World-famous L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele from Naples opens in Singapore, fully booked for a month

Pizza continues to be all the rage in Singapore as every other big opening is instantaneously booked out — a phenomenon that also applies to the newest pizzeria in town: L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele.

Just opened in early April, the highly anticipated “It” restaurant is already fully booked out until mid- to late-May.

What’s with all the fanfare, you ask? L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele is one of the most revered and storied pizzerias in Naples, the birthplace of pizza as we know it today.

The world-famous establishment has existed for over 150 years and has received plaudits from top chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, even being christened the “temple of pizza”.

More interestingly, it was featured in classic 2010 romance-comedy film Eat Pray Love, where leading lady Julia Roberts said: “I am in love. I am having a relationship with my pizza.”

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While it has since expanded to 19 countries globally, Singapore’s outpost will be L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele’s first foray into the Asia-Pacific region.

Located at the new Mercure Icon Singapore City Centre hotel, located in Telok Ayer, the rustic restaurant features a domed brick oven custom-made and will be host to pizza maestro and executive chef Domenico Mosca for a few weeks.

The magic of L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele

With the abundance of great Napolitan pizza options in Singapore, is there really a reason to fight for a seat at this specific pizzeria? 

For one, L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele brings authentic renditions of “pizza a ruota di carro” (wagon-wheel pizza) to Singapore, where it’s not easily found.

This style yields sprawling 15-inch pizzas, characterised by a thin crust that’s light, chewy and punctuated by an array of tantalising leopard spots.

In our mind, the timeless margherita (S$28) is the best way to go about enjoying L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele and its iconic pizza a ruota di carro dough.

Slathered with a rich tomato sauce and finished up with fresh basil, as well as pecorino and agerola fior di latte cheeses, it’s a simple but comforting pizza that any pizza lover would be satisfied with.

The friarielli and salsiccia (S$36) will also charm those who enjoy a touch more earthiness, featuring a suite of fior di latte, pecorino, friarelli napoletani (an Italian vegetable) and Italian sausage.

It’s not too flashy: Just slightly bitter friarelli complimented by the sausage’s umami and light herbaceousness, as well as a kiss of smoke on the dough.

On the other hand, if umami is the prime directive, then the Cetara (S$34) is probably one of the most robust-tasting flavour permutations on L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele’s Singapore menu.

Slices come with a potent explosion of flavour between the briney Cetara anchovies, earthy Leccino olives and capers — hits hard and hits good.

Not just pizza

Although pizzas are the highlight, L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele doesn’t limit itself to just pizzas. 

A plethora of other Italian classics can be found on the menu, including handmade pasta. 

One recommended option is the orecchiette alla positanese (S$34), which features bouncy discs of homemade orecchiette, served with Italian sausage, burrata, parmigiano reggiano, basil and fresh cherry tomatoes.

In our opinion, another quintessential Italian side is burrata and L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele serves up a delectable burrata alla puttanesca (S$26).

125g of creamy and clean-tasting burrata, topped with tangy sundry tomatoes and punchy Cetara anchovies is as classic as it gets — you really can’t go wrong with this.

For seafood lovers, the gambero rosso di mazara (S$38) is another interesting choice — the dish is centred around red, wild Mediterranean raw shrimp, served with a touch of extra virgin olive oil.

Don’t be scared by the idea of raw shrimp, these were wonderfully luscious, silky and sweet.

With pizza, pasta, burrata, seafood and more — we think there’s more than enough reason for you to visit this new Italian hotspot. 

You’ll just need the patience to endure the month-long wait for your meal.

This was a hosted tasting.

For more ideas on what to eat, read our stories on 313@Somerset’s best food options and popular restaurant The Masses starting a new chapter at Capitol.

Do explore the new GrabFood Dine-in service for awesome deals.

You can also book a ride to L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele’s Singapore outlet to check out the hyped pizzas for yourself.