East Coast & Katong

The East Coast, from Katong and Joo Chiat to Siglap and East Coast Park, is home to some of Singapore's most relaxed and charming Italian restaurants. Many are family-run, set in Peranakan shophouses or garden plots, and draw a loyal local crowd.

Fico, a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide, sits right by the beach at East Coast Park with Puglian-inspired seafood and handmade pasta. La Bottega Enoteca is a garden wine bar and restaurant on Joo Chiat Road, and Cugini and La Bettola nearby turn out wood-fired pizza and trattoria classics. Burrata Joy & Gustavo Lapasta at Katong V serves good-value fresh pasta, Al Forno has been a Katong pizza favourite for years, and Etna and Pasta Fresca da Salvatore in Siglap cover Sicilian cooking and simple pasta.

These are easy places for weekend lunches and family dinners, and several are walkable from the Thomson-East Coast Line stations. Fico and La Bottega get busy on weekends, so book ahead.