Warm up the holidays with wood-fired pizza and other Italian fare at ‘Roberto’s’

Chef Cristian Grandi garnishes a star-shaped pizza, at left. Loading the wood-fired oven, at right. Photos: Yeu-Gynn Yeung / Coconuts KL
Chef Cristian Grandi garnishes a star-shaped pizza, at left. Loading the wood-fired oven, at right. Photos: Yeu-Gynn Yeung / Coconuts KL

With its neon orange sign beckoning curious foodies to cozy indoor and outdoor seating, new Italian joint Roberto’s 1020 Osteria is impossible to miss, smack in the middle of Kuala Lumpur’s Bangsar Shopping Centre.

Inside is a smaller, air-conditioned space near the cocktail bar for those who prefer wining with their dining in a cooler environment. But it’s the pizza here, handmade the traditional Italian way and baked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. About 70% of Roberto’s ingredients, from the olive oil and cold cuts to the cheese and flour come from Italy.

Guests can gather merrily around the wood-fired oven to watch Italian chef Cristian Grandi roll out the dough, cut the mozzarella cheese, then add meats and sauces and more until finally baking the pie in his wood-fired oven. It’s fascinating to watch. Grandi turns the pizza with a peel – the shovel-like tool used by bakers – every few minutes to ensure its evenly baked, all around.

When served, the pizza dough is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The crust on the pizza is just thin enough so it’s not too rich.

Roberto’s special Christmas fare includes a variety of star-shaped pizzas. Although only available during the holidays, guests may return after the festive period and order one by request.

Mushroom risotto (RM46), at left, and ‘Calabria’ pizza with olives and salami (RM42), at right. Photos: Yeu-Gynn Yeung/ Coconuts KL
Mushroom risotto (RM46), at left, and ‘Calabria’ pizza with olives and salami (RM42), at right. Photos: Yeu-Gynn Yeung/ Coconuts KL

CEO Roberto Guiati said at the launch on Tuesday that Roberto’s welcomes its guests with the spirit of Italian hospitality.

Roberto Guiati stands outside his new restaurant at the Bangsar Shopping Centre in KL. Photo: Yeu-Gynn Yeung/ Coconuts KL
Roberto Guiati stands outside his new restaurant at the Bangsar Shopping Centre in KL. Photo: Yeu-Gynn Yeung/ Coconuts KL

“At Roberto’s, we share Italian hospitality by welcoming our guests like family and making every visit truly memorable,” the 40-year-old food and beverage businessman said.

‘Taglieri e Formaggi’ cold cuts and cheese (RM58), at left, and pan-seared, sesame-crusted tuna (RM64), at right. Photos: Yeu-Gynn Yeung/ Coconuts KL
‘Taglieri e Formaggi’ cold cuts and cheese (RM58), at left, and pan-seared, sesame-crusted tuna (RM64), at right. Photos: Yeu-Gynn Yeung/ Coconuts KL

Beside its variety of traditional pizzas, the menu features handmade pasta dishes, cold cut platters, paninis and burgers. Guests who fancy a drink – because it’s never too early for some cocktails – may get their alcohol fix prepared by a mixologist at the bar.

A row of cocktails at the bar. Yeu-Gynn Yeung/ Coconuts KL
A row of cocktails at the bar. Yeu-Gynn Yeung/ Coconuts KL

FIND IT:

Roberto’s 1020 Osteria

Bangsar Shopping Centre, Jalan Maarof, Kuala Lumpur

Open 9am-10pm daily

Phone: +6017 3948 050

Other stories to check out:

7 places in Kuala Lumpur to indulge in burnt cheesecake




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