La Bottega Enoteca – A Slice of Italy in Joo Chiat

Fans of La Bottega Enoteca’s Newpolitan and Doublecrunch pizzas now have even more reasons to rejoice with the unveiling of a new menu by Chef-Owner Antonio Miscellaneo.

La Bottega, which has earned the top spot in the prestigious 50 Top Pizza Asia Pacific 2023, is celebrating its second anniversary.

Our evening commenced with the expertly grilled Calamaretti Alla Griglia ($25), delicately garnished with vibrant pea, fragrant mint, and a zest of citrus. The tender baby calamari showcases a perfect balance of smokiness and sweetness. Just a squeeze of lemon brightens the entire dish.

The Newpolitan® pays homage to traditional Neapolitan pizza. It is crafted from meticulously fermented Italian flours and baked in a wood-fired oven at a scorching 460℃, resulting in a crispy, airy, yet melt-in-the-mouth masterpiece.

The stars of the show is the Newpolitan® in new flavours. We had Broccolini ($28/ half) featuring charred broccolini layered with San Marzano DOP and taleggio, further crispened with lemon breadcrumbs, oregano and chilli, and the equally enchanting Mortadella ($32/ half) which features gooey parmesan fondue embraced with silky Italian mortadella, amped up with red pesto and crunchy pistachios.

We also explored the menu’s signature and classic delights, including the Arrosticini ($7/each, minimum 3 pieces) – a tribute to Abruzzo’s grilling tradition. These lamb neck skewers were grilled to perfection.

I really enjoyed the Pappadella Al Ragú D’ Anatra ($34), a dish that effortlessly combined housemade pappardelle with the richness of goose, the depth of Parmigiano Reggiano aged for 24 months, and a subtle zing from the finishing touch of orange zest.

For the meat enthusiasts, the Pulma Alla Griglia ($58) will steal your hearts. Imagine grilled Spanish Pluma of Iberico pork fragranced with Sicilian capers and red capsicum — a symphony of flavours.

The Caciucco E Fregola ($68) is a visual delight – an assortment of fresh, vibrant seafood meticulously arranged, promising a medley of tastes and textures. The inclusion of monkfish, Gambero Rosso, Japanese scallops, Australian mussels, and squid adds layers of complexity to the dish. Each element is perfectly cooked, preserving its natural essence while absorbing the aromatic essence of the ocean. But what elevates this dish to greatness is the fregola – Sardinian pasta pearls that absorb the flavors of the sea, creating a rich and hearty base for the seafood ensemble.

Ends things on a sweet note with the new Seadas ($14), a traditional Sardinian delicacy of fried raviolo with cow’s cheese drizzled with honey, Sfogliatella Riccia Gelato Al Parmigiano Reggiano 24 Mesi ($16), the new house signature Parmigiano Reggiano gelato with handmade neapolitan ‘Sfogliatella Riccia” with Traditional Balsamic Vinegar from Modena, and Bomboloni “Fai Da Te” ($18) which is fresh daily-baked doughnuts with mascarpone filling.

Experience the soul of Italy right here at La Bottega Enoteca. With imported elements from Italy, including Moretti Neopolis ovens and authentic piazzetta square tiles, the restaurant recreates the lively ambience of Italian streets. Take a seat by the pizza counter and witness the magic unfold as the chefs craft each pizza!

Disclaimer: This was an invited tasting.