Bring on the pasta and wood-fired classics! Osteria Mozza is back in action with a menu that highlights simple cooking elevated with impeccably sourced seasonal produce.
Back in 2013, walking past Osteria and Pizzeria Mozza was a daily occurrence for me as I used to work at ArtScience Museum next to Marina Bay Sands. Of course, dining in was reserved for special occasions. But whenever it happened, my friends and I would have the best time, spending our paycheck on delish pizza, pasta and wine.
That’s why its closure in 2018, partly due to the sexual misconduct allegations of former co-owner Mario Batali, came as a shocker to everyone. Four years later, Osteria Mozza has left it all behind.
Osteria Mozza reopens in Singapore
Renowned chef and co-owner Nancy Silverton is at the forefront of the brand’s new digs. Located at Hilton Singapore Orchard, the 120-seater restaurant is miles apart from the old MBS location. You won’t find moody lighting or an intimate setting like the previous outpost. Instead, enter a rustic farmhouse design with a communal vibe that’s casual, fun and inviting – without sacrificing class.
New communal vibes and classic, elevated flavours
After you’re welcomed by the sprightly team at the open kitchen, take a seat indoors by the signature mozzarella bar or at the alfresco area. There’s also a fantastic private dining room that sits 10. Look away if you’re lactose intolerant – tuck into a selection of five different mozzarellas, burratas and fresh cheeses. Pair ‘em with Italian cured meats such as speck, coppa, salami sardo, mortadella and prosciutto di parma.
We were teased with a luscious ball of Mozzarella di Puglia ($68) with cruschi peppers and fett’unta and marinated olives ($16) presented with chile d’arbol, confit garlic and orange peel. Next, the surprise favourite – Nancy’s Caesar ($23). Don’t ask us how a simple Caesar salad can taste so good. Chef Nancy piles on the magic with a deconstructed iteration topped with egg, leeks, and anchovy crostini.
Handmade pasta and wood-fired deliciousness
Almost all pastas on the menu are made fresh daily. The orecchiette ($32) is tossed with meaty and slightly crunchy sausage and Swiss chard sauce. There’s a slight heat to it that kept us going in for more. Fonduta ravioli ($38) is big on flavour, thanks to 25-year-old traditional Modena balsamic vinegar that’s drizzled on the parmesan and ricotta stuffed pasta. Basically, the bold flavour was great but I couldn’t help but wonder if something was missing. Perhaps a bit of texture?
Next, time for wood-fired dishes from the Josper oven. Grilled calamari ($22) with spicy romesco was fresh and charred to perfection. Those with a big appetite should order the light and flaky whole branzino alla piastra ($65), grilled and deboned sea bass with herb salad and charred lemon.
Roasted veggies never tasted so good
We cannot dismiss the veggies, though. The harmony of charred flavours and sweetness – from the roasted carrots served with dill yogurt ($18) and grilled broccolini with a twang from the garlic-lemon vinaigrette ($18) – is so underrated.
End your meal with a delectable banana gelato pie ($20) or a rosemary olive cake with olive oil gelato ($20) if you don’t have a sweet tooth. The butterscotch budino ($20) is a perfect example of less is more. Just three elements – caramel sauce, crème fraiche and Maldon sea salt – are all it takes to create this standout dessert. You know the treats are good when there’s silence at the table. Rest assured our plates were stripped clean.
Osteria Mozza is currently open for dinner ATM but we hear a fab lunch menu (with those iconic wood-fired pizzas) is coming soon!
Osteria Mozza, Level 5, Hilton Singapore Orchard, 333 Orchard Road, Singapore 238867
