Un Pezzo di Italia: Top 10 Italian restaurants in Kuala Lumpur

1/10
Ciccio
Built as one of the first restaurants in the Changkat Bukit Bintang neighbourhood 14 years ago, Ciccio stands strong as one of the most established Italian names in the KL restaurant industry. It may not boast of the most gorgeous interior, but it does provide a genuine Italian food experience created from the heart. Don't forget to get a taste of Italy's famed Cassata dessert when you're there!
15 Changkat Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
Photo: Ciccio Facebook
2/10
Favola
Situated in the famous Le Meridien Hotel, Favola is loved for its rustic decor that's adorned with peeling paint and carnival masks, resembling the setting of old Venice. The restaurant specialises in seafood and risotto, reflecting Venetian culinary traditions, so make sure you don't miss out on their specialties on your first visit there. Dining at Favola will feel like a performance all by itself, so sit back, relax and just enjoy the show.
2 Jalan Stesen Sentral, Le Meridien Hotel, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, Kuala Lumpur
Photo: Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur
3/10
iCook
iCook appears to have a bit of everything in its menu, including American burgers and French crème brulée. However, we would first recommend indulging in iCook's succulent and flavourful roast chicken accompanied by a warm bowl of mushroom soup and toasted garlic bread for the perfect homecooked Italian dinner that are all created with Chef Nicola's signature touch.
A-0-5, Plaza Damas 3, 63, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Kuala Lumpur
Photo: iCook Facebook
4/10
La Risata
Here is where you should take your date tonight. Rustic and romantic, La Risata is the perfect location to wow your loved ones and pamper them to a fantastic meal, complete with an extensive list of Italian wines that will complement your mains perfectly. If you're craving for some traditional, Italian classics, La Risata will not let you down.
16 Persiaran Ampang, Kuala Lumpur

128 Jalan Kasah, Medan Damansara, Kuala Lumpur
Photo: La Risata
5/10
Nerovivo
Italy's signature antipasti, cecina ham with rock melon slices, is served best at Nerovivo whose chefs have perfected that combination of sweet and savoury to suit even the pickiest of palates. This award-winning restaurant is also renowned for their pizzas featuring well-baked crusts and a delicious blend of flavours that will leave you with the most memorable Italian experience in KL.
3A, Jalan Ceylon, Kuala Lumpur
Photo: Nerovivo
6/10
Opus Bistro
Opus Bistro is one of those restaurants you can go back to after a good few years and continue to expect the same flavours you tasted during your first meal here. Chef Ariff bin Nohr has managed to maintain the consistency of food quality at Opus for the past 10 years, and continues to do so with passion for his customers. The roasted cod has been known to be a favourite among patrons, but we believe that whatever you order will taste like a piece of heaven anyway.
67, Jalan Bangkung, Bukit Bandaraya, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Photo: Opus Bistro Facebook
7/10
Pietro
The high ceilings, dimmed lighting, great food and affordable prices are what makes Pietro so popular among regulars and such a gem in our opinion. The atmosphere here is casual but peaceful, due to its amazing location away from the heart of the city, and is a wonderful place to dine at whether you're on a date or with a large group of friends.
Ground Floor, Bangunan ECM Libra, 8, Jalan Damansara Endah. Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur
Photo: Pietro
8/10
Portofino
Portofino is one of the latest additions to the Italian restaurant scene, but definitely no less a treasure. Come here for the overall experience - great food, fantastic service and a wonderful ambience. The food here is extremely fresh and perfectly seasoned. There is simply nothing to complain about, so if you've never been here before, now's the time to pay this restaurant a visit.
No. 1 Persiaran Ara Kiri Lucky Garden, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur
Photo: Portofino Facebook
9/10
Strato at Troika Sky Dining
Perched on Level 23, overlooking the city skyline, you can expect nothing less than an amazing fine dining experience at Strato. The Troika restaurants have striked up a reputation for being one of the best restaurant groups in town, with Strato being no exception. The food quality and classy ambience that you'll get a feel of here will make you feel like a queen for the day.
Level 23A, Tower B, The Troika, 19 Persiaran KLCC, Kuala Lumpur
Photo: Strato Facebook
10/10
Villa Danieli
This trattoria-styled restaurant resembles that of a countryside villa, located by the poolside of Sheraton Imperial KL and boasting of a cosy and casual setting that serves delicious Italian fare to all who are looking for a place to relax and to treat themselves. We recommend bringing your loved ones here for a special occasion for the ultimate experience!
Level 5, Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
Photo: Villa Danieli

Italian food needs no introduction. It has been the favourite cuisine for many ever since its globalisation in the Renaissance era, with its most popular dishes being pizza, spaghetti and gelato. What makes it so successful is probably due to the ease of preparation and the combination of herbs and ingredients that brings out the aromatic flavour of Italian cuisine in every bite.

Even though we already know this cuisine so well, it seems to be able to surprise us every single time, especially when cooked with the freshest ingredients. We’ve curated a list of where we think are the best places you can go to for some authentic, hearty Italian fare right in this capital city, so head on up to our gallery to take a look. Italian cuisine is best eaten when shared, so don’t forget to bring your family and friends along!

Dione Chen

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