Tatler Dining Guide 2023: The best Italian restaurants in Malaysia

Despite being housed in a smaller space, Back Alley Pasta doesn't skimp on flavours and innovation. Led by chef Jay, the intimate eatery is known for contemporary plates of pasta with Asian influences. 

Definitely try the potato gnocchi with miso béchamel and yuzu brisket, as well as the charred cauliflower with pesto diavola and pecorino Romano, but do also check out the specials menu board. 

Inspired by the flavours and techniques of northern Italy, Gooddam produces inventive dishes that feature hints of Asian influences throughout. Headed by chef Daniel Yap, who owns the eatery with business partner Miki Lie, Gooddam is a gem in our local culinary industry.

Gooddam's seasonal menus change quarterly, taking inspirations from regions such as Sicily, Piemonte, Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. If available, try the uni pasta, which is cooked to perfection. 

La Risata is a neighbourhood restaurant with locations in Ampang and Damansara that has remained consistent and affordable throughout the years. Food is generally average, though pricing is affordable.

Go for any of the pastas, as they’re all decent, though pizzas are also available. If you’re looking for a quick and affordable family meal, this is it.

Named after the warm glow of the wood-fired pizza oven, Luce Osteria Contemporanea is best known for its pizzas. So much so that the menu devotes two pages to them.

Pizzas have a plush base and crucially avoid the ‘pizza poke’ that sometimes plague thin crust pizzas. We suggest starting the meal with the Cozze alla Tarantina (fresh mussels cooked in a hearty, flavourful tomato soup), before having your choice of pizzas.

Visit Marini’s on 57 for a good night out with friends to celebrate, or just to kick back for the weekend. The interior of the restaurant is beautiful and the city view is spectacular. We thoroughly enjoyed the well-executed tiramisu with coffee caviar.

A great place for cocktails and fine food, the restaurant delivers on what is promised. 

Natalina Italian Kitchen serves hearty, unpretentious Italian comfort food in a spirit unique to Rome. The soul and flavours that Chef Diego Reali creates in his kitchen flow from his mother’s cooking.

Pastas are handmade and meats are grilled and smoked in a Josper charcoal oven, which give the meat dishes an exquisite char. The Ravioli al Nero de Seppia is cooked to al dente perfection and flavoured generously with sauces and proteins.

Visit Nero Nero for a slice of authentic Italy in Kuala Lumpur. From pastas to pizzas, a meal here is designed to be hearty and comforting.

Begin with a plate of calamari before moving on to heartier mains—the homemade tortellini stuffed with duck and served with spinach purée and taleggio cream is delicious. Don't miss the calzone with buffalo mozzarella, button mushrooms and turkey ham. 

Opus is a favourite for obvious reasons; comfort food in a no-frills setting that consistently delivers wholesome Italian favourites. Start with its signature starter, beef carpaccio, that combines paper thin slices of beef with grated foie gras, parmesan shavings and a light rocket salad.

Another hit is the Spaghetti ala Opus, which features fresh seafood and homemade pasta tossed in a delectable tomato-based sauce.

Strato is a well-seasoned, timeless Italian eatery with a humble menu that never gets old. The restaurant has maintained the same hip ambience, great service, simple food, and delicious cocktails for years.

The food is fairly priced, not to mention the great view the place provides. Worth a try is the pappardelle ragù, but everything from the pasta to gelato is well-balanced and seasoned to perfection.