Visit these 17 restaurants for the best pasta in Singapore

Pasta is one of the most beloved dishes around the world and Singapore’s foodies are no exception to this obsession. Originating from Italy, this hearty dish has woven its way into the fabric of our culinary scene. 

While some restaurants keep to tradition, others use it as a canvas to express their creativity. The versatility of this dish is exactly what makes it so popular — it satisfies any palate with the sheer number of possibilities. 

But what makes a good pasta is undoubtedly its base. A good quality pasta noodle, no matter the flavour, must be “al dente”, or firm upon bite. The craftsmanship of making good pasta takes years of practice, with each shape and texture weaving a different cultural tapestry. It’s a celebration of simplicity and sophistication.

In this guide, we present to you 17 restaurants with the best pasta in Singapore. From cheap and good pasta, to expertly crafted ones with traditional flavours, there’s pasta for everyone here. As the Italians will say, buon appetito!

1. Pastaria Abate

86 Neil Road
Open: Sunday to Wednesday (11.30am to 11pm), Thursday to Saturday (11.30am to 11.30pm)

Why visit? Located along Neil Road is one of the most authentic Italian restaurants serving handmade pasta in Singapore, Pastaria Abate. Started by Gino Abate, this eatery boasts warm and cosy interiors reminiscent of trattorias in Italy and serves fresh pastas daily.

The pasta here is hearty, home-style and handed-down from family recipes — it’s sure to satisfy any pasta craving.

Crowd favourites: The oxtail tagliatelle (S$30.80) is a must-try and it comes with pieces of tender oxtail which have been slow braised for 16 hours, atop velvety ribbons of pasta. These textures and flavours become even more pronounced with the tangy red wine sauce.

Additionally, the traditional carbonara (S$28.80), served with chunky bacon bits and a poached egg, is surefire crowd pleaser and great for anyone who loves their pasta as creamy as possible.

2. Io Italian Osteria

Hillv2, 02-01, 4 Hillview Rise
Open: Monday to Friday (11.30am to 10pm), Saturday & Sunday (10am to 10pm)

Why visit? Hidden gem Io Italian Osteria is one of the go-to spots for authentic Italian food and a personal favourite. It’s headed by restaurateur and chef Anna Borrasi, and the menu spans wood-fired pizzas, homely pastas and traditional meats, all of which are made fresh daily. 

Perhaps what sets it apart is its stylish interiors. Simple, rustic and adorned with fine antique pieces, it’s an homage to the traditional Italian taverns and makes for a great option for any kind of gathering. However, it’s known to draw crowds, no matter the day or time, so make your reservations ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

Crowd favourites: The orecchiette, pork sausage, saffron sauce (S$19) is unassuming, yet full of bold flavours. The little pasta discs are perfectly al dente and come evenly coated with an aromatic, creamy sauce that doesn’t come across as overly cloying, making it a reliable and comforting delight.

For something a little brighter, opt for the homemade tagliolini, prawns, asparagus, lemon, aromatic breadcrumbs ($S22), which marries the best textures — succulent, crispy and crunchy, finished with a zesty note.

As for the antipasti, the crispy traditional stuffed Roman schiacciata (small for S$10, large for S$18), a type of flatbread stuffed with mushrooms, is a must-order.

3. Pasta Fresca Da Salvatore

30 Boat Quay 
Open: Monday to Thursday (11.30am to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm), Saturday to Sunday and PH (11.30am to 11pm)

Guthrie House, 01-02, 1 Fifth Avenue
Open: Monday to Thursday (11.30am to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm), Saturday to Sunday and PH (11.30am to 11pm)

9 Upper East Coast Road, 01-01
Open: Monday to Thursday (11.30am to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm), Saturday to Sunday and PH (11.30am to 11pm)

Why visit? A familiar name amongst many, Pasta Fresca is a longstanding pasta place in Singapore founded by Salvatore in 1988. This simple three-table eatery has turned into three outlets islandwide over the past three decades. 

It’s known for its wholesome and homely pastas and uses fresh ingredients imported from Italy. Here, you’ll also get to choose the type of pasta you want, including tortellini (beef), squid ink linguine, panzerotti (pasta made with mushrooms), and many more. 

Crowd favourites: There are over 20 pasta dishes to choose from, but the linguine mare e monti (S$25.90) is the one to get. Delicate, sweet crabmeat with button mushrooms sauteed with white wine in a contemporary pink sauce, this dish is perfectly balanced and a personal favourite. An insider tip: Get it with the squid ink pasta for an extra umami kick.

For something classic, get the conchiglie ai funghi e salsiccia (S$25.90), which comes with homemade Italian pork sausage and mushrooms sauteed in a light cream.

If you’re dining with a crowd and have space for more, the rucola, mozzarella fresca e pomodorini (regular S$21.90, large S$25.90) pizza also comes highly recommended.

4. Bar Cicheti

10 Jiak Chuan Road
Open: Sunday to Thursday (12pm to 2.30pm, 6pm to 10.30pm), Friday to Saturday (12pm to 2.30pm, 6pm to 11pm)

Why visit? Tucked in the corner of Keong Saik is Bar Cicheti, a popular date-night spot known for its selection of fresh handmade pasta, complemented by natural wines. 

Head down for the best pasta in Singapore, by chef Aun and an all-local kitchen team. The menu takes inspiration from rich Italian gastronomic traditions while retaining its Asian roots, and changes regularly to highlight seasonal flavours. The best part about this pasta restaurant in Singapore is that it comes in both small and large portions, allowing you to savour a greater variety if you so desire.

Crowd favourites: The long and eggy thin ribbons of the taglioni (S$28) are perfectly al dente and dressed in a tantalising symphony of butter, colatura (an Italian fish sauce) and clam. Dressed with a squeeze of lemon and served with a succulent wild-caught blue swimmer crab meat, this is definitely one for the seafood lovers.

Alternatively, the mezzaluna (S$26) is a simple yet striking dish, with pasta in the shape of half-moons, stuffed with fresh ricotta, fried aubergines, parmigiano, and basil. It comes topped with arrabbiata sauce, tomberries and salty shavings of aged ricotta salata and is a dish that hits all the marks — sweet, salty, tangy with a little spice kick.

Be sure to check out its wine list, but if you’re overwhelmed by the choices, opt for the wine flight (S$45), which gets you three different wines throughout your meal.

5. Picolino

Shaw Centre, 03-23, 1 Scotts Road
Open: Sunday to Thursday (11.30am to 2.30pm, 6pm to 9pm), Friday to Saturday and eve of PH (11.30am to 2.30pm, 6pm to 9.30pm)

Shaw Plaza, 01-21/22, 360 Balestier Road
Open: Monday to Thursday (11.30am to 2.30pm, 6pm to 8.30pm), Friday to Saturday and eve of PH (11.30am to 2.30pm, 5.30pm to 9.30pm), Sunday (11.30am to 2.30pm, 5.30pm to 8.30pm)

Why visit? Previously known as Lino Pizza & Pasta Bar, Picolino is the revamped concept by the Les Amis group that opened last year. With a more casual and vibrant look, it is now known for fusing familiar Asian flavours with Italian classics. 

It calls itself the “quirky right-brained genius in the family” and its unique, yet tasty combinations easily make one of the best pasta restaurants in Singapore and the perfect destination for those looking for a little more pzazz to their pastas. 

Crowd favourites: The mafalde cacio e pepe (S$18) is a straightforward, yet incredibly satisfying dish. Made only with some black pepper and cheese, this salty and creamy dish delivers surprisingly punchy flavours. It’s no wonder that it’s stayed on the menu despite the rebranding.

Light, garlicky and dressed with succulent prawns, the spaghetti aglio olio (S$24) is a definite crowd-pleaser sure to satisfy the pickiest of eaters.

To share, get the salmon mentaiko pizza (S$28), which comes with a generous drizzle of creamy mentaiko mayo and rose sauce, topped with baby spinach and shreds of mozzarella and nori.

6. Osteria Mozza

Hilton Singapore Orchard, Level 5, 333 Orchard Road
Open: Monday to Friday (12pm to 2.30pm, 3pm to 10.30pm), Saturday to Sunday (12pm to 2.30pm, 5pm to 10.30pm)

Why visit? Located in Hilton Orchard is Osteria Mozza Singapore, the only Asian outpost of the one-Michelin-starred gastronomic institution in Los Angeles. The critically-acclaimed Californian-Italian restaurant focuses on simple cooking techniques that allow seasonal produce to shine.

Its menu includes locally-exclusive dishes and spans a diverse range of Italian specialities, including homemade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, grilled specialties and fresh mozzarella dishes. The cherry on top? An elegant dining space, featuring a floor-to-ceiling vino wall.

Crowd favourites: The garganelli ragu bolognese (S$32) is a classic hearty choice, sure to hit any pasta craving stat. For those looking for something a little more special, get the fonduta ravioli (S$38), which comes filled with silky and light fondue that oozes out, courtesy of a little theatrical slice by your waiter. It’s balanced by a 25-year aged balsamic from Modena. 

Be sure to try the iconic butterscotch budino (S$20), a type of pudding. Served with a savoury-sweet caramel sauce and topped with creamy creme fraiche and flaky Maldon sea salt, this would make for a perfect sweet ending to any meal.

7. Caffe Fernet

Customs House, 01-05, 70 Collyer Quay
Open: Monday to Wednesday (5pm to 11pm), Friday to Sunday (12pm to 11pm)

Why visit? Along the bay with breath-taking views of the Marina, Caffe Fernet serves a fresh take on Italian cuisine by executive chef David Tang. The restaurant-bar, by drinks collective Jigger and Pony Group, offers al fresco dining and is a perfect location for a date night.

While it’s best known for its versatile drinks inspired by Italian drinking tradition  such as coffee and fernet (a type of Italian aromatic spirit), regulars also tout it as the good pasta place in Singapore.

Crowd favourites: The rigatoni alla gricia (S$32), made with guanciale, parma ham stock and fiore sardo (a type of cheese) comes highly recommended. Additionally, get the classic mafaldine cacio e pepe (S$29), which comes with perfectly al dente ribbons and a simple savoury sauce of parmesan, pecorino and peppercorns.

To be expected of all Jigger and Pony-owned venues, the restaurant bar has an excellent selection of cocktails if you’re up for it. The cold brew Irish coffee (S$23) , in particular, comes highly recommended.

8. Surrey Hills Grocer

Ion Orchard, 05-02, 2 Orchard Turn
Open: Monday to Sunday (10am to 10pm)

Why visit? An ode to the eponymous township in Australia, Surrey Hills Grocer fuses cafe dining and a gourmet grocer, offering both fresh produce and fusion western fare, including pasta and sandwiches. 

There are four outlets islandwide, all with slightly different concepts and different menus, but one thing is promised at all of them — fresh ingredients and a taste of warm Australian hospitality. (We visited one of its delis.) 

Crowd favourites: The chilli crab linguine (S$26) is a rendition of the local favourite dish, made with housemade chilli rempah, fresh crab claw meat, Mizuna farm greens and tobiko. The miso carbonara udon ($26) is also a solid choice — a fusion dish made with fresh Japanese udon and house carbonara sauce, topped with a molten Nuyolk ultra premium egg, bacon, shaved parmesan, and seaweed.

9. Chicco Pasta Bar

208 Telok Ayer Street
Open: Monday to Saturday (11.30am to 3pm, 5pm to 10pm)

Why visit? Chicco Pasta Bar is perfect for those on a budget but still want homemade quality pasta. Opened by the same chef-owner behind Cenzo, this pasta place boasts a more casual ambience perfect for date nights.

Here, they carry seven distinct varieties of pastas, featuring shapes such as conchiglie, rigatoni and mafaldine, which are made from scratch daily.

Crowd favourites: Get the mafaldine (S$24), which comes with ribbons drenched in creamy bisque and topped with generous amounts of spanner crab.

Its conchiglie with slow-cooked beef and smoked tomatoes (S$22) also comes with a showstopper of a meat sauce that cling to each shell of perfectly-cooked pasta. 

For sides, we enjoyed the mortadella, peppers and pecorino focaccia (S$12) and grilled cauliflower with garlic chilli (S$12), which was nicely charred and tender to the bite. 

Read our review of Chicco Pasta Bar.

10. Forma

128 Tembeling Road
Open: Tuesday to Thursday (6pm to 10.30pm), Friday to Sunday (12pm to 2.30pm, 6pm to 11pm)

Why visit? In collaboration with the sfoglino Ben Fatto, Forma is an upscale trattoria concept by The Cicheti Group, known for being one of the best pasta restaurants in Singapore.

They take pasta seriously at Forma. Pasta here is kneaded, rolled and shaped by hand, the dishes thoughtfully crafted and the seasonal menu littered with the anthropology of each ingredient. It spotlights different traditional pasta shapes every season, giving you reason to visit again even if you’ve been there before.

Crowd favourites: The rigatoni alla vaccinara (S$34) are porous tubular vessels, perfect for holding braised oxtail ragu of white wine, soffritto, tomato passata and pecorino romano DOP crosta nera. 

The pasta of the gli strozzapreti al ragu alla romagnola (S$34) is made with just flour and water and directly translates to “priest stranglers”, rumoured to be designed to choke priests to death in the Middle Ages. Served with a ragu of minced beef, pork, and pancetta, this is a dish rich in flavour and humour.

To end, get the torta all’olio extra vergine di olivia (S$16), an olive oil cake with no butter or guilt, served with gelato, candy fennel and mascarpone mousse.

Here’s our detailed take on our visit to Forma.

11. Bella Pasta

30 Robertson Quay, 01-09
Open: Monday, Wednesday to Friday (11.30am to 2pm, 6pm to 11pm), Saturday (11.30am to 11.30pm), Sunday (11.30am to 11pm)

Why visit? Conceived in 2010, Bella Pasta is the pasta complement to the well-loved Bella Pizza. The menu here features charcoal-grilled meats, seafood and an even longer pasta list, handmade daily using premium ingredients. Boasting a team of chefs who all have been sent to Italy for a cooking stint, Bella Pasta promises to deliver authentic and quality pasta.

Crowd favourites: Try the pansotti burrata (S$28), a decadent dish consisting of triangular egg ravioli stuffed with fresh burrata, with fresh tomatoes and basil served alongside for lightness. Those who want something more robust, get the pappardelle boscaiola (S$29), a homemade fresh flat pasta served in a smoky and savoury pink sauce along with mushrooms, bacon and Italian sauce.

Not in the mood for pasta? Try the risotto funghi porcini tartufo nero (S$29), a classic dish made with arborio rice, porcini mushrooms and black truffle cream.

12. Da Luca

Goldhill Plaza Mall, 01-19/21, 1 Goldhill Plaza
Open: Tuesday to Saturday (12pm to 3pm, 6 to 11pm)

Why visit? Known for its generous portions and excellent service, Da Luca is an inconspicuous restaurant located in an old building opposite Novena MRT station. Despite its unassuming exteriors, the interiors are cosy with cream-coloured walls and dark wood and the wrinkle-less white tablecloths hint at its hefty price point. 

The restaurant is helmed by chef-owner Luca Pucciani, who has over a decade of culinary experience and serves up authentic and contemporary Italian cuisine. Most of all, it’s known among regulars as the place for good pasta in Singapore, in particular the best capellini on this island.

Crowd favourites: Here is the place to come to for uni lovers — Da Luca’s mainstay cold pasta uni, scallop (S$98) features cold capellini, scallop carpaccio and creamy sea urchin tossed in tartufo nero (black truffle) oil. For an even more indulgent meal, top-up for some osetria caviar or truffle shavings.

It also has uni and scampi bruschetta (S$112), which is on the pricier side but comes in generous portions and worth the occasional splurge.

13. Pasta Brava

Scarlet Hotel, 01-13, 33 Erskine Road
Open: Monday to Friday (8am to 10.30pm), Sunday (8am to 9.30pm)

Why visit? Pasta Brava is a long-standing and authentic Italian restaurant in Singapore, serving up home-style pasta in hearty portions. It pays homage to its Italian influences while staying true to its local roots, with Italian and Asian art pieces adorning the walls, some of which are on sale.

Beside its food, perhaps one of the draws of this pasta restaurant is its beautifully restored Chinese medicinal giant antique that now serves as a full bar.

Crowd favourites: The umami Pasta Brava famous squid ink seafood spaghetti (S$32). which uses fresh squid ink, is one to try. Alternatively, the half lobster spaghetti, homemade lobster sauce, cherry tomato (S$51) is worth the splurge, and you could even go for the whole lobster (additional S$37) for a truly indulgent meal.

14. Tipo Pasta Bar

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

Why visit? Formerly located at North Bridge, Tipo Pasta Bar is now comfortably housed at Aliwal and is perhaps one of the most popular places for cheap and good pasta in Singapore. What grew from an idea by college kids during their stint abroad with host families has now turned into a brand with four concepts, with Tipo Pasta Bar being one of them.

The Muslim-friendly restaurant is named after a type of smooth wheat flour originating from Italy named “Tipo 00” and the inspiration behind the concept is simple — a love for carbs, a celebration of artisanal produce and the drive to make something better than packaged pasta.

Crowd favourites: Tipo offers a number of their signature creations. The classy carbonara (S$18.90) is a must-order for creatures of comfort and promises a creamy and indulgent meal. For those looking for something lighter, the presto pesto ($20.90) comes sweet, smoky and herby, with smoked salmon and caramelised cherry tomatoes.

But what comes highly recommended is its build-your-own pastas (from S$9.90). Have your pick from a variety of ingredients, but here’s an insider tip: Get it with the pink sauce and the mafaldine pasta, if it’s available, for a guaranteed “medley for your belly”.

15. Al Forno East Coast

400 East Coast Road
Open: Monday to Thursday (11.30am to 2pm, 6pm to 10pm), Friday to Sunday (11.30am to 2pm, 5.30pm to 10pm)

Why visit? When you talk about Italian food or pasta in Singapore, Al Forno is a popular name that is sure to come up. Established in 1995, it was the first Italian restaurant in Singapore to import fresh ingredients. It serves up a menu of traditional Italian dishes, including wood-fired pizza, pasta dishes and meats, promising only the best ingredients and traditional methods. Its rustic decor and cosy seating arrangements makes it the perfect place for a date night or weekend family dinner.

Crowd favourites: The primi piatti (pasta) menu includes a comprehensive list of pastas, but you can never go wrong with the classics. The spaghetti aglio olio e peperoncino (S$22) is one of them. It’s a simple dish, but when executed correctly delivers one of the most satisfying ones.

For seafood lovers, the spaghetti al nero di seppia (S$27) is a perfect option, served with clams, prawns and squid in squid ink sauce.

16. Etna Italian Restaurant

110 Upper East Coast Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (12pm to 2.30pm, 6pm to 10.30pm)

49/50 Duxton Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (12pm to 2.30pm, 6pm to 10.30pm)

Why visit? Located just a little further down the road from Al Forno is Etna Italian Restaurant. Since it was founded in 2006, it has evolved from a humble trattoria to a more sophisticated ristorante, offering Mediterranean-influenced dishes served in an upscale restaurant. 

Etna is also helmed by chef Anna Borrasi of Io Italian Osteria, which made an appearance earlier in this list.

Its name is an homage to the volcano in Sicily, whose soil is extremely fertile. As such, it often incorporates produce from the land and fish from the sea into their dishes to emulate the best of Sicilian cuisine. 

Crowd favourites: Try the linguine al granchio (S$28) comes in a flavourful crab bisque with jumbo, tender crabmeat, which is sure to please any palate. Alternatively, the margherite al pistacchio (S$24), a handmade walnut and four-cheese ravioli in Bronte pistachio sauce, is popular with regulars.

If you’re dining with the crowd, it is highly recommended to share its Mediterranean specials, in particular the pesce dall’ Italia (price varies). Flown in from Italy, this fresh fish can be cooked to your choice. The availability and price varies per day, so do enquire with the staff for more information.

17. Mamma Mia E Trattoria

Multiple outlets islandwide
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 10pm)

Why visit? You know we had to put it in here — Mamma Mia Trattoria E Caffe is a casual-style global dining chain that serves up tasty and cheap pasta in Singapore. 

Here, the pastas are handcrafted and cooked a la minute and present unpretentious renditions of classics, such as spaghetti with crab meat and burrata sauce, as well as fusion dishes like the mafaldine pasta with spicy seafood.

Whatever your heart desires, you’ll probably find it at these pasta restaurants in Singapore.

Crowd favourites: For those looking for cheap and good pasta, opt for the tortiglioni spicy pink sauce (S$8.80), a dish which was also infamously made viral by Gigi Hadid at one point. It’s said to be on the spicier side, so do be prepared!

For those who can’t take the spice, the spaghetti with turkey strip and chicken cabornara (S$13.80) is a comforting flavourful classic worth the try.

But if you’re looking for something different, the truffle mushroom risotto (S$15.80) is full of umami flavour and fragrant with truffles. It’s a definite crowd-pleaser.

Hungry for more? Check out our latest stories on Liho’s newly relaunched K Strawberry drink series and the new Jiak Kim House, which has opened at where the old Zouk stood. 

Pastaria Abate, Pasta Fresca Da Salvatore, Bar Cicheti, Piccolino, Surrey Hills Grocer, Pasta Brava, Tipo Pasta Bar, Al Forno East Coast, and Mamma Mia Trattoria E Caffe are on the GrabFood are on the GrabFood Delivery Service and offer free delivery (up to S$3 off) with GrabUnlimited. 

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

Alternatively, book a ride to these places for pasta in Singapore.