Italian Restaurants in Singapore

How to choose Italian restaurants in Singapore

Italian food is one of the most popular international cuisines in Singapore. The Italian restaurants in Singapore on this page range from formal dining rooms to casual pizza and pasta. Start with the occasion. A relaxed meal with friends calls for a different place than an anniversary dinner. Then think about location, since the picks are spread across the island.

How an Italian meal works

A traditional Italian meal has several courses. You do not need to order them all.

1. Antipasti: starters such as cured meats, cheese, burrata or grilled vegetables.
2. Primi: the first main course, usually pasta, risotto or soup.
3. Secondi: meat or fish, often with a contorno (side dish).
4. Dolci: desserts such as tiramisu, panna cotta or gelato.

Many diners share a few antipasti, then each order one pasta. Fresh pasta is often the highlight, so ask which pastas the kitchen makes in-house.

Regional styles

Italian food changes from region to region. The north uses more butter, rice and polenta. The south leans on olive oil, tomatoes and seafood. Rome is known for simple pasta dishes such as carbonara and cacio e pepe. Ask staff which region inspires the menu.

Italian restaurants by area

City Hall and Marina Bay

Art di Daniele Sperindio is in the City Hall and Clarke Quay area, close to museums and the river. The Lighthouse and Extra Virgin Pizza are both in the Marina Bay and CBD area. LAVO Italian Restaurant & Rooftop Bar, also in Marina Bay, mixes Italian and American dishes. It is one of the places listed under Rooftop & Sky Dining.

Orchard and River Valley

Buona Terra and Da Paolo Gastronomia are in Orchard and River Valley. They are handy for a meal during a shopping day. "Gastronomia" is the Italian word for a deli.

Bugis and the East Coast

Cicheti is in the Bugis and Kampong Glam area. Pair it with a walk around Kampong Glam and Haji Lane. Fico is in East Coast and Bedok. It makes a good stop after a walk or cycle at East Coast Park.

Pizza and casual Italian

Pizza is an easy choice for families and groups. Neapolitan pizza has a soft, puffy crust with charred spots. Roman-style pizza is thinner and crisper. Extra Virgin Pizza in Marina Bay is the pizza spot on this page. See the Pizza page for more.

Tips for eating Italian in Singapore

• Book ahead for dinner. Weekend tables at popular places go fast. Lunch is usually easier.
• Try set lunches. Many restaurants offer a set lunch that costs less than dinner.
• Ask about portion sizes. Some places serve pasta in starter or main sizes.
• Know the rough cost. A pizza or pasta often costs around S$25 to S$40 at casual places. Fine dining menus cost much more. Prices change, so check menus before you go.
• Wine is optional. Most Italian restaurants have a wine list, but soft drinks and sparkling water are always fine. The legal drinking age in Singapore is 18, so please drink responsibly.
• Expect added charges. Prices marked "++" mean a service charge and GST (goods and services tax) will be added. Tipping is not expected.

FAQs about Italian restaurants in Singapore

Where can I find good pizza in Singapore?

Extra Virgin Pizza in Marina Bay is on this page. The Pizza page lists more places across the island.

Is there a dress code?

Casual places have none. Smarter restaurants prefer smart casual, so skip beachwear.

Are Italian restaurants good for children?

Pizza and pasta places usually welcome families. Fine dining rooms can be quieter and slower, so check before you book.

Can vegetarians eat well at Italian restaurants?

Yes. Many pasta, pizza and risotto dishes are meat-free. Ask staff, as some sauces use meat stock or anchovies.

What is the difference between gelato and ice cream?

Gelato has less air and less cream, so it is denser. Find scoop shops on the Gelato page.