L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele @ Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre - A Taste of Naples in Singapore with Over 150 Years of Pizza-Making Heritage

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
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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]

Prego @ Fairmont Singapore - A Journey Through Campania Wine Dinner

PREGO at Fairmont Singapore recently hosted a six-course Campania wine dinner, A Journey Through Campania, featuring Mastroberardino wines and celebrating Campania's renowned wines and culinary traditions. Curated by Chef Davide, the six-course experience focused on the ingredient-driven simplicity and fresh Mediterranean seafood of Southern Italy.

Pizza Fritta

Bellavista Franciacorta Alma Gran Cuvée Brut

The evening began with a panipuri-shaped Pizza Fritta, a moreish bite of creamy Stracciatella with a savoury kick from anchovies, accented with lemon zest. It was paired with Bellavista Franciacorta Alma Gran Cuvée Brut, a premium Italian sparkling wine from Lombardy, crafted using the traditional bottle-fermented method similar to Champagne.

Panzanella di Mare

Mastro Campania Bianco IGT 2024

The main menu began with Panzanella di Mare, a classic Campania-style salad that offered an enjoyable interplay of textures, with chunky mixed Mediterranean seafood and crunchy Friselle bread. Tropea onions and baked Piennolo tomatoes brought sweetness, while celery and basil added freshness. I paired it with the bright, medium-bodied Mastro Campania Bianco IGT 2024.

La Genovese

Radici Fiano di Avellino DOCG 2019

My favourite of the evening was the following course, La Genovese, a family-style dish we learnt was born of scarcity, when adding a generous amount of onions to meat helped bulk up a meal. The eight-hour-cooked onion and beef ragu was unctuous, with sweet, jammy onions and beef that had fallen completely apart. The rigatoni was cooked just al dente, holding up well to the rich sauce. Balancing the course beautifully was Radici Fiano di Avellino DOCG 2019, a Campania white known for its crisp acidity.

Riso e Cozze

Mastro Rosso Campania IGT 2024

Next came Riso e Cozze. What stood out for me about this Carnaroli risotto was the heady black pepper and tomato 'Impepata' sauce, which accentuated the meaty black mussels. The risotto was a little undercooked for my liking, but the sauce's punchy flavours made for an on-point pairing with Mastro Rosso Campania IGT 2024.

Polpo alla Luciana

Radici Taurasi DOCG 2019

Concluding the savoury courses was a stunning Polpo alla Luciana, a traditional Neapolitan stew of octopus leg cooked in a vibrant tomato sauce, savoury and tart with a substantial amount of capers and olives. Because stewed octopus can be relatively mild, the punchy sauce gave the dish plenty of character, while creating a delicious contrast with the decadent, buttery mashed potatoes. Holding up to the richness of the dish was the bold and relatively intense Radici Taurasi DOCG 2019.

Il Babà

The sweet ending to the wine dinner was Il Babà, a traditional Babà soaked in Limoncello syrup, offering a bright, citrusy finish to the meal.

A Journey Through Campania was part of Prego’s wine dinner series held in collaboration with Mastroberardino. The six-course dinner was priced at S$138++ per person.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Prego
Fairmont Singapore
80 Bras Basah Road
Level 1
Singapore 189560
Tel: +65 64316156
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Tue, Thu-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 3pm - 1030pm
Wed: 12pm - 2pm
Sat-Sun: 1215pm - 230pm, 3pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT Station. Take Exit A. Cut through Raffles City Shopping Centre and walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT Station. Take Exit G. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

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]

Gotti Italiano @ Amoy Street - A Refreshed Menu Rooted In Italian Culinary Tradition

Gotti Italiano at Amoy Street is now led by newly appointed Executive Chef Alessandro Giustetti. Born and trained in Italy and having led kitchens across Singapore and Europe, Chef Alessandro’s cooking is deeply rooted in Italian tradition. Marking a new chapter for Gotti is a refreshed menu featuring more than 20 new dishes, paying homage to native Italian culinary traditions through slow-built sauces, seasonal ingredients, handmade pasta and more.

Tentacolo di Polpo 4.5/5

We started with one of the menu highlights, Tentacolo di Polpo ($36), a dish inspired by summers spent in Calabria, southern Italy, where tomatoes are abundant. The grilled, wild-caught Australian octopus leg had an enticing smoky flavour from its charred surface, which paired particularly well with the fruity sweetness of the cherry tomato coulis. Slow-cooked confit tomatoes were jammy and sweet, building on the dish’s tomato-forward character, while a drizzle of mint oil added a fresh, herbaceous accent. Sprinkles of almond slices provided a pleasant touch of nuttiness and crunch.

Guanciale di Manzo 4.8/5

For pasta, Guanciale di Manzo ($34) brings the slow-cooked comfort of a 12-hour Wagyu beef cheek ragù. Deep, savoury and richly flavoured, the tender, melt-in-the-mouth beef clung beautifully to the homemade fusilli, which was al dente with a satisfying bite. The pizzas didn’t disappoint either.

Crudo e Rucola 4.8/5

Crudo e Rucola ($38) features luscious ribbons of Parma ham that were so tender they were almost creamy when eaten together with the milky burrata. The dough was well-aerated, with a lightness that balanced the generous toppings without losing its satisfying bite.

Pere e Cioccolato 2.8/5

Millefoglie alla Ciliegia 4.2/5

For desserts, we found Pere e Cioccolato ($16) slightly disappointing. The warm Valrhona chocolate and pear cake was moist but lacked the chocolate intensity we expected. Millefoglie alla Ciliegia ($16), however, delighted us with buttery layers of puff pastry, tart mascarpone-cherry custard and macerated strawberries.

With Chef Alessandro at the helm, Gotti Italiano’s refreshed menu focuses on the fundamentals of Italian cooking, from slow-built sauces and handmade pasta to quality seasonal ingredients.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Gotti Italiano
78 Amoy Street
Singapore 069897
Tel +65 3129 0321
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Tue, Thu: 11:30am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
Wed & Fri: 11:30am - 3pm, 6pm - 1am
Sat-Sun: 11:30 - 4pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]