I confess that I’m not too familiar with Italian cuisine, other than the occasional prosciutto pizza at Enorme (purists will crucify me. Blasphemy!). And while commercial pizza and pasta joints are a dime a dozen in KL, most of these serve bastardised versions that will make any nonna weep – think ‘tom yum’ pizza or salted egg chicken spaghetti, lol.

If you’re in for an authentic Italian experience, try Villa Danieli at Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur. A separate building on its own next to the pool, the restaurant offers a slice of Italy right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, with rustic yet elegant settings and fresh, good food inspired by the region of Tuscany. It’s easy to see why the place is popular for weddings and events – the warm lighting, beautiful frescoes, cosy seats, and liberal use of wood and stone elements manage to pull off expensive, without being pretentious or intimidating.

The restaurant has its own wood-fired pizza oven, and guess what? We got to make our own pizza (and eat it too) ! Guided by new resident Chef Federico Bozzo from Genoa, our media group floured, rolled and shaped our way to pizza glory. It’s definitely easier to eat than it is to make – you have to ensure the dough is rolled out evenly in a round shape, not too thin or thick – and then there is also the matter of spreading the tomato sauce with the bottom of the ladle.

Mine turned out looking like an abomination, but it didn’t taste too bad. lol

We had our fun, but real food is best left to the experts. Villa Danieli offers a Mamma Mia Brunch special every Sunday from 11AM until 3PM, featuring a large selection of fresh baked pastries and antipasto, ala carte dishes and desserts from RM148nett per adult.

The salad and antipasto bar serves appetisers such as Grilled Mediterranean Vegetable Salad with Feta Cheese, Prawns Salad and Beef Carpaccio, and diners can also tuck into an assorted selection of freshly shucked oysters, clam, prawns and mussels while waiting for their main course.

 

For the mains, we tried Risotto with Asparagus, Peas, Mint and Truffle Oil. The rice was thick and creamy but with an al dente texture, while the truffle oil lent it an element of earthiness.

My favourite was the Beetroot Gnocchi with Creamy Gorgonzola Cheese. Loved the chewiness and bite! It had a nice balance of flavours – beetroot was subtle but was not overpowered by the cheese. Other dishes include Fettucine with Spinach Cream, Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, and Chicken, Slow Cooked Oxtail and Creamy Polenta, Mixed Grilled Seafood, and Braised Lamb Shank with Mash Potatoes. 

Leave some space for the restaurant’s array of Western-style mousses and creams, flans, tarts, cakes and crumbles, sure to satisfy the sweet tooth. The affogato, served with a shot of espresso and a side of biscuits, was the perfect ending to a satisfying meal.

For reservations, call +603 2717 9922 or email to Villa.Danieli@sheraton.com.

VILLA DANIELI 

Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Chow Kit, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Open for lunch and dinner Tues – Sat, brunch (11AM – 3PM) and dinner on Sun. Closed on Mondays.