42 Pasta is the Answer is the kind of restaurant that makes dining feel personal. Tucked away on the ground floor of Thomson Plaza, the 20-seat Italian spot offers just one handmade pasta dish a day, crafted entirely by chef-owner Lim Zhi Han. Each morning, he decides what to roll out—whether it’s pillowy ravioli, silky tagliatelle, or ridged tubes of rigatoni—so diners never quite know what they’ll get until they arrive. The element of surprise has quickly become its signature draw, paired with the charm of watching fresh dough being worked in the open kitchen.
While pasta takes the spotlight, the menu is rounded out with thoughtful sides and desserts. Expect starters like bruschetta, roasted pork salad, and marinated olives, alongside a velvety Basque cheesecake to end on a sweet note. Every pasta is made from scratch using either a classic egg dough or a firm semolina base, shaped by hand with traditional tools. Some dishes lean classic, like pork ragu or creamy mushroom, while others bring in playful twists such as miso butter—an approach that keeps the offering fresh and exciting for regulars.
The restaurant’s name nods to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, but for diners, the answer here is simple: good pasta, made with patience and heart. The cosy space, with its blonde wood tables and warm lighting, sets the stage for a homely yet elevated experience. With only 20 seats, reservations are recommended for dinner and weekends, though a few spots are often saved for walk-ins. For pasta lovers seeking something intimate, handcrafted, and a little unpredictable, 42 Pasta is the Answer lives up to its name.
