Casa Vostra @ JEM - Bringing Its Heartfelt Italian Fare to the West

If you’ve ever been to Raffles City, chances are you’ve noticed the ever-long snaking queue outside Casa Vostra. The good news for Westies! The beloved Italian eatery has opened its second outlet at JEM, marking a new chapter for fans of its signature pizzas and handmade pastas. The new outlet seats up to 80 guests, approximately 30% more than its Raffles City flagship, offering a more spacious dining experience with outlet-exclusive dishes, a kid-friendly menu, and even some family-friendly activities thrown in.

Carnivora Pizza 4/5

Exclusive to the JEM outlet, the Carnivora ($28) is a hearty indulgence that will satisfy any meat lover. Built on a San Marzano tomato base, the pizza is topped with creamy Fiordilatte, Mortadella, prosciutto, spicy salame, porchetta, and Pepperone Crusco (a traditional sweet pepper from Italy’s Basilicata region, sun-dried and lightly fried). The result is a beautifully layered pizza that is savoury, smoky, and subtly sweet, with the crispy pepper adding an aromatic crunch.

Polpette alla Fonduta 3.5/5

Another JEM-exclusive, the Polpette alla Fonduta ($16) features well-seasoned beef meatballs that are fried to a nice crust, paired with a creamy Taleggio fondue that lends a rich, cheesy flavour. While the fondue adds decadence, the dish could use a bit more punch or contrast to balance its heavy notes. For those who enjoy an extra touch of luxury, you can add truffle oil for an additional $10.

Agnolotti all’Anatra in Brodo 4/5

The Agnolotti all’Anatra in Brodo ($28) showcases Casa Vostra’s finesse with handmade pasta. Each delicate parcel is filled with roasted duck and served in a deeply flavoured consommé made from the same bird. The broth is light yet flavourful, complementing the al dente pasta. It’s a comforting dish that highlights Italian simplicity at its best.

Coppa al Pistachio 4.5/5

For dessert, the Coppa al Pistachio ($14) is an absolute must-try. The combination of creamy pistachio gelato, crunchy nuts, and fluffy whipped cream makes for a delightful, nutty finale. It’s indulgent yet balanced. It is the kind of dessert you’d happily return for.

Adding to the fun, the JEM outlet also introduces a Casa Claw Machine from 3 Oct to 2 Nov 2025. Spend $100 per table to earn one sure-win play. Prizes include pizza plushies, vouchers for complimentary panna cotta, or iced teas and coffees for your next visit. Fans can also pick up exclusive Casa Vostra Caps ($25) and Cacio e Pepe Thins ($8), available at both Raffles City and JEM while stocks last.

With its larger space, exclusive menu, and playful family-friendly touches, Casa Vostra JEM is set to become a new favourite dining destination for Italian food lovers in the West.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Casa Vostra
JEM
50 Jurong Gateway Road
#01-03
Singapore 608549
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Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Fortuna Terrazza @ Craig Road - New Amalfi-inspired Cafe and Burnch Terrace by The Team Behind Fortuna Italian Trattoria

Fortuna Terrazza, situated along Craig Road, is an Amalfi-inspired café and brunch terrace newly opened by the team behind Fortuna Italian Trattoria, located just a stone's throw away. Taking on a distinctly different vibe from its sister concept, Fortuna Terrazza is bright and sunny, dressed in lemony-yellow hues and breezy shades. The menu leans brunch-centric, rounded out with a selection of mains, pastas, and panuozzi crafted with their signature pizza dough.

Folded Eggs alla Diavola 4/5

From the brunch selections, I had the Folded Eggs alla Diavola ($26), which resembled a breakfast-worthy fried pizza. A layer of ricotta spread over Fortuna's fried pizzetta formed the base, topped with wilted spinach, tender folded eggs, and savoury strips of salamino Napoletano, finished with crispy shallots and threads of chilli. It was hearty and wholesome.

Caprese Panuozzi 2/5

From the panuozzi section, I opted for the Caprese Panuozzi, essentially a Caprese salad encased in a folded pizza. While the marinated ox heart tomatoes were sweet and juicy, the overall combination didn't quite come together. The tomato's marinade leaned overly acidic, and the cheese, which was meant to be mozzarella, was runny to the point that I initially mistook it for stracciatella. With nothing substantial to bind the filling to the pizza base beyond the tomato's juices, which unfortunately caused the inside of the pizza to be soggy, the result felt loose and unbalanced.

Amalfi Ravioli 2/5

There are 2 pasta dishes, in which I had the Amalfi Ravioli ($29), featuring crab and ricotta-filled ravioli in a vibrant limoncello sauce accented with basil and chilli oil. The sauce was divine, but the ravioli itself fell short of expectations. The dough was tough and a little dry, with one even arriving cracked, and the thick rims gave a heavy, doughy bite that took away from the delicacy of the filling.

To round off the experience, Fortuna Terrazza also offers a range of Bellinis, wines, and signature drinks, which include the Pistachio 2.0, an indulgent iced coffee topped with pistachio cream.

Overall, while Fortuna Terrazza is charming and enjoyable, with its energetic vibes and wholesome, joyful offerings, the dishes could be more polished to live up to its concept.

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.


Fortuna Terrazza
10 Craig Road
Singapore 089670
Tel: +65 9115 1597
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 430pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Continue on Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn right onto Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Artichoke @ New Bahru - A New Era As A Pizza Parlor, Transforming from Mezza to Mozza

After 15 years of serving up bold and unapologetic Middle Eastern flavours, Chef Bjorn Shen has given his beloved Artichoke a fresh identity. The long-standing establishment has transformed from mezza to mozza with its brand-new concept – Artichoke Pizza Parlor. This new-school pizza joint celebrates pizza in all its playful, unpretentious glory.

Artichoke Pizza Parlor isn't about chasing traditional wood-fired Neapolitan ideals. Instead, its DNA is part 80s and 90s American-Italian pizzeria nostalgia, part new-school innovation, and all classic Bjorn. The result? An original pizza experience crafted for Singaporeans by a Singaporean who simply loves pizza - not the artisanal, precious kind, but the kind that sparks joy, indulgence, and memories of childhood pizza parties.

Beef Lasagna Nuggets 4/5

The Beef Lasagna Nuggets ($16) are frozen, breaded cubes of beef lasagna deep-fried to a golden crunch. Each bite delivers a contrast of textures. The soft, layered pasta is paired with a crisp breadcrumb coating, all pulled together by a bright, tangy marinara sauce.

Green N' Golden Kiwi 4.2/5

A surprise on the menu, the Green N' Golden Kiwi Salad ($14) features fresh kiwi (both green and golden) topped with pecorino, mint, and black pepper. It's refreshing and unexpectedly delicious, a clever play on sweet and savoury.

Super Crunch Fried Chicken 4.2/5

An Artichoke classic reimagined, the Super Crunch Fried Chicken ($24) lives up to its name. The juicy chicken encased in an ultra-crisp crust, glazed with za'atar honey and finished with garlic sauce. Sweet, savoury, and addictive.

Chicory Salad 3/5

The Chicory Salad ($20) brings together radicchio, endives, roasted red grapes, onions, herbs, mango amba dressing, whipped sesame, and falafel crumbles. While the bitterness of radicchio may not appeal to everyone, the sweet dressing and nutty falafel soften the edge of the acquired taste.

Creamy Green Harissa Prawn Spaghetti 4.8/5

One of the standouts, the Creamy Green Harissa Prawn Spaghetti ($34), is bold and flavour-packed. The zesty, punchy harissa sauce clings to each strand of pasta, making every slurp irresistible.

Rounds: Tropic Thunder 4.2/5

Pizza is the main highlight here, presented in three unique forms: Rounds, Stacks and Slabs.

The Tropic Thunder ($32) comes in the Rounds-style, which is airy, puffy-crust pizzas inspired by Naples' Montanara, fried then baked for extra texture. Topped with Parma ham, burrata, jackfruit, ginger flower, and honey, this is tropical decadence done right.

Stacks: Dirty Duck 3.8/5

Stacks-style is double-decker pizzas with layers of dough stuffed with ingredients. The Dirty Duck ($30) packs Bali-spiced duck, mozzarella, snake bean lawar, sambal matah, and coconut cream. Intense, punchy, and flavour-heavy. Though for me, the richness felt overwhelming for pizza, better suited to a rice dish.

Slabs: Beef Pepperoni, Pickled Long Pepper, Chilli Honey 4.5/5

The Slabs-style is where things get exciting. It is a hybrid of Roman and Detroit styles, featuring a rectangular base with a unique "undercrunch" layer of cheddar baked beneath the dough. The Beef Pepperoni ($26), topped with marinara, pepperoni, chilli honey, garlic oil, and pickled peppers, is balanced, spicy, and satisfying.

Slabs: Bacon Apple Pie 4.5/5

Even better was the Bacon Apple Pie ($32). Pancetta, apple butter, brie, baked apples, mozzarella, hazelnuts, and rosemary come together in a sweet-savoury harmony. Almost like a dessert pizza, it's unconventional yet a standout.

Sundae 4.2/5

The Sundae ($20) is a playful finish featuring passionfruit ice cream with lemongrass cream, banana bread croutons, meringue, and macerated strawberries. Light, tropical, and fun.

Cinnamon-Cherry Pie 4.2/5

A hearty bake, the Cinnamon-Cherry Pie ($18) combines almond frangipane and sour cherry filling within a buttery crust, topped with cookie crumbs and orange cream. A tart, fragrant balance of sweet and spiced.

Mud Cake 4.8/5

The Mud Cake ($14) is not your average chocolate cake. Served warm with banana & raisin jam, layered with banana bread, then topped with chocolate milk, Ovaltine crunchies, and smoked salt. Rich, nostalgic, and delightfully messy, it is pure Bjorn style.

Artichoke Pizza Parlor is Bjorn Shen's most personal and playful project to date. It's a place where pizza isn't bound by tradition but reimagined with bold ideas, local flair, and plenty of heart. Come with an open mind (and stretchy pants), and you'll leave grinning because pizza is meant to be fun.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Artichoke
New Bahru
46 Kim Yam Road
#01-02
Singapore 239351
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Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue: 5pm - 10pm
Wed-Sun: 11am - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic junction River Valley Road and Clemenceau Ave. Cross the road and cut through UE Square to Unity Street. Turn right onto Unity Street and walk to Mohamed Sultan Road. Cross the road and walk to Kim Yam Road. Walk down Kim Yam Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

ANTO Pizza E Aperitivi @ Jiak Chuan Road - Awarded No.13 in Asia Pacific and No.95 in The World in The Prestigious 50 Top Pizza Awards

ANTO Pizza E Aperitivi at Jiak Chuan is one pizzeria to watch, standing proud in Singapore’s vibrant pizza scene. Opened only late last year in 2024, ANTO has already made waves internationally, claiming the top spot in Singapore, clinching No. 13 in Asia Pacific and No. 95 in the world in the prestigious 50 Top Pizza Awards. An incredible feat for such a young establishment.

Burrata 4.5/5

While ANTO is first and foremost a pizzeria, the menu offers a handful of sharing plates that complement its pizzas well. We started with the Burrata ($28), served with three types of tomatoes and paired with pesto parlage. The burrata was fresh and creamy, while the natural sweetness of the tomatoes brought a refreshing vibrancy to the dish.

Vitello Tonnato 4.5/5

The Vitello Tonnato ($30) proved to be a welcome starter before diving into the dough-heavy mains. Thinly sliced poached veal was served with Bruno sauce, tender and melt-in-the-mouth. The veal carried a delicate sweetness that paired beautifully with the creamy, savoury sauce.

Marinara Arrostita 4.8/5

Our first pizza was the Marinara Arrostita ($26), topped with cherry tomatoes, oregano and garlic oil. The dough was light and airy with a delightful chew, while the tomatoes imparted natural sweetness. Finished with the fragrance of oregano and garlic oil, this pizza was simple yet deeply satisfying.

Rocco 4.2/5

The Rocco ($24) is a Southern Italian-style pizza baked in a small pan at over 250°C for 10–12 minutes. The result is a puffed crust with a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Topped with fiordilatte cheese, thinly sliced potatoes, and fresh rosemary, each bite was rustic, hearty and full of texture.

Tonno & Cipolla 4.2/5

The Tonno & Cipolla ($42) was an unexpected surprise. On my first visit, Chef Antonio Brancato leaned safe and traditional with his pizzas, but this creation shows his playful, experimental side. Inspired by Japanese flavours, it featured onion purée, slow-cooked tuna prepared Asian-style and seaweed. Each bite carried the brininess of the sea, the umami of tuna, and the crunch of seaweed. It is a bold yet elegant fusion.

Wagyu Pizza 4.5/5

We also tried the limited-time Wagyu Pizza ($38), topped with cherry tomato confit, fiordilatte cheese, sundried tomatoes, wagyu beef (medium-rare), chimichurri and truffle oil. Rich yet balanced, the toppings complemented one another harmoniously, with the chimichurri and truffle oil elevating the indulgence.

Sgroppino 4.5/5

The Sgroppino ($18) is a must-order here. A Venetian cocktail of lemon sorbet, Prosecco and vodka, it is theatrically prepared tableside by the staff. Light, zesty and refreshing with just the right hint of sweetness, it works beautifully as both a palate cleanser between pizzas and a lively way to end the meal.

Tiramisu 4.2/5

To finish, we had the classic Tiramisu ($15). Soft, pillowy and well-balanced, it ticked the boxes of what makes a good tiramisu without being overly heavy.

With its world-class dough, thoughtful toppings and playful balance between tradition and innovation, ANTO Pizza E Aperitivi has firmly established itself as one of Singapore’s best pizzerias. Whether you’re here for a classic like the Marinara or something daring like the Tonno & Cipolla, ANTO promises a memorable experience worth revisiting.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


ANTO Pizzeria E Aperitivi
2 Jiak Chuan Road
Singapore 089260
Tel: +65 9689 6869
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Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Outram Park (DT, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk down Neil Road to Teck Lim Road. Turn right onto Teck Lim Road. Walk down Teck Lim Road and turn left onto Jiak Chuan Road. Walk down Jiak Chuan Road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

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 destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Torno Subito @ COMO Dempsey - Playful Italian Dining with a Riviera Twist

At Torno Subito, Italian dining takes on a playful new rhythm with refreshed menus that include a revamped à la carte selection, a renewed three-course Formula Lunch, and an updated Riviera Tour tasting experience. Helmed by Executive Chef Alessio Pirozzi and part of renowned chef Massimo Bottura’s culinary family, the Dempsey outpost continues to reinterpret classic Italian flavours through a modern, Riviera-inspired lens.

Our dinner began with complimentary freshly baked bread paired with anchovy butter. It is a comforting trio to warm the stomach before the meal proper. My favourite was the tomato sourdough, with its light tanginess that paired beautifully with the savoury butter.

Alta Marea 3.5/5

The Alta Marea ($98) was a striking platter of raw, cured and smoked seafood, akin to a “seafood charcuterie board.” Unique and rarely seen in restaurants, it offered a range of flavours and textures. The standout for me was the cuttlefish, which had a clean, sweet flavour.

Fichi 4/5

The Fichi Pizza ($38/$58) arrived topped with Fior di Latte cheese, culatello ham, marinated fig, and pecorino foam. The chewy dough base tied the savoury and sweet elements together harmoniously, making each bite a joy.

Tagliatella 4.5/5

The Tagliatella ($48) was the star of the evening. Perfectly cooked traditional egg pasta paired with a bold, richly flavoured hand-chopped Wagyu ragu, one of Massimo Bottura’s favourites. Comforting, indulgent, and deeply satisfying.

Tortellino 4/5

The Tortellino ($48) featured miniature stuffed pasta in a creamy sauce made from 36-month-aged Parmigiano Reggiano. Silky and luxurious, it was reminiscent of cereal in milk, but in the most decadent, cheesy way possible.

Prochetta 4.2/5

Perfect for sharing, the Prochetta ($98) showcased roasted milk-fed suckling pig rolled into a roulade, served with peach compote and Swiss chard. The sweet and bitter notes of the accompaniments perfectly balanced the richness of the meat.

Cocco Bello 4/5

For dessert, the Cocco Bello ($20) offered a refreshing finish with lemon and mint sorbet, foamy coconut, and kaffir lime meringue. Light, sweet, and zesty, it was the perfect dessert after all the richness in the meal.

Tiramisubito 4/5

The Tiramisubito ($22) reinvented tradition in a modern presentation while retaining the classic flavours of coffee, mascarpone, and cocoa. Familiar yet novel, each spoonful was comforting and indulgent.

The meal concluded with a thoughtful petit four, a lovely sweet touch that served as a fitting closure to an evening that showcased Torno Subito’s ability to bring playful creativity and Riviera flair to Italian dining in Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Torno Subito
26 Dempsey Road
#01-01
Singapore 249686
Tel: +65 6486 1053
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Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon-Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to bus stop at Napier Station (Stop ID 13011). Take bus number 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 2 stops later. Take the stairs up to Dempsey Road. Continue taking the stairs up to the hill to block 26. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Liberty Singapore @ Marina Bay Financial Centre - Special Weekend Discount, 1-For-1 Asahi Draft and Close-up Magic

Liberty Singapore at Marina Bay Financial Centre (MBFC) Tower 2 has introduced the "Liberty X Asahi Weekend Escape", featuring attractive weekend deals and live close-up magic performances by magician Ming Da on 23, 30 August and 6 September 2025. With great food, drinks, and entertainment, it makes for a lively weekend hangout spot.

Asahi Draft

Kick off the weekend with the Asahi Draft 1-for-1 Promotion, where you get 2 pints for the price of 1. A refreshing way to unwind after a long week – cheers to the weekend!

Nori Truffle Fries 4/5

To go along with the drinks, there’s a variety of bar snacks. A crowd-pleaser is the Nori Truffle Fries ($12). The crispy fries are topped with parmesan and served with truffle mayo, adding a touch of indulgence to the classic bar snack.

Weekend Special (2 Brunch Mains for $59) - Liberty Breakfast 4/5

Weekend Special: 2 Brunch Mains for $59. The Liberty Breakfast ($32) is a hearty all-day breakfast platter comprising Butifarra and Chorizo sausages, bacon, asparagus, mushrooms, hash browns, sourdough, and your choice of eggs. A generous and satisfying brunch plate that works anytime of the day.

Liberty Burger 4/5

The Liberty Burger with Fries ($32) features a juicy grilled wagyu patty, paired with aged cheddar, streaky bacon, caramelised onions, and Liberty’s signature BBQ sauce. Sandwiched between fluffy buns and served with crispy fries, it’s a comforting and well-executed classic.

Prawn Tagliatelle 4.5/5

The standout among the brunch mains is the Prawn Tagliatelle ($34). Cooked perfectly al dente, the pasta is coated in a robust sambal lobster bisque, with tobiko adding delightful bursts of briny flavour. Two large, fresh prawns, grilled to perfection, crown the dish – a must-try for seafood lovers.

Artisanal Pizza from 3.5/5

Artisanal pizzas are also available from $12.90. We tried the Margherita ($26), made with Poolish dough that combines Italian Caputo flour with Japanese flour. The result is a light and airy crust, though the flavours leaned towards the safe side.

Smoked Meat Platter 4.5/5

The Smoked Meat Platter (U.P. $138, now $98) is a huge weekend steal. It comes with 200g of Char Siu Pork Belly and 200g of Kalbi Short-rib – both succulent, tender, and deeply flavourful. Despite the discount, the quality is uncompromised, and the accompanying Asian salad provides freshness to balance the richness. For pork lovers, the Char Siu Pork Belly (U.P. $24) is also available at 50% off ($12).

With its wide variety of food, generous portions, and irresistible weekend promotions, Liberty Singapore makes for a great dining and drinking spot at MBFC. Whether you're here for brunch, pizza, smoked meats, or to enjoy pints of Asahi while being entertained by magic, the Weekend Escape promises both fun and value.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Liberty Singapore
Marina Bay Financial Centre (MBFC)
Tower 2
10 Marina Boulevard
#01-04
Singapore 018983
Tel: +65 6322 3777
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Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 1030am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Exit D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]