Iconic Napoli pizza institution L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele comes to town with its array of Neapolitan-style pizzas at its new outlet in Singapore.
You can now have your Eat, Pray, Love moment right here in Singapore.
If you don’t get the movie reference, there was a scene in the 2010 film Eat, Pray, Love where Julia Roberts’ character Elizabeth declares, as she chomps on a slice of pizza, that she’ll no longer feel guilt or worry about putting on a few pounds. The pizzeria she was in? L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele in Napoli, arguably the mecca of Neapolitan-style pizza.
The good news is, L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele earlier this month opened an offshoot right here in Singapore.
Its first Southeast Asian outpost, L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele Singapore – located at Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre – seeks to recreate the authentic experience that made the original L’antica great. The Singapore venue is not as rustic for sure; its contemporary interior more intimate and warm, as opposed to the stark old-school cafeteria-like setting in Napoli.
The authenticity is reserved for the pizza pies that issue forth from its customised domed Stefano Ferrara Napoli brick oven, made specially for the Italian pizza chain. Key ingredients are also specially flown in, including prized Agerola fior di latte from Campania, and Cetara anchovies from Amalfi.
Pizza lovers, do take note that they specialise in Neapolitan-style pies. This means the pizza crust here is thinner, lighter, airier, but also slightly chewier, than other versions.
More interestingly, theirs is also pizza a ruota di carro – or “pizza shaped like a cart wheel” – which comes as an extra-wide pizza in a historic style that originated in the late 1800s. But this also means the centre tends towards being soggy and saggy; the best way to eat is to roll your slice up like a cigar so it doesn’t all fall apart at first bite.
The Margherita at L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele Singapore, of course, is a must. You can’t go wrong with the simple but classic combination of fior di latte, tomato sauce, and pecorino. Those who prefer a strong briny hit would probably enjoy Cetara, which feature those top grade anchovies, but also olives and capers for an even saltier punch.
The Frarielli & Salsiccia is also enjoyable, topped with broccoli rabe, Italian sausage, and pecorino.
The menu at L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele Singapore is far more extensive than its Italian counterparts. Offering more than just pizzas, you’ll find a range of starters and pastas to round out your meal.
The Burrata alla Puttanesca is delightful, featuring a lovely melange of flavours with creamy burrata, tangy sundried tomatoes, salty olives and those briny Cetara anchovies. The Fritto di Mare is guaranteed to be a hit with most, because who can say no to battered seafood?
We didn’t try enough of the menu this time, but there’s always a future visit. Unless we’re religiously counting calories, unlike Eat, Pray, Love’s Elizabeth.
[Photos courtesy of L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele Singapore]
L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele Singapore
Address 8 Club Street, #01-08, Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre, Singapore 069472 (Google Maps link)
Opening Hours 12pm to 3pm and 6pm to 11pm Mondays to Saturdays; closed on Sundays
Tel (65) 9823 5724
Web www.damichele.sg
Instagram @damichelesingapore
Reservations book here
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