[Review] Tavola Aperta Opens at Plaza Singapura with Handmade Pasta from S$20 and Below

Tavola Aperta, the latest concept from the team behind casual European diner, Salt & Soul, has recently opened at Plaza Singapura with a focus on affordable modern Italian cuisine. Helmed by Chef Mark Tan, who previously worked at Los Angeles’ renowned Felix Trattoria, the restaurant serves handmade pastas priced at S$20 and below alongside sourdough pizzas made with dough fermented for up to 72 hours.

We were invited for a dinner tasting and savoured two sharing sides along with three mains.

We started with their signature Zucchini (S$13.90), featuring zucchini, ricotta, toasted hazelnuts and balsamic glaze.

It was a simple but well balanced starter, with creamy ricotta complementing the tender zucchini while the hazelnuts added crunch and the balsamic brought a touch of sweetness and acidity. We love how everything comes together so harmoniously, showcasing how with creativity, humble ingredients can present sophiscated flavours.

The Tender Squid with Pearl Couscous (S$14.90) was another enjoyable appetiser.

The squid was tender and paired well with the chewy pearl couscous for this cold dish. The light prawn foam added subtle seafood flavour without overwhelming the dish, keeping everything light and floaty.

Among the mains, the Mortadella E Pistacchio Pizza (S$24.90) stood out.

The sourdough crust was light with a crisp edge, topped with creamy mozzarella, premium mortadella and toasted pistachios. The combination was rich but balanced, making it easy to finish.

The Umami Prawn (S$19.90) was our favourite of the meal.

A kombu infused prawn stock gave the pasta depth, while the seared prawns were sweet and cooked just right. The sauce was flavourful without being overly heavy.

The Spicy Sausage Chorizo Risotto (S$18.90) offered a comforting finish.

Creamy risotto was paired with smoky Spanish chorizo, sweet paprika and aged parmesan, resulting in a hearty dish with heavier savoury notes. This is for those who like intense flavours.

Our meal was accompanied with a cup of tea and a glass of white wine. The restaurant offers a decent selecton of wine and other beverages to pair with the dishes.

Overall, Tavola Aperta delivers well executed Italian classics at approachable prices. The handmade pasta, quality ingredients and well fermented pizza dough make it a worthwhile addition in the area for casual lunches or dinners.

Tavola Aperta

Address:
68 Orchard Road, #01-60 Plaza Singapura, Singapore 238839

Opening Hours:
Daily, 11am to 10pm

Contact:
+65 8258 8348

[Review] Unapologetically Inauthentic: How 美吉 𑁍 Maggie’s Reinvents Classic Tze Char Flavours