Portofino is one of a hidden gem in Lucky Garden, Bangsar. Although they sits right at the corner with very big prominent signage, this restaurant actually serve authentic Italian food.
It is a very spacious dining restaurant with comfortable seating area and space in between to have your privacy.
We were introduce with something classic and simple to start off with – Carpaccio di Manzo – Australian grass fed chilled tenderloin carpaccio served with rocket salad, cherry tomato, parmigiano Reggiano, fresh button mushrooms, lemon wedge and toasted bread @ RM 28
Next is Carpaccio di Salmone – Slice of Norwegian smoked salmon served with romaine lettuce, black lives, carrots, fresh orange slices, toasted bread with an in house dressing @ RM 28
I have learnt to enjoy this along the way as Bruchetta Toascana is one of my favourite. Toasted Bread with Chicken Liver Pate where the pate is just nice, not too thick with strong chicken liver smell and they have some seasoning to balance it out. Loving it. @ RM 12 – Recommended
Learnt that, all their pasta are made fresh daily, as we kick off our mains with Capelli d’Angelo – Angle hair green pasta sauteed with garlic, chili flakes, cherry tomatoes, basil, extra virgin olive oil, fresh prawns and zucchini @ RM 38. Something classic with a hint of spiciness.
Spaghetti Portofino @ RM 38 – homemade seafood spagheti sauteed in olive oil, garlic, chili, basil, prawns, squid, baby octopus, mussles, clams, scallops in fresh home made fish stock
This is one of my favourite in one of the mains. Gnocchi al Gorgonzola – potato dumplings served with combination of cream, gorgonzola cheese, mushrooms and grilled marinated slices of chicken @ RM 36. Gnocchi is done to perfection where it is soft enough yet not overcook, with a little hint of strong cheese taste like blue cheese is just perfect to make the dish stand out. Creamy enough to my liking for a portion for myself, I guess some of you might want to share as the cream might be too thick for you.
Too much cooking show, so whenever in a Italian restaurant – Risotto is a must order for me. So I pick Risotto ai Funghi – with porcini mushrooms served with grilled marinated chicken. Cook to perfection where risotto is not over cook yet with grains texture is there and the stock cook in it do enhance the sweetness of the taste. @ RM 36
Coscia di Pollo alla Diavola @ RM 36 – Grileld boneless chicken leg, marrinated with paprika, black pepper, lemon juice, worcestershire sauce, served with colour mix of sauteed vegetable
Agnello in Umido @ RM 48 – imported lamb slow braised in oven fire with mushroom and Italian herbs till tender cooked. Served in lamb reduction gravy and mashed potato. A portion that worth to order and share as the mash is so good, soft and airy. With lamb is so soft, tender and juicy.
Back to classic too with Pizza Napoletana – Tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, anchovies, black olives, capers and cheery tomato @ RM 34. Something simple to dive into and must eat with their chef special homemade chili sauce. It is not Tabasco but its one of a awesome sauce, mild spicy with a bit fragrant of herbs. The chef to sell it too. As you finish up the pizza, you will be greeted with classic pizza ingredients at the end.
Love their housewine pouring too. If your friends are not keen to drink, you can order by glasses. They use Chilean wine.
Love their Pannacotta as it is so wobbly like a jelly dancing if you shake the plate. @ RM 14, Soft texture, fragrant with the panna cotta that just melts in your mouth. love it.
Creme Brulee @ RM 16
Among those that we ordered, this is my favourite. Tiramisu – made with coffee, almond liqueur combined with mascarpone cheese @ RM 16. One of the best that I can find . Creamy enough with the best is still moist where mascaropone cheese taste is still prominent and cocoa powder still can be tested. A well balance of taste and a Must order!
With Chef Keli, his partner and brother as they are expat from Italy.
One of a restaurant worth to try if you are looking for authentic Italian dishes.
Location:
Portofino Restaurant
No. 1, Persiaran Ara Kiri,
Lucky Garden,
Bangsar 59100
Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2094 8490
Email:[email protected]
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 11:00am – 11:00pm
