Business1 min read

Family-run halal Italian restaurant Porta Porta to close on Dec 31 after 33 years

By · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The long-standing eatery originated as a halal Italian cooking class before operating a small kitchen on Upper Changi Road and later moving to its current Bedok location. Renowned for traditional dishes like meat lasagna, squid ink tagliatelle, and tiramisu, the restaurant was co-founded alongside Antonino Laino, who died of lung cancer in 2012. Although the family has decided against shifting to different premises, they are open to an external buyer stepping in to preserve the founders' culinary legacy.

Key points

  • The family is moving to shut operations permanently on Dec 31 to allow co-founder Roziana…: The family is moving to shut operations permanently on Dec 31 to allow co-founder Rozianah Baharudin Laino to retire.
  • Family members confirmed they have rejected relocation proposals and will instead assist…: Family members confirmed they have rejected relocation proposals and will instead assist staff with transitional support arrangements.
  • The business could potentially continue if an outside buyer agrees to acquire and manage…: The business could potentially continue if an outside buyer agrees to acquire and manage the existing brand.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

The restaurant will have its last day of operations on Dec 31 as co-founder Rozianah Laino retires. Her son Danesh said the family is open to someone taking over the business, but they have no plans to relocate.

After 33 years of serving Italian food and welcoming generations of diners, Porta Porta Italian Restaurant will close its doors on Dec 31, 2026.

The family-run restaurant, which opened in 1993, announced its upcoming closure on Instagram.

"It is with a heavy heart that after 33 years of being open, we are announcing that we will be closing for good," wrote co-founder Rozianah Baharudin Laino, affectionately known as Rozi to customers.

Rozi founded the restaurant with her late husband, Antonino Laino, or Nino, who died of lung cancer in 2012. The establishment began with halal Italian cooking classes and later evolved into a small kitchen along Upper Changi Road.

Now located in Bedok, Porta Porta – which means "door to door" in Italian – is known for its cosy and home-like ambience and art-filled space. It serves primarily Italian cuisine, with menu…

Business