It’s like pizza shops are flooding the island these few years.
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is a name that carries weight in the pizza world.
The original shop in Naples, Italy, has served only a handful of pizzas since 1870 and has earned cult status.
It was even featured in Eat Pray Love (one of my favourite books), which only added to the hype.
L’Antica’s Singapore branch was also recently added to the Michelin Guide Singapore.
The location in Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre Club Street feels stylish, sleek and modern, with dim lighting and well-spaced tables.
There is a wood-fired oven flown in from Italy, and they say the dough and techniques follow the same traditions. That part feels true.
You can watch the pizzaiolos stretch and shape the dough with practiced ease.
Pizza options range from classic to indulgent. Signature choices include Margherita ($28), Cosacca ($25), and Provola & Cheese ($35), made with smoked provola and tomato sauce.
Other toppings include sausage and friarelli in the Friarielli & Salsiccia ($36), tuna and onion in the Tonno & Cipolla ($32), and anchovies in the Cetara ($34).
More premium pizzas include Truffle Porcini ($42), Burrata & Capocollo ($42), and Bufalina ($36), which features buffalo mozzarella.
I ordered the Marita ($28) because the server suggested it so I could try both classics without committing to two full pizzas.
It arrived as a half Margherita, half Marinara, just like promised.
The Margherita side had tomato sauce, fior di latte, pecorino Romano, fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil. The Marinara kept it even simpler with tomato, garlic, oregano and more olive oil.
The crust had a lovely char around the edges and was soft and chewy, just how Neapolitan pizza should be.
But the centre was thin and got soggy fast. I had to fold each slice to keep the toppings from sliding off.
Flavour-wise, it was clean and light. The Marinara side felt more stripped down, almost too plain after a couple of bites. Part of me wished for a bit more punch or texture.
The Diavola, topped with spicy salami, had more bite but still leaned salty. After two slices, it might become a bit much for some.
Outside of the pizzas, a range of starters included Polpette Della Nonna ($26), traditional Neapolitan beef meatballs, and Burrata alla Puttanesca ($26), served with olives, capers, sun-dried tomatoes and Cetara anchovies.
The burrata appetiser was pleasant but predictable. Cold cheese, a few olives, a bit of oil. Not bad.
Service was friendly and fast. Staff were attentive without being intrusive. Plates were cleared quickly and drinks were topped up with a smile. No complaints there.
Worth a visit if you want a taste of Naples in Singapore, though plenty of new local pizza spots do offer strong competition.
L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele Singapore
Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre, 8 Club St, Unit #01-08, Singapore 069472
Opening Hours: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm (Mon – Sat), 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm (Sun)
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