Cover Filetto de Manzo (Photo: Natalina Italian Kitchen)

Straight from the pages of the latest instalment of the Tatler Dining Guide are our selection of the top Italian dining venues

Nothing says comfort food like a hearty serving of pasta and pizza. Here in Malaysia, we have a plethora of restaurants to choose from when looking to satiate those cravings for bolognese, carbonara, authentic Neapolitan pizza, or tiramisu. Add on a glass of your favourite Italian wine or cocktail, and few meals are as satisfying.

You’ll be spoiled for choice when deciding where to dine with our round-up of the city’s best establishments for Italian food, in alphabetical order, from this year’s Tatler Dining Guide.

Read more: Tatler Dining Malaysia’s Top 20 Restaurants of 2024

Italian   |   Taman Tun Dr. Ismail
Tatler Asia
Above Duck & Foie (Photo: Aposto)

Must Try

  • Saba On Toast
  • Duck & Foie
  • Tiramisu

Modern Italian fare and house-made pasta are the names of the game at Aposto, and it is a game that the restaurant plays well. It is hard to go wrong with any of the pasta dishes, as they are made in house—each evening, the team meticulously handcrafts and cuts fresh pasta before service begins. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable, always happy to help with recommendations, and the dining room is lively and energetic. The welcoming selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages means there is something for everyone.


Aposto

Address: 38, Lorong Rahim Kajai 14, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur


Italian   |   $ $ $ $   |   Petaling Jaya
Tatler Asia
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Above Tajarin (Photo: Gooddam)

Must Try

  • Tajarin pasta
  • Aged duck
  • Tiramisu

With a seasonal menu that changes quarterly, modern Italian restaurant Gooddam goes beyond pizza and pasta, drawing inspiration from regional Italian cuisine. Try the tajarin, a traditional pasta from Piemonte, which is typically featured on the menu at the end of the year during the festive season. Another dish not to be missed is the aged duck, which is served with ‘nduja caramel.

See also: Guide to the Best Hot Pot Restaurants in the Klang Valley


Gooddam

Address: Lot B-G-07, The Hub SS2, 19 Sentral, Jalan Harapan, Seksyen 19, 46300 Petaling Jaya


Italian   |   $ $ $ $   |   Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Tatler Asia
Above Tenderloin on the Bone (Photo: Marini's On 57)

Must Try

  • Uova In 3 Modi
  • Antipasti Insalata
  • Merluzzo

For modern Italian dishes with a stunning view, look no further than Marini’s on 57. Start with the roasted green asparagus, which is served with a poached egg, cacio e pepe cream, and shavings of black truffle. Don’t miss the dry-aged tenderloin that is grilled and served with truffle mashed potatoes and red wine sauce. Seafood lovers will enjoy the lobster calamarata, ideal for sharing between two people.


Marini's On 57

Address: Level 57, Petronas Tower 3, Persiaran KLCC, 50088 Kuala Lumpur


Italian   |   $ $ $ $   |   Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Tatler Asia
Above Filetto de Manzo (Photo: Natalina Italian Kitchen)

Must Try

  • Cannelloni ai Porcini e Tartufo
  • Eggplant parmigiana
  • Filetto di Manzo

Visit Natalina Italian Kitchen for modern Roman cuisine that is rich, flavourful, and consistent. The setting is ideal for special occasions, cosy and comfortable, and the restaurant always delivers Italian fare, from pasta and pizza to Josper-grilled meats and steaks. Not to be missed are the cannelloni stuffed with mushroom and truffle, the eggplant parmigiana, and the Black Angus tenderloin.

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Natalina Italian Kitchen

Address: Avenue K, Lot 06 - Level 03, 156, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur


Italian   |   $ $ $ $   |   Damansara Heights
Tatler Asia
Above Tortellini Alla Guancia (Photo: Nero Nero)

Must Try

  • Jumbo Prawn Risotto
  • Tortellini alla Guancia
  • Filletto di Manzo

Influenced by the rich food culture and traditions of Southern Italy, specifically Puglia, Nero Nero impresses with consistent food and attentive service. With the fountain centrepiece and chequerboard flooring, the restaurant’s ambience is relaxing and elegant. Try the prawn risotto, topped with calamari and prawns, or the homemade tortellini stuffed with slow-cooked Wagyu beef cheeks.


Nero Nero

Address: L3 - 02, Jalan Damanlela, Damansara City Mall, Damansara Town Centre, 50490 Kuala Lumpur


Chow Kit
Tatler Asia
Above Fresh pasta (Photo: Osteria Gamberoni)

Fresh pasta and thin-crust pizza are the stars of the show at Osteria Gamberoni, which is located in the heart of the city. Food is always consistent, featuring high-quality produce, and service is helpful.


Osteria Gamberoni

Address: 17, Jalan Yap Ah Shak, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur


Italian   |   Chow Kit
Tatler Asia
Above Pizzeria Dihyang's Neapolitan pizza (Photo: @suetang66 / Instagram)

While there are strict rules barring the slicing of pizzas and the addition of chilli flakes here, Pizzeria Dihyang indisputably serves faultless Neapolitan pizzas. The dough has bite and chew, toppings are imported straight from Italy, and the final result is unforgettable. Keep some space for non-pizza items, which are also executed to perfection.


Pizzeria Dihyang

Address: 14G, Jalan Yap Ah Shak, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur


Italian   |   $ $ $ $   |   Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Tatler Asia
Above Bigoli carbonara (Photo: Strato)

Must Try

  • Fritto Misto
  • Modern Margherita
  • Wild Mushroom Pizza
  • Ricotta Gnocchi

Ideal for date night or even dinner with friends or family, a meal at Strato is always a good time. The restaurant boasts a range of delicious handmade pasta and pizza, such as the bigoli carbonara with smoked duck bacon and cured duck yolk. The braised beef cheek and prawn arancini should also not be missed.

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Strato

Address: Level 23A, Tower B, The Troika, 19 Persiaran KLCC, 50450 Kuala Lumpur


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