The Place Plaza Singapura is usually not the first place I think of for a vibey date-night spot, but the newly opened Tavola Aperta is set to change that. Helmed by Chef Mark Tan who trained at the renowned Felix Trattoria in Los Angeles, this casual modern Italian restaurant spots a chic minimalist interior. 

The Food The handmade pastas are all priced under S$20 here where it also has an extensive selection of starters and pizzas. 

I started with their Savoury Ragu Toast With Fontal (S$16.90) – toasted sourdough with rich beef ragu and melted Italian Fontal cheese. 

The Zucchini (S$13.90)is a variation on the stuffed zucchini flower, where the chefs instead poach then deep fry zucchini, topped with crumbed feta and complete with a drizzle of caramel and balsamic. 

For pastas, expect the likes of al dente Aglio E Olio (S$11.90), White Ragu Bolognese (S$19.90) and more. 

In addition, there are also sourdough pizzas on the menu, where the dough is cold fermented for up to 72 hours. Expect flavours like Mortadella E Pistacchio (S$24.90), a white pizza with pistachio pesto and burrata; Potato & Leek (S$19.50), with thinly sliced russet potatoes and shaved leeks, rich chunks of pancetta and finished with chives and pickled pearl onions. 

Rants The pasta portions are a bit small. You might need to order extra starters or a pizza to truly fill up. 

Will I Return Again? This place is not going to blow your mind but is no doubt a very affordable and casual Italian restaurant to check out in Orchard Road. The quality is decent for the price tag, and one of the main strong points here is the wide range of pasta and pizza flavours.

TheRantingPanda says:
Taste bud: 3.5/5
Hole in the pocket: 3.5/5
Ambience: 4/5
Overall Experience: 3.5/5 

Tavola Aperta 
68 Orchard Road 
#01-60, Plaza Singapura 
Singapore 238839 
Tel: +65 9164 6186 

Opening Hours 
Monday to Sunday: 11am to 10pm 

Ranted by The Ranter