Osteria Mozza @ ION Orchard - Nancy Silverton’s Cal-Italian Cooking Finds a New Home With New Pizza alla Pala

Nearly fifteen years after first opening its doors in Singapore, Osteria Mozza is starting a new chapter with its move from Hilton Singapore Orchard to a swanky new flagship space at ION Orchard. As the only Asian outpost of celebrated American chef Nancy Silverton’s one-Michelin-starred Los Angeles institution, Osteria Mozza has long been known for its ingredient-driven “Cal-Italian” cuisine — Italian culinary traditions interpreted through the sunny, produce-forward spirit of Southern California. The new space brings a refreshed menu, including the Singapore debut of Pizza alla Pala, a Roman-style pizza designed for sharing.

“Pala” means paddle in Italian, and these pizzas arrive in their signature long, paddle-shaped form. Baked in an electric oven instead of the wood-fired oven used at the previous Hilton location, the Pizza alla Pala has a brilliantly light, airy interior and a crisp, well-baked crust that makes it surprisingly easy to keep reaching for another slice.

Fungi Misti 4.5/5

We started with the Funghi Misti ($29), topped with Taleggio, Fontina, Thyme and Parmigiano Reggiano. This was one of my favourites, especially if you enjoy earthy and cheesy flavours. The generous mix of roasted mushrooms brings plenty of savoury, umami depth. At the same time, the combination of Taleggio, Fontina, and Parmigiano creates a wonderfully rich, creamy layer over the light pizza base. Fresh thyme adds a touch of woody fragrance, cutting through the richness and keeping the flavours from becoming too heavy.

Spicy Tomato 4.2/5

The Spicy Tomato ($24) takes a much more minimalist approach. There is no cheese here — just tomato passata, chilli flakes and Sicilian oregano. The simplicity works in its favour, letting the sweet, tangy tomato and crisp, airy crust take centre stage. The chilli brings a pleasant kick while the oregano gives it that familiar Mediterranean character. At $24, this is also one of the more approachable options if you simply want to appreciate the Pizza alla Pala itself.

Margherita 4/5

The Margherita ($28) keeps things classic with tomato, fior di latte and basil. The bright tomato sauce pairs well with the milky creaminess of the cheese, while fresh basil adds a familiar aromatic lift. Nothing too complicated, but sometimes a good Margherita is all you need.

BLT 4/5

For something more indulgent, the BLT ($32) puts a playful Cal-Italian spin on the classic American sandwich. Instead of bread, you get the same familiar combination reworked on pizza, smoky bacon and pancetta, sweet tomato confit, and peppery rucola, all sitting over an onion cream base and finished with garlic aioli. The salty, crispy meats are balanced by the freshness of the rocket and concentrated sweetness of the tomato, making this a rather fun combination.

Aglio e Olio 4.2/5

The Aglio e Olio ($23) is another white pizza, built on extra virgin olive oil and garlic with mozzarella and Fontina, then finished with chilli flakes and parsley. It has that familiar aglio e olio profile — garlicky, lightly spicy and savoury — but in pizza form. You can also add shrimp for an additional $15.

Fennel Sausage 4.5/5

Our table’s favourite was the Fennel Sausage ($32). Made with panna, mozzarella, red onion and scallion, it comes with a creamy white base instead of tomato sauce. The fennel-spiced pork sausage adds a savoury, slightly sweet spice that works particularly well with the richness of the cream and mozzarella. The thinly sliced red onion and scallion provide just enough freshness to keep the pizza balanced. Definitely one I’d order again.

Mozzarella di Bufala & Condimenti 4/5

Beyond the pizzas, the Mozzarella di Bufala & Condimenti ($38) is a staple from Osteria Mozza’s famous Mozzarella Bar. A generous ball of fresh buffalo mozzarella arrives with basil pesto, salsa romesco, black olive tapenade and caperberry relish, alongside warm grilled sourdough. The mozzarella is wonderfully soft and milky with a subtle sweetness, and the four condiments allow you to change up each bite. The pesto brings freshness, romesco adds smoky nuttiness, while the black olive tapenade is deeply savoury and briny. The caperberry relish provides a sharper hit of acidity, cutting through the richness of the cheese. With the warm sourdough on the side, this is an easy starter to share.

Chicken Parmigiana Piadina 4.5/5

For lunch, the Chicken Parmigiana Piadina ($29) puts an Italian-American spin on the classic chicken parm. The warm piadina is lightly charred, stuffed with a crispy chicken cutlet, melted mozzarella, and Parmigiano, then finished with a creamy, tomato-rich alla vodka sauce. It is hearty, cheesy and comforting, with the crisp chicken providing a nice textural contrast to the soft flatbread and melted cheese. It comes with a choice of shoestring fries or insalata verde.

Grilled Harissa Shrimp 4.2/5

The Grilled Harissa Shrimp ($30) brings a more Mediterranean-influenced touch to the table. Plump tiger prawns are grilled shell-on, giving them a lovely smoky char while locking in their natural sweetness. They are coated in fragrant harissa oil and served with garlic confit, roasted tomatoes and a thick slice of toasted crostone. The best part is probably what happens underneath the prawns. As the juices, harissa oil, garlic confit, and sweet roasted tomatoes mingle, the toasted bread soaks it all up. It is messy in the best possible way and makes the crostone impossible to leave behind.

Mafaldine 4.2/5

For pasta, the Mafaldine with Ragù Bolognese ($26) is pure comfort food. The mafaldine has beautifully ruffled edges that hold onto the slow-cooked ragù. The meat sauce is rich and hearty without being overly heavy, balancing savoury meatiness with tomato acidity. Finished with a generous shower of aged Parmigiano Reggiano, this is the sort of pasta that feels familiar and satisfying from the first bite.

Squid Ink Casarecce 4/5

The Squid Ink Casarecce ($28) takes things in a completely different direction. The pasta is tossed in a glossy red wine butter sauce enriched with squid ink and finely chopped cuttlefish. Garlic provides the savoury backbone, while jalapeño and a squeeze of lemon bring a welcome brightness. Despite the richness of the butter and squid ink, the citrus and gentle heat keep the dish lively rather than overly heavy.

Sweet Potato 4.2/5

There are also plenty of vegetable sides worth ordering to balance the richer dishes. The Sweet Potato ($18) is particularly interesting. The Japanese sweet potato is roasted until tender and naturally caramelised, then paired with scallion sour cream and crisp fried prosciutto. The sweet, buttery potato, tangy cream and salty crunch of the prosciutto make for a surprisingly addictive combination.

Roasted Heirloom Carrots 4/5

The Roasted Heirloom Carrots ($12) come with chickpeas, red onion, cumin and a bright dressing. The carrots are roasted until tender and naturally sweet, while the chickpeas add a pleasant bite and nuttiness. The dressing’s acidity lifts the dish and makes it a useful counterpoint to richer mains.

Grilled Broccolini 3.5/5

The Grilled Broccolini ($18) is simply grilled over high heat until lightly charred while retaining a good crunch, then tossed in a sharp Dijon vinaigrette. The smoky char works nicely with the tangy mustard dressing, making this another refreshing side alongside the pastas and meats.

Pork Chop Milanese 4.2/5

For something more substantial, the Pork Chop Milanese ($45) is a classic choice. The pork chop is pounded thin, breaded and fried until golden and crisp, while the meat inside remains tender. It comes simply topped with wild rocket and cherry tomatoes, whose peppery, acidic notes cut through the richness of the fried crust.

B.T.S 4.5/5

And of course, dessert has to end with the cult favourite Black Truffle Sundae, or B.T.S. ($16). This is definitely not your usual sundae. Smooth Madagascan vanilla soft serve is topped with warm brown butter infused with black truffle, then finished with crispy buttered breadcrumbs and a touch of sea salt. The combination sounds unusual on paper, but the sweet, salty, buttery and earthy flavours come together surprisingly well. The warm brown butter melts into the cold soft serve, while the toasted crumbs provide a satisfying crunch. The truffle is present without completely overpowering the dessert.

With its move to ION Orchard, Osteria Mozza gets a fresh new home while building on what has made the restaurant a familiar name in Singapore’s dining scene for almost fifteen years. The introduction of Pizza alla Pala is a welcome addition, with its light, airy crust making it an easy format to share across the table. From pizzas and handmade pastas to its iconic mozzarella bar and playful desserts, the new Osteria Mozza continues to capture Nancy Silverton’s Cal-Italian approach — generous, ingredient-driven food best enjoyed together.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Osteria Mozza
ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
#03-14B/15B
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 80496381
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT Station. Take Exit 4. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

WHUCHU @ UE Square - Elevated Korean Ssam Dining with Aged Jeju Pork and Wagyu Beef

Newly opened at UE Square, WHUCHU reimagines ssam (쌈), one of Korea’s most cherished dining traditions, as a more refined, interactive dining experience. The concept centres on freshness, fermentation, and craftsmanship, bringing together farm-to-table vegetables flown in from Korea, authentic Korean jeotgal (fermented salted seafood), and premium 100% certified Jeju pork aged in-house.

By day, WHUCHU offers a wellness-led ssambap experience, where fresh Korean greens take centre stage. In the evening, the restaurant transforms into a premium Korean BBQ destination, with aged meats grilled over high heat and enjoyed with an assortment of vegetables and fermented accompaniments.

I visited with a friend for dinner and chose the Signature Set ($188), designed for 2–3 people. The set includes a choice of two BBQ meats, Pot Rice, a choice of Cold Kimchi Noodle, Pork Belly Kimchi Stew or Beef Soybean Tofu Stew, a choice of Tofu & Stir-Fried Kimchi, Minari Pancake or Potato Pancake, and finishes with gelato for dessert.

For our meal, we picked the Aged Bone-in Pork Belly and Wagyu Beef Brisket for the BBQ meats, along with the Pork Belly Kimchi Stew and Minari Pancake.

Aged Bone-in Pork Belly 4.2/5

The Aged Bone-in Pork Belly was easily one of my highlights. Made with 100% certified natural Jeju pork sourced directly from Korea, the pork undergoes a combination of wet and dry ageing in-house. The wet ageing helps tenderise the meat, while the subsequent dry ageing concentrates the flavour, giving the pork a deeper and more developed taste.

Cut thick around the bone, the pork belly was beautifully marbled with a good amount of fat. Once it hits the grill, the fat slowly renders, crisping up the edges while keeping the meat juicy and tender. The slightly charred exterior contrasts with the rich, succulent pork within. It is the kind of cut that is delicious on its own, but even better when wrapped in fresh greens with rice and a little jeotgal.

Wagyu Beef Brisket 4.2/5

The Wagyu Beef Brisket offered a completely different experience. With its generous intramuscular marbling, the beef quickly renders its rich fat when grilled over high heat, coating the meat in its own buttery juices. The result is incredibly tender, with a rich, beefy and savoury flavour.

It is definitely on the more decadent side, with the high fat content giving each bite that almost melt-in-the-mouth texture. I found it particularly enjoyable wrapped up with the fresh vegetables, which helped cut through the richness and added a refreshing crunch.

Authentic Korean Jeotgal 4/5

One thing that sets WHUCHU apart is its emphasis on authentic Korean Jeotgal, rather than treating it as a side dish. Traditionally used as a concentrated flavour enhancer, jeotgal brings an intense hit of umami, saltiness and fermentation to the meal. WHUCHU offers a selection including Salted Pollock Roe, Seasoned Sea Squirt, Spicy Fermented Oysters and Spicy Salted Squid, each with its own distinct character. Some are rich and silky, while others are briny, spicy and deeply savoury. Enjoy them in small amounts, paired with the greens, rice, and grilled meats to create your own ssam combination.

Fresh Vegetables

And speaking of greens, the selection of fresh vegetables is an important part of the experience here. The wrap vegetables are flown in from Korea daily and include Fresh Garlic Leaves, Angelica, Red Lettuce, Perilla Leaves and Lettuce. Rather than being an afterthought to the meat, the greens form an integral part of the meal. Pick your preferred leaf, add rice, grilled meat, and a touch of jeotgal, then wrap it all into one bite. Each vegetable brings a different texture and flavour, from crisp and refreshing lettuce to the distinctive herbal aroma of perilla.

Minari Pancake 4.2/5

The Minari Pancake was another pleasant surprise. Instead of the thick, doughy pancakes you might sometimes encounter, WHUCHU’s version uses a light batter to bind a generous amount of whole minari stalks. Fried until crisp, the edges had a satisfying crunch while the minari retained a juicy bite. The Korean water parsley gives the pancake a clean, grassy, slightly peppery herbal flavour that comes through nicely without the batter masking it. It was airy, crunchy and surprisingly light rather than greasy, making it an enjoyable accompaniment to the richer BBQ meats.

We also had the Pork Belly Kimchi Stew, which brought a comforting, warming element to the meal. The tangy and savoury kimchi broth works particularly well alongside the fatty grilled meats, while the pork belly adds another layer of richness. It is the sort of dish that helps round out the meal, especially when paired with steamed rice.

For those looking for a more elevated Korean BBQ experience, WHUCHU at UE Square offers a polished take on the traditional ssam culture, with premium aged meats and Korean-sourced produce forming the heart of the experience. The Aged Bone-in Pork Belly was my favourite of the two meats, while the Wagyu Beef Brisket will appeal to those who prefer a richer, more indulgent cut. With its focus on ageing, fermentation, and fresh Korean vegetables, WHUCHU brings a more thoughtful dimension to Korean BBQ while still keeping the fun, communal nature of wrapping, grilling, and sharing.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


WHUCHU Korean Dining
UE Square
81 Clemenceau Ave
#01-18
Singapore 239917
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Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 11pm
Fri-Sat, PH: 1130am - 1130pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to the traffic junction between Clemenceau Ave and River Valley Road. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Clemenceau Ave. Walk to the destination. The journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]