There is something special about a restaurant that has stood the test of time, especially one that has been perfecting the same recipe for over 150 years. Hailing from Naples, Italy, L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele has served traditional Neapolitan pizzas since 1870, staying true to time-honoured recipes and techniques passed down through generations.
Now bringing a slice of Naples to Singapore, the renowned pizzeria continues to celebrate its Italian roots, with its signature pizzas taking centre stage alongside a selection of comforting Italian classics. While the pizzas are undoubtedly the main attraction, we discovered that there is more to enjoy here than just a good slice.
Polpette Della Nonna 4.2/5
We started our meal with the chef's recommendation, Polpette Della Nonna ($26), a comforting Italian classic of handmade Wagyu beef meatballs made with his grandmother's recipe. Served in a generous helping of tomato sauce and finished with Parmigiano Reggiano, this was a lovely way to kick off our dinner.
The meatballs were beautifully tender and juicy, yielding effortlessly to the fork without being mushy. The tomato sauce really brought the dish together, with a pleasant tanginess that complemented the richness of the Wagyu beef. The Parmigiano Reggiano added another layer of savoury goodness, making this a simple yet satisfying dish that showcased the charm of traditional home-style Italian cooking.
Linguine Alla Vongole 5/5
Next came my absolute favourite dish of the evening, the Linguine Alla Vongole ($36). Featuring Mancini linguine tossed with fresh Asari clams in a traditional Mediterranean sauce, this seemingly straightforward pasta dish turned out to be the highlight of our meal. The linguine was cooked perfectly al dente, retaining a lovely bite while soaking up the sauce's flavours. What made this dish particularly memorable for me was the sauce itself.
Unlike the more familiar garlicky, briny versions of vongole, this had a subtle sweetness that I suspect came from tomatoes and other vegetables used in its preparation. The flavours were well-balanced, allowing the natural sweetness of the clams to come through without being overpowering. If I had to nitpick, a little fresh chilli would have given it an extra kick and made it even more enjoyable. Nevertheless, this was easily my favourite dish of the night and one I would gladly return for.
Special of the day Pizza 4.5/5
Of course, a visit to L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele wouldn't be complete without trying its famous Neapolitan-style pizza. I was craving burrata that evening, and the Special Pizza of the Day ($58) was exactly what I wanted!
Topped with a tomato sauce base, 30-month-aged Viani Toscana ham, fresh rocket, cherry tomatoes, and creamy burrata, the combination was a delightful balance of savoury and fresh flavours. The thin pizza base had a lovely bite, with a slightly chewy crust characteristic of Neapolitan-style pizzas. The generous burrata topping was definitely the highlight for me! The special pizza of the day changes every day, so be sure to check with the staff.
Classic Tiramisu 3.8/5
We ended our meal with the quintessential Italian dessert, Classic Tiramisu ($15). This version leaned towards a creamier texture, with rich, smooth mascarpone layered between ladyfingers and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder.
While the creaminess was enjoyable, the ladyfingers weren't fully soaked, resulting in a slightly drier texture. If you prefer a cream-forward tiramisu with more structure, this would be right up your alley. Personally, I prefer mine a little wetter, with coffee/liquor-soaked ladyfingers that melt in the mouth.
L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele boasts a lively, bustling atmosphere. The restaurant was packed during our visit, with a queue forming outside by the time we left. Despite the crowd, service remained prompt and efficient.
While the restaurant is renowned for its Neapolitan pizzas, the Linguine Alla Vongole surprisingly stole the show for me. Prices may be on the higher side, but it's a great spot for gathering with friends and family over hearty Italian fare.
Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.
L'antica Pizzeria da Michele
Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre
8 Club Street
#01-08
Singapore 069472
Tel: +65 9823 5724
Website
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)
Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)
Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]
2) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight down Pagoda Street to North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to Mohd Ali Lane. Walk down Mohd Ali Lane. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]
