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The Star
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Natalina Italian Kitchen serves authentic Italian delights and treasures
Ensconced on the third floor of Kuala Lumpur's Avenue K shopping mall is an Aladdin's cave of sorts for those hankering after Italian culinary treasures. At Natalina Italian Kitchen, the space is warm and inviting, with sunny yellow lemons perched on the ceiling and interspersed throughout the space. Beaming warmly as he strides purposefully throughout the eatery is Stefano La Penna, the strikingly handsome Italian chef who helms the kitchen here. La Penna hails from the southern Italian city of Abruzzo. When he was just 18, he was anointed into the world of fine-dining when he was selected to work at the three Michelin-starred Reale in Abruzzo's Castel di Sangro. 'There were 84 applicants and only 11 were selected. I was the only one with no kitchen background – everyone else had a lot of experience,' says La Penna, grinning. The eatery is warm and inviting and has an instant, easy charm. Still, there was probably something about La Penna that got him a foot in the door. He ended up staying there for three years, honing his culinary chops. Since those foundling years, he has worked all over the world, from Fukuoka, Japan to the Bahamas. When he was offered a job in Malaysia, he was actually in the midst of pursuing his masters in food and beverage management in Italy, so he was in two minds about trekking halfway across the world. 'When I came to visit KL, I was shocked. I was like 'Wow, this looks like New York!' And I love how connected the city is to food, so I just fell in love with Malaysia – the people, the place, the lifestyle,' he says. La Penna is the talented chef behind Natalina's soulful Italian fare. In September 2022, La Penna took over Natalina and since then, he has made it a point to impart his particular brand of Italian cuisine to local diners. As he is very passionate about the food of his homeland, he doesn't modify recipes to suit local tastebuds. Instead, his goal is to slowly educate Malaysian diners about the natural beauty of Italian cuisine. 'The primary focus is to provide the authentic flavours of Italy, even though we are in the opposite part of the world. And then I want to try to educate guests about the meaning behind these food traditions, so it is understandable for them,' he says. The menu rotates based on the seasons in Europe, so the current iteration offers a slew of summer hits. Beef tenderloin wrapped around tomato bread may sound like a questionable pairing, but it's actually a surprisingly good one. — ART CHEN/The Star To begin a meal here, look at indulging in the rather unusual Carpaccio Di Manzo (RM58) which features thinly sliced tenderloin wrapped around cherry tomato bread and rounded out with extra virgin oil, tuna mayo and freshly grated parmesan cheese. While bread and meat typically feel like heavier fare, this is a surprisingly light offering whose perkiness is accentuated by the tomatoes in the configuration. The meat here is silken and supine and adds contrast to what feels like a meal you're not likely to have tried anywhere else before. Breaded and deep-fried, the calamari stuffed rolls are delicious from start to finish. — ART CHEN/The Star Then there is the Crocchette Di Calamari (RM42) which is essentially breaded, deep-fried rotund balls filled with calamari and served with a garlic tomato mayonnaise. The balls are excellent – perfectly crispy on the outside and laced with sea-faring notes on the inside, buoyed by the chopped calamari in the mixture. The garlic tomato mayonnaise adds a touch of acidity to the meal and gives it a sunny disposition. Italian burrata cheese is the binding force in this light, refreshing salad. Up next, try the house-favourite Burrata (RM52). Here, imported burrata from the south of Italy is served with tomato confit (enhanced with the famed datterino Italian tomato) and wild rocket salad in what proves to be a tangy, Mediterranean hit anchored by the burrata, which is silken smooth, stretchy and incredibly fresh. From the pasta selections, opt for the Gricia Al Tartufo (RM78) or handmade fettucine in a cheese sauce, with duck bacon pasta and freshly shaved black truffles rounding out this assemblage. The highlight of the sauce is the fact that it is strung together using only cheese (parmesan) and water – no cream is utilised at all. The handmade fettucine is enhanced with a cheese sauce and freshly shaved black Italian truffles. The result is sensational – the pasta itself is cooked to al dente perfection and retains a strong, firm bite. The sauce meanwhile is thick and incredibly hedonistic and this is elevated even further by the opulence of the truffles. Then there is the Chitarrina Al Frutti Di Mare (RM88). Chitarra is hand-made pasta that is cut using a pasta cutter (also called chitarra) with wires stretched across a wooden frame, one that resembles a guitar. (Chitarra means guitar in Italian.) The chitarra spaghetti dish harnesses the richness of the sea and serves it up on a plate. In this dish, the pasta is served with clams, prawns and Boston lobster tail and finished with tuna bottarga and lemon zest. Scattered atop is dehydrated black olives. The entire dish is intense in that it that has been stitched together in order to hold a rich tapestry of oceanic flavours. As a result, the in-your-face aquatic notes may come off a little bolder and brinier than you might be used to, but it's also unapologetically underwater-themed down to the tiniest detail. The wagyu striploin has been cooked in a Josper oven and retains tender, juicy meat. — Photos: ART CHEN/The Star For something from the main meal family, go down a carnivorous path with the Tagliata Di Manzo (RM85 per 100g), which showcases wagyu striploin, served with charred broccolini and truffle sauce. The beef has been cooked in a Josper oven and retains a slight crust on the skin that yields to meat that still has a pink, tender heart and succulence coursing through its veins. The truffle sauce is a rich, nirvanic addition that adds a palatial touch to this caveman course. Luscious, creamy and coffee-tinged, the tiramisu is a sure-fire hit. End your meal on a high note with the all-star charms of the Tiramisu (RM45) – a rich, creamy, coffee-laden treat with a sponge centre and an irreverent, unpretentious charm. Guided by La Penna's able hand, a meal at Natalina takes diners on a vicarious journey through far-flung cities in Italy without losing the soul and essence of the country's culinary comforts. This is a feat that is by no means easy to accomplish when you're halfway across the world, and yet La Penna seems to have nailed it down to a science. Natalina Italian Kitchen Address: Level 3, Avenue K Shopping Mall, 156 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur Tel: 012-673 3860 Open daily: Noon to 10pm
Tatler Asia
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
8 of the best, most authentic Italian restaurants in Klang Valley, according to Tatler Best 2025
$ $ $ $ | Kuala Lumpur City Centre Photo 1 of 6 Dolci Caviale Truffle Tiramisu (Photo: Marini's on 57) Photo 2 of 6 Antipasti Insalata di Aragosta Lobster Salad (Photo: Marini's on 57) Photo 3 of 6 Antipasti Cannolo Di Granchio (Photo: Marini's on 57) Photo 4 of 6 Dolci Mango Sphere (Photo: Marini's on 57) Photo 5 of 6 Secondi Di Carne Miyazaki Gold and Foie Gras (Photo: Marini's on 57) Photo 6 of 6 Photo: Marini's on 57 Must Try Uova In 3 Modi Antipasti Insalata Merluzzo One of the city's most iconic rooftop destinations, Marini's On 57 promises exceptional contemporary Italian cuisine and an unparalleled view of the Petronas Twin Towers. Drawing on traditional Italian recipes, the restaurant incorporates entirely unique twists to create dishes never-before-seen, from Boston lobster tail dotted with lemon caviar to truffle-infused tiramisu with lashings of mascarpone cheese espuma. Marini's On 57 Address: Level 57, Petronas Tower 3, Persiaran KLCC, 50088 Kuala Lumpur Map Call Book Hours Web $ $ $ $ | Kuala Lumpur City Centre Photo 1 of 5 Eggplant Parmigiana (Photo: Natalina Italian Kitchen) Photo 2 of 5 Lasagna (Photo: Natalina Italian Kitchen) Photo 3 of 5 Photo: Natalina Italian Kitchen Photo 4 of 5 Photo: Natalina Italian Kitchen Photo 5 of 5 Photo: Natalina Italian Kitchen Must Try Lasagna al Ragout di Manzo Ossobuco alla Milanes Baccalà Zucca e Spinaci Named after Italian legend Frank Sinatra's mother, Natalina Italian Kitchen celebrates the essence of Italian cuisine with a touch of modernity. Crafting dishes that are rooted within the culinary traditions of Rome, Natalina blends skill with the highest quality ingredients. At the helm is chef Stefano Maria La Pena. Inspired by the love poured into his grandmother's cooking, he spent years growing his international culinary experience and now brings both passion and skill to every dish he creates. Natalina Italian Kitchen Address: 03-06, Avenue K, 156, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Map Call Book Hours Web $ $ $ $ | Damansara Heights Photo 1 of 6 Pizza al Tartufo (Photo: Nero Nero) Photo 2 of 6 Tiger Prawn Risotto (Photo: Nero Nero) Photo 3 of 6 Burrata (Photo: Nero Nero) Photo 4 of 6 Tiramisu (Photo: Nero Nero) Photo 5 of 6 Photo: Nero Nero Photo 6 of 6 Photo: Nero Nero Must Try Pizza al Tartufo Fettuccine al Nero di Seppia Burrata Nero Nero brings the warmth of Southern Italy to Kuala Lumpur, offering hearty Italian classics crafted with premium ingredients. Handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and fresh seafood dishes anchor the menu, all prepared with authenticity and care. Signature highlights include the Pizza al Tartufo, topped with seasonal mushrooms and truffle paste, and the rich Fettuccine al Nero di Seppia—squid ink fettuccine with prawns, calamari, and marinara. Set in a charming bistro with checkered floors and a central fountain, Nero Nero is perfect for everything from casual lunches to special celebrations. Nero Nero Address: L3 - 02, Jalan Damanlela, Damansara City Mall, Damansara Town Centre, 50490 Kuala Lumpur Map Call Book Hours Web Chow Kit Photo 1 of 3 Tagliatelle al Tartufo (Photo: Instagram / @osteriagamberoni) Photo 2 of 3 Calamari FrittiLight for starters, anyone? (Photo: Instagram / @osteriagamberoni) Photo 3 of 3 Scaloppine di Vitello (Photo: Instagram / @osteriagamberoni) Bringing the essence of heritage Italian cooking to the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Osteria Gamberoni is a celebration of craftsmanship and bold, authentic flavours. Fresh pasta is made daily on-site, from delicate squid ink ravioli filled with prawns and scamorza to spaghetti alla chitarra tossed in a light, Sicilian-style fish ragù. Roman-style thin-crust pizzas, made from dough proofed for 24 hours, are topped with quality ingredients and baked to crisp perfection. The misto di pesce, a vibrant mix of prawns, squid, and fish, is lightly battered and finished with a citrus-herb dressing for a taste of the Amalfi coast. Thoughtfully prepared and deeply rooted in Italian tradition, every dish at Osteria Gamberoni is best enjoyed with a glass from its curated wine selection. Osteria Gamberoni Address: 17, Jalan Yap Ah Shak, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur Map Call Hours IG Italian | Bamboo Hills Photo 1 of 5 Photo: Pizza Duo Photo 2 of 5 Shroomami (Photo: Pizza Duo) Photo 3 of 5 Supreme Being (Photo: Pizza Duo) Photo 4 of 5 Margherita 2.0 (Photo: Pizza Duo) Photo 5 of 5 Photo: Pizza Duo Pizza Duo is husband-and-wife-duo Aina Ghani and Mark Lee's love letter to the classic Naples staple. Serving contemporary Neapolitan pizza using time-honoured methods and carefully sourced ingredients, the pizzeria is located within Tap Room at Bamboo Hills. Baked in the impressive custom Stefano Ferrara oven are pizzas such as the best-selling Shroomami, inspired by the couple's trip to Alba, layered with Italian black truffle salsa and local portobello mushrooms. Pizza Duo Address: Unit P10-1 & P10-2, Bamboo Hills, Off Lebuhraya DUKE, 51200 Kuala Lumpur Map Call Hours IG Petaling Jaya Photo 1 of 9 Photo: Round Pizza Napoletana Photo 2 of 9 Pesto Con Funghi (Photo: Round Pizza Napoletana) Photo 3 of 9 Mortadella e Burrata (Photo: Round Pizza Napoletana) Photo 4 of 9 Lasagna (Photo: Round Pizza Napoletana) Photo 5 of 9 Margherita (Photo: Round Pizza Napoletana) Photo 6 of 9 Photo: Round Pizza Napoletana Photo 7 of 9 Photo: Round Pizza Napoletana Photo 8 of 9 Photo: Round Pizza Napoletana Photo 9 of 9 Photo: Round Pizza Napoletana Dedicated to bringing an authentic slice of Naples to Malaysia, Round Pizza Napoletana not only prides itself on its imported ingredients and dough, but also the time the team takes to explain how pizza is eaten in Naples to customers with a warm and friendly touch. Owner Alan Goh is a self-taught passionate pizzaiolo who expanded his food truck business into buzzing neighborhood pizzeria Round Pizza Napoletana. Try the Pizza Margherita D.O.P, the Pizza Lasagna, and the Pesto Con Funghi if you can't decide between the tempting pies on the menu. Round Pizza Napoletana Address: Happy Mansion, BG8, Block B, Jalan 17/13, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Map Call IG $ $ $ $ | Kuala Lumpur City Centre Photo 1 of 5 Photo: Instagram / @stratotroika Photo 2 of 5 Photo: Instagram / @stratotroika Photo 3 of 5 Photo: Instagram / @stratotroika Photo 4 of 5 Photo: Instagram / @stratotroika Photo 5 of 5 Photo: Instagram / @stratotroika Must Try Fritto Misto Modern Margherita Wild Mushroom Pizza Ricotta Gnocchi Taking inspiration from the beauty of the Italian regional culinary landscape, Strato pays homage to the traditional dishes, whilst reflecting the diversity and spirit of 'La Cucina Italiana'. Connecting friends and family through food and drink, they offer an array of Italian classics right in the food hub of Troika Sky Dining. All Strato's pizzas and pastas are handmade to capture the essence of tradition—don't miss their Buffalo Mozzarella Caprese, Wagyu Beef Cheek Tortellini, and Barramundi Al Cartoccio. Strato Address: Level 23A, Tower B, The Troika, 19 Persiaran KLCC, 50450 Kuala Lumpur Map Call Book Hours Web
