The 16 Best Italian Restaurants in Singapore

It’s no secret that Italians know a thing or two (or three) about cooking up great food. While nothing compares to experiencing this culinary magic straight from the source, Italians are rather generous when it comes to sharing their food with the rest of the world – Singapore included.

Singapore has been home to a growing Italian community since the mid-1800s, but their presence has become most obvious in the last 20 years through their contribution to the restaurant scene amongst other industries.

Yet, with so many Italian restaurants to choose from, how do you know which one is genuine? We went restaurant-hopping to find the 16 best Italian restaurants in Singapore. And we’re delighted to report that the results are ridiculously delicious.

From delicate antipasti and decadent gelato reminiscent of Rome’s, to freshly-made pasta and of course, Neapolitan pizza, Singapore chefs have taken great inspiration from the Mediterranean to deliver menus packed with authentic Italian goodness. Whether you’re after fine-dining, a romantic Valentine's Day restaurant or a rustic hole-in-the-wall, we’ve got you covered.

A dreamy guide to the top 16 Italian restaurants in Singapore

Basilico

ORCHARD

As well as being celebrated as one of Singapore’s best buffet restaurants, Basilico is an obvious pick for top Italian food too. Part of the Regent Hotel Singapore, Basilico caters for lunch, dinner, and an irresistible weekend brunch. The espresso bar, walk-in wine cellar and poolside al fresco dining area really adds to the exquisite experience.

Basilico combines fresh, seasonal and authentic ingredients to create dishes reminiscent of those back in the motherland. The quality is not surprising, seeing as the restaurant’s head chef, Luca Beccalli, was born and raised in a small village in Northern Italy. Expect to leave the venue high on fresh burrata cheese, Italian cured meats, traditional bolognese, homemade pastries and a few aperitivos.

Book Now!

Garibaldi Restaurant

DOWNTOWN CORE

Featured on our list of Singapore’s 10 most popular restaurants, Garibaldi Restaurant is a multi-award winning Italian restaurant dedicated to providing a spectacular fine dining experience. Heck, they were even awarded a coveted Michelin star in 2017.

Located along the hip Purvis Street, Garibaldi exudes an atmosphere that is sophisticated yet cool and stylish. Anyone with a reason to celebrate should be doing so over an Italian feast coming straight from this kitchen. Choose from the ‘Michelin Menu’ and introduce your taste buds to fresh oysters, truffles, clams and other high-end ingredients. The weekly set lunch, chef’s lunch, a la carte menu and weekend brunch also has plenty going for it.

Book Now!

Etna Italian Restaurant

DUXTON & EAST COAST

Starting out as a humble trattoria in 2006, Etna has since evolved into two Italian venues that both locals and tourists love. Named after the iconic Italian volcano, ETNA is also a clever acronym for the restaurant’s dedication to its customers – Every Table Needs Attention.

At either the Duxton or East Coast branch, you can enjoy an upmarket and sophisticated atmosphere while tucking into Italian and Mediterranean inspired dishes. Revel in endless pizza and pasta, focaccia, bruschetta and more classics – all washed down with a few glasses of the exceptional wine on offer, naturally.

Book Now!

Pasta Brava

TANJONG PAGAR

Pasta Brava is one of the oldest Italian restaurants in Singapore. It also happens to be one of the city-state’s favourites. This multi-level restaurant boasts a bold interior of Italian and Asian decor, which blend together to create one of the most visually stunning restaurants on the list. The upstairs bar is a restored Chinese medical cabinet while the walls are filled with artwork from all over the world. Most of the art is also available for purchase. The atmosphere is charming and inviting and the food has been drawing customers to Tanjong Pagar for years.

Book Now!

Aura

CITY HALL

Spread across two floors of the National Gallery Singapore, Aura by Michelin-starred chef Beppe De Vito is a sight to see. Once your eyes have adjusted to its wonder, direct your attention to the masterpiece of a menu. Aura has nailed the blend between traditional recipes and contemporary methods, taking Italian cuisine one step closer to the heavens. It’s elegant, sophisticated and an absolute must. After the feast, we suggest taking a trip to the Sky Lounge rooftop bar to enjoy a bespoke cocktail and take in the breathtaking city views.

Book Now!

Braci

BOAT QUAY

With a premium location overlooking the river in Boat Quay, Braci is an elusive Italian restaurant with a well-deserved Michelin Star to its name. Climb to the second floor of the heritage shophouse and prepare for a wondrous culinary experience set in a modern and intimate interior. With a name that translates to embers, Braci takes its inspiration from the original cooking method: fire. We can confirm: their dishes are smokin’. Don’t miss the chance to sip on a cocktail at the rooftop bar before or after your dining experience.

Book Now!

iO Italian Osteria

BUKIT BATOK

There aren’t many people who aren’t aware of iO Italian Osteria’s reputation around town. In a bustling open-planned setting, this well-loved establishment manages to perfectly mimic the convivial atmosphere of a real Italian tavern. The antique pieces, copper embellishments and rustic furniture is made better by the offering of Italian street food, fresh baked goods and house wines. The addition of a retail shop corner means you can take a piece of Italy home with you – whether that’s in the form of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, pasta or truffles.

Book Now!

d.o.c

TANJONG PAGAR

Up for a trip to Napoli? Take a stroll down Tanjong Pagar and you’ll be closer to the soul of Italy than you think, thanks to an authentic Neapolitan pizzeria. While d.o.c has only been on the scene for less than a year, they’ve been making some serious moves with their pizza paddle. Guided by the strict criteria put forward by the VPN (an organisation set up to promote and protect the style of true Pizza Napoletana) and named after Denominazione di Origine Controllata (the quality assurance label given to Italian wines), d.o.c doesn’t settle for anything but the best. The cosy setting, slow jazz music and warm hospitality is perfect for romantic dinners and intimate gatherings.

Book Now!

Pasta Bar

KEONG SAIK

If it‘s tortelli, tagliatelle and tagliolini you’re after, then you can count on Pasta Bar to deliver that and more. The specialty is, of course, fresh handmade pasta where a variety of pasta types are paired with premium ingredients such as Boston lobster, squid ink, braised beef ragu and parmigiano. If you’re having a night off pasta, there’s a top notch selection of antipasti boards and traditional Italian mains to lure you in. An international array of wines picked monthly by Pasta Bar’s in-house sommelier and cocktails whipped up by the resident mixologist will keep you lingering a little longer – not a bad thing when the venue is a stroke of design genius.

Book Now!

Publico Ristorante

RIVER VALLEY

If hanging out in restaurant interiors that belong on the front of a high-end design magazine is your jam, Publico Ristorante is the one for you. It’s hard to get past the gorgeous setting – and the addition of a green riverside terrace doesn’t make it easier. However, take every aesthetically pleasing feature away and this spot would still make our list. Publico Ristorante takes a fun and contemporary approach to Italian fare, yet the essence of their menu is rustic, homemade and absolutely delish. Come with your best friends and enjoy authentic handcrafted pizza, refreshing cocktails and upbeat music in one of Singapore’s coolest social settings.

Bar Cicheti

CHINATOWN

Find us the pickiest pasta snob and we’ll smugly send them Bar Cicheti’s way. Despite the clean and contemporary dining room with romantic arches and wispy floral arrangements, this hip destination serves the kind of dishes we have no problem getting a little messy for. Kickstart your appetite with a modern antipasti selection before welcoming in the main star of the show. Enjoy classics like cacio e pepe alongside other silky pasta dishes with bold Asian twists. And, when the waiter comes around asking if you want dessert, don‘t you dare be polite. Ordering a pillowy helping of tiramisu is non-negotiable.

Book Now!

Buona Terra

NEWTON

Housed away in the extended wing of Chateau TCC on Scotts Road, Buona Terra is a massive advocate for the Italian love affair of good food and wine. Translating to good earth, Chef Denis Lucchi is passionate about transforming natural ingredients from Italy’s finest soil into culinary masterpieces. Think scallop tartare presented in ice cream cones, squid ink tuiles, sauces artistically splashed across the plate and other mind-blowing compositions. With Michelin Star establishments like Buona Terra, it’s really no surprise that the standard of Italian restaurants in Singapore only continues to flourish.

Caffe Fernet

RAFFLES PLACE

Just like that friend who is always up for a good time, Caffe Fernet is a playful character in Singapore’s food scene. In a sleek state-of-the-art building at Customs House, this is a destination for those who like delicious food served with an unbeatable view. Though small, the menu covers every course. From antipasti to dolci, expect a fun twist on classic dishes (rigatoni vodka anyone?). As well as great food, a notable drinks list lures thirsty workmates at the end of a long day. Sip on a wide selection of spritzes, summertime frosé, negroni and other Italian-inspired cocktails, wine and beer.

Guccio

TELOK AYER

A performance of contrasting colours and interesting textures, the dishes at Guccio are not to be missed. The fine-dining Italian restaurant is led by Chef Marco, a Bib Gourmand recipient for two back-to-back years. Guccio takes guests one step closer to the Mediterranean with a menu that aligns with Europe’s four seasons. From the a la carte selection to brunch and degustation options, the culinary offering is a total exploration of ingredients and recipes from each Italian region. No passport needed.

Book Now!

La Strada

ORCHARD ROAD

An entranceway bordered by handcrafted terrazzo pillars made from Italian marble sets diners up for the luxurious experience about to ensue in the next room. The light and bright space of La Strada feels far away from Singapore’s urban jungle. It’s a culinary retreat sure to leave you feeling well rested and fed. With ‘soulful cooking’ as the star technique, La Strada takes traditional Italian dishes and reimagines them in spectacular ways. Enjoy an elegant three-course set lunch or dinner from an a la carte menu full of infinite delights. Top your burrata with seasonal tomato and fennel pollen, twirl your fork into a carbonara full of truffle butter and ham crumble or order something straight from the hickory-charcoal grill. And the wine list? Impeccable.

Book Now!