Do you love Italian food? We do too, and that’s why we dedicate ourselves to finding the best places to enjoy Italian cuisine in KL! We’ve diligently (trying to.. haha) scout out the top Italian restaurants (authentic ones) around Klang Valley but mostly are either not so wallet-friendly (have to splurge in hotels), not so authentic (fusion ones) or even closed down. Sad.
With so many Italian restaurant choices in KL, it’s important to think about what kind of meal we want. And not just what food you crave, but all the details of the experience, from atmosphere to the taste & price reasonability as well. Just when you need that simple but universal taste of comfort food that only pizza and pasta can provide, think again. As we just discovered a place to indulge in authentic Italian fares at an affordable price as well.
Portofino was the first neighborhood Italian restaurant we fell in love with in Bangsar.
We personally thought that a genuine top notch Italian restaurant will have an ambience that radiates and leaves us with an indescribable feeling of warmth and comfort once we step in. Also, Portofino Bangsar serves amazing and authentic food. Good food & great ambiance: If these criteria are met, you may have just found yourself a top notch Italian restaurant for you and your family to dine at! Well, then check out Portofino to linger over good food and fine wines 🙂
Portofino is managed by 2 very passionate Italian lads – Chef Keli heading the kitchen team while Luca is the operations. We were very impressed with their menu spread as it was brimmed with so many choices!
Insalata Caprese (Caprese Salad) – RM28
Buffalo Mozzarella served with slices of tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, oregano & drizzled with Genova pesto.
I was judging seriously about its presentation. But oh my this dish really surprised me. It was light, refreshing & flavourosme thanks to the premium cheese they served.
Bruschetta con Funghi (Wild Mushroom Bruschetta) – RM16
Toasted bread with sautéed mushrooms, Parmigiano Reggiano & extra virgin olive oil. Topped generously with Parmigiano, it was so yum. The sauteed mushroom was earthy & flavoursome too.
Insalata Portofino (Seafood salad) – RM30
Sauteed fresh prawns, squid rings, scallops, baby octopus, served with black olives, romaine lettuce, tomato, carrots, cucumber, green apple slices, red onions and capsicum with an exquisite house dressing.
Our favourite among all the antipasti so far, the combination of the seafood ingredients was really fresh & the dressing was nothing but good – appetizing, light & bursting with flavours.
Carpaccio di Salmone (Salmon Carpaccio) – RM28
Slices of Norwegian smoked salmon served with romaine lettuce, black olives, carrots, fresh orange slices, toasted bread with an in-house dressing.
Crema di Zucca (Pumpkin Soup) – RM14
Traditional Ferrara-style soup of fresh pumpkin. With no added milk or cream, it was made form pure pumpkin + minimal seasonings. So sweet & delicious.
Zuppa di Cipolle (Baked Onion Soup) – RM16
A hearty bouillon soup filled with sweet onions & marsala liquor, covered with shredded cheese & baked in the oven until golden brown.
One of the best onion soup we’ve had, we swore. Not being an exaggerate but it was so fragrant, and packed with the “umami-ness” (well not the best word to refer haha) and tasty.
Gnocchi al Gorgonzola – RM36
Potato dumplings served with a combination of cream , gorgonzola cheese, mushrooms & grilled marinated slices of chicken. I love gnocchi, especially when they are cooked in a cheesy concoction! This portion was not over satiating, not too salty like most Italian restaurant served. Flavours on the right note.
Spaghetti Portofino (Seafood Spaghetti) – RM38
Homemade seafood spaghetti sautéed in olive oil, garlic, chili, basil, prawns, squid, baby octopus, mussels, clams, scallops in fresh homemade fish stock.
Great pasta texture as it was made in-house, cooked al dente, and tossed with great flavours from the seafood. I would order this over and over again!
Spaghetti al Nero di Seppia ( Squid Ink Spaghetti) – 36
Homemade squid ink spaghetti sautéed in olive oil, garlic, basil, squid rings, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes in fresh homemade fish stock.
Risotto ai Gamberi e Curry (Risotto with Prawns & Curry Spices) – RM36
A unique risotto with fresh prawns, curry spices, apple & cream.
Coscia di Pollo alla Diavola (Devil’s Chicken Leg) – RM36
Grilled boneless chicken leg marinated with paprika, black pepper, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce served with colourful mix sautéed vegetables.
Tagliata d’Anatra (Roasted Duck Breast with Red Wine Reduction) – RM48
Exquisite roasted duck breast served with red wine reduction & figs sauce. Served with with sauteed vegetables on side. Bagged with such a beautiful presentation, it was cooked perfectly too. The meat was tender and juicy. I love it when they use figs to complement the duck. Their flavours and texture just match so well together.
Four Seasons Pizza – RM38
Tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, grilled chicken, turkey ham, mushrooms, and black olives.
Doesn’t know which pizza to order in an Italian restaurant as you would really want to try them all?
Just settle for this 4-in-1 thin crust pizza!
After too much good food, we would always have an extra space for desserts!
Pannacotta – RM14
Delicious Italian dessert made by blending thick cream & honey.
I’m no pannacotta fan myself so I won’t really order this item in an Italian restaurant. But Portofino’s version was really creamy, milky, smooth and “bouncy”!
Crunchy Almond Semifreddo – RM18
Fresh semi-frozen dessert served with chocolate topping
Tiramisu – RM16
Made with coffee, almond liqueur combined with mascarpone cheese. One of the most ordered dessert here, it taste fluffy, light, coffee flavoured cream cheese mousse with a nip of espresso & liqueur and an afterbite of chocolate.
Creme Brûlée – RM16
Cooked cream custard with caramelized sugar
*PORK FREE*
Portofino Italian Restaurant
No 1, Persiaran Ara Kiri
Lucky Garden
Bangsar
Tel: 03-2094 8490
Business hours: Daily 11am – 11pm
Caprese salad should be served with either pomodoro tomatoes or heirloom or good sweet cherry.