If you’re a pasta enthusiast or just someone who’s ever dreamed of replacing your usual Big Mac with a bite of handcrafted Italian bliss, Casa Vostra at City Hall is your next stop. Yes, the former McDonald’s at City Hall has transformed into a bougie Italian restaurant, and the hype is real—like “queueing at 10:45 am for an 11:30 am opening” real. So, is it worth the wait? We braved the lunchtime crowd to find out.
The Crab Tagliatelle: Fresh, Fancy, and Full of (Some) Surprises
Let’s dive into the headliner: the Crab Tagliatelle. At $26 a plate, you might be expecting a transcendent bite of pasta heaven. What you get is…pleasant. The good: A generous portion of crab meat, clearly freshly peeled (we found some tiny shells to prove it). The pasta itself? Chef’s kiss. Handcrafted, fresh, with that perfect al dente chewiness. And the two chunks of tomato confit? Sweet, aromatic, and the kind of thing that makes you wish there were five more. The basil leaf garnish didn’t just sit there looking pretty; it brought an earthy balance to the mild sauce. The less good: The crab meat was fresh but not exactly bursting with sweetness, and the sauce leaned towards the shy side of flavour. Let’s just say, for $26, I was expecting a flavour bomb; this was more like a flavour sprinkle. Still, it’s a decent, simple dish for a casual pasta outing.
Agnolotti del Plin: A Pocket-Sized Luxury
Next up: the Agnolotti del Plin. Imagine tiny pasta parcels filled with a rich, aromatic pork stew, swimming in a decadent chicken jus and butter sauce. Sounds divine, right? And it was—until you looked at the portion size. For $28, I was hoping for a bit more than what could fit in a toddler’s hand. But oh, the flavour! Deep, buttery, and the kind of thing that lingers long after the last bite. Verdict? It’s a treat-yourself moment, but your wallet might need therapy afterward.
Pizza Time: Why Everyone’s Actually Here
Let’s cut to the chase—Casa Vostra’s pizzas are the real MVPs. Nearly every table had one, and it’s easy to see why. We tried two classics: Prosciutto e Rucola ($24): Parma ham, rocket, and a cheese lineup (San Marzano DOP, fiordilatte, parmigiano Reggiano) that’ll make your taste buds sing. The crust? Fluffy on the inside, charred and crispy on the outside. A symphony of textures and flavours. Diavola Pizza ($20): Spicy salami, cheese galore, and a kick of basil. It’s simple, spicy, and absolutely essential if you like your pizzas with a bit of heat. Moral of the story: If you’re here and you don’t order a pizza, you’re doing it wrong.
Service with a Smile (and Speed!)
If there’s one thing Casa Vostra does as well as their pizzas, it’s service. The staff were attentive, cheerful, and quick to help, even with the crowd frenzy. Special shoutout to the manager for keeping the place running like a well-oiled (butter-sauced) machine.
Final Verdict: Worth the Hype?
Casa Vostra is a delightful addition to City Hall’s food scene. While the crab tagliatelle and agnolotti del plin are solid contenders, it’s the pizzas and top-notch service that steal the show. Queueing for over an hour might feel intense, but hey, it’s all part of the experience—and you can always flex about it later on Instagram.
Casa Vostra Opening Hours and Location
Check out Casa Vostra menu here
11:30 am – 10 pm Daily
Address: 252 N Bridge Rd, #01 – 49 / 50 / 51 Raffles City Shopping, Raffles City
