Taste of Italy: 8 Italian Restaurants You Need to Visit in Singapore

It’s no secret that Singapore is a foodie haven. Just envision the hawker centers teeming with people, the delicacies you can find along the busy streets, and the diverse dishes available at every turn – from Chinese and Peranakan to Indian and more. Among the number of restaurants vying for attention in the island city-state, Italian restaurants stand out by serving authentic and flavourful dishes that go beyond merely satisfying a craving for a slice of pizza.

These restaurants offer comfort and warmth on a plate, and with each visit, they guarantee to transport you to Italy with every bite. Ready to treat yourself to an authentic Italian dining experience?

Below, we've curated a list of must-visit Italian restaurants in Singapore, where you can savor the simplicity and versatility of Italian cooking.

Pasta Brava

One of the oldest Italian restaurants in Singapore, Pasta Brava takes pride in serving traditional dishes from different regions of Italy. The restaurant features bold interiors and soft lighting that adds to the homey vibe of the space. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or having lunch with your colleagues, Pasta Brava is the place to be.

Start off your meal with an appetizer like the Oven Baked Eggplant Parmagiana or keep things light with Roma Tomato, Rucuola Green Salad. If you love pasta, you can never go wrong with the Duck Ragu Mushroom Pappardelle or the Pasta Brava Famous Squid Ink Seafood Spaghetti. Those who want to skip the pasta can also choose among the variety of meat and seafood main courses.

Location: Pasta Brava, #01-13, The Scarlet Hotel Singapore, 33 Erskine Road, Singapore

La Nonna

Travel to the Italian countryside without flying out at La Nonna where you can expect good comfort food and warm Italian hospitality. La Nonna, which translates to “the grandmother” serves Italian country cuisine in a welcoming Trattoria ambiance.

Some of the must-tries dishes include their signature specialties like the La Nonna Pizza (Truffle Egg Pasta), Crab Meat Linguine, and the Oven-Roasted Lamb Rack. Vegetarians can also dine here as they also offer vegetarian plates and more. Be on the lookout for its set lunches and takeout specials allowing you to avail of discounts.

Location: La Nonna, 26/26B Lorong Mambong, Singapore

Gigi Gastrobar & Bistro

Buon appetito! Gigi Gastrobar & Bistro is located in the heart of the CBD – making it easier for you to satisfy your craving for Italian food. The best part? You can pair your choice of pasta dish or wood-fired pizza with fine Italian wines and spirits for a memorable dining experience.

Pasta lovers will love the simplicity of Gigi’s Aglio Oglio E Peperoncino (Linguine with garlic, chili, olive oil, and parsley) but those who want something more flavourful can try the Fettucine Funghi Di Bosco Tartufati E Pollo (Fettucine with truffle cream, forest mushrooms, and butter chicken). Looking for pizza? Make sure you try the Truffolata or go the classic way with Margherita.

Location: Gigi Gastrobar & Bistro, 4 Marina Boulevard, #01-32 The Sail at Marina Bay, Singapore

Caffe Fernet

Located at Singapore’s historic Customs House, Caffe Fernet offers a new spin on Italian dining by combining unexpected ingredients with local produce to create a “New-Italian” food program you can only find by the bay.

As you take in the calming Marina Bay view, make sure you allot time to review the menu. There are vegetarian, gluten-free, and kids’ menus available if you’re dining with the family. Meanwhile, the food menu is categorized by starters, small plates, pasta, large plates, and dessert. Treat yourself to Burrata then a serving of Tagliatelle Wagyu Beef Pasta. Dining with a friend? Have some Berkshire Pork Chop! Finish off your meal with a Classic Tiramisu.

Location: Caffe Fernet, #01-05, Customs House, 70 Collyer Quay, Singapore

Bar Cicheti

Taking pride as Singapore’s first pasta and wine bar, Bar Cicheti is taking Italian dining to the next level by celebrating their favourite traditions of an Italian meal – pasta and wine.

Pasta connoisseurs can keep it classic with Smoked Cacio e Pepe (Charred rigatoni, butter, sarawak black pepper, lemon, DOP pecorino, 24 months parmigiano) or go all out with Bucatini con Gambieri (Roasted piquillo pepper, Argentinean red prawns, lobster bisque). According to Bar Cicheti, their wine list is a “heartfelt love letter to the vineyards of Italy and beyond.” You can choose to pair your pasta or chosen dish with a glass of wine or get a bottle for sharing.

Location: Bar Cicheti, 10 Jiak Chuan Road, Singapore

Bacaro Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar

A bacaro is a Venetian tavern where glasses of wine are savoured along with appetisers. This serves as the inspiration behind Bacaro, one of the best Italian restaurants in Singapore helmed by Chef David Marchiori.

The menu includes Fried Pizza and Focaccia selections such as ‘Nduja dello Chef e Burrata (Soft, spreadable homemade pork sausage spiked with fiery Calabrian chili and burrata cheese) and Focaccia della Casa (homemade focaccia served with choice of parma ham, pork lard, mortadella or salami). For the main course, you cannot miss the Filleto di Angus con Patate Arrosto (Angus beef tenderloin with roasted potatoes). As an extra treat to yourself, you can also pore over the extensive selection of wines and pick the best one that complements your meal.

Location: Bacaro Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar, 2 Greenwood Avenue, #01-02, Singapore

Cacio e Pepe Cucina Italiana

Cacio e Pepe is on a mission: to create a relaxed Italian dining experience where you can relish authentic Italian cuisine made using quality ingredients. The menu includes different pasta dishes, meat and seafood selections, pizza, and homemade desserts.

Pasta is available as a first course and the Tortelli al Granchio (Stuffed pasta with crab and lobster meat tossed with prawn served in homemade marinara sauce) is a must-try. Looking for Risotti? Treat yourself to a plate of Risotto alla Pescatora (Italian Arborio rice, tossed with prawn, squid and clams served in homemade marinara sauce). Fancy some lasagna? Beef and pork options are also available. For dessert, you can take a break from a serving of Tiramisu by ordering the Lava Cake with Macadamia Nuts or a Panna Cotta.

Location: Cacio e Pepe Cucina Italiana, 3 Chu Lin Road, Singapore

iO Italian Osteria

Find authentic Italian food, wine, bread, and pasta under one roof at iO Italian Osteria, a gem of a place located at Hillview Rise that’s reminiscent of a traditional Italian tavern. The space is cosy and completed with antique pieces and wooden furniture, making you feel right at home the moment you step inside.

At iO, the food speaks for itself. Classic pastas include the Spaghetti Bolognese, Spaghetti Carbonara, and the Linguine Vongole. You can pair your chosen pasta with freshly baked pizza! If you’re ordering a medium- or large-sized pizza, you can choose four or five flavours respectively. Choose among Pepperoni, Margherita, Cooked Ham and Mushrooms, and Stracchino & Mortadella Pistachio.

Location: iO Italian Osteria, 4 Hillview Rise, #02 - 01, Singapore