Some restaurants ask you to judge them by what arrives on the plate. Others show you a skyline first and the menu second. I have to admit, I approach the second kind with some caution. A striking setting can make almost any evening feel special, and it can just as easily hide a kitchen that has stopped trying.
LAVO Italian Restaurant and Rooftop Bar sits right in the middle of that tension for me. It occupies Level 57 of Marina Bay Sands and serves coastal Italian cooking from one of Singapore’s most recognizable addresses. The view is definitely part of the appeal, and nobody pretends otherwise.
The question I wanted to answer with this LAVO review was simple, even if the answer wasn’t. Do the food and the overall experience give me a reason to book that goes beyond the panorama? To figure that out, I took a close look at the current menu, the prices, the setting, and the house policies, so you can decide whether LAVO suits the occasion you have in mind.
LAVO Marina Bay Sands: Location and Atmosphere
LAVO sits on Level 57 of Marina Bay Sands Hotel Tower 1, at 10 Bayfront Avenue. It is separate from the public SkyPark Observation Deck. You reach it through Tower 1, and Bayfront MRT serves the Marina Bay Sands complex.
There are three distinct spaces: an indoor dining room, a rooftop bar, and an open-air terrace. Together they offer wraparound views across the Singapore skyline and waterfront. From my experience, the choice between them matters more than it seems. The dining room suits anyone who wants air-conditioning and a more settled meal. The terrace delivers the open-air rooftop moment many people picture when they book.
Outdoor seating depends on weather and availability, so it is never guaranteed. I would also caution against expecting a specific landmark from every table. Because LAVO combines restaurant dining with a rooftop social scene, it can get lively, especially in the evenings.
Exploring the LAVO Italian Restaurant and Rooftop Bar Menu
The current LAVO Italian Restaurant and Rooftop Bar menu features coastal Italian cuisine under Tao Group Hospitality and Chef Ralph Scamardella.
Salads range from S$28 to S$32, including Verde, Caesar della Casa, Baby Beets, and Burrata. Brick-oven pizzas cost S$35 to S$38, made with whole-grain flour. Pastas include Bucatini Carbonara and Pappardelle alla Bolognese (S$38) and Seafood Fra Diavolo with scallops, shrimp, and calamari, tomato, brandy, and crushed chili (S$46), with an optional lobster addition for S$20. Mains like Grilled Branzino (S$52) and Chicken Parmigiana (S$48) are offered, with gluten-free pasta available.
The menu balances Italian staples with seafood, plus a weekday set lunch and signature dessert.
What I Ordered: Dishes Worth Considering at LAVO Singapore
The Meatball, S$42
This is LAVO’s best-known signature: a 500g meatball made from ground Imperial Wagyu, veal, and Italian pork sausage, served with marinara and fresh whipped ricotta. At that weight, it felt like a dish for the table rather than a personal starter. At S$42, it isn’t a casual add-on either, so I would treat it as a shared centerpiece. When it arrived, the meatball was impressive in size and presentation. The rich, savory flavors of the wagyu and veal blended beautifully with the Italian sausage, while the marinara sauce added a tangy sweetness that complemented the dish perfectly. The whipped ricotta was a creamy surprise that elevated each bite. I found it hearty and satisfying, ideal for sharing with friends or family.
Burrata, S$32
The burrata comes with heirloom tomatoes, eggplant caponata, and aged balsamic. The caponata gave it more substance than a plain tomato pairing. It worked as the lighter opening to a meal that might later include heavier dishes. I appreciated how fresh and creamy the burrata was, and the balance of flavors from the sweet tomatoes and tangy balsamic made it a refreshing starter. It felt like a thoughtful way to begin the meal without overwhelming the palate.
Black Truffle Pizza, S$38
This pizza is topped with wild mushrooms, Sicilian oregano, and black truffle pecorino. It represents the more indulgent end of the pizza list. It’s also an easy choice to share among a group. The aroma of truffle hit me as soon as it was served, and the combination of earthy mushrooms with the sharp pecorino was delightful. The crust was thin and crisp, which I found perfect for balancing the rich toppings. It was a luxurious treat that I happily shared.
Seafood Fra Diavolo, S$46
Scallops, shrimp, and calamari meet tomato, brandy, and crushed chili. Of all the pastas, this one reflected the coastal concept most directly. It also suited my taste for some heat. I enjoyed the bold flavors and the freshness of the seafood. The slight kick from the chili added excitement without overpowering the dish. An optional lobster addition is available for S$20. It was a satisfying pasta that felt both comforting and vibrant.
20 Layer Chocolate Cake, S$38
This dessert layers chocolate devil’s food cake with peanut butter mascarpone. The restaurant recommends sharing it among three to four guests. Note that it contains gluten, eggs, dairy, and nuts. The cake was a decadent finale to the meal. Each layer was moist and rich, with the peanut butter mascarpone adding a creamy, nutty contrast. Sharing it made the experience feel communal and indulgent, the perfect sweet ending to a memorable dinner.
LAVO Singapore Prices and Value
LAVO’s menu prices sit at the premium end of casual Italian dining. The weekday set lunch offers the most structured way in: S$45 for two courses or S$55 for three, from Monday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., excluding public holidays. Appetizer, main-course and dessert selections change periodically.
Compare that with à la carte. A Burrata followed by Seafood Fra Diavolo comes to S$78 at menu prices for one person. For a table of four sharing The Meatball, a Black Truffle Pizza, a Seafood Fra Diavolo, and the chocolate cake, the listed prices add up to S$164. That figure comes before drinks, extra dishes, taxes, and service charges, so check the final payable amount when you book or order.
So what are you paying for? It’s the menu, yes, but also the high-floor location, the redesigned setting, and the chance to pair a meal with a skyline view. To me, that makes LAVO better suited to occasions than to everyday dining.
Service, Reservations and Waiting Times
I booked a reservation before my visit, and it made the experience much smoother, especially since I wanted a specific time slot. My reservation was honored without any issues, and I noticed that complete groups were seated first, so arriving together definitely helped.
The staff kept everything organized, and the check-in process felt straightforward. Since I was hoping to enjoy the outdoor seating, I was glad the weather cooperated, although it is clearly something worth considering if you are planning the same experience.
I also appreciated that the smart casual dress code matched the restaurant’s upscale rooftop atmosphere. Overall, the reservation process and arrival experience felt hassle-free, making it easy to settle in and enjoy the rest of the visit.
Who Should Visit This Italian Restaurant Rooftop Bar?
LAVO makes the most sense when the setting is part of the reason you’re going out. Couples planning a dinner date, and anyone marking a birthday or anniversary, will likely find the height and the views give the evening a sense of occasion. Tourists and guests staying at Marina Bay Sands get a convenient way to combine a meal with the skyline. Groups benefit from a menu built for sharing, from the Meatball to the pizzas and the chocolate cake.
It’s a weaker fit if you want a quiet, low-cost meal. The prices reflect the location, and the rooftop social atmosphere can get lively. If intimate conversation is your main priority, a smaller, calmer room may serve you better. Diners who need halal food should also note that several dishes, including The Meatball, contain pork.
Final Thoughts: Is LAVO Italian Restaurant & Rooftop Bar Worth Dining In?
So, is the view worth dining for? I think it’s the wrong way to frame the decision. At LAVO, the view and the menu are designed to be bought together.
Here is what’s clear to me. The setting is real and distinctive: Level 57, wraparound skyline views, an indoor dining room, and an open-air terrace. The 2025 relaunch gives it a fresh coastal Italian identity, and the menu is thoughtfully varied, balancing comfort dishes with seafood. The restaurant has also earned outside recognition, including the 2024 RAS Epicurean Star Award for Best Italian Restaurant.
What only a meal can confirm is whether each dish justifies its price on flavor alone, and how the service holds up on a busy night. If you’re booking for an occasion and value the setting, LAVO is a reasonable choice. If you want food-first value, the weekday set lunch is the smarter test. For more considered guides to Singapore’s hotel restaurants and dining experiences, explore Stay & Dine.
LAVO Italian Restaurant & Rooftop Bar FAQ
Where is LAVO Italian Restaurant & Rooftop Bar located?
LAVO is at Marina Bay Sands, Tower 1, Level 57, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956.
How much does it cost to eat at LAVO Singapore?
Pizzas cost S$35 to S$38, pastas S$32 to S$46, and selected main courses S$48 to S$52. Premium steaks and larger sharing dishes cost more.
Is a reservation required at LAVO Marina Bay Sands?
No. Walk-ins are welcome, subject to availability, but booking is advisable for a specific time or occasion.
Does LAVO Singapore have outdoor seating?
Yes. There’s an open-air terrace, but seating depends on weather and availability.
What should I wear to LAVO Singapore?
Smart casual. Slippers, flip-flops, singlets, swimwear, gym attire, robes, and hotel slippers are not accepted.
