Italian restaurant Casa Vostra has taken over the iconic McDonald’s space at Raffles City, transforming it into a haven for Italian cuisine lovers. As a fan of both comfort food and gourmet dining, I was intrigued by this new addition to Singapore’s culinary scene and couldn’t wait to see if Casa Vostra would fill the big shoes left by the Golden Arches. Spoiler alert: they did more than just fill them; they made me forget about McDonald’s altogether.
This new venture brings the culinary magic of Chef-owner Antonio Miscellaneo, who holds the 57th spot on the list of the world’s best pizzas, and whose pizzas at La Bottega rank 15th in the Asia-Pacific. Previously known for its takeaway and delivery service, Casa Vostra now has its first brick-and-mortar restaurant, promising an authentic Italian dining experience.
Chef Antonio Miscellaneo’s pizzas has been ranked 15th in Asia-Pacific. Photo © Asia 361
Stepping into Casa Vostra, you immediately feel the warm, inviting atmosphere that contrasts the fast-food joint it replaced. The restaurant’s layout, with live pizza and pasta-making stations, invites diners to witness the culinary craftsmanship that has made Chef Antonio a celebrated name in the pizza world. The transformation from a delivery-only service to a full-fledged restaurant marks a significant milestone for Casa Vostra, bringing authentic Italian cuisine to the heart of Singapore.
Casa Vostra has taken over the space of the iconic McDonald’s at Raffles City Shopping Centre. Photo © Asia 361
The Food
Our culinary journey began with the Frittatina Lasagne, a unique creation of Chef Antonio that Casa Vostra is proud to introduce. Imagine layers of juicy beef and fresh tomato sauce sandwiched between homemade lasagna sheets, and yet accompanied with a twist of crispy toppings. This was an excellent starter that set the tone for the rest of the meal.
Frittatina Lasagne is fried lasagna. Photo © Asia 361
Next up was the Gamberi Pizza, which features San Marzano DOP tomatoes, Argentinian prawns and prawn reduction with a hint of lemon zest. The tomato base added a tangy sweetness that complemented the seafood beautifully. My only gripe was that there were too few prawns on the pizza, or rather I was given a tasting portion with only one small piece prawn.
Photo © Asia 361
As a truffle lover, the Tartufo e Funghi Pizza was a dream come true. Topped with Fior di Latte, Taleggio, mushrooms, thyme, and finished with freshly shaved black truffle, this pizza was a rich and aromatic delight. The earthy mushrooms and creamy Fior di Latte melded together, creating a symphony of flavours with every bite. I did not expect myself to love this pizza, given that it did not look visually appetising to be honest. But it turned out to be my favourite dish of the meal. If you could have only one pizza choice, make it the Tartufo e Funghi pizza.
The Tartufo e Funghi pizza might not look appetising but it is a must-try. Photo © Asia 361
Casa Vostra’s Mortadella Double Crunch Pizza is a unique creation by Chef Antonio that combines the best of both worlds: the lightness of pizza and the satisfying crunch of a sandwich. This “pizza-sandwich” hybrid features Fior di Latte, mortadella, pistachio, lemon zest, and basil between two crispy layers of pizza dough. I was told that this was a highlight on the menu, but personally I did not fancy it that much as it felt more like a sandwich rather than a pizza.
The Double Crunch is a unique take on the traditional pizza. Photo © Asia 361
For those not in the mood for pizzas, there are myriad pasta choices on the menu. I tried the Crab Tagliatelle and the Agnolotti del Plin but I still prefer the pizzas. You’d be pleased to know that all the dishes – including pasta – are made from scratch at Casa Vostra using the best of ingredients imported from overseas. The restaurant promises no artificial additives and no preservatives in their food.
Casa Vostra offers many pasta choices including Crab Tagliatelle. Photo © Casa Vostra
No Italian meal is complete without a sweet finish, and Casa Vostra’s Tiramisu did not disappoint. This classic dessert featured layers of mascarpone, savoiardi, coffee, and cocoa, all coming together in a creamy, dreamy delight. Each spoonful was a perfect blend of sweet and bitter, leaving me thoroughly satisfied.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional Italian cuisine or looking to try something new and exciting, Casa Vostra is definitely worth a visit. One surprising thing about Casa Vostra is its prices – prices for pastas start at S$13 and S$15 for pizzas. So, the next time you are in Raffles City, don’t lament the loss of McDonald’s. Instead, embrace the delightful culinary journey that Casa Vostra promises. Buon appetito!
Casa Vostra
252 North Bridge Road
#01-49/50/51
Raffles City Shopping Centre
Singapore 179103
Opening hours: Open daily, 12pm to 10pm
