Lede
Singapore’s pizza royalty, chef Antonio Miscellaneo, is trading his celebrated Neapolitan pies for smoky Eastern Mediterranean flavors at his latest venture, Petra. Scheduled to open on October 24 at Dempsey Hill, the sprawling 8,000-square-foot, 119-seat concept marks a bold departure for the man behind La Bottega Enoteca—Singapore’s top-ranked pizzeria at the Best Pizza Awards 2026—and the ever-crowded Casa Vostra chain. For the chef, the new direction is a long-awaited return to the simple, herb-driven plates he savored while living in London.
A Pizza King’s New Flame
It’s a surprising pivot for the Italian-born chef-restaurateur, who recently snagged the 85th spot globally in the prestigious Top 100 Pizzaiolos ranking. Miscellaneo explains that Petra is a deeply personal project, sparked by nostalgia for the vibrant Mediterranean fare he regularly enjoyed abroad. The name itself, borrowed from the ancient Jordanian city—a historic meeting point of cultures and trading routes—reflects the restaurant’s fusion-focused ethos, a place where Italian precision meets Middle Eastern spice and smoke. True to its namesake, the restaurant aims to be a culinary crossroads.
The Culinary Dream Team
Overseeing the kitchen is a powerhouse duo with global credentials. Executive chef Anas Shami, formerly of Aniba Singapore, teams up with Dawid Nowosadzki, an Ottolenghi alumnus and co-founder of KOMA Japan. Their collective experience spanning Japan, Southeast Asia, and the Levant promises a broad, inclusive expression of Mediterranean cooking.
Expect a menu built on olive oil, fresh herbs, smoke, and spice:
- Seafood and Grills: A dedicated seafood counter showcases the daily catch, while charcoal-grilled meats and fish take center stage.
- Breads and Sides: A wood-fired bread oven turns out warm Middle Eastern flatbreads to accompany the spread, alongside legumes and small plates.
- The Salad Bar: A standout is the Ottolenghi-inspired selection, loaded with seasonal vegetables, contrasting textures, and punchy, vibrant dressings.
A Guide to Dempsey’s New Wave
Petra is just one part of a significant refresh happening on Dempsey Hill. The lush enclave is welcoming a wave of diverse concepts that are reshaping its culinary identity beyond the classic brunch spot.
- Shirazi: Bringing Persian semi-fine dining to the hill, this Muslim-friendly spot offers charcoal-grilled kebabs, Persian rice, lamb neck, Iranian caviar, and a signature black hummus.
- SHAO @ Dempsey: The popular Teochew chain has opened its fourth outlet here, offering contemporary twists on classics like marinated roe crab and a signature BBQ roe crab.
- Casa Mori: Already open, this vibrant concept from chefs Willin Low and José Alonso fuses Singaporean flavors with Spanish techniques. Think curry puff-inspired croquettes and Iberico pork skewers glazed with Indonesian sate.
- Margarita’s: The neighborhood veteran has debuted a full refresh, revamping its interiors and menu with updated Mexican staples like pink guava shrimp tacos.
The Takeaway
The sheer diversity of these openings signals a dynamic new chapter for Dempsey Hill. From Miscellaneo’s wood-fired flatbreads to Persian caviar and contemporary Teochew, there is a compelling reason for food lovers to rediscover this lush enclave. For reservations and more information on Petra and its neighbors, head to the Dempsey Hill website.