In Singapore, Italian restaurants have grown in number, but only a few can claim to serve truly authentic Italian cuisine. These are the places that uphold the tradition and philosophy of Italian cuisine, from its food concepts to its execution.
Let’s take a closer look at what gives Italian food its heart, and where you can savour it in Singapore.
At its core, Italian cuisine is simple, honest, and ingredient-driven.
Beyond technique, Italian food is also steeped in tradition. Meals are a time to gather. The Italian table is a space for laughter, stories, and connection.
Here’s a list of Italian dishes that define authentic Italian cuisine. Many of these can be found across Italian restaurants in Singapore.
A twist on the traditional tomato-topped bruschetta, this features fresh crab meat and cucumber for a refreshing, seafood flavour. The topping sits on toasted bread brushed with garlic, offering a crisp contrast to the sweet, delicate crab. It’s a light antipasti that sets the tone for a great meal.
It’s also known as eggplant parmigiana. It’s made with layers of fried eggplant, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan, coming together in this southern Italian favourite. Masterful techniques help bring this baked delight to life, so give it a try at Pasta Fresca.
Baked until bubbling, it’s hearty, savoury, and comforting. Every forkful brings the warmth of Sicily to the table.
A seafood lover’s dream. Typically combined with pasta or risotto, this dish combines mussels, clams, squid, and prawns, in tomato-based sauce. Pasta Fresca’s variation makes use of white wine’s for a more fruity, tangy profile.
The flavours are fresh and briny, balanced by hints of garlic and fresh basil. We serve pizza and risotto variations of Frutti di Mare here at Pasta Fresca.
Parma Ham pizza has one primary topping: Parma ham. Yet this simplicity is what makes this pizza so elegant, highlighting the premium, melt-in-the-mouth lusciousness of high-quality pork legs. Parma Ham is massaged and aged, giving it its robust flavor and soft texture.
Note, however, that excellent Parma Ham relies on masterful culinary execution to bring the slices to life. When done right, Parma Ham captures the essence of Italian cooking. For authentic, Italian-made Parma Ham, try Pasta Fresca’s Parma Ham pizza today.
Originating from Venice, this pasta dish features thick, spaghetti-like noodles served with a sauce made from onions and anchovies. Despite its simplicity and humble ingredients, it’s savoury, aromatic, and rich in umami. It stands out for its depth of flavour, and is one of Northern Italy’s cultural staples.
A Tuscan specialty made with thick hand-rolled pasta. Its sauce is a fusion of tomato and garlic, giving the dish its vibrant flavor. The name Aglione refers to a local variety of garlic known for its mildness and aroma.
A classic from Puglia, this dish pairs small ear-shaped pasta with turnip greens, olive oil, anchovies, and chilli flakes. The bitterness of the greens contrasts with the rich olive oil, creating a satisfying balance. It’s a great example of Southern Italian cuisine utilising seasonal produce.
A traditional Tuscan fish stew made with various seafood simmered in tomato sauce and red wine. It’s robust, earthy, and deeply comforting. The sauce is perfect for mopping up with crusty bread, making it a true taste of the Italian coast.
This hearty dish from Lombardy features braised veal shanks cooked slowly with vegetables, white wine, and broth until tender. It’s often served with saffron risotto, creating a beautiful contrast of texture and flavour. The marrow inside the bone is the star: rich, buttery, and deeply savoury.
Lighter and smoother than ice cream, gelato is one of Italy’s most beloved desserts. Made with milk, cream, and minimal air, it offers a denser creaminess than ice cream.
Authentic Italian restaurants make gelato in-house, unlike many restaurants that get their ice cream from a supplier.
Try Pasta Fresca’s creamy gelato. Our flavors include vanilla bean, Sicilian pistachio, rich chocolate, and hazelnut dream.
Perhaps the most famous Italian dessert of all, tiramisu layers coffee-soaked ladyfingers with mascarpone cream and cocoa powder. It’s rich yet airy, sweet yet bitter. The dessert is light yet indulgent, combining the bitterness of coffee with the smooth, slightly tangy mascarpone cream. Tiramisu is usually served chilled, making it a refreshing finish to a meal.
Pasta Fresca’s tiramisu is a crowd favourite
To view our entire selection of Italian cuisine, see our menu.
Out of all the popular restaurants that dub themselves as “Italian cuisine,” only a few practice that tradition in the kitchen.
Visit an authentic Italian restaurant, one that crafts its own pasta and pizza and sources the freshest ingredients. A Michelin guide can help spot these authentic places, but part of the fun is relying on your own exploration.
Visit Pasta Fresca today. Italian philosophy is at the heart of our restaurant operations, from our food selection to our service. All our ingredients are fresh and hand-made in-house, providing our customers with the most authentic Italian experience possible.
Our open hours are from 11:30 am to 3 pm, then 6:00 pm to 11 pm from Mondays to Thursdays. Then 11:30 am to 11 pm on Fridays and weekends.
Authentic Italian cuisine uses fresh, seasonal ingredients and focuses on simple preparation. It highlights natural flavours instead of hiding them behind sauces or complex seasoning.
Southern Italian cuisine is rich in tomato-based dishes, seafood, and olive oil. It’s lighter, brighter, and often features ingredients like basil, eggplant, and fresh herbs.
Try Pasta Fresca, Pete’s Place at the Grand Hyatt Singapore, or Fico. Each one offers a thoughtful menu inspired by Italy’s regional flavours.
Gelato and tiramisu are timeless favourites. Both highlight the balance of texture and flavour that defines Italian desserts.
In Italy, food is a way of life. It brings people together, preserves traditions, and celebrates local produce. Every meal is a chance to connect with others and savour the simple pleasures of good food.
