Villa Danieli

If its location at the landmark Sheraton Imperial Hotel KL isn’t outstanding enough, Villa Danieli is easily discoverable being a standalone trattoria style restaurant on the 5^th floor. Warm lambent lights spilling out of quaint windows transports one straight into an Italian village; inside, talls pillar separating lavishly laid out tables and elaborate renaissance art dressing the ceilings make it perfect for a dinner date especially if you’re looking to impress. It may not have a view of the skyline like most popular places today, but the wood-fire oven where its pizzas are made fresh and colourful bar bring up the points in rustic charm.

Food is traditionally Italian here, so worry not about ambitious fusion foods. The menu covers a wide range of items including pastas, seafood, poultry and red meat. If ever you’re spoiled for choice, the wait staff is ready to recommend some of their bestsellers too.

The zuppa di funghi (mushroom soup) is comfortingly thick and creamy, with chunks of mushroom that you can chew in each mouthful. It is served with a side of garlic toast so you get a bit of crunch with it.

The house signature Siciliana pizza has the perfect thin crust and a robust tomato sauce base with simple toppings of onion and garlic. This is a winning combination of crunch and immense garlicky aroma.

Don’t settle for just any pasta dish here – go all the way with the lobster parpadelle, where half a lobster is cooked with flat pasta in a rich creamy sauce. The lobster is springy and juicy, coming off the shell easily, lending a robust sea sweetness to the pasta.

Lovers of red meat will not be disappointed with the filetto di manzo (Black Angus beef tenderloin) served with sautéed vegetables and drizzled generously with rich beef jus.

Its wine list almost passes off as a booklet, such is the restaurant’s variety across type and region. Understandably, Italian wines and prosecco take precedence. Prices are more worth it by the bottle, something the waiters aren’t hesitant to recommend either. If you’d like to try a variety with your dinner, they’re also very skilled in recommending different ones by the glass based on the mains  ordered.

There are three waiters to a table at any time waiting to fill glasses and whisk away empty plates. Doors are swung open upon guests’arrival with smiling faces and warm welcoming chats follow as they guide guests through both wine and food menu. Check-ins are also frequent enough to ensure guests have everything they need, but not to extent of being annoying.

 RM250/Per person

The portions here are also quite generous so sharing is highly recommended so you can to taste a little of everything, not to mention it makes for a more fun dining experience.