Italian Summer Menu – Natalina Italian Kitchen, Avenue K
Words: Stephen Reid
Photos: Peter Tan
I have been a long-time fan of Natalina Italian Kitchen. At one stage, when I lived in KLCC, I visited at least weekly, tucked away in a booth at the back. It was a table that our photographer Peter said mob bosses would probably have chosen, as it offered a view of the entire restaurant and who was coming and going. It also has a handy door nearby for a quick escape to the adjacent, and highly recommended, Frank’s cocktail bar in the back.
Italian Summer Menu – Natalina Avenue K
Having moved further away, I haven’t visited as often as I used to. As such, I was thrilled to be asked by The Yum List to sample Head Chef Stefano Maria La Penna’s new Italian Summer Menu. The familiar, cosy Italian restaurant on the third floor of Avenue K has had a summer makeover. It is now resplendent with a ceiling covered in green foliage and hundreds of lemons, reminiscent of spending a summer day on the island of Capri. We settled into our booth, upholstered in plush green velvet, under the watchful eyes of portraits of Frank Sinatra and his mother, Natalina, after which the restaurant is named. Smaller tables for two can be pushed together to accommodate larger groups, and a private dining room is available for those seeking a bit more privacy. Classic Italian tunes by ‘Rat Pack’ artists play gently in the background. As I relaxed into the plush upholstery, I made a promise to myself that I needed to revisit this old favourite of mine a little more often.
One of the reasons I was so fond of Natalina’s was the first-rate service, and I am pleased to report that this has not changed. Our waiter, Masud, welcomed us with a smile and seemed to anticipate our every need.
Aperitif
We decided to start with a classic Aperol Spritz (RM 48). Close your eyes and imagine a sun-drenched Italian courtyard. This classic cocktail, the colour of a fiery sunset, intertwines the slightly bitter notes of Aperol with the sweet sparkle of Prosecco, lengthened by refreshing soda water for a mildly effervescent sip.
The Natalina Cooler (RM 48) was a surprisingly light and zesty blend of Chardonnay, lemon juice, and lemonade. Adorned with a lemon slice and mint sprig, this refreshing drink was akin to a less sweet, boozy lemonade – perfect for quenching our thirst.
Bread
Helping to soak up our quenching cocktails, we enjoyed the excellent warm complimentary focaccia, served with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a trio of dips. These days, food inflation is something we all discuss, but in this case, it was specifically regarding the height of the bread, which was at least double the height of that on my last visit. Chef Stefano would later tell us that the recipe had been changed, and it was deliciously light and fluffy.
Antipasti
Our first dish from the Italian Summer Menu was the Carpaccio Di Manzo (RM 58), a standout featuring thinly sliced tenderloin. It was beautifully presented, with the tender strips of beef elegantly draped over cherry tomato bread, visually elevating what can often be a flat dish. Complemented by a drizzle of extra virgin oil, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a delightful tang from the tuna mayonnaise, it was an impressive starter from the new menu.
Ideal for sharing, the Crostone Mediterraneo (RM 48) boasts a remarkably crispy dough base akin to a thin cracker. It is abundantly topped with a vibrant tomato sauce, oregano, anchovies, and black olives, and accompanied by fresh cherry tomatoes, red onion, basil, and a dollop of stracciatella cheese. The optimal method for enjoying this dish is to simply pick up a piece and take a bite. The dough’s crispness ensures a satisfying crunch. Utterly delicious, its popularity on the menu is well deserved.
To complement our starters, we selected a glass of Sartori di Verona’s Pinot Grigio Love Story 2022 (RM 40 per glass; RM 190 per bottle). This light, crisp wine hails from the Verona region of Italy, the romantic setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, which inspired its name. It holds a special place for Monica, who had the pleasure of spending time with Andrea Sartori, fourth generation winemaker a few years back.
Pasta
The Gricia Al Tartufo (RM 78) was a rich and filling dish featuring handmade fettuccine. It was served in a creamy cheese sauce and generously topped with smoked duck and fresh black truffle. The smoked duck, with its slightly cured texture, added a delightful depth to this indulgent pasta.
For a lighter pasta experience, the Tortello In Brodo Alla Cacciatora (RM 68) is an excellent choice. This dish presents handmade Italian tortello, a stuffed pasta akin to ravioli from regions like Emilia-Romagna, filled with chicken. It is served in a beautifully light “Hunter’s Broth,” a perfect complement that highlights the pasta itself without overwhelming it.
I am a big fan of gnocchi; it is one of my top menu choices at Italian restaurants. It is tasty, wonderfully filling, and satisfying, and there is no risk of a stray noodle or spaghetti escaping onto my shirt! The Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina (RM 62) did not disappoint. These are handmade ‘dumplings’ served in a vibrant tomato sauce with basil and garlic, all baked to perfection with fresh mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Perfect for the Summer menu, our final pasta was the Mezze Maniche Alla Morronese (RM 72). “Mezze Maniche” literally means “half-sleeves,” referring to the pasta’s length, which is approximately half that of rigatoni. It was served in a traditional white ragout featuring Wagyu beef, porcini mushrooms, fresh spinach, and red capsicum pepper. Of all the pasta dishes, this was unequivocally my favourite. Incidentally, most of the pasta dishes can be prepared as Gluten-Free Pasta Options. Discuss this with your waiter if you require a gluten-free option.
Our photographer, Peter, imparted the news that many Asians, like himself, have a resistance to eating risotto dishes, holding firm beliefs about how rice should be served and that it shouldn’t be ‘messed about’. Yet, his reservations melted away after sampling the Risotto Del Giorno (RM 88). This dish changes daily, but on this occasion, Chef Stefano had crafted a particularly appetising variant specifically catering to Monica’s taste with roast pumpkin, tangy Gorgonzola cheese, and minced lamb.
Secondi Piatti – Second Plate
The Braciole Alla Genovese (RM 88) was a beautifully presented dish featuring tender, thinly sliced beef roulades. These roulades were generously filled with a savoury mixture of garlic, parsley, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The beef was gently braised in a rich Genovese-style sauce (made with a mirepoix of onion, carrot, and celery), resulting in a comforting, easy-to-eat, and flavourful dish.
To accompany this dish, we chose a bottle of the house red wine, the Castello di Querceto Chianti 2021 (RM 350 per bottle). This medium-bodied Sangiovese displayed a brilliant ruby red colour, with alluring scents of ripe fruits and light tannins. It’s another place that Monica holds dear, having spent a few nights in Chianti with Alessandro Francois as her guide.
Dolci – Dessert
Resisting the siren call of Natalina’s beloved Tiramisu, our mission to explore the new Summer Menu led us to the Amarena e Limone Meringato (RM 45). This delightful tart presented a crisp pastry shell cradling a smooth lemon custard, topped with beautifully torched Italian meringue, and brightened by lemon zest and Amarena cherries. While every aspect was flawlessly prepared, our palates, perhaps drawn to brighter citrus notes, would have appreciated a more assertive lemon “zing” in the custard.
We finished our meal with a glass of Limoncello (RM 28), a refreshing blend of lemon zest, vodka, water, and sugar. This Limoncello delivered the perfect lemon zing we were looking for and then some!
Natalina Italian Kitchen Summer Menu Review
My visit to Natalina Italian Kitchen at Avenue K, where I sampled Head Chef Stefano Maria La Penna’s new Summer Menu, reignited my long-standing affection for this establishment. The familiar cosy interior has undergone a delightful summer makeover, now adorned with lush green foliage and hundreds of lemons on the ceiling, perfectly evoking the sensation of a sun-drenched day in Capri. If a trip to Positano or Capri isn’t quite in your budget, Natalina offers a wonderful alternative. Grab an Aperol Spritz, close your eyes halfway, and gaze at the beautiful lemon grove above your head. As you sample a few dishes from the Summer Menu, you might just believe you’ve been transported to Italy.
Reasons to visit Natalina Italian Kitchen: the refreshed summer menu featuring standout dishes such as the impossibly crisp Crostone Mediterraneo, tasty Carpaccio Di Manzo and the wonderful Mezze Maniche Alla Morronese; first-rate service; easy access to Avenue K by MRT.
Natalina Italian Kitchen
Avenue K, Lot 06 – Level 03, 156, Jalan Ampang
50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Link to Natalina Italian Kitchen on Google Maps
Parking in Avenue K mall.
Nearest LRT: KLCC
+60 12 673 3860
www.natalinakl.com
@natalinaitalian @cinnamongroup
*Vegetarian options
*Pork-free
Natalina Opening Hours
Daily: 12 PM – 10 PM
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