Positano Risto: How a Life-Changing Hajj Journey Led to opening a Muslim-friendly Italian restaurant chain

It’s rare to find an Italian restaurant that’s not only pork-free but also fully alcohol-free in both its food and drink offerings. Nestled in the lush surroundings of Publika’s outdoor scene, Positano Risto has been serving authentic Italian flavours in Malaysia for 6 remarkable years. A Muslim-friendly Italian restaurant chain led in the kitchen by Group Executive Chef, Roberto Mancini, hailing from Rome, Italy, the restaurant truly embodies the essence of Italian cuisine.

The founder, Haji Mohammad Imran, has lived in Asia for nearly 50 years and co-owns the restaurant with his partner Haji Muhammad Ishak. Its origins are deeply rooted in his touching spiritual journey and Haji Imran shares the heartfelt story behind Positano Risto and how it came to be.

A spiritual journey that led to the birth of Positano Risto

Mr. Imran’s calm and friendly demeanour complements his touching story.

“The turning point in my life came during my Hajj in 2012. On the day of Arafat, I unexpectedly broke down and cried for 30 minutes, without any clear reason,”. Imran reflects on his life-altering journey.

Suddenly, an ustaz approached Imran and advised him to go into the desert to make doa for his deepest wishes. Imran asked if there was any limit to what he could ask for, the ustaz replied. Emphasising Allah’s boundless abilities, “There’s no limit.”

Inspired, Imran wrote down 54 seemingly impossible wishes on a piece of paper.

“Alhamdulillah, they all came true. That moment made me realise I needed to give back to the Muslim community. In 2017, together with my partner I changed my life, and started Positano Risto.”

Imran’s inspiration for Positano Risto goes beyond the kitchen. The name ‘Positano Risto’ is a tribute to the Italian town of Positano and its story, highlighted in John Steinbeck’s 1953 book, ‘Positano’. This book recounts the touching tale of a Muslim man whom the town adopted and honored even in death, reburied facing Makkah as a gesture of respect and humanity in a Roman Catholic country.

This profound story of intercultural respect and peace inspired Imran to create a space that celebrates diverse cultures and religions. His vision was to share this spirit through a global Muslim-friendly Italian restaurant chain, serving a halal dining experience. Six years on, Positano Risto continues to thrive, embodying the harmony and respect that inspired its creation.

Bringing authentic recipes from Rome to the kitchen

Imran is committed to ensuring that every dish at Positano Risto reflects the authentic essence of Italian cuisine. With over 30 years of experience as Group Executive Chef at leading 5 star hotels in Japan, China, Indonesia, India, and Vietnam, Chef Roberto brings unparalleled expertise to the kitchen.

The kitchen operates like a finely tuned orchestra, with each dish undergoing a meticulous preparation process.

Amidst the hustle and bustle—handling countless orders as the afternoon rush begins—the team remains calm and collected, expertly crafting each dish from scratch. Their unwavering commitment to excellence is a testament to Imran’s vision.”

“Positano Risto presents an exciting opportunity to introduce Muslim-friendly Italian cuisine to a global audience and I wanted to be part of it,” remarks Chef Roberto, echoing the restaurant’s ambitious vision.

How he creates his standout dishes

Chef Roberto walked us through the process of one of their star dishes, the Lasagna Classica. The homemade dough goes through a process of lamination in the pasta machine, achieving the right thickness and consistency. The pasta sheets are briefly boiled, then immediately cooled in an ice bath with a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking.

The lasagna is layered with rich béchamel sauce, mozzarella, and a beef ragu bolognese that has been slow-braised for 6 hours. It’s then tossed with a generous sprinkle of sharp parmesan. The lasagna is baked to golden-brown perfection after five to six layers.

Another standout dish is the Ravioli All’ Aragosta. Filled with slipper lobster meat and a secret blend of spices, these pasta pockets are delicate. Once shaped, the ravioli is carefully simmered to maintain its fragile structure. A luscious lobster bisque sauce, a drizzle of basil oil, and dill garnishing add a fresh contrast to the dish’s richness.

At the pizza counter, patrons can watch as the house pizzas come to life, crafted right before their eyes. This time, Chef Roberto recommended the La Stella Pizza. This sourdough pizza base is shaped into an 8-pointed star, topped with turkey ham, pepperoni, mozzarella, and homemade burrata cheese.

While the process might seem simple at first glance, shaping the dough into its signature star and transferring it to the peel requires true skill. With a dusting of flour to prevent sticking, the weight of the toppings adds to the challenge.

Witnessing the entire process myself, it felt like I was standing in a pizzeria on the streets of Rome, listening to Chef Roberto passionately explain about the pizza. Who would have thought I was instead in good ol’ Kuala Lumpur, in a Muslim-friendly Italian chain restaurant?

MFT’s Verdict

La Stella Pizza

This pizza is definitely the star of Positano Risto. Fun fact: I found out that its 8-pointed star shape is inspired by a symbol in Islamic art, to depict the Islamic faith.

The dough itself is spot-on. It’s soft and just the right amount of chewy, making every bite super satisfying. The homemade burrata cheese really takes it up a notch as well. What makes it really stand out though, is the stuffed crust. I can taste the deep truffle and earthy notes, adding an unexpected yet delightful surprise. It’s a pizza I’ll remember for a long time.

Spaghetti Carbonara

I usually find it hard to enjoy spaghetti carbonara without feeling jelak after a few bites. To my surprise, I learned that traditional Italian carbonara doesn’t use any cream—it’s made with just egg yolk and cheese. No wonder I couldn’t stop going back for more! Plus, the streaky beef adds just the right amount of saltiness, while the sharpness of the parmesan enhances the savoury notes. It’s indulgent yet not overwhelming. If you’re craving a true taste of Rome, this dish is a must-try!

Lasagna Classica

I was truly excited to give this a try because I’m a sucker for a good plate of lasagna. The outer layer is nicely crusty, providing a satisfying contrast to the rich beef ragu and creamy béchamel sauce inside. This dish is truly Italian, with the contrast of flavours and textures.

Ravioli All’ Aragosta

This dish has a more subtle touch, with the pasta slightly overshadowing the ravioli stuffing. That said, the lobster cream bisque sauce adds a nice hint of sweetness that I really enjoyed. It’s definitely something for the more adventurous foodies out there. If you’re into trying unique dishes, this one’s worth a go!

Spaghetti Aglio Olio Ai Frutti Di Mare

Call me predictable, but I always go for classic Spaghetti Aglio Olio when I’m in the mood for pasta. The Aglio Olio here totally hits the spot, and it’s probably the best aglio olio in town! The flavours are not too oily or bland, and I can taste the seafood flavours infused throughout the dish, giving it a more well-rounded taste. If you’re into seafood pasta, you’ve gotta try this!

Spaghetti Al Nero Di Seppia

For those who love heat (and I’ll admit, I’m definitely one of them), this dish fits right up your alley. This squid ink pasta packs a spicy punch that’ll satisfy all the ‘kaki makan pedas’ out there. Cooked to perfection, the al dente pasta adds a satisfying bite to every mouthful, making it a must-try for those who crave both heat and flavor.

Tiramisu

You simply can’t leave an Italian restaurant without indulging in the classic tiramisu, right? At Positano Risto, the tiramisu is a true spectacle—assembled live right at your table. From layering the ladyfingers, torching the mascarpone, to drizzling the rich coffee, it really elevated my overall experience. Coffee enthusiasts will love the bold coffee flavor, perfectly balanced with the creamy mascarpone and light meringue for a truly decedent treat. Don’t worry, we digress, a Muslim-friendly Italian restaurant chain still wouldn’t have a hint of alcohol in the Tiramisu!

With a cosy setup of 60 seats indoors and 90 seats outdoors, Positano Risto offers a charming blend of romantic ambience and casual dining, featuring Italian-themed decor that adds a unique touch. It’s the best place for celebrations of all sorts, be it family gatherings, company dinners or a special meal, for those seeking real Italian cuisine.

Beverages

The concern of almost any practicing Muslim whilst dining at European spots is this, “Do they serve alcohol?”. I am happy to report that they absolutely do not. And yet despite this, their beverage menu is not only expansive, but downright delectable.

I especially loved the milkshakes here, with my personal pick being the Mango Tango Milkshake with a creamy yet light texture. I would also highly recommend the Nojito, a non-alcoholic version of the famous mojito. Tangy, citrusy, and perfectly refreshing.

Mr. Imran and Chef Roberto’s dedication to serving Muslim-friendly Italian cuisine at the restaurant chains really stands out, giving you the chance to experience a touch of Italy right here in Malaysia. Whether you’re new to the restaurant or a regular, you’ll surely feel the passion and love in every bite.