The challenge: find one spot that satisfies a parent's desire for authentic, quality food and a child's simple, happy palate.
We’d heard whispers of a place. Not a fancy restaurant with white tablecloths, but a humble stall tucked away in a kopitiam. A place called Il Piccolo Pizzeria. We went in with skeptical hopes and, I'm thrilled to report, we rolled out with full bellies and new-found faith. This, my friends, is a genuine heartland gem.
The Setting: A Full-Blown Trattoria in a Coffeeshop?
You'll find Il Piccolo Pizzeria at Block 78C Toa Payoh Central, nestled inside a bright, clean, and typical neighbourhood coffeeshop. This is not a standalone restaurant. You'll be ordering your food alongside folks getting their kopi or chicken rice. And for a family, this is secretly a superpower—it’s casual, it’s breezy, and nobody bats an eye if your four-year-old drops a fork (or has a momentary meltdown).
The "How is this Possible?" Menu
The first shock isn't the setting, but the menu. It's huge. We’re talking over 20 types of pizza, more than 40 pasta dishes, baked rice, gnocchi, and even desserts like tiramisu. It’s all the work of a single, dedicated hawker-chef, Mr. Zhou, who churns out restaurant-quality dishes from his modest stall. Seeing this extensive menu, I knew we weren't in for a typical "Western food" stall experience.
The Main Event: Pizza That Passes the Kid Test
We are, at our core, a pizza family. So, we judged them on their namesake. We decided to split our order between the grown-ups and the little ones.
For the Parents: Parma Ham Pizza
We went for the 12-inch Parma Ham Pizza. When it arrived, I was genuinely impressed. This wasn't a floppy, greasy disc. It had a lovely, thin-to-medium crust—sturdy enough to hold the generous toppings, with a pleasant chew. It was topped with salty prosciutto, fresh arugula, and the master stroke: a perfectly runny egg in the centre. Breaking that yolk and dipping the crust into it was a moment of pure, simple joy. It was savoury, rich, and felt like an incredible value at under $20.
For the Kids: The Pepperoni Litmus Test
My six-year-old daughter is a self-proclaimed pepperoni expert. My four-year-old son is just an eating machine. We got them a classic Pepperoni Pizza.
The Six-Year-Old's Verdict: She performed her usual ritual: picking off a single pepperoni, inspecting it, eating it, and then... a slow nod of approval. "This is good, papa." The highest praise.
The Four-Year-Old's Verdict: This was even clearer. He simply grabbed a slice, folded it, and jammed it into his face. There was silence for a solid five minutes, broken only by "Mmm, more." Sauce was everywhere. Success.
The cheese was properly melted and bubbly, the tomato sauce had a bright, fresh taste, and the crust was the perfect vehicle. It wasn't "gourmet" in a way that would scare off kids, but it was 100% real.
More Than Just Pizza: The "Real Value" Hidden Menu
Here's where Il Piccolo Pizzeria truly becomes a "Real Value SG" champion. On a return visit (yes, we've already been back), we explored the rest of the menu. This is where your mind will be blown.
Gnocchi Di Patate (aka 'Cheese Potato')
For just $7.50, you can get a dish of Gnocchi Di Patate. The signboard charmingly labels it "Cheese Potato" to make it more approachable. This isn't the dense, doughy stuff you might fear. These are soft, pillowy potato dumplings tossed in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with mushrooms and asparagus. It’s comforting, it’s delicious, and it’s a portion size that could easily cost double in a downtown bistro.
Restaurant-Level Lasagna
We also tried the Beef Lasagna ($7.50). Again, the value is staggering. It’s a hearty, savoury, beautifully baked portion with generous layers of pasta, minced beef, and béchamel. It’s the kind of satisfying, rib-sticking food you crave on a rainy day.
The "Real Value SG" Verdict: Why We're Going Back
Il Piccolo Pizzeria is the very definition of heartland gold.
The Value: This is the most obvious win. You are getting food of a quality and craft that simply shouldn't be possible at this price point. A family of four can eat an amazing Italian meal for under $50.
The Authenticity: The passion of the one-man-show behind the counter is evident in every dish. This is food made with care, not a convenience product.
The Family-Friendly Factor: It's a coffeeshop! It's loud, casual, and completely unstuffy. You can let the kids be kids, enjoy incredible food, and not worry about a massive bill or a restrictive atmosphere. It's the perfect, stress-free family dinner solution.
We went looking for a simple pizza night and found a new family staple. We'll be back to work our way through all 40 of those pasta dishes. See you there.
Your Quick Guide to Visiting Il Piccolo Pizzeria
How to Get There
Address: 78C Toa Payoh Central, Singapore 313078.
Location: It's inside the coffeeshop at this block, right near the Toa Payoh Central Community Club.
MRT: It's a short 5-10 minute walk from Toa Payoh MRT Station (NS19).
Parking: There is ample HDB parking available at the surrounding blocks.
Hours & Tips
Opening Hours: They are generally open daily from around 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. However, as it's a small operation, it's always wise to check their latest hours online before making a special trip.
Pro-Tip for Families: Go at off-peak hours (e.g., an early 5:30 PM dinner). This is a popular spot, and you'll have an easier time grabbing a table for the whole family before the main dinner rush.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is Il Piccolo Pizzeria a standalone restaurant?
No, it is a hawker stall located inside a public coffeeshop at 78C Toa Payoh Central. You order at the stall and find your own table in the shared seating area.
2. What are the must-try dishes besides pizza?
While the pizza is fantastic, don't miss the pasta. The Gnocchi Di Patate ($7.50) and the Beef Lasagna ($7.50) are both customer favourites that offer incredible restaurant-level quality for a hawker price.
3. Is it suitable for young or picky children?
Absolutely. Because it's a coffeeshop, the environment is casual and noisy, so you don't need to stress about kids being loud. The menu has plenty of child-friendly classics like Pepperoni Pizza, Hawaiian Pizza, and simple pastas like Carbonara or Bolognese.
No comments:
Post a Comment