Saturday, September 20, 2025

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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
Instagram
Website
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]

Friday, September 19, 2025

Cutlery Optional Private Dining - South Indian Flavours in a Homely Setting

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Our private dining exploration this round took us to Cutlery Optional Private Dining by Vasunthara Ramasamy, a contestant from MasterChef Singapore Season 2. Specialising in South Indian cuisine, her home dining concept stood out to us, as most private dining experiences in Singapore lean heavily towards Peranakan or Chinese cuisine. This was one we had been especially looking forward to.

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Plantain Chips & Chutney 3.8/5

We started the evening with Plantain Chips & Chutney, a light and crispy bite made addictive with the aromatic and spice-laden chutney. A simple yet impactful appetiser that teased the palate for what was to come.

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Coconut Toddy Thosai 4.5/5

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Malabar Chicken Curry 4.8/5

The Malabar Chicken Curry was a highlight. The chicken was tender, soaked in a robust curry brimming with depth and fragrance. What elevated the dish further was the freshly made Coconut Toddy Thosai, which was soft, fluffy, and carried a beautiful hint of coconut. Perfect for mopping up every last bit of curry.

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Spicy Fried Fish Fry with Coconut Topping 4/5

Next came the Spicy Fried Fish Fry, crisp on the outside and moist within. The addition of coconut topping added a welcome lift in both flavour and texture.

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Pork Fry 4.2/5

The Pork Fry reminded us of Chinese sio bak, yet with an unmistakable Indian twist. Crispy, succulent, and deeply savoury — it was addictive enough to keep going back for seconds.

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Prawn Green Mango Curry 5/5

The Prawn Green Mango Curry emerged as one of my favourites of the evening. Large, succulent prawns were paired with a mild, balanced curry. The fruity tang of green mangoes complemented the natural sweetness of the prawns, making this dish stand out.

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Mix Vegetable Thoran 4/5

To refresh the palate from the richer dishes, the Mix Vegetable Thoran was perfectly timed. Crunchy and light, it provided a nice balance to the heavier curries and roasts.

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Crab Roast 4.5/5

Another memorable dish was the Crab Roast. Unlike the familiar Singaporean renditions of chilli crab, black pepper crab, or salted egg yolk crab, Vasunthara’s version showcased a spice-forward, aromatic profile that paired beautifully with the crab’s sweetness. A refreshing take that still held its own against our beloved local styles.

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Mango Ice Cream 4.2/5

The meal concluded with Mango Ice Cream. Bursting with the intensity of ripe mangoes, it was refreshing and vibrant. It's almost like eating the fruit itself. A fitting end to a flavourful journey.

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Cutlery Optional Private Dining is a rare gem in Singapore’s private dining landscape, offering authentic South Indian flavours with personal touches from Vasunthara. It’s a feast that bridges familiarity and discovery, making it an experience well worth seeking out.

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Cutlery Optional Private Dining
Ang Mo Kio Ave 9 / Yio Chu Yang 
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Nearest MRT: Yio Chu Yang (NS Line)