Italian restaurants boasting handmade pasta and wood-fired pizzas are a dime a dozen. But true Italian cuisine enthusiasts will know where it all began.
One of Kuala Lumpur’s oldest surviving Italian restaurant is still standing strong after more than 35 years. Curious about what’s kept it thriving through the decades, I went to find out for myself.
Located at the edge of the Royal Selangor Golf Club’s course, Ciao Ristorante is in a quieter part of Kuala Lumpur, with a flyover looming overhead past the main entrance. For diners who enjoy escaping the city’s chaos and bustling crowds, this would, of course, be a plus in Ciao’s favour.
An actual Venetian owner
Also acting in Ciao’s favour is its owner, Rudy Stecca. A Venetian by birth, the man made quite the entrance, showing up at the foyer in a vintage Fiat car. He was a welcoming and unpretentious host, eager to extend hospitality to every guest at his restaurant.
“I’ve been here in Malaysia for 30 years,” he said. When he was offered the chance to own Ciao, he jumped at the opportunity and has not looked back since. Even the Ciao team tends to consist of long-time employees, like Chef Fabio, who has been here for over 20 years now.
Far from home, Rudy has gone to great lengths to make the place feel like a piece of Venice. Ciao charms with its farmhouse aesthetic, with rustic décor and old-school tiles. Some of the decorative pieces are, in fact, brought over from Venice, like the iconic St. Mark’s Lions.
As fun as it is to gape at the details, the food is unsurprisingly the main highlight of the Ciao experience. While restaurants leap over each other to put a new twist on Italian food, Ciao goes all in with the classic experience. Here, what you get is the real, authentic taste of Italy.
Everything’s right with ravioli
One need not speak Italian to understand that the Ravioli di Carne ai Funghi Porcini (RM68) is a love letter to mushroom maniacs. Coated with a thick, earthy brown sauce, you can smell the earthy mushrooms even before you taste them.
The sauce-coated raviolis are made in-house, with fillings of tender beef cheek. Every bite into a ravioli releases a smoky burst of flavour that perfectly marries meat and mushroom.
All rise for the risotto
Venice is synonymous with risotto, so skipping this would’ve been unthinkable. Appropriately, I had the Risotto di Pesce (RM68), a seafood dish which came with mussels, calamari, and prawns.
Unlike the overly soft versions found elsewhere, the risotto served at Ciao was delightfully al dente and buttery. Laced with hints of Parmesan and fresh parsley, this was a comforting dish worthy of its Venetian roots. The Floating City truly eats well.
Lasagna to make Garfield envious
An Italian restaurant is only worth its salt if its lasagna is up to par. Hence, I was curious to see if Ciao would pass the sniff test. And given the whiff I caught of the fresh homemade Lasagna (RM52) when it arrived at the table, it passed with flying colours.
With its bright red hue, it looked scrumptious from the onset. In between the mozzarella cheese sheets were generous portions of beef bolognese. The dish had the right harmony of flavours in every layer, so you can taste pasta, sauce, and cheese without one overpowering the other.
A simple, savoury spaghetti
If you just want something lighter, the Spaghetti Vongole (RM62) would be right for you. Made with imported pasta tossed with fresh clams, garlic, chilli, and cherry tomatoes, it’s a dish that’s simple yet irresistible.
Maybe it was how perfectly al dente the pasta was, or maybe it was the pairing with Ciao’s homemade chilli oil (recommended by the waiter), it was just addictively good.
I sea-food, I eat it
Venice is a coastal city, so it was just fitting that the Seafood Platter (RM78 for 1 pax/RM142 for 2 pax) is on the menu. It features seabass, king prawn, squid, and scallop, served with a creamy dipping sauce.
Of the selection, the scallop stole the show. Mildly charred with a pleasantly chewy texture, its natural sweetness was enhanced by the creamy sauce.
A sweet ending
Any self-loving Italian would end a meal on a high note, so that’s where the desserts came in. I treated myself to the Tiramisu (RM32), Cannoli (RM32) and Panna Cotta (RM28). The tiramisu was the best of the three, but the other two are still definitely worth indulging in for your sweet tooth’s sake.
Is Ciao worth your time?
With its cosy atmosphere, excellent food and quality service, Ciao Ristorante has the winning trifecta of a solid Italian restaurant. Needless to say, I will be back for more. That lasagna alone is worth the return. Until then… ciao to Ciao.
Ciao Ristorante
Address: 20A, Jalan Kampung Pandan, Off, Jln Tun Razak, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, WP Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm weekdays | 5pm – 10.30pm weekends
Contact: 03-92854827
Halal Status: Pork-free | Alcohol served
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