You’ve seen, heard, and used conveyor belts for sushi. But have you seen, heard, or used a converter belt for tapas? Caffe Italia claims to be Singapore’s first restaurant to serve tapas on a conveyor belt, right in front of a bar. The idea sounds perfect if you want a quick bite to go with your drinks, or just some starters before you feast!
Tapas are small, savoury dishes or snacks that originated in Spain, with its name derived from the Spanish verb tapar, meaning “to cover.” Historically, they were used to cover drinks, particularly sherry, to keep flies away.
Today, they are also commonly enjoyed as starters in many meals. While tapas are most closely associated with Spanish cuisine, the concept of small, shareable portions is popular across Europe. Tapas-style dining has also gained popularity outside Spain, including Italy!
The tapas menu at Caffe Italia is always changing, as the founder prefers to keep things fresh with every visit. The tapas on the conveyor belt are priced in three categories: red plates at $10.50+, grey plates at $11.50+, and blue plates at $13.50+. To celebrate their grand opening, Caffe Italia is also offering free service charge for a limited time.
We tried the Parma Ham ($13.50+), which was served with Taralli, a traditional snack from southern Italy. These wheat-based crackers are similar in texture to grissini breadsticks. The parma ham had a strong, distinctly porky flavour with a slightly pungent aroma, but pairing it with the Taralli helped balance out the richness and made it more enjoyable.
We also tried the Blue Cheese ($13.50+) with fig jam. I loved how the sweetness of the fig jam perfectly complemented the bold, pungent, and tangy flavour of the blue cheese!
We then tried the Caponata ($10.50+), which we absolutely loved as a condiment paired with the other dishes. The mix of onion, olives, cherry tomatoes, eggplant, garlic, and nuts came together beautifully, creating a rich, tangy flavour that reminded us of barbecue sauce. It was the perfect accompaniment to our meal!
Next, we tried the Bresaola ($13.50+)—air-dried meat made from the top side of the cow. It had a rich, beefy flavour that was both tender and satisfying. Topped with fresh rocket leaves and served with Taralli, it reminded us of the Parma Ham but even better—lighter, yet equally flavourful.
The next dish in line was the Porchetta Pork ($10.50+). It was surprisingly lean and dry, with a texture that reminded us more of turkey or chicken. The pickled onions added a refreshing tang, and the brine from the pickles paired wonderfully with the mustard. The porchetta was made from both pork belly and collar, which made it extra flavourful despite the lean texture.
Next, we had some Pork Salami ($11.50+), which was on the heavier side. Its strong and intense flavour was too much for me, as someone who isn’t a fan of pungent and fatty meat. However, for my colleague who loves bold, rich flavours, it was perfect!
Lastly, we tried the Pecorino Romano ($11.50+), a hard, salty Italian cheese, served with fig jam, raspberry bursts, and walnuts on the side. I absolutely loved it! The rich, savoury flavour of the Pecorino paired perfectly with the sweetness of the fig jam, the tartness of the raspberries, and the crunch of the walnuts—an irresistible combination!
You can’t have tapas and cheese without good alcohol. We paired our dishes with some wine, prosecco and Aperol, which really enhanced the experience.
In addition to tapas, Caffe Italia also offers a variety of classic Italian dishes including pizza and pasta, making it a great spot for dinner or lunch. Whether you’re in the area for a casual catch-up over drinks or a hearty family meal, Caffe Italia has something for every occasion.
For more Italian restaurants to explore, read our best Italian restaurants guide. Else, check out our Bad Habits Provision coverage for a vibey, hidden underground pizzeria in the area serving up New York pizzas by slices!
Address: 81 Clemenceau Ave, #01-15/16 UE Square, Singapore 239917
Opening hours: Daily 11:30 am to 11:30 pm
Tel: 9895 6857
Website
Caffe Italia is not a halal-certified eatery
Photos taken by Marcus Neo.
This was a media tasting at Caffe Italia.
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