I’ve heard good things about the food at Natalina in KL but didn’t make it a point to visit as I tend to stick to familiar places when it comes to Italian food – their sister outlet in DC Mall. Jien however, loves exploring new places and Natalina is one of them.
Natalina | Interior
Our first visit was pleasant in terms of food but less so when it came to the overall experience (read: service). Partly because we were late for our dinner reservation; so our meal was “rushed” as they wanted us out quickly. Second time around, we got to take our time to properly enjoy the food and drinks at Natalina.
Burrata
The Burrata (RM52) is delicious here – rich and creamy, and placed on a bed of tomato confit and wild rocket salad. I thought the acidity and sweetness from the confit paired nicely with the cheese, and the peppery notes from the wild rocket elevated the overall flavours for this starter.
Beef Carpaccio
Also good is the Carpaccio Di Manzo (RM58), though predictable. You get thinly sliced tenderloin topped with rocket salad, parmesan and olive oil; a good sharing course if you’re dining in a group. My preference lies with the burrata, nonetheless.
Paccheri Amatriciana
Baccala Agnolotti
We rather enjoyed the Paccheri Amatriciana (RM62) – pasta was al dente and the tomato base had good umami from the smoked duck and pecorino cheese. On our second visit, we tried the Agnolotti, stuffed with black cod and served in cherry tomato cream. Delicious but can be cloying if you’re attempting to finish the plate on your own.
Grilled King Prawns
The Grilled King Prawns (RM128) was part of a specials menu on the night we visited, and it was cooked well. Prawns had a lovely crunch and the char from the grill accentuated the sweetness of the prawns. This came with a side of gremolata sauce and basil oil.
Josper Grilled Salmon
Josper-grilled salmon (RM120) was crisp on the outside and the saffron sauce was rich and lightly floral at the end of the palate. Well cooked, but not my favourite dish from Natalina’s kitchen. I wanted the whole wild baby fish but it wasn’t available that night.
Campagnola Pizza
Pizzas are a highlight at Natalina and they do it well. At least the ones I ordered. We had the Campagnola (RM62) on our first visit – a pizza comprising fior di latte, scamorza cheese, potatoes, lamb sausage, gorgonzola and mixed mushrooms, with chilli oil to finish. One of the better ones I’ve eaten in KL so far.
Seafood Pizza
Pizza Di Mare (RM65) comes with smoked salmon, tiger prawns, squid, rocket salad and mozzarella on a tomato sauce base. Also delicious, but I prefer the flavour profile of Campagnola.
Classic Tiramisu
The Tiramisu (RM45) at Natalina is decent but I prefer the version at Nero Nero as the dessert is presented as a whole before the waiter scoops and plates it in front of you. It’s not just the theatrics – I find the liquor flavour stronger at the latter outlet. That said, this is still worth checking out.
Pistachio Pie
Grappa (left) and Limoncello
I liked the Pistachio Pie (RM45) here as it’s smooth, rich and nutty. The shortcrust pastry base is also light yet crumbly enough upon cutting, and the cream paste isn’t overly sweet. This is a nicely presented pistachio pie (crostata); the ones I tried in Florence and Venice were more rustic. Paired nicely with Grappa (RM34) and Limoncello (RM28).
Frank’s Bar
We didn’t get to have a post-dinner cocktail at Frank’s Bar on our first visit as they were a full house, so we learnt our lesson and made a booking on our second visit to Natalina. The bar is located at the back of Natalina (a separate outlet, but you enter via Natalina) and serves a range of good cocktails – both classic and contemporary.
Overall, we had a good experience at Natalina. Food is good and true to Italian roots, plus the vibe is cosy and lighting is dim; makes for a good date.
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Ambiance: 7/10
Price: 6/10
Food: 7/10 (pork-free)
Verdict: Seafood seems to be Natalina’s strong suit. Pizzas are good and pastas are hearty too. They also offer a good selection of wines and spirits.
Do you have a food recommendation? Tell us!
Natalina Italian Kitchen
Lot 06 – Level 03,
Avenue K,
156, Jalan Ampang,
50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 012-673 3860
Business hours: 12pm till 10pm
Website
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