Who doesn't like pizza? I don't know anyone who doesn't.
Pizza is a universal favourite food. Unfortunately we are not that well served for pizzas in our city. Sure we have the big chains that are convenient but quite horrid, my chief complain is the rank frozen smell from the dough sitting too long in the freezer. We had some good pizzerias until about six months ago, such as Cicheti and Pizza Fabricca, but quality has declined until we can't justify the prices anymore. We mourn the loss of our neighbourhood Extra Virgin Pizza, and even Crust refuses to deliver to our area these days. I have never liked Mozza and Skinny Pizza, because the crust is more cracker-like than bready. Peperoni? Don't like them either, a bit too much like Hard Rock Cafe, too loud, too theme-park. Atmastel? Only if someone else is paying, pizzas should not be costing $29+++.
Well, it seems like there are positive changes. There are 3 new pizza places in town. Last Saturday, we tried out one of them, mainly because they were open. To our delight, they are still featuring their Grand Opening menu; even though they have been opened since mid-May.
When was the last time you saw squid ink pasta at $18? Year 2000? I can't remember either, I only know my husband loves this dish and whenever we order it (actually, must pre-order, and they then lay your table with black linen instead of the usual white, in order to make the food stains less obvious) at Restaurant da Valentino we always get a small heart attack when the bill is presented.
Anyway, no sadness this time. The squid ink pasta was very delicious, and generously portioned too. The pizzas were very good, topped with lots of ingredients and very satisfying. I especially liked the Marinara with anchovies, it's a clever combination because it maximises the umami factor, and still allows V the option of having her favourite pizza by simply removing the anchovies before she eats. They use wood-fired oven, which helps the dough to rise spectacularly and encourages lots of blisters in the crust. My only complaint is the crust is a little tough, not chewy, but kind of hard, but not so bad that I leave it behind.
I looked through the online menu, it has a wider selection of dishes than what was available last Saturday lunchtime. Definitely a reason to re-visit, better try to do it before the inevitable price hikes.
Luka Italian
18 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088441
T: +65 6221 3988
closed on Sundays
