. Whether it’s a brand-new look, or a revamped menu, reinvention has become part and parcel of staying relevant.
That brings us to Casa Latteria at Duxton Hill. You might be more familiar with its former name, Latteria Mozzarella Bar — an Italian hideaway that has been serving South Italian fare since 2012.
Nearly 15 years on, this beloved spot is still going strong, and continues to charm diners with its warm hospitality and authentic flavours.
For many of its customers, Latteria Mozzarella Bar’s main draw has always been its signature cheese-forward offerings: Fresh mozzarella and burrata flown in from Italy, twice a week — a staple across its starters menu.
Just last month, the restaurant stepped into a new era as Casa Latteria. It stays true to its South Italian roots, while expanding its offerings to include Neapolitan pizzas.
Beyond the food, part of Casa Latteria’s allure is its ability to make you forget, even briefly, that you’re in the heart of Singapore.
The Duxton Hill restaurant’s huge al fresco dining area, framed by lush greenery and white rattan chairs, evokes the laidback charm of a Mediterranean courtyard.
Inside, it takes on a more refined personality. The elongated dining room is warm and inviting, accompanied by a row of wine bottles that adds a touch of elegance to the indoor space.
All in all, the beauty of Casa Latteria lies in its versatility. Planning a romantic dinner? It fits the bill. Catching up with friends over a leisurely meal? Works just as well.
With its convivial energy and welcoming ambience, the restaurant is a lovely spot to bring people together — every visit feels like a little gathering around the table in an Italian home.
Still the good ol’ flavours at Casa Latteria
Pizza enthusiasts and long-time customers of the Italian restaurant have got to try the all-new Neapolitan pizza, crafted the traditional way and fired in a hand-built Italian stone oven.
Here, you’ll find classic flavour combos, including the margherita bufala (sliced buffalo mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and housemade basil pesto, S$32), ‘nduja (spicy Calabria pork sausage, S$34), plus the quattro formaggi (four-cheese pizza, S$30).
We went for the prosciutto cotto (S$32), a hearty combination of cooked Italian ham, tomato sauce, fior di latte cheese (made from cow’s milk), champignon mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and basil.
Honestly, we appreciate a pizza that doesn’t try too hard — it sports a mix of popular toppings that are hard to fault.
We did find the crust a tad less fluffy than we had anticipated, with a slightly soggy bite. Even so, it’s not a deal-breaker by any means.
As with any proper Italian meal, the handcrafted pasta is worth considering, too. Besides its all-time favourites such as the linguine alle vongole (pasta with clams, S$32) and the ziti al ragu genovese (tubular-shaped pasta with beef ragu, S$32), our server recommended one of the restaurant’s more intriguing signatures.
The mac & cheese in a pumpkin (S$34) looks and sounds unassuming, but it turns out to be much more satisfying than expected.
Mac ‘n’ cheese — as comforting as it is — can sometimes come across overly rich or cloying. Casa Latteria’s version takes a more considered approach, featuring a blend of Italian DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) cheeses, alongside baked macaroni nestled within a roasted pumpkin shell.
The result? A dish that feels familiar, yet elevated, with the sweetness of the pumpkin helping to mellow the richness of the cheese and keep each spoonful nicely balanced.
Of course, no visit here feels complete without enjoying what this Italian spot has always been known for — its cheeses, imported directly from Italy. Even if you’re not a die-hard cheese lover, the bruschettas make for an easy, approachable way in.
Served in sets of four, they’re a simple and satisfying starting point. We had two variations — the pomodoro & mozzarella (S$20) as well as the stracciatella & mortadella (S$22).
My personal favourite was the pomodoro & mozzarella, built on a familiar foundation of marinated tomatoes, basil pesto, and buffalo mozzarella.
There’s a good reason why it’s a tried-and-tested combination on its own — the lightly creamy cheese ties everything together, complementing the sweet-savoury notes of the other elements.
Meanwhile, the stracciatella & mortadella is not as bright as the former, but would work well for those who prefer slightly more earthy and nutty flavours.
For those who are really not particularly into cheese, the calamari fritti (deep-fried squid, S$28) is a solid pick.
Lightly battered and deep-fried, the squid comes crisp on the outside, while staying tender within, and is paired with a punchy spicy arrabbiata sauce and creamy mayo dip.
If you still have room for dessert, the Tipsy tiramisu cup savoiardi (S$17) is worth saving space for.
True to its name, it’s boozy and delivers a more prominent kick compared to the milder variations you might find elsewhere. For those who enjoy a stronger take on the sweet treat, this one will truly be the tiramisu of your dreams.
Whether it’s Latteria Mozzarella Bar or its fresh identity as Casa Latteria, this Duxton Hill mainstay continues to be a place where everyone can feel at home and enjoy hearty Italian fare.
This was a hosted tasting.
For the latest eats in Tanjong Pagar, read more about this new Japanese-Italian pasta bar and Visitors, an aesthetically-pleasing Korean cafe with all-day brunch.
Tue 12pm - 2.30pm, 6pm - 10.30pm
Wed 12pm - 2.30pm, 6pm - 10.30pm
Thu 12pm - 2.30pm, 6pm - 10.30pm
Fri 12pm - 2.30pm, 6pm - 10.30pm
Sat 12pm - 5pm, 6pm - 10.30pm
Sun 12pm - 2.30pm, 6pm - 10.30pm
- Maxwell
- Tanjong Pagar
Shannon has the taste buds of a grandmother and perpetually struggles with a food coma.
Read more stories from this writer.
