Acqua e Farina refreshes its menus at both outlets, introducing an enticing selection of new dishes ranging from comforting Italian lunch classics to more refined à la carte creations. The newly curated lunch menu offers an accessible, wallet-friendly entry point for diners seeking authentic Italian flavours, while the all-day à la carte selection showcases deeper, more robust interpretations that reflect the kitchen’s creativity and craftsmanship. We had the opportunity to sample several highlights from the new menu, and it proved to be a satisfying journey through both tradition and innovation.
Mortadella and Scamorza Cheese Rolls 4.5/5
We began with the Mortadella and Scamorza Cheese Rolls ($17), a delightful take on a beloved Italian street snack. Each roll features slices of mortadella wrapped around creamy, lightly smoked scamorza cheese, then carefully breaded and fried until golden. What appears deceptively simple is in fact a labour-intensive process, with each component meticulously prepared by hand. Biting into the crisp exterior reveals a molten, stretchy cheese centre that melds seamlessly with the savoury richness of the mortadella. The accompanying housemade spicy tomato sauce adds a gentle tang and subtle heat, tying the dish together harmoniously without overpowering its core flavours.
Linguine tossed with Smoked Salmon in Cream Pesto Sauce 4.8/5
Another standout from the lunch selection is the Linguine tossed with Smoked Salmon in Cream Pesto Sauce ($23). This dish carries a personal story from Chef Antonio, inspired by a memorable flavour combination that left a lasting impression on him. The result is a beautifully balanced plate of pasta that surprises with its duality — rich yet refreshing. The linguine is cooked to a perfect al dente texture and coated in a luscious cream sauce, punctuated by generous flakes of smoky, delicate salmon. What elevates the dish is the addition of pesto, whose bright, herbaceous notes cut through the richness and lend an aromatic complexity. It is an unexpectedly harmonious pairing that works brilliantly, making it one of the most memorable dishes of the meal.
Sardine Fritte 5/5
From the à la carte menu, the Sardine Fritte ($34) emerged as a clear favourite. Featuring wild-caught Mediterranean sardines flown into Singapore multiple times a week, the dish highlights the restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients and meticulous preparation. Each sardine is painstakingly deboned and butterflied by hand before being breaded and deep-fried to golden perfection. The result is an incredibly crisp exterior that gives way to tender, flavourful flesh within. Notably, the batter adds an extra dimension of texture — light yet crunchy, almost reminiscent of popping sensations that make each bite particularly enjoyable. Paired with a housemade tartar sauce of aioli, onions and capers, the dish achieves a satisfying balance between briny freshness and creamy indulgence, evoking the coastal flavours of Southern Italy.
Rigatoni alla Vaccinara 4.2/5
Another hearty addition is the Rigatoni alla Vaccinara ($37), a dish deeply rooted in Roman culinary history. Originating from the Testaccio district, this humble yet robust recipe was born from necessity, transforming lesser cuts such as oxtail into a rich, slow-cooked delicacy. At Acqua e Farina, the oxtail is first seared, then braised in the oven for over five hours, and further simmered in a terracotta pot for another three. The result is incredibly tender meat infused with a deeply concentrated sauce of tomatoes, vegetables and natural juices. Tossed with firm, ridged rigatoni and finished with Parmigiano Reggiano, the dish delivers bold, comforting flavours that speak of tradition and patience.
Mini Dessert Trio 4/5
To round off the meal, we enjoyed the Mini Dessert Trio ($10), available as part of the lunch set. This thoughtfully curated platter features three classic Italian desserts in petite portions, each made in-house. The Crème Brûlée offers a rich, velvety custard topped with a delicate layer of caramelised sugar, while the Panna Cotta is smooth and creamy, complemented by a bright berry compote that adds a refreshing contrast. Completing the trio is the Tiramisù, crafted from an authentic recipe inspired by Milan’s famed Savini restaurant, layering espresso-soaked ladyfingers with mascarpone cream and a generous dusting of cocoa. It is a well-balanced and satisfying finale that allows diners to sample a variety of sweet treats without feeling overly indulgent.
Overall, the new menu at Acqua e Farina successfully bridges the gap between approachable Italian comfort food and more refined culinary expressions. Whether you are visiting for a casual weekday lunch or a more indulgent dining experience, the expanded offerings cater to every palate. With its thoughtful execution and dedication to authentic flavours, Acqua e Farina continues to establish itself as a reliable destination for Italian cuisine in Singapore.
Note: This is an invited tasting.
Acqua e Farina
35A Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089142
Tel: +65 9105 2377
Website
Nearest MRT: Outram Park MRT (EW, TE, NE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)
Opening Hours:
Daily: 11.30am - 2.30pm, 5.30pm - 10.30pm
Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight towards Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Keong Siak Road. Walk down Keong Siak Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]
2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk straight down Neil Road to Teck Lim Road. Turn right onto Teck Lim Road. Walk down Teck Lim Road to Keong Saik Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]
