While Italy is well-known for its architecture and art culture, they are also celebrated for their food. Italian food is one of the most loved cuisines all over the world because of its signature flavours and dishes that just have an element of ‘comfort food’ to them.
Let’s explore some of Italy’s most popular dishes!
Iconic Italian Foods
Pizza
Pizza. From the West all the way to the East, this is a classic delicacy that people around the world enjoy. Pizza actually originated from Naples, Italy in the late 18th-century and was mainly known as staple street food for peasants in the city.
Traditional Italian pizza is made in a wood-fired oven with no conventional equipment and is served piping hot. All ingredients are made fresh from the tomato sauce, dough, mozzarella, and the list go on. What makes Italian pizza special is how it’s made of only the freshest ingredients in the region and is made-to-order. Nothing pre-made here!
Traditionally, pizza is enjoyed as fast food and is something you can get on-the-go. But through the years, pizza has evolved from being peasant food to universal food, and even fine dining.
Today, many chefs all across the globe have recreated this signature dish, added their own spin and modern take to it in order to make it their own. The beauty of pizza is that there are no rules. You can do it with all sorts of toppings, different crusts and sauces — absolutely any way you want!
Pasta
Pasta makes the world go round and we have the Italians to thank for that. While we’re more familiar with the common pasta shapes like spaghetti, linguine, macaroni, penne and fusilli, did you know that there are over 350 types of pasta shapes in Italy?
While there are hundreds of different types of noodles, pasta can be categorised in different groups such as long pasta, tubes, stuffed, soup pastas, and special shapes. Due to the wide variety of types, pasta is one of the most versatile dishes you can make.
Some of Italy’s best traditional pasta dishes include spaghetti aglio olio, tortelli, cacio e pepe, lasagne, and of course, carbonara.
Polenta
A dish hailing from the Northern region of Italy, polenta is a soft, light and creamy porridge made of coarsely ground cornmeal and sometimes even other grains. While it is usually enjoyed as a main dish, you may also have this as a side accompanied by a wide range of meats.
If you want to change things up, you can even use your polenta to make a loaf simply by cooling it down and allowing it to solidify. This dish is best known for its versatility. Besides creating porridge or bread, you can use it to make a sauce!
Risotto
Risotto is a signature Italian rice dish that is typically made from a starchy variety of rice called arborio rice, broth, and a range of aromatics. Making risotto is actually one of the most common ways of cooking rice in Italy. While the process of making this dish may seem simple, it has certain technicalities to perfect the dish successfully.
For the risotto, it’s all in the broth. The broth can be made from meat, fish, and even vegetables and needs to be warmed up ahead of time to create that rich and creamy texture.
Foccacia
Foccacia is one of the most popular types of bread in Italy. The dough itself has incredibly rich flavours from the olive oil, which is then baked together with various herbs and vegetables. This bread can be enjoyed on its own, as well as dipped into balsamic oil or stuffed with ham, cheese, or your filling of choice.
Focaccia can also tap on both your sweet and savoury taste buds, where the focaccia base is made out of raisins, honey, and other sweet ingredients, as well as garlic, cheeses, and rosemary.
Variations of this classic Italian bread can be found across Europe and even around the world, but the original and authentic version will always be the best.
Gelato
Moving over to the sweeter side, we have gelato — a famous frozen dessert of Italian origin. Gelato has been described as a dessert similar to ice cream or even frozen yoghurt, but it still has distinct characteristics that make it stand out on its own.
While both ice cream and gelato use similar ingredients such as cream, sugar, and milk, gelato uses less cream and more milk, which allows the flavours to stand out way more than with ice cream. Since it has less air and fat content, gelato has an extremely creamy texture packed with flavours that will instantly melt in your mouth.
Just like ice cream, you can have gelato in an array of classic flavours such as chocolate, vanilla, coffee, and pistachio, and more fruity ones like panna cotta, strawberry and lemon.
There are also fewer calories in gelato than that of ice cream, which can be considered a healthier dessert option for many.
These are just the tip of the iceberg but are great examples of what you should definitely look for the next time you dine in an Italian restaurant. We may not be able to travel to Italy any time soon, but at least we’ll be able to have a taste of their local delicacies from sunny Singapore!
Italian Restaurant |
Rosso Vino |
| Speciality | Chef Francesco Serra aims to present the authentic taste of Italian cuisine in a fun and quirky ways. Inspired by the homely creations of Nonna’s kitchen, their kitchen uses only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients and focuses on authentic traditional Italian classics.
Some of their chefs’ signatures include our homemade Trofie Al Ragu, fresh pizzas and signature tomahawk steak. |
| Website | https://www.rossovinosingapore.com/ |
| Address | 15 Merbau Rd |
| Telephone | 6733 7735 |
| Operating Hours | Open Daily – 3pm to 1am |
Italian Restaurant |
Bar Cicheti |
| Speciality | Bar Cicheti honours the tradition of a daily Italian meal—pasta and wine—with a homegrown authenticity to match.
The main focus of Bar Cicheti is the pasta, and it is quite evident from its one-page menu. An eclectic and global wine list keep all manner of oenophiles enticed while bringing a number of biodynamic, organic and sustainably farmed labels to the fore. |
| Website | https://www.barcicheti.com/ |
| Address | 10 Jiak Chuan Road |
| Telephone | 6789 9801 |
| Operating Hours |
Lunch: 12 – 230pm daily Dinner: 6 – 1030pm daily |
Italian Restaurant |
A Casa Di Marco PTE LTD |
| Specialty | Guccio Ristorante, an Italian fine dining restaurant in Singapore that offers a pleasant experience with their menu featuring homemade, hearty cuisine to a global fine dining success. |
| Website | https://www.guccioristorante.com |
| Address | 36 Purvis Street, #02-09, Singapore 188613 |
| Contact | Tel: (65) 68372128 |
Italian Restaurant |
Dolce Vita |
| Speciality | Dolce Vita puts a uniquely modern twist on the alluring flavours of authentic Italian cuisine. Passionate about retaining the true spirit of traditional Italian cuisine, Dolce Vita features the freshest of produce and the finest seasonal ingredients.
Complete with floor-to-ceiling glass windows leading to an outdoor alfresco area, Dolce Vita regales guests with picturesque views of the city’s skyline to complement the wonderful menu. |
| Website | https://www.mandarinoriental.com/singapore/marina-bay/fine-dining/restaurants/italian-cuisine/dolce-vita?htl=MOSIN&kw=MOSIN_dolce&eng=yext&src=local |
| Address | Mandarin Oriental, 5 Raffles Avenue |
| Telephone | 6885 3500 |
| Operating Hours |
Lunch: 12 – 2:30PM Dinner: 6:30 – 10:30PM Brunch: 12 – 3PM (Sat & Sun)
|
Italian Restaurant |
Basilico Italian Restaurant |
| Speciality | Enjoy a dazzling array of signature dishes and sumptuous spreads of antipasti, mains and desserts at Basilico. Through its Basilissimo dinners, it has journeyed across the various cities to bring guests authentic representations of regional offerings
Savour a succulent Wagyu Beef Roll stuffed with Smoked Scarmoza Cheese over a Wild Rocket and Cherry Tomato Salad that was developed for Basilico’s first year of opening and Chef Luca Beccalli’s 12-hour Slow Cooked Ragout and Fontina Cheese Fondue that has stood the test of time. |
| Website | https://www.regenthotels.com/regent-singapore/dining/basilico |
| Address | 1 Cuscaden Road, Regent Hotel, Level 2 |
| Telephone |
6725 3232
|
| Operating Hours | Lunch: 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm (Mon-Fri)Brunch: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Sat-Sun)Dinner: 6 pm – 9:30 pm daily (last order at 9 pm for food and 9.30 pm for alcohol) |
Italian Restaurant |
Publico Restorante |
| Speciality | Hand crafted pizza, pasta & cocktails, Publico Ristorante brings authentic Italian with a contemporary twist to the neighbourhood. This lively restaurant & bar boasts a multi-sensory culinary experience where you can enjoy contemporary Italian fare highlighting provenance and seasonality.
They also introduced a selection of dinner and lunch items including vegetarian and gluten-free options. |
| Website | https://publico.sg/ |
| Address | 1 Nanson Road |
| Telephone | 6826 5040 |
| Operating Hours | Monday to Saturday: 12pm to 11pm
Sunday: 12pm to 10:30pm |
Italian Restaurant |
Waterfall Ristorante Italiano |
| Speciality |
The freshest seafood, hand-me-down recipes and homemade pasta are what to expect at Waterfall Ristorante Italiano. Here, Southern Italian classics are served up with seasonal produce and sprinkles of la dolce vita. Guests can enjoy their meals paired with a bottle from the extensive wine collection that takes them on a journey across Italy. |
| Website | http://www.shangri-la.com/singapore/shangrila/dining/restaurants/waterfall/ |
| Address | Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, Garden Wing, Level One |
| Telephone |
6213 4398
|
| Operating Hours | Lunch: 12noon – 2.30pm (Monday to Sunday)
Dinner: 6pm – 10.00pm (Monday to Sunday) |
Italian Restaurant |
Zazz Pizza |
| Speciality | Zazz Pizza is the coming to fruition of over 25 years of experience in Italian cuisine for Chef Fernando who has been creating artisanal pizzas in Singapore for more than 15 years and before that, in Dubai.
Their pizzas are quick baked to perfection in our woodfired oven. Zazz Pizza features dishes freshly made to order using carefully sourced quality ingredients. They also bake their own bread, make their own chilli flakes and take pride in the quality of their homemade Zazz sauces. |
| Website | https://zazzpizza.sg/ |
| Address | 1A Short Street #01-03 |
| Telephone |
8199 9909 |
| Operating Hours |
Mon – Thur: 11:30am-3pm, 5pm-10:30pm Fri – Sun: 11:30am-10:30pm |
Italian Restaurant |
Braci |
| Speciality | Braci is an exclusive Italian hideaway in the heart of bustling Boat Quay overlooking the river.
By Michelin star Chef-Restaurateur Beppe De Vito and Chef de cuisine Mirko Febbrile, the modern-luxe open-kitchen restaurant and rooftop bar features progressive Italian cuisine and classic cocktails reinvented through modern techniques. |
| Website | https://www.braci.sg/ |
| Address | 52 Boat Quay, Level 5/6 |
| Telephone | 6866 1933 |
| Operating Hours | Monday to Saturday (Dinner) 1st seating: 6pm 2nd seating: 8.30pmTuesday to Saturday (Lunch) Noon to 2pm (last order 1.30pm) |
Italian Restaurant |
Al Forno East Coast Restaurant |
| Speciality | A sunny retreat that has been an East Coast staple for 20 years, Al Forno really knows what it’s doing when it comes to fresh Italian favourites. With all the Italian options in Singapore, it’s no wonder the competition is stiff enough to see many a restaurant come and go, but Al Forno has stood the test of time and tastiness with a beautifully simple philosophy.
Their specialities include Crayfish Pasta, Spaghetti Cartoccio, Calamari, and Parma Ham Pizza. |
| Website | https://alfornoeastcoast.com.sg/ |
| Address | 400 East Coast Road |
| Telephone | 6348 8781 |
| Operating Hours | Lunch:
12:00pm – 2:00pm (daily) Dinner: Mon-Fri 6:30pm – 10:00pm |
Italian Restaurant |
Cacio e Pepe |
| Speciality | Located along Chu Lin Road, Cacio e Pepe provides a warm and inviting ambience that brings guests in a truly relaxed Italian dining experience with authentic Italian flavours using only top-quality ingredients.
Cacio e Pepe Restaurant offers some of the best Italian cuisines in Singapore, serving a tantalising collection of dishes that are suitable for casual dining and group gatherings. The menu features a variety of soup, salads, pasta, meat, pizza, and many more. |
| Website | http://www.cacioepepe.com.sg/CacioePepe/Cacio_e_Pepe_Restaurant.html?fbclid=IwAR0Je6cZif8mOG5gbPpizeoD8eOI2dwxiRyz6Wfq4ofuRxWm9oW4Mg-O_u8 |
| Address | 3 Chu Lin Road |
| Telephone | 6760 3534 |
| Operating Hours |
Tuesdays to Sundays: 11.30am to 2.30pm 6.00pm to 10.30pm |
Italian Restaurant |
Garibaldi Italian Restaurant & Bar |
| Speciality | Garibaldi is one of Singapore’s most popular and respected Italian restaurant landmarks. Located along the trendy Purvis Street, Garibaldi provides a fine example of a stylish Italian eatery – modern, elegant yet friendly and dynamic.
Classic European fine-dining mandates a drink at the front bar first before entering the dining hall for a proper meal. Garibaldi even serves a small welcome alcoholic beverage as a nice gesture to guests. Also, the extensive wine menu is mind-blowing. |
| Website | https://www.garibaldi.com.sg/ |
| Address | 36 Purvis Street #01-02 |
| Telephone | 6837 1468 |
| Operating Hours | Open Everyday Lunch: 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm Dinner: 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm |
Italian Restaurant |
Positano Risto |
| Speciality | Positano Risto is a Muslim-owned Italian Restaurant that offers a gastronomic adventure with authentic Italian flavours! Indulge in fan-favourites such as the juicy Short Ribs, Angus Ribeye, and their legendary Mac n Cheese.
For starters, their Arancini Balls, crispy, golden Italian rice balls stuffed with just the right amount of mozzarella, as well as their mushroom and tomato bruschetta, will leave you craving more. |
| Website | http://positanoristo.com/ |
| Address | 66 Bussorah Street |
| Telephone | 6292 1866 |
| Operating Hours | Sun-Thu: 11:30am-10pm Fri: 11:30am-11pm Sat: 11:30am-12am |
Italian Restaurant |
il Cielo |
| Speciality |
il Cielo is an award-winning restaurant led by Chef Yohhei Sasaki. Discover modern Italian cuisine with unique Japanese flair from this romantic rooftop restaurant amid scenic city skylines. |
| Website | https://www.hiltonsingaporerestaurants.com/ilcielo |
| Address | Level 24, Hilton Singapore 581 Orchard Road |
| Telephone | 6730 3395 |
| Operating Hours | Tuesday to Friday: 12pm to 2:30pm, 6pm to 10:30pm
Saturday: 6pm to 10:30pm Closed on Sundays and Mondays |
Italian Restaurant |
La Forketta |
| Speciality | La Forketta has been serving the most exquisite dishes from the authentic traditional artisanal Italian cuisine.
La Forketta has a long history for making traditional authentic wood-fired baked sourdough Pizza and fresh homemade organic Pasta. Furthermore, we serve the highest quality of meat, fish, seafood and vegetables directly from Italy. |
| Website | https://www.laforketta.com.sg/ |
| Address | Blk 9 Dempsey Rd #01-09, Dempsey Hill |
| Telephone | 6475 2298 |
| Operating Hours | Monday to Friday: 12 pm to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm
Saturday: 11:30am to 10:15pm Sunday: 11:30am to 9:30pm |
Italian Restaurant |
Amo Restaurant |
| Speciality | Drawing culinary influences from all parts of Italy, Amò presents an extraordinary communal feast of antipasti, artisan pastas, pizzas and large mains for friends and large groups to savour.
Touted as one of the best in Singapore, Amò pizzas are made with natural leaven, semolina and extra virgin olive oil. The crust remains light and easy to digest – the result of patience, exceptional produce, and a fine-tuned knowledge of food chemistry. |
| Website | https://www.amorestaurant.sg/ |
| Address | 33 Hong Kong Street |
| Telephone | 6723 7733 |
| Operating Hours |
Tuesday to Sunday: LUNCH: DINNER: |
Italian Restaurant |
Caffe Fernet |
| Speciality | Located at Singapore’s iconic Customs House, Caffe Fernet presents a fresh take on Italian fare and cocktails.
The food here promises to be fresh and exciting. Instead of the heavy, traditional Italian nosh, Caffe Fernet takes these tried-and-true Italian flavours and breathes into them fresh life. Indulge in delightful plates such as the minimalistic Cacio e Pepe that showcases nothing but freshly cracked black pepper and high-grade cheese. |
| Website | https://www.caffefernet.sg/ |
| Address | Customs House 70 Collyer Quay, #01-05 |
| Telephone | 9178 1105 |
| Operating Hours | Mon – Tue: 4pm – 10.30pm Wed – Sun: 12pm -10:30pm Last RSVP: 9pmHappy Hour: opening – 7pm |
Italian Restaurant |
Buona Terra |
| Speciality | Buona Terra means ‘Good Earth’ in Italian. Buona Terra is an ode to the Italian love affair with food and dining. With the whole of Italy as his inspiration and larder, Chef Denis Lucchi personally handpicks the finest produce of its soil.
Then, brilliantly reinventing tradition, he transforms these luscious ingredients into contemporary works of art. Buona Terra is Italian food-craft at its most thoughtful and original and gastronomically refined. |
| Website | https://www.buonaterra.com.sg/ |
| Address | 29 Scotts Road |
| Telephone | 6733 0209 |
| Operating Hours |
Italian Restaurant |
Guccio Ristorante |
| Website | https://www.guccioristorante.com |
| Address | 20 Gemmill Lane, Singapore 069256 |
| Telephone | 87991538 |
| Operating hours |
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