Natalina Italian Kitchen & Frank's Bar @ Avenue K KL. The Best Italian Restaurant In KL?

I've been focusing on the-gram way more than what I used to here, hence it's been awhile since I've last written - I miss writing, and will still continue to do so despite the long intervals.

On a side note, you can follow me on Instagram on both of my eats account Here & Here.

I went on an Italian food streak awhile back so I thought I'd share a quick one here today, I felt that this place was worthy of a special mention. This is going to be a short summary.

Bookings are absolutely essential at both Natalina & Frank's Bar.

I took the 6.30PM - 8.30PM earlier dinner time slot, and hop by Frank's Bar for drinks after. Everything starts and ends early nowdays, you know. 

Alternatively, if you're a late dinner-goer, the second dinner seating starts at 8.30PM.

We ordered 3 appetizers to share - Sardine ala Pizzaiolla (RM38.00), Tuna & Salmon Tartare (RM58.00) and Fresh Tiger Prawns & Calamari (RM58.00), all of which were delectable starters.

In a nutshell, the sardine appetizer had great flavors and textures. As for the tartare, I wasn't a huge fan, simply because I'm not big on raw food. On the other hand, I had fun nibbling on the nicely battered fresh tiger prawns & calamaris. It came in a huge platter, clearly meant to be shared.

What a great start to the meal.

Sardine ala Pizzaiolla (RM38.00)

Tuna & Salmon Tartare (RM58.00)

Fresh Tiger Prawns & Calamari (RM58.00)

We had 4 mains - Polpo Griliato (Octopus Leg) (RM135.00), Tartufo Pizza (RM65.00), Papperdelle with Wagyu Beef Cheek (RM68.00), Ravioli with Stewed Oxtail (RM65.00).

The pizzas and pastas felt - very fresh, and what I really meant by that was that the textures felt as thought it was freshly made when ordered, toothsome as such, easily one of the better pizza crusts and pastas I had. Textures aside, it's tastes were exceedingly well done as well, all of which carries similar notes of flavorsome and rich.

All dishes had distinctive Italian elements without being overwhelmingly foreign to the Malaysian tastebuds, perhaps somewhat localized - that's why the place is always packed.

I struggled to pick my favorite. If I were to really-really pick one, it would be the Papperdelle with Wagyu Beef Cheek.

Polpo Griliato (Octopus Leg) (RM135.00)

Tartufo Pizza (RM65.00)

Papperdelle with Wagyu Beef Cheek (RM68.00)

Ravioli with Stewed Oxtail (RM65.00)

We also had a white and a red to entertain us through the meal.

Hop over to Frank's Bar, a New York styled speakeasy bar located inside of Natalina KL.

If you are having drinks after dinner, you can enter the bar through a door located at the rear end of the restaurant (or just ask), where you get to walk through a litted tunnel filled with portraits of the late Frank Sinatra - like the name of the bar suggests.

Alternatively if you're heading straight to the bar, take a left from the elevator, the door has a fedora sign on it.

I absolutely love the uniquely crafted cocktails. It had an interesting concoction that worked and a very fun presentation. Frank's Bar easily dropped into my list of favorite bars to visit this year. 

Almost all of their signature cocktails are priced at RM45.00/glass. This is the Ramen Beats (RM45.00).

Overall Rating : 8.5/10.

I like. All in all, freshly made pizzas and pastas with great textures and flavors, and good portion sized appetizers. Prices are on the higher side, but you'd get what you paid for, worth visting at least once. Also, pop by Frank's Bar while you're there too.

Park inside Avenue K at RM3.00/hour. RM8.00/flat rate after 6PM.

Natalina Italian Kitchen is located at : 

Address : Avenue K, Lot 06 - Level 03, 156, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur

Phone : 012-673 3860
Opening Hours : 12pm - 10.30pm Daily.