La Bottega Enoteca has been a favorite of mine for its legendary Newpolitan and Doublecrunch pizzas, so when I heard about their new menu, I couldn’t wait to dive in. As if that wasn’t exciting enough, they’re celebrating their second anniversary and the incredible honor of being named the top spot in 50 Top Pizza Asia Pacific 2023. With Chef-Owner Antonio Miscellaneo at the helm, I knew I was in for something special.
The evening started with the Calamaretti Alla Griglia ($25), and let me just say—it was love at first bite. The tender baby calamari, kissed by the grill, had this perfect smokiness that paired beautifully with the vibrant peas, fresh mint, and a pop of citrus. A quick squeeze of lemon brought everything together, making it one of the most refreshing yet satisfying starters I’ve had in a while.
Then came the star of the night: the Newpolitan® pizzas. These aren’t your average pies—they’re crafted with Italian flours that are meticulously fermented, then baked in a scorching 460℃ wood-fired oven. The result is a crust that’s crispy yet light as air, practically melting in your mouth. I couldn’t resist trying two of the new flavors:
- The Broccolini was a masterpiece. The charred broccolini sat on a base of San Marzano DOP tomatoes and taleggio, with lemon breadcrumbs, oregano, and just a hint of chili to tie it all together. Every bite had a smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy punch that was absolutely addictive.
- Then there was the Mortadella a total game-changer. Imagine silky ribbons of mortadella over a gooey parmesan fondue, with a touch of red pesto and the crunch of pistachios. It was decadent, bold, and utterly unforgettable
But if I had to pick the most stunning dish of the evening, it was the Caciucco E Fregola . This gorgeous seafood platter looked almost too beautiful to eat—almost. Monkfish, Gambero Rosso prawns, Japanese scallops, Australian mussels, and squid were cooked to perfection, each bite bursting with the essence of the ocean. And then there was the fregola, those tiny Sardinian pasta pearls that soaked up all the rich seafood flavors. It was hearty, comforting, and pure bliss.
By the time dessert rolled around, I was already floating on a cloud, but how could I say no? The Seadas , a fried raviolo filled with cow’s cheese and drizzled with honey, felt like a warm hug on a plate. The Sfogliatella Riccia Gelato Al Parmigiano Reggiano 24 Mesitook me by surprise with its bold flavors—a creamy Parmigiano gelato paired with flaky sfogliatella and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. And then there were the Bomboloni “Fai Da Te”—fresh, warm doughnuts with mascarpone filling that I couldn’t stop eating.
What makes La Bottega special isn’t just the food—it’s the experience. Sitting by the pizza counter and watching the chefs work their magic, surrounded by imported Italian tiles and the aroma of wood-fired ovens, I felt like I’d been transported straight to Italy. It’s the kind of place where every bite tells a story, and every visit leaves you counting the days until you can come back.
Address: 346 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427596
Hour: Fri Sat and Sun 11.45am to 11pm, Mon to Thrus 5pm to 11pm
