15 must-try Italian restaurants in Singapore for pastas, pizzas & more

1. Ristorante Pietrasanta

Connexis, 01-08, 1 Fusionopolis Way
Open: Monday to Friday (11.30am to 2.30pm, 5.30pm to 10pm), Saturday & Sunday (11.30am to 2.30pm, 5.30pm to 10.30)

Why visit? Ristorante Pietrasanta came about because the Massimini brothers, Giuseppe and chef Loris, were captivated by Pietrasanta, the historic capital of Versilia nestled between the Tirreno Sea and the stunning Apuan Alps. Together, the both of them hope to bring the charm of the Tuscan coastal city in central Italy to Singapore at Ristorante Pietrasanta, with a delectable menu inspired by the region.

In the 16 years since this Italian restaurant in Singapore first opened, the restaurant has developed a loyal following thanks to its dedication to honest, high-quality food, and use of only the finest and most premium ingredients flown in from Italy. 

Crowd favourites: The luxurious and aromatic fettuccine con salsiccia e tartufo (S$29.90) is a favourite among diners. In this dish, handmade pasta is accompanied by the earthy notes of black truffles and sumptuous pork sausage, and finished with a drizzle of olive oil. 

In the mood for some meat? The secreto alla griglia (S$39.90) showcases a lovingly marinated pork shoulder, flawlessly grilled and served with roasted potatoes that are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside.

2. Daniele’s Pizza

Plaza 8, 01-19, 1 Changi Business Park Crescent
Open: Monday to Thursday (11am to 2.30pm, 4.30pm to 9pm), Friday & Saturday (11am to 2.30pm, 4.30pm to 10pm)

Why visit? There are a few great hidden Italian restaurants in Singapore, and Daniele’s Pizza is one of them. In fact, we’d probably go so far as to say this joint in the east is possibly the island’s best-kept secret in the realm of Italian cuisine. The spot is run by Rome native chef Daniele Colaiacomo, who has been passionately churning out pizzas for the past 25 years. 

His experience and expertise is apparent in every carefully crafted pizza that leaves the kitchen. Each pizza is also made with dough that has undergone a meticulous 36 to 48 hours of fermentation, before being topped with choice ingredients. 

Crowd favourites: Regulars love the pizzas from this casual joint for its light dough and  crisp crust. Go for the pizze Parma (S$26), which best showcases chef Daniele’s commitment to quality: The ham used here is simply seasoned with salt and time, yet has a melt-in-the-mouth texture and a complex flavour profile. Paired only with the freshest tomato base, mozzarella and arugula, this pizza needs no additional toppings.

Whether you’re a vegetarian or not, the pizze burrata e porcini (S$26) is sure to impress. The porcini mushrooms bring a meaty texture, nutty taste and woodsy aroma to the table — a great match with the mild creaminess of the mozzarella and burrata.

3. Rosso Vino

01-03, 15 Merbau Road
Open: Monday to Thursday (4pm to 12am), Friday & Saturday (4pm to 1am), Sunday (12pm to 12am)

Why visit? Rosso Vino, opened by an Italian duo, leans into the bold and vibrant flavours of southern Italian cuisine, which is known for its spicier, more intense tastes — some say that makes it suited to Singaporean palates. The southern region’s mastery of seafood, influenced by its proximity to the Mediterranean, is also well represented on the menu at Rosso Vino.

This stylish restaurant at Robertson Quay boasts al fresco seating with scenic views of the Singapore River, making it an ideal place for special occasions. Should you have some late-night Italian cravings, it’s also a great spot to head to as it stays open well into the late evening.

Crowd favourites: For seafood lovers, the capellini al granchio e bisque di aragosta (S$32) features delicate angel hair pasta in a rich lobster-crab bisque sauce, where the natural sweetness of the seafood shines through. In the polpo alla griglia (S$36), masterfully grilled octopus legs are presented alongside saffron mashed potatoes and lifted by a zesty marinara sauce.

Don’t miss the wood-fired pizza burrata (S$32) if you’re sharing the meal with a group. This one strikes a lovely balance of light freshness and creaminess atop a chewy dough with a crispy crust.

4. Trattoria Nonna Lina

61 Cantonment Road
Open: Tuesday to Saturday (12pm to 2.30pm, 6pm to 10.30pm), Sunday (12pm to 2.30pm, 6pm to 10pm)

Why visit? In the heart of Tuscany, where rolling hills meet mediaeval towns and diverse natural landscapes, cooking tends to be an affair of humble ingredients, family recipes and lively conversations — all often accompanied by a generous pour of wine. 

Trattoria Nonna Lina effortlessly transports you to this essence of central Italian dining with its nostalgic food and decor, making you feel like you’ve stepped straight into an Italian nonna’s kitchen filled with family and friends. In case you didn’t notice, the restaurant also happens to be named after owner and chef Simone’s cherished grandmother, Lina.

Crowd favourites: The pappardelle al ragu Toscano (S$38), comprising housemade pasta, embraces the traditional Tuscan style, focusing on the natural flavours of the meat, tomatoes and olive oil rather than an abundance of herbs or spices. Its simplicity does shine through in the ragu, simmered over hours to a rich texture and heartiness.

The pappardelle della vigna (S$38) is also a crowd favourite and features Italian sausages and a decadent cream of gorgonzola. Each broad ribbon of pappardelle comes coated in the luxuriously thick, cheesy sauce, and is a delight for those craving an indulgent and satisfying bite.

5. Lino

7 Binjai Park
Open: Monday to Sunday (12pm to 2.30pm, 5.30pm to 10pm) 

Forum The Shopping Mall, 01-01/04, 583 Orchard Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 3pm, 5.30pm to 10pm) 

Why visit? Brands under the Les Amis Group consistently deliver creatively crafted food without compromising on quality, and Lino is no exception. Here, you’ll find reliable Italian fare in a tastefully designed, casual atmosphere that the Group’s restaurants are renowned for.

The menu presents contemporary Italian cuisine that utilises classic cooking techniques, allowing flavours to develop naturally and authentically, all enhanced with a modern twist.

Crowd favourites: The secret behind Lino’s pizzas lies in the natural fermentation of its housemade dough, resulting in a fragrant thin crust. The pancetta pizza (S$28) is one of its standouts, featuring smoked bacon from Swiss farmers, duck fat-cooked potatoes, mozzarella, parmesan and a beautifully cracked egg, all atop a vibrant basil pesto base.

The char-grilled Iberian pork secreto (S$40) is unforgettable — the juicy, tender pork comes with gorgeously charred edges and is imbued with smoky, intense flavours befitting of a great meat dish.

6. Burrata Joy & Gustavo Lapasta

Katong V, 01-12/13, 30 East Coast Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 3pm, 5pm to 10pm) 

Why visit? Burrata Joy & Gustavo Lapasta is the brainchild of Garibaldi, a well-established name in Italian cuisine in Singapore. Originally conceived during the pandemic to deliver healthy burrata-based bowls to customers in lockdown, Burrata Joy’s concept became so popular that it led to the opening of a physical store.

This casual eatery exudes a hidden gem feel, tucked away in Katong V mall, in a quiet corner. Despite its off-the-beaten-path location, its appetising and affordable Italian items have earned it a steady stream of diners.

Crowd favourites: For lunch, get the biella (S$24) burrata bowl, a breezy mix of chicken, arugula, tomatoes, asparagus, mushrooms and walnuts, topped with 120g of glorious burrata.

Come dinnertime, switch gears and dive into the crab in pink sauce (S$25) pasta. This one’s a 10 out of 10, with a sumptuous, homely sauce enveloping chunks of crab meat. Pick your pasta and, if you’re feeling decadent (and why wouldn’t you be?), throw in a burrata of your choice (from S$9) for that extra hit of creaminess.

7. Tipo Pasta Bar

Aliwal Arts Centre, 01-07, 28 Aliwal Street
Open: Monday to Sunday (11am to 10pm) 

Stamford Arts Centre, 01-08, 155 Waterloo Street
Open: Monday to Sunday (11am to 10pm) 

Why visit? Tipo Pasta Bar is the kind of pretty place where you gather friends for a casual, slurp-worthy meal that also looks good for the ‘gram. It’s also a fun place where you get to build your own pasta plates. Better yet, the pasta here is handmade, from scratch. 

Fun fact: Italian Tipo 00 flour, which likely inspired the restaurant’s name, is often considered the best for making pasta because of its fine texture and ideal protein content — qualities that create a smooth, delicate dough.

Tipo is Italian cuisine thoughtfully adapted to local tastes without compromising on finesse and quality. The pastas here are lively and flavourful, and earn extra points for being halal-friendly, affordable and plated with care. 

Crowd favourites: Among its house specials, we were pleased with the Classy carbonara (S$19.90), where Tipo adds its own twist on the carbonara with smoked duck. Yet it stays true to Italian tradition by skipping the cream, instead relying on an emulsion of egg yolk and cheese to create a velvety sauce.

For a lighter option, we recommend the plucky peppers (S$20.90) pasta — we relished every red pepper sauce-coated strand of pasta. The dish is further elevated by tender chicken, crumbled feta and caramelised tomatoes, adding depth and texture to the dish. 

8. No Menu

23 Boon Tat Street
Open: Monday to Friday (11.30am to 3pm, 6pm to 11pm), Saturday (6pm to 11pm)

Why visit? Chef Osvaldo Forlino gained recognition in Singapore through his work at formal Italian restaurants before launching his own place, No Menu, over ten years ago. This cosy, family-run joint is known for its daily fresh-made everything, from the bread, pasta and soup to the desserts. The recipes used here have also been passed down through the Forlino family.

The name “No Menu” is inspired by traditional family-run eateries in the Italian countryside, where chefs charm guests with tasting portions based on seasonal ingredients, without a written menu. At No Menu, you can enjoy this experience through its degustation menu. Otherwise, if you prefer some sort of predictability in your fare, it also has an extensive menu of beloved Italian classics.

Crowd favourites: Many of No Menu’s top-quality ingredients are sourced directly from Italy, including its highly praised burrata cheese (from S$24), which comes paired with your choice of Sicilian tomatoes, Parma ham or both. You’ll be amazed at how such a simple creation can taste so incredible, thanks to the freshness and vibrancy of the ingredients.

The homemade tagliolini with king prawn in tomato sauce (S$36) is a magnificent dish. It’s a feast for both the eyes, with the oh-so-succulent, large prawn sitting atop the pasta,  and the taste buds, of course. In fact, if you only have space for one pasta, this dish is a must-try at this restaurant that prides itself on feeding only the finest to its diners.

9. Kucina Italian Restaurant

Kinex, B1-09/10, 11 Tanjong Katong Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (12pm to 10pm)

Why visit? Kucina Italian Restaurant is led by Chef Gero Omar, an Italian-Muslim with over 30 years of experience in the F&B industry, specialising in Italian cuisine. Noticing the lack of halal Italian food on our island, he decided to open his own restaurant to fill the gap — something that is certainly much needed in Singapore.

Chef Gero has also become a bit of a social media sensation, sharing tips on how to source quality Italian ingredients in Singapore. Thanks to him, we now know what makes for good olive oil and pasta, and you can best be certain he applies the same tips in his dishes at Kucina. 

Crowd favourites: The menu at Kucina is a nod to chef Gero’s openness to global influences — one of its signatures include the la barca (S$27.90), a boat-shaped pizza topped with smoked scamorza cheese, mozzarella, truffle pate, cream and mushrooms. While this pizza is more Greek than Italian in origin, it has been infused with chef Gero’s Italian touch, making it a hit with diners. This pizza, as with all pizzas on its menu, are homemade with hand-stretched dough.

The cioppino (S$31.90), an Italian-American fisherman’s stew, is another highlight. It features a splendid mix of seafood in a toothsome crab meat tomato broth, creating a comforting bowl that is sooo good for soaking up with bread!

10. Latteria Mozzarella Bar

40 Duxton Hill
Open: Monday to Sunday (12pm to 2.30pm, 6pm to 10.30pm)

Why visit? Cheese enthusiasts, welcome to paradise! Latteria Mozzarella Bar plays host to the largest selection of mozzarella in Singapore, with all cheeses imported directly from Italy itself. We learned about the various types of mozzarella here, including bocconcini (small ball-shaped mozzarella made from buffalo milk), burratina (smaller, more delicate version of burrata) and treccia (braided mozzarella). 

The restaurant also has a lush, green al fresco terrace, providing a magical dining setting especially on a cool evening.

Crowd favourites: Here is where we tried smoked mozzarella for the first time, ordering the burratina affumicata (S$28), and it was nothing short of divine. With a deeper flavour and firmer texture, the smoked burratina goes beautifully with the porcini mushrooms and basil pesto served alongside.

The mac & cheese in a pumpkin (S$32), too, is an experience in itself — you literally scoop the creamy macaroni and cheesy goodness out of the roasted pumpkin! The dish strikes a perfect balance between mild cheesiness, a touch of natural sweetness and a savoury bite. Given its hearty flavours and portion size, we suggest sharing this with friends.

11. Fortuna Singapore

7 Craig Road
Open: Monday to Thursday & Sunday (12pm to 3pm, 5.30pm to 10.30pm), Friday & Saturday (12pm to 3pm, 5.30pm to 11pm)

Why visit? The founders of Fortuna Singapore launched their first restaurant in Sydney, where it continues to thrive. Riding on the success of its Sydney outlet, the founders ventured into Singapore early this year, aiming to bring the best of Neapolitan and Sicilian cuisine to local diners.

Much like its Sydney counterpart, Fortuna Singapore has a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Its exterior radiates with colourful walls, while the warm, inviting interior sets the stage for classic Italian trattoria and pizzeria-style dishes.

Crowd favourites: Fried pizza or pizza fritta, a Naples street food classic, is served here at Fortuna (it’s a rare find in Singapore, trust us). The dough is flash-fried, then baked, and comes without zero greasiness. The gambero and stracciata’s (S$38) dreamy-soft cheese, giant shrimp and pistachio pesto perfectly complement the crunchy yet chewy dough.

As for the mafalde (S$34), this in-house, ribbon-shaped pasta effortlessly holds a robust, 24-hour slow-cooked ragout. Done to al dente perfection, the pasta provides just the right amount of bite, reminding us of the simple joy of enjoying well-made pasta.

Read our full review of Fortuna Singapore here. 

12. Fico

1300 East Coast Parkway
Open: Monday to Wednesday (5.30pm to 10.30pm), Thursday & Friday (11.30am to 3pm, 5.30pm to 10.30pm), Saturday & Sunday (11.30am to 10.30pm)

Why visit? Fico, by the Lo & Behold Group, offers a menu inspired by southern Italy, where a Pugliese chef Mirko Febbrile has brought the authentic flavours of his homeland to Singapore. Highlights here include focaccina (smaller version of focaccia) and freshly made pasta.

This restaurant has a picturesque, open beachfront setting and its laid-back charm is further accented by artisanal Italian lighting and ceramics, along with furniture crafted by local maker Roger&Sons. It’s overall a very vibey spot, and the food hardly disappoints as well.

Crowd favourites: The San Marzano tomatoes (S$22) focaccina is a triumph, boasting an airy 80% semola dough that supports its toppings with aplomb. The tomatoes are crowned with smooth bufala mozzarella, fragrant basil and a drizzle of olive oil — simplicity elevated to perfection.

The pork loin (S$43) is a glorious piece of meat. The exterior is grilled to a satisfying crisp and adds a marvellous smokiness that lingers. Paired with a creamy parmigiano cheese sauce and chard, this is one offering we’ll be returning to Fico for again.

Here’s what we thought of Fico at East Coast.

13. L’antica Pizzeria da Michele

8 Club Street, 01-08
Open: Monday to Saturday (12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 11pm)

Why visit? L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is a legendary name in Naples, established in 1870 and having been previously featured by the Michelin Guide. The restaurant name needs no introduction — it’s consistently praised by renowned chefs and its thousands of positive Google reviews speak for itself.

In fact it’s such a big name that many of us couldn’t believe it at first when we heard that it is now in Singapore. Walk in and you’ll be greeted by a massive custom-made oven, which fires up each pizza to order, ensuring that what you’ll devour is as fresh as it gets.

Crowd favourites: Begin with its best-seller, the classic margherita (S$28), its toppings of tomato sauce, fresh basil, and pecorino and agerola fior di latte cheeses are exceptionally fresh: the tomato sauce offers a delightful balance of sweetness and tang, complementing the smooth mozzarella and sharp pecorino.

With one bite of the friarielli & salsiccia (S$36) pizza, we were transported to heaven. The friarielli (also known as broccoli rabe) is tender yet retains a crunch, and its nutty profile goes exquisitely with the savoury Italian sausage and cheese.

14. Pietro Ristorante Italiano

12 Jalan Kelulut
Open: Monday to Friday (11am to 2.30pm, 6pm to 10pm), Saturday & Sunday (11am to 2.30pm, 5pm to 10pm)

Why visit? Yet another neighbourhood gem that deserves recognition, Pietro Ristorante Italiano was chef Peter Neo’s greatest passion until his passing a few years ago. He was also a well-known TV chef — you could even catch him showcasing his culinary prowess on Channel 8. 

Today, the restaurant is managed by his family, who continue to be fueled by that same dedication, embodying chef Peter’s belief that passion is the key to serving up amazing food. We visited, we dined, and left very well-fed indeed.

Crowd favourites: Here, you’ll find Italian dishes cleverly adapted to appeal to local tastes. The zuppa di funghi (S$9.90) and calamari fritti (S$18.90) are favourites among kids, making this restaurant a regular haunt for families in the neighbourhood.

The linguine al cartoccio (S$32.90) makes a striking entrance, arriving in a parchment paper boat filled with crayfish, squid, prawns, clams and linguine in a homemade tomato sauce infused with white wine. It’s a go-to for the regulars here as well.

15. Griglia

37 Craig Road, 01-01
Open: Tuesday to Thursday & Sunday (12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm), Saturday & Sunday (11am to 2.30pm, 5pm to 10pm)

139 East Coast Road, 01-01
Open: Tuesday (5.45pm to 11pm), Wednesday to Sunday (12pm to 3pm, 5.45pm to 11pm)

Why visit? Open-fire grill restaurants are an on-going trend in Singapore, but Griglia sets itself apart by demonstrating the Italian approach to grilling: “Grigliata” is the Italian tradition of cooking outdoors over an open flame during the summer, and it often involves simple preparations and minimal seasoning to highlight natural, refreshing flavours that are also lighter on the stomach.

Griglia brings this experience to life with classic grigliata dishes prepared on a specially customised cast iron charcoal grill, served in smaller sharing portions to encourage diners to sample the diverse offerings available.

Crowd favourites: This is definitely a place for sharing plates. The 30-day dry-aged porterhouse (S$158) is impressively sized and easily feeds at least three people. You can specify how you’d like it cooked — we opted for medium rare, and it came succulent with a memorable char.

For your carb fix, don’t miss the pappardelle (S$32). It’s a wonderfully executed pasta, thanks to the guanciale and red wine, and comes with some super tender pork cheeks.

For more inspirations on places to dine, check out our stories on authentic Hakka thunder tea Hakka Leipopo and the four eateries in Singapore by Korean celebrity chef Baek Jong-won. Alternatively, check out the newest openings in Singapore here. 

All restaurants, except Fortuna Singapore, Fico, L’antica Pizzeria da Michele, and Griglia, are on the GrabFood Delivery Service and offer free delivery (up to S$3 off with GrabUnlimited). 

Enjoy up to 50% off when you dine with GrabFood Dine Out.

You can also book a ride to these Italian restaurants.