Best Italian Restaurants in KL

Set within KL's Le Meridien Hotel, this Italian restaurant upkeeps a stellar reputation for both food and ambience. The atmosphere inspires with Venetian vibes, and the couch seatings willl comfortably accomodate group dinners. For special occasions with the family, put your money on here. Begin with Milan-born chef Domenico's bestselling Salmon and Seabass Carpaccio (RM56), a bright, appetising starter of thinly sliced fish. The union of salmon roe, toasted pine nuts and a microcress salad results in a uniquely light yet luxurious bite. Move on to mains with the Sardinian Malloreddus (RM47). This little-known pasta variant of tiny semolina shells is Sardinian's national dish, and a must-order here. Slow-cooked for over eight hours in a luscious lamb shoulder sauce, every mouthful is a party of meaty flavours. As for dessert, have it all in the Three Italian Delights (RM44) — a trio of panna cotta, chocolate mousse and tiramisu served in glasses.
Avg price per person: RM100
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Melanie Yu

Sniff out this discreet joint along Jalan Telawi 2 in Bangsar for an Italian meal that won't break the bank! Run by the same people behind French favourite Yeast, the semi-casual kitchen dishes out reliably comforting pastas. Come by with a close friend for conversations and comfort food — the privy seats against the wall make a great spot for two. Order the Mac & Cheese Alla Bolognese (RM25) that comes in a rustic saucepan. The traditionally rich dish features parmigiana, mozzarella and gorgonzola, but Fatto A Mano goes an extra mile with the addition of robust pork and beef bolognese sauce. The marriage of meat and cheese is a delicious affair, good to share between two light eaters. Come early before lunchtime and you might be able to catch the pastry counter in full swing. Their Bombolino (RM7.50 for three), Italian doughnuts filled with vanilla custard, are soft, sweet delights. Pro tip: Snag an order before your meal and save these treats for dessert.
Avg price per person: RM40
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Kate Mun Yi

This beautiful villa restaurant boasts a poolside view, exquisite Sicilian settings and spot-on Italian classics. That's reason enough to justify the splurge, but here's one more: the Italian Prosecco Brunch (RM148 per person, RM74 per child till 31st December 2017). Available on Sundays from 11am to 3pm, the experience is perfect for a family day out! For the adults, a fun weekly selection of aperitifs (including cocktails like gin and tonic, and dry bronze) are served. Meanwhile, the kids will be well engaged, as brunch includes a children's cooking class with the head chef! Spend your first hour ravaging the antipasto bar, and look out for the tasty chargrilled cod with potatoes and confit baby octopus. Come noon, you will be ushered into their formal dining area to settle in. Table service is provided for this part of the brunch. Have your fill of foie gras here, served with a bread platter fresh from the woodfired oven, but be sure to also save space for the great mains. The squid ink pasta, sauteed mussels as well as pan-fried cod are top-notch.
Avg price per person: RM100
Photo by Burppler Anna Wong

La Risata has held their fort in Ampang for over two decades, and the quality of this Italian restaurant has never failed us. The space is cosy, sporting exposed brick walls and warm lighting suited for an intimate dinner with a few friends. Skip the process of sifting through their very varied menu and go for these top dishes that our Burpple community loves. Though simple in presentation, the Ravioli Di Pesce (salmon ravioli, RM28) wins us over everytime. Each pasta pocket boasts a slippery, al-dente texture and smothered in a tasty creamy sauce. For those who prefer rice, there is the Risotto Nero Con Calamari Ripeni (squid ink risotto, RM37) that comes with braised stuffed calamari. The rice is cooked to perfect plumpness, and every black grain bursts with the piquant flavours of squid ink. Before leaving, order the Cannoli (RM16) to share. Sweet ricotta cream encased in a crispy fried pastry shell, this hot-and-cold dessert is a decadent way to end the meal.
Avg price per person: RM40
Photo by Burppler Wenzie C

Shrouded in leafy foliage, this upmarket restaurant along Lorong Kurau is a superb spot when it comes to Italian eats. The trendy setting sees white tablecloths and concrete walls, with long tables great for group celebrations. The menu here is blessed with options, but look to the truffled dishes to blow your mind. Dinner begins with a cool starter, the Cold Capellini (from RM58) that's creatively spun with truffle paste, kombu and sea urchin. For a primi (pasta), don't miss the Tagliatelle (RM78). Easily one of our favourite pastas of all time, the gorgeous tagliatelle is sauced with truffle butter, and then topped with a wobbly egg yolk. If you're here in the day, take advantage of their value for money set lunches — a Barramundi Alla Griglia Con Pesto (pan seared barramundi) will set you back only RM34 with a soup and a drink! Reservations are recommended in this small space. Pro tip: Mario & Luigi doesn't charge for corkage, so go ahead and bring your own bottle for this.
Avg price per person: RM120
Photo by Burppler Emily Choong

Strato makes one of the most affordable options perched up in Troika Sky Dining. The view's first-class and the food is quality, so whether it's for a dinner date or a business lunch, book early for a table at this often packed restaurant. Italian food lovers will have a field day here with their recently refreshed menu. At the top of the list sits the Ricotta Gnudi (RM55). Gnocchi-like dumplings made with ricotta cheese, the gnudi steeped in sweet brown butter is a pillowy gem worth ordering. Meanwhile, their famous pizzas are also aplenty. Adventurous diners will want to try the Braised Rabbit, Spinach, Garlic Cream and Cucumber (RM55). Rabbit meat, often undervalued, is a lean and delicious protein. If you've never had it, Strato's pizza will help make your first attempt a gentle and delightful experience. Otherwise, order the just-as-good Burrata Mozzarella, Rough Chop Pomodoro, Cream Pesto And Oregano (RM50). It leaves out meat for a simple, foolproof combination of mozzarella and pomodoro.
Avg price per person: RM100
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Melanie Yu

A go-to for great pizzas in our books is Proof. This snug two-storey space in APW has a functional wine rack for a wall, and two piping-hot woodfired ovens constantly at work. It's cool, classy and definitely a savvy spot for a night out with a few friends. To try all the good stuff, share a medley of pizzas between three to four. The Margherita (from RM21) is a classic done right with a house blend tomato sauce that hits it off perfectly with stringy mozzarella. If you enjoy over-the-top flavours, the Umbrian Black Truffle (from RM32) will be heaven-sent, thanks to its luscious symphony of mixed mushrooms with black truffle paste and tallegio cheese. A tasty contender for meat pizzas would be the Diavola (from RM28) that comes with chorizo, red onions and chili flakes. If it's a return visit, try the Foccacia di Recco (RM37) for a change. It's a crispy cheese-filled flat bread pizza that makes us sure of this: Proof's pizza chefs are capable all-rounders. Reservations are absolutely necessary!
Avg price per person: RM50
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh

This hidden gem in Lucky Garden has inevitably found its way into our Burpple community's heart, thanks to its quality Italian favourites at reasonable prices. Dimly lit with spacious second-floor seatings, the quiet environment is ideal for a place to wind down after a long day. Bring your favourite colleague, or ask your best friend along for company. It also helps that house pours start from RM19.90 a glass! For dinner, get the Gnocchi al Gorgonzola (RM36), potato dumplings with grilled chicken and mushrooms. What the dish lacks in presentation is made up for with creamy, robust blue cheese flavours. For a lighter alternative, try the Spaghetti Portofino (RM38). Done deftly to an al-dente texture, the specialty spaghetti is deeply flavoured with seafood stock and an abundance of prawns, squid, mussels and fish. Don't let dinner end just yet; order their Panna Cotta a al Caramello (RM14), which Tastemaker Sok Chien declares the best she's ever had.
Avg price per person: RM40
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Alyssia Yu