12 authentic Italian restaurants in Singapore serving more than the usual pizza & pasta

by Christabel Tan

I could go on and on about the love I have for authentic Italian cuisine. It’s simple, it’s comforting (give me all the carbs and cheese), it’s oh-so delicious.

Lucky for us, there is no shortage of Italian restaurants in Singapore. In the mood for luscious mounds of creamy burrata, charred wood-fired pizzas, and shots of limoncello? We’ve narrowed down 12 spots for Italian eats that’ll transport you to the boot-shaped peninsula in no time at all. Bon appétit!

iO Italian Osteria

Photo: @oho_yumz/instagram

Out of all the Italian restaurants clustered in Bukit Timah, iO Italian Osteria is probably the most popular and well-loved amongst Singaporeans. Don’t let its far-flung location deter you — the authentic Italian street food and rustic ambience is worth making the journey for.

Spoilt for choice? You’ll see the truffle-infused Traditional Stuffed Roman Schiacciata (from S$7 for a slice), Porchetta (S$9 for S, S$18 for L), and Pistachio Tiramisu (S$14) on almost every table.

Make your reservations here.

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???? 4 Hillview Rise, #02 – 01, Singapore 667979
???? 11.30am–10pm (Mon to Fri), 10am–10pm (Sat & Sun)

Ristorante Da Valentino

Photo: Leong Kai Fong/google images

Headed by Executive Chef Valentino, Ristorante Da Valentino takes pride in serving authentic Italian cuisine prepared using seasonal ingredients. Furnished like a cosy Italian home with a wine cellar and alfresco bar, the family-run restaurant is steeped in warmth and tradition, making it an ideal spot for convivial family celebrations and romantic date nights.

authentic italian
Photos: @fkingdelish/instagram, @twofishtums/instagram

Pick from a selection of hearty Italian sharing plates, including the Fettucine Al Granchio (S$32.90), Smoked Burrata, and Tiramisu (S$15.90) in a mug. Don’t forget that much-needed glass (or two) of vino.

Make your reservations here.

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???? 200 Turf Club Road, #01-19, The Grandstand, Singapore 287994
???? 12pm–2.30pm, 6pm–10.30pm (Mon to Sun), Closed on Wed

GIO Restaurant

Photo: @coldbutter.sg/instagram, GIO Singapore

Armed with the Italian tradition of hospitality and quality at the table and in the glass, GIO Restaurant aims to recreate the same dining experience one might get at a typical restaurant in Italy. Classic recipes are given a new lease of life, and reinvented with fresh, contemporary flavours.

Two of their signatures are the Rigatoni alla Carbonara (S$32/S$46) and Pizza Fritta con Crudo, Caprino e Spinacini (S$28), a unique fried pizza topped with prosciutto crudo, goat’s cheese and spinach. If you want to pile on the drama, the Frico con Tartuto Nero Invernale (S$50), a traditional Italian potato pancake with Montasio cheese, onions, and freshly shaved black autumn truffles from the region of Friuli, will do just the trick.

authentic italian
Photo: GIO Singapore

As for dessert, look no further than the Torta Sbrisolona con Crema alla Vaniglia (S$22), a hazelnut, almond, and chocolate cake popular in Veneto, Emilia Romagna, and Lombardia that’s served broken into bite-sized pieces with a vanilla cream.

Given that there are almost 100 varieties of wine from every region of Italy, as well as one of Singapore’s largest selections of Spritz, Negroni and Americano, drinks are a must.

Make your reservations here.

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???? 27 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088450
???? 11.30am–3pm, 5.30pm–11.30pm (Mon to Thu), 11.30am–3pm, 5.30pm–12am (Fri), 5pm–12am (Sat), Closed on Sun

Rosso Vino

authentic italian
Photo: Rosso Vino

Located in buzzy Robertson Quay, Rosso Vino is a popular restaurant and wine bar with pet-friendly alfresco seating overlooking views of the Singapore River. It is also one of the few Italian restaurants that opens till midnight (and 1am on Fridays and Saturdays).

authentic italian
Photo: @fatpigdiary/instagram, @hnpoh/instagram

Expect to fill your tummy with classic yet contemporary Italian flavours. Start off with an Antipasto all’ Italiana (S$34), followed by the Penne al Tartufo e Funghi Porcini (S$28) and Capellini al Granchio e bisque di Aragosta (S$30). Truffle and lobster bisque? More, please.

Make your reservations here.

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???? 15 Merbau Rd, Singapore 239032
???? 3pm–12am (Mon to Thu), 3pm–1am (Fri & Sat), 12pm–12am (Sun)

Trattoria Nonna Lina

authentic italian
Photo: @wenyouxiaojiejie/instagram, @fooodtimesroll/instagram

Ever wanted to dine in a welcoming Italian grandmother’s kitchen? Named after chef-owner Simone’s grandmother Lina, Trattoria Nonna Lina dishes up rustic, traditional Tuscan cuisine in a cosy restaurant decorated after the sleepy seaside town of Porto Santo Stefano.

Imagine yourself dining by the sea as you tuck into the Tortelli del Valle (S$45), seasonal Tyrrhenian seafood in a creamy white wine reduction, as well as the Cacciucco (S$74), a thick Tuscan-style seafood broth.

End the meal on a (sugar) high with the Bonet Argentarino (S$21), a traditional rum-spiked Italian chocolate pudding with homemade caramel sauce.

Make your reservations here.

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???? 61 Cantonment Rd, Singapore 089757
???? 12pm–2.30pm, 6pm–10.30pm (Tue to Sat), 12pm–2.30pm, 6pm–10pm (Sun), Closed on Mon

Acqua e Farina

authentic italian
Photo: @reig.sg/instagram, @lingomania2021/instagram

Diverse regional culinary styles from the North and South of Italy are showcased at Acqua e Farina, a charming little restaurant tucked away at the Rail Mall in Bukit Timah. One standout on the menu, which features both Neapolitan-style pizza and Milanese cooking, has got to be the Fettuccine Nere alla Polpa di Granchio (S$33) squid ink-infused fettuccine topped with crabmeat in a mildly creamy tomato sauce.

Get the best of all worlds with the Dessert Platter (S$19), which comprises mini portions of Crème Brûlée, Lava Cake, Panna Cotta and Tiramisù — perfect for sharing.

Drop by on weekdays for the seasonal three-course Set Lunch (S$28/S$38) if you want the most bang for your buck.

Make your reservations here.

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???? 400 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, The Rail Mall, Singapore 678050
???? 11.30am–2.30pm, 5.45pm–10pm (Tue to Thu, Sun), 11.30am–3pm, 5.30pm–10.15pm (Fri & Sat), Closed on Mon

Porta Porta Italian Restaurant

Photos: @_asupaaa/instagram, Porta Porta

Despite having over 25 years of experience serving authentic homecooked Southern Italian food, the Muslim-owned Porta Porta Italian Restaurant remains a relatively hidden gem in Upper Changi.

Both the unassuming Antipasti Misti (S$20.50) appetiser platter and incredibly umami Tagliatelle Al Nero Di Seppie (S$27.50) are must-orders— the latter is taken to the next level with the unconventional addition of chilli. You also have the option of leaving it up to the chef for S$60 (min. of two pax), kind of like an “Italian omakase“.

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???? No. 32 Jln Pari Burong, Singapore 488698
???? 12pm–2.30pm, 6pm–10.30pm (Tue to Sun), Closed on Mon

Lucca’s Trattoria

Photos: Lucca’s Trattoria

Despite having relocated from their original Robertson Walk location, Lucca’s Trattoria (now in Tiong Bahru) continues to dish up authentic Italian Tuscan cuisine with its roots in the province of Lucca, Tuscany.

Wind down with an Aperol Spritz in a breezy al fresco “vineyard” as you tuck into hearty cucina alla casalinga (home cooking) — what a way to spend an evening.

authentic italian
Photos: Xavier Tan/google images, @hungryybearr/instagram

Split a Calzone (S$28) and order plates of their signature handmade pasta to share, like the Polpo Alla Griglia (S$33) or silky Carbonara Guanciale (S$26).

Make your reservations here.

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???? 7 Tiong Bahru Road, Singapore 168727.
???? 12pm–11pm (Mon to Fri), 11.30am–11pm (Sat & Sun)

Griglia Open Fire Italian Kitchen

Photos: @eggiefoodies/instagram, @para_sumarap/instagram

Located along Craig Road, Griglia is a contemporary Italian grill restaurant inspired by the summer outdoor grill, or grigliata. Classic Italian dishes are cooked in a customised iron-cast charcoal grill, and served in smaller tapas-style sharing plates (making it easier to order more!).

Your best bet would be to order a round appetisers for sharing, before tackling mains from the open fire grill. For a good mix of land and sea, order the Spaghetti Di Martino (S$18), Hiika Squid (S$18), Short Ribs Pappardelle (S$23), and Grass Fed Wagyu Beef Striploin (S$68 for 200g).

Make your reservations here.

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???? 37 Craig Rd, #01-01, Singapore 089675
???? 6pm–10.30pm (Mon), 12pm–3pm, 6pm–10.30pm (Tue to Thu, Sun),12pm–3pm, 6pm–11pm (Fri & Sat)

Gattopardo Ristorante di Mare

authentic italian
Photos: @claiire_lee/instagram

As the only Sicilian seafood restaurant on our shores, Gattopardo Ristorante di Mare is armed with an impressive list of accolades, and for good reason. Given the heavy emphasis on seasonality and sustainability, the restaurant does not offer an a la carte menu.

Why not indulge in a slice of Sicily with the Executive Set Lunch (S$58++), that features Sicilian superfoods and seasonal seafood? If you’re celebrating a special occasion, head straight for the 5 Course Sicilian Journey Menu (S$148++), or even the Sicilian Omakase (S$248++), both of which feature premium ingredients like sea urchin, red prawns, and white truffles.

Make your reservations here.

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???? 34 Tras St, Singapore 078975
???? 12pm–2.30pm, 6pm–10.30pm (Tue to Sat), Closed on Sun & Mon

Pietrasanta The Italian Restaurant

authentic italian
Photo: Pietrasanta The Italian Restaurant

Pietrasanta The Italian Restaurant was born out of a visit to Pietrasanta in northern Tuscany. Having fallen in love with the enchanting medieval city, the owners decided to bring its rustic charm to Singapore (and we are grateful).

Photos: @gainfatdiary/instagram, Veronica Phua/google images

The casual, easygoing eatery boasts an extensive menu that pays homage to Tuscany’s time-honoured treats and authentic Italian eats. Don’t miss out on the Fettuccine Con Salsiccia E Tartufo (S$28.90), a hearty, aromatic mix of pork sausage and black truffle, and the off-menu Burrata served with Italian tomatoes, arugula, and parma ham — it’s touted as one of the best in Singapore.

Your meal will not be complete without the Pistocchi Classica (S$17.90), a decadent and vegan dark chocolate fudge cake that’ll have you swooning in delight.

Reservations can be made by contacting +65 9863 9253.

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???? 1 Fusionopolis Way, #01-08, Singapore 138632
???? 11.30am–2.30pm, 5.30pm–10pm (Daily)

La Bottega Enoteca

authentic italian
Photo: @jim_sanity/instagram, @islandcreameryisbae/instagram

From a private home dining experience to a fully-fledged rustic Italian bistro in Joo Chiat, La Bottega Enoteca (formally known as Casa Nostra) has risen the ranks, becoming one of the most highly sought after authentic Italian spots in Singapore.

Come with a group of friends, as all guests must order the Dinner Set Menu (S$139 per pax), which comes inclusive of appetisers, the signature Newpolitan pizza (say yes to sardines and smoked burrata), mains, and a choice of dessert.

Some even say Chef Antonio Miscellaneo makes the best pizzas in town (which explains the long waiting list), but you can be the judge.

Make your reservations here.

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???? 346 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427596
???? 6pm–10.30pm (Wed to Fri), 11.30am–3.30pm, 6pm–10.30pm (Sat), 11.15am–4pm (Sun), Closed on Mon & Tue

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