If you love pasta (who doesn’t?), then consider this our PSA to sprint, not walk, to Scarpetta, the new pasta bar at Amoy Street. This place is a love letter to handmade pasta, written by a former finance bro (let’s call him Aaron), who so missed his favourite cacio e pepe from his time in London that he decided to open his own restaurant. And, you know it’s passion over profit when nothing on the menu is over $30.
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To bring his vision to life, Aaron roped in Danny Ng, the ex-head chef of Bar Cicheti, and together, they crafted a small-ish menu of pastas that deliver serious flavour and variation. We’re talking bold, umami-packed sauces and perfectly al dente noodles, all made fresh, and paired with thin, crispy schiacciata bread so you can mop up every last drop, which is what the term “scarpetta” means.
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Begin your calorie-laden feast with the Tuscan Toasts (from $12), particularly the uni version. Aaron uses only auction-grade uni flown in twice a week, and it’s as creamy and sweet as the ones you’d pay double for at a Japanese omakase. The Burrata ($18) with cherry tomatoes is silky, milky and high-key addictive.
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If I had to pick three pastas, I would go for the Al Granchio e Limone ($26), a Blue Swimmer Crab taglioni brimming with oceanic sweetness; the Spicy alla Vodka ($21), a baked vegetarian tomato- and chilli-based rigatoni with charred crispy edges; and the Bolognese Ravioli ($24), where tender beef cheek, bone marrow, and sun-dried tomato explode with rich, meaty flavours.
For dessert, don’t even think about skipping the boozy Tiramisu ($11), hands-down one of the best in town—strong, creamy, and perfectly balanced with its layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers. And if you have space for more, go for the Gelato con Olio ($6), a creamy Hokkaido milk ice-cream topped with Umbrian extra virgin olive oil and salt flakes. Have this with an Espresso Martini ($22), and call it a night.
The only downside? This 30-seater restaurant—easily identified from the long queues outside—is walk-in only, with seating mostly at the bar. But that just adds to the charm; watching your pasta get plated right in front of you is part of the experience. And with prices this reasonable, you’re definitely getting maximum bang for your buck.
Scarpetta is at 47 Amoy Street. For enquiries, WhatsApp 8851-1521.