Thirty9, the Italian restaurant tucked into a conserved shophouse at 39 Duxton Hill, is easy to walk past, but it is worth knowing for one reason straight away: this is a warm, rustic Singapore spot for handmade pasta, thoughtful Italian cooking, and a quieter meal than many places nearby. The signage is quiet, the frontage understated. We arrived on a Tuesday just after 6pm, when the street was still settling into the evening, and almost missed it entirely.
Then we stepped inside, and the room opened up. For food lovers who care about well-made pasta, quality Italian food, a good bottle of wine, or a relaxed date-night setting in Duxton Hill, this review looks at the atmosphere, the standout dishes and desserts, the service, and the practical details that shape a visit, from pricing and opening hours to booking and parking.
First Impressions: A Cosy Italian Restaurant with Rustic Trattoria Charm
The first thing we noticed was the light from a skylight above the main dining area, making the space feel open even at night. The decor is warm, modern-rustic, and inviting, with visible activity in Head Chef Erik Trozza’s kitchen, where you can watch pasta being handmade and focaccia baked. Chef Trozza brings over two decades of culinary experience, including time at Mia Torino, infusing each dish with passion and precision. Outdoor alfresco tables are available, but the indoor seating near the skylight is preferable for comfort and space. Established in October 2022 and owned by the dedicated husband-and-wife team of Peter and Giusi Stilli, Thirty9 offers a cozy retreat with rustic charm and modern elegance.
Worth Noting: the adjacent Latteria Mozzarella Bar is next door, and if you’re visiting on a weekend or a special occasion, it’s worth knowing that the two share an address and a neighbourhood that rewards lingering.
The Food: Good Quality Food Rooted in Italy's Rich Culinary Heritage
We came for the pasta and stayed for the delicious food that showcases the chef’s effort and expertise. We’re glad we let the kitchen lead us through the rest.
Fusilli Ragù Napoletano (S$34)
This is the dish we’d point a first-timer toward without hesitation. The fusilli is rolled by hand, and you feel it immediately. The spirals are firmer and a little irregular, with a chew that holds the sauce rather than collapsing into it. The ragù is a Napoli-style blend of pork and beef, slow-cooked and meaty, brightened with basil and finished with Parmigiano Reggiano. It’s rich without being heavy. We finished the plate slower than usual, and that felt exactly right.
This is Thirty9 paying homage to Italy’s cooking traditions with its own original twist, with a taste that lets those classic elements come through cleanly every time.
Gigli & Gamberi (S$36)
If the fusilli is comfort, this is the lighter, brighter option. Lily-shaped pasta with red prawns, garlic, lemon, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and mint. The ruffled cones catch the sauce beautifully, so every bite carries that fresh, briny sweetness from the prawns without ever feeling overpowering. The acidity of the cherry tomatoes and lemon kept everything lifted. If you prefer something less rich after a starter, this is your dish. If you want a pizza instead, the Pizza Genovese pairs basil pesto, mozzarella, potato, and sun-dried tomato in a harmonious blend inspired by the Italian coast.
Grilled Octopus with Paprika Sauce and Crispy Chorizo
For those craving a taste of Italy’s famed antipasti, the grilled octopus is a standout, served with tender lemon chickpeas, a smoky paprika sauce, and crunchy crispy chorizo. The combination balances textures and flavors beautifully, making it a great dish to share with friends.
The Bread (First Serving Complimentary, S$8 After)
The focaccia comes out pillowy and light, baked in-house with Italian 00 flour and served with a generous pour of olive oil. It tastes like real bread, with a grain flavour you don’t often find in a restaurant basket. We reached for a second helping before the pasta arrived, and we’re not embarrassed about it. Pace yourself, though. There’s more coming.
Tiramisù Thirty9 (S$16)
The dessert course leans into indulgent desserts, and the tiramisù is a generous one. Creamy mascarpone, savoiardi sponge soaked through, and a noticeable hit of Amaretto Disaronno. It’s rich and a little boozy, which we loved, and one serving was more than enough to share between two after a full dinner. If you prefer something less sweet, the Millefoglie with lemon custard and flaky puff pastry or the Cannoli Siciliani might suit you better. Both are S$16 and both are worth the finish.
The One That Missed: Tagliatelle all’Aragosta (S$48)
The lobster tagliatelle, the priciest seafood pasta at S$48, didn’t impress like the other dishes. The tomato sauce was flat, and the Boston lobster didn’t elevate the dish. While not poorly cooked, it lacked the appeal of the fusilli or gigli. The real value lies in the handmade pasta rather than premium seafood. For seasonal seafood and fish, try the Whole Red Snapper Casserole (S$68, serves two, 25 minutes), featuring seasonal seafood and spicy tomato sauce, perfect for sharing. Pair it with the Soncino Salad and a glass of white wine for a balanced meal.
Grilled Berkshire Pork Chop
Another highlight is the grilled Berkshire pork chop, cooked to perfection with a juicy interior and a flavorful crust. Accompanied by sautéed mushrooms and creamy potato purée, this dish exemplifies the chef’s attention to detail and commitment to delicious food.
Service: Warm Hospitality That Feels Personal
The service is genuinely one of the best parts of a meal at Thirty9, and it’s the kind of Italian hospitality that makes a small room feel looked after.
The staff know the menu well, and they know the wine list even better. When we hesitated, they suggested a Pinot Noir that paired perfectly with the ragù, a recommendation that came without pressure and landed well. Attentive without hovering. Friendly without being formal. That warmth carries through the whole meal, and it’s a big part of why repeat customers come back.
Practical Information: 39 Duxton Hill, Singapore
Here’s what you need to know before visiting Thirty9.
Address: 39 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089617
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (Exit A, 6-minute walk) or Maxwell MRT from Chinatown.
Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 12pm–2:30pm, 6pm–10:30pm
Sunday: Closed
Last order: 9:30pm
Pricing:
Set lunch (weekdays): S$35 for two courses, S$39 for three
Dinner without alcohol: S$45–S$70++ per person
Dinner with starters, dessert, and wine: S$80–S$150++ per person
Set lunch offers great value for first-timers.
Booking: Via SevenRooms; recommended for Fridays, Saturdays, dates, or groups over four. A credit card hold is required, with a S$39 per person fee for no-shows or late cancellations.
Best times: Weekday lunch just after noon or early dinner (6pm) Monday to Thursday. Duxton Hill gets busy on weekends.
Parking: Nearby off-street parking with about 210 spaces, fills quickly on weekends. Public transport or taxis are easier.
Timing: Some dishes like the Whole Red Snapper Casserole (25 mins) and grilled meats (30–45 mins) take longer. Mention plans if you have time constraints.
Our Verdict: Thirty9, a Duxton Hill Italian Restaurant Worth the Visit
Thirty9 isn’t trying to be a prestigious restaurant in the flashy sense. It’s a kitchen doing the fundamentals properly: handmade pasta with real texture, bread baked fresh each day, wine chosen with care, and a room run with genuine warmth. That’s rarer than it sounds in this part of the city.
Thirty9 is best for:
Couples wanting a quieter Duxton Hill dinner
Anyone who loves handmade pasta and fresh, quality food
Small birthday or anniversary meals
Wine drinkers who appreciate a good recommendation
A relaxed but polished lunch with colleagues
Less suited for:
Large groups without advance planning
Budget diners hoping for cheap pasta
Anyone needing a quick meal
Diners who prefer dramatic presentation over substance
Would we go back? Yes. For the fusilli, a bottle of something the staff recommends, and a slow Tuesday evening when there’s no rush to be anywhere else. Skip the lobster tagliatelle on a first visit. Order the handmade pasta, take your time with the bread, and let the meal be what it is. That’s the version of Thirty9 that stays with you.
For those exploring the area, don’t miss out on discovering more culinary delights nearby, check out 8 Hidden Gems Worth Visiting for Great Food and Affordable Prices in Tanjong Pagar, where you can find exceptional dining spots that offer both quality and value, perfect for your next food adventure.
If this kind of honest food writing is what you’re here for, we’ve got more of it at SG Foodie Travels. Come read along, and maybe we’ll point you toward your next quiet, memorable meal.
