With a warm, welcoming atmosphere and equally friendly staff, La Risata is just one of those age-old classics perfect for a cosy experience one can enjoy with their loved ones. From generous, hearty servings to excellent staff recommendations, La Risata (which means “the laughter” in Italian) is the go-to for celebratory gatherings, family dinners and even dinner dates. The restaurant also bakes its own bread, so keep an eye out for the fresh batch of the day. 

La Risata | 16, Persiaran Ampang, Desa Pahlawan, 50490 Kuala Lumpur | +603 4252 6269 | la-risata.com | Monday-Sunday, 11am-3pm, 6-11pm

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Comfort Italian food comes to mind when describing Luce Osteria. The pizzas and pastas are well-made (there are 55 choices of pizza in total!) but the main courses are the shine in their armour. Enjoy the cocktails and small bites (long list of cold cuts and cheeses) but make sure the drinks are made by the head bartender.

Luce Osteria Contemporanea | 10, Lorong Raja Chulan, 50250 Kuala Lumpur | +603 2078 8008 | luceosteria.com | Tuesday-Sunday, 12pm-12am; Monday, 4pm-12am

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Marini’s on 57 is the absolute epitome of ‘money well spent’—from the service and ambiance to the presentation and the food. This one-of-a-kind establishment delivers on its promise of the finest Italian cuisine, and it’s not mere platitude when we say it’s left us wanting more. The simplest and homeliest of Italian fare, such as the signature house-made tagliatelle as well as the fresh insalata are absolute winners.

Marini's on 57 | 57, Menara 3 Petronas Persiaran, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur | +603 2386 6030 | marinisgroup.com | Tuesday-Sunday, 5pm-12am

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Natalina Italian Kitchen straddles the line between homey and ritzy, attracting gaggles of girlfriends squeezed into semi-circle booths as well as handsome older couples sporting dinner jackets. Start with the melt in your mouth Polpettine Frite or Wagyu meatballs served in a deeply delicious tomato sauce, but don’t disregard the pastas and pizzas, from the perfectly al dente Vongole with briny clams to the oozing Burrata pizza that’s bound to please any appetite. End your meal with the luxurious Crostata Con Crema di Pistacchio, the truffle-pistachio interplay makes this traditional Italian pie worthy for the tier of all-time great desserts. 

Natalina Italian Kitchen | Avenue K, Lot 06 - Level 03, 156, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur | +6012 6733 860 | natalinakl.com | Monday-Sunday, 12pm-10:30pm

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In the four years it’s been open, Nero Nero has garnered a loyal fan base from the surrounding enclaves of Bukit Damansara and Bangsar. With fresh ingredients sourced from regional vendors, expectations are high. The spaghetti alla Campagnola we sampled satisfyingly checks all the right boxes. For mains, the Stracotto di Agnello is highly recommended. Slow-cooked over 24 hours in chianti wine, the succulent lamb shank is fall-off-the-bone tender and goes deliciously well with the accompanying polenta, veggie caponata and rosemary jus. 

Nero Nero | L3 - 02, Damansara City Mall, 6 Jalan Damanlela, Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur | +6019 667 4546 | neronero-dc3.com | Monday-Sunday,12pm-10.30pm

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Opus Bistro is the kind of dining spot that offers something for every kind of diner, from the working crowd to the special occasion diners celebrating over grilled meats and glasses of bubbly. Speaking of guilty pleasures, I highly recommend the Fonduta di cioccolato B Baked Chocolate Cake with its lava chocolate filling. The richness and warmth of the moist chocolate cake and its runny interior are a perfect contrast to the ice-cold, doughy sweetness of the vanilla ice cream.

Opus Bistro | 67, Jalan Bangkung, Bukit Bandaraya, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur | +603 2092 4288 | opusbistro.my | Wednesday-Monday, 12pm-3pm, 5pm-11pm

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Roberto’s puts heartfelt, delicious Italian specialties within easy reach, and it’s no surprise to see couples, friends and families fill up its stylish interior even on a weekday evening. The restaurant’s prominent wood-fired and gas combination oven is invitation enough to try the pizzas. The Biancaneve, made with just white truffle paste, Buffalo mozzarella, porcini mushrooms and fresh rocket is definitely one to try if you love truffle.

Roberto's | Lot G109 & GK3, Bangsar Shopping Centre, 285 Jalan Maarof, Bukit Bandaraya, 59000 Kuala Lumpur | +603 2011 8180 | robertososteria.com | Monday-Sunday, 10am-12am

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You’re always in for a warm welcome at Sassorosso. This place has picked up several culinary accolades over the years, including a 2014 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor. The food is unpretentious, descriptions are straight forward and tastes are a delightful dance on the palate. You know what you get: wholesome pizzas, fresh Italian seafood dishes and savoury desserts with a European twist. 

Sassorosso | No.9, Lorong Yap Kwan Seng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur | +603 2166 6428 | sassorosso.com.my | Sunday-Thursday, 12-3pm, 6-11pm; Friday, 12-3pm, 6pm-12am; Saturday, 6pm-12am

See also: Where & What To Eat: 8 Places to Explore in Bukit Bintang

Strato's small yet cheerful menu has simple Italian classics alongside petite yet satisfying Old World wine selections. The Buffalo Mozzarella Caprese is a safe choice to begin with, while the fritto misto seafood array creates a sensory feast laid abundant on a wooden tray. The well-presented Wagyu Beef Cheek Tortellini has a great texture and provides an intense burst of flavours at the same time. 

Strato | Level 23A, Tower B, The Troika, 19 Persiaran KLCC, 50450 Kuala Lumpur | +603 2162 0886 | troikaskydining.com | Monday-Sunday, 5pm-12am

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