Extra Virgin Pizza's New Outlet at United Square
'Thankful' doesn't even begin to describe how I feel now that Extra Virgin Pizza (EVP) has finally set up another branch in a more central locale, United Square. The second casual pizzeria by The Lo & Behold Group, helmed by suave consultant chef Matthew White, now boasts new additions atop their impressive, artisanal Neapolitan-style pizzas, and that much-needed air-conditioned respite in our climate.
Right smack at the far end of United Square (if you’re coming from the station), the 70-seater establishment exudes a certain laidback vibe overlooking greenery, with plans for alfresco seating in the decent future that make perfect for sipping on their Homemade sodas ($6/glass, $15/jug). Using only fresh ingredients—none of that syrupy business—I terribly enjoyed the smokey, sweet Toasted pineapple & vanilla.
Their pizza mainstays are just as brilliant as I’d remembered. Watch as the chef deftly craft pizzas to order with their open kitchen concept, then fire them up in their WoodStone ovens that cook at a high of 450-degrees Celsius. The results are thin pizzas with beautifully crisp outer layer, distinctive leopard spots of Neapolitan pizzas and deliciously soft, chewy centres that are best enjoyed with your hands.
The vegetarian-friendly Pistachio pesto pizza ($24)—topped with mozzarella, parmigiano reggiano, fresh baby arugula and lemon vinaigrette—remains my favourite though I am a self-professed meat-lover, with the White pepperoni pizza ($24) coming in a close second with its creamy béchamel sauce and spicy pepperoni toppings.
The new Broccolini & sausage pizza ($24) is slightly more cheesy than the previous two flavours, with some good, flavoursome pork sausage meat and broccolini (similar to broccoli but with smaller florets and longer, thin stalks) for taste and crunch, and an underlying spicy heat.
Besides pizzas, EVP has also thrown in 2 pastas—vongole or with meatballs—as well a pretty decent Grilled skirt steak salad ($18). The gorgeously pink, tender slices of beef is paired with fresh greens, Dijon vinaigrette and robust Kikorangi blue cheese for that extra oomph.
To celebrate their new outlet, Extra Virgin Pizza at United Square also has an in-store ʻVirgin Specialʼ offer—a classic Margherita pizza and soft drink go for $15, and an optional $4 top-up allows a selection of any pizza of your choice; additional $2 for any non-alcoholic drink—making it a great spot for a light bite if you’re with friends.
I highly recommend the divinely soft, melt-in-your-mouth Veal & ricotta meatballs ($14 for 6-pieces) and Chicken wings ($10/6-pieces, $16/10-pieces)—marinated with a special EVP spice rub and sun-dried tomato dip before baked in their Woodstone ovens—if you want something more.
Extra Virgin Pizza @ United Square United Square Shopping Mall, #01-14 101 Thomson Road, Singapore 307591
Hotline: +65 62475757
Operating hours: Sun-Thurs: 11am - 10pm Fri and Sat: 11am - 11pm