Bar Somma’s timeless Italian charm draws you in, but its delectable plates and drinks will have you coming back for more. Here’s what I would order again.
Bar Somma is that bar in Singapore. Welcoming, beautifully Instagrammable, and sips worth your money. This establishment is the sister concept to the fine dining Italian restaurant Somma, both owned by Puglia-born chef Mirko Febbrile, who’s also the mastermind behind Fico Masseria. The bar charms with its elegant interiors, but what kept me lingering during my visit was a combination of things. From the warm hospitality to drinks I couldn’t help but finish to delectable pasta straight out of the Somma kitchen, here are my top picks.
Bar Somma review: Details at a glance
Best for: First dates to make an impression; elevated catchups with friends; one of the smoothest martinis you’ll ever have
Must-tries: Mirko’s martini; EVOOtini; Amatriciana; oyster mushrooms with beetroot ketchup; focaccia with mortadella, pesto, and burrata
Price: Cocktails start from $22; food starts from $8
Opening hours: Tuesday to Wednesday, 6pm to 11pm; Thursday to Saturday, 6pm to 12am
Address: Bar Somma, #04-02A, New Bahru, 46 Kim Yam Road, Singapore 239351
Meet Bar Somma
I arrived just as Bar Somma’s proverbial pearly gates opened, greeted by a fashionable host. I felt like I had found my way into a secret cool kids’ club, revealing an already bustling crowd of imbibers beyond Bar Somma’s iconic towering candle sculpture.
A majority of Bar Somma’s space is taken up by its expansive bar counter, with limited table seating available. I’d say the quintessential Bar Somma experience is encapsulated in the space’s cosy intimacy, so I wouldn’t recommend coming as a big group. Instead, bring your beau for a casual (but oh-so-romantic) night out, or a friend for some pre-dinner tipples.
What’s on the menu: Cocktail edition
An Italian bar needs Italian-inspired cocktails, and classic Italian ingredients take the spotlight in this rendition of the menu. Bar Somma takes the classics we all know and love, zhuzhing them up with additional flair and flavour, making drinks absolutely sublime with every sip.
I highly recommend the EVOOtini ($26) made with Bulldog gin infused with extra virgin olive oil. It’s a refreshing and well balanced sip, which doesn’t sting your tongue the same way a strong martini might. The real flavour comes through when you take a bite of the seagrapes on the side, adding a salty touch and enhancing the sweetness of the limoncello in the drink.
The Amatriciana ($24) is Bar Somma’s answer to the Bloody Mary, and it tastes exactly like a sharp and tangy pasta sauce, with guanciale infused vodka, lemon, and shallots. Take a second to also admire the cup! Its funky shape was created by wrapping it up in tagliatelle noodles before a final glaze – how cute is that?
And if none of the new cocktails interests you, you can always turn to the all-time favourites. Specifically, Mirko’s martini ($32). There are no frills to this cocktail other than its presentation, but it was one of my favourite drinks by far. It’s amazingly balanced with a dash of olive brine for a salty and smooth mouth feel.
Plates to rival its fine dining big sis
Most bars have lighter food menus filled with snacks to accompany drinks, but not Bar Somma. Dare I say, you could have a multi-course dinner if you really wanted to!
And that’s exactly what I did.
It starts with the bread course featuring black brioche and tallow dip ($10) made from Forged by Vow, a type of alternative meat made from quail cells. The bread is served warm and the tallow candle is torched right in front of you, making a whole show out of your appetiser!
My favourite snack from the whole menu has to be the fried oyster mushrooms with beetroot ketchup ($17). It’s a crispy and salty bite reminiscent of the Taiwanese fried mushroom snack. So addictive, you’ll order another plate.
I can’t resist a good sandwich, and the Bar Somma focaccia, pesto, burrata, and mortadella sandwich ($18) delivers. The crisp and chewy bread is generously stuffed with ham and cheese. And for pesto lovers you get a taste of that herby spread in every bite.
If you haven’t already filled up on the small plates, enjoy pastas that come straight from Somma restaurant. Whether it’s the light and fresh bucatini alla nerano ($26) to the savoury radiatori with river crab and guanciale ($34), you’ll be filled up in no time. Pastas noodles are cooked to a perfect al dente, and sauces cling onto each shape to give you flavourful bites every time.
If not dinner, come for happy hour
If I haven’t convinced you to visit Bar Somma yet, I know two words that might: free carbonara.
Everyone knows your drink comes at a steal when you visit any bar during happy hour. But Bar Somma takes it up a notch with complimentary bites that are out of this world. In its first menu, we saw unlimited beef tripe paninis that came with every martini order. Now, you can get a free serving of carbonara with any drink you order from the happy hour menu. Creamy, cheesy, and amazingly al dente – you’ll want to have all of Bar Somma’s pastas.
There’s something about Bar Somma’s energy that turns even the simplest of catch-ups into something magical. You’ll enter the space only wanting one drink and a pasta, but may end up unknowingly spending the hours chatting away till the sunset, unlocking the bar’s slightly chaotic nighttime alter ego. I know, because I did it and highly recommend the experience for anyone who wants to do the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bar Somma a bar or a restaurant?
Bar Somma is the accompanying bar concept to the fine dining Italian restaurant, Somma. It is more of a bar, but has a strong food menu to accompany the drinks.
Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are highly recommended as Bar Somma is popular for its drinks and food! Walk-ins are welcome, but subject to the availability in the space.
Is Bar Somma casual?
Yes, Bar Somma takes a more casual approach than its restaurant counterpart. We consider the bar elevated but not overly stuffy, good for both catch ups with friends or a romantic date.
Is it suitable for large groups?
We wouldn't recommend coming in groups bigger than three. Table seating is limited, so you will likely be sat at the bar, which suits dates and pairs better.
Is Bar Somma good for special occasions?
Yes! With the elevated ambience and high quality menu items, Bar Somma is perfect for a night of celebration.
