I’ve dined at Fellini Ristorante multiple times since June this year, and each time, I went with different people. Fellini Ristorante was recommended by an Italian residing in KL so this recommendation carried some weight.
Best to WhatsApp to book a table if you’re planning to visit on a weekend (dinner especially)
What draws me to Fellini Ristorante is the vibe – it reminds me of a family-run trattoria in Italy, and I was right. The place is managed by Tony who is an Italian residing in KL. After several visits, I got to know him a bit better and he confirmed what I thought – he’s running Fellini as though it’s a home of an Italian Nonna.
Dinner crowd on a Sunday night
You will need to WhatsApp ahead to book a table as Fellini Ristorante is always packed on weekends. Like no joke, packed. Customers are mostly their regulars and they all seem well-acquainted with Tony, who ensures every dish from the kitchen comes out the way he intended them to be.
Fellini’s Special Pizza
His staff are mostly foreigners so they do lack that “Italian hospitality”, if I’m being entirely honest. That said, they are quick on their feet so you don’t have to wait too long for your food. Fellini’s Special Pizza (RM39) comes with salami and pork sausage on a base of tomato sauce, topped with Italian olives, garlic, chilli, EVOO and mozzarella.
Siciliana
I’m not a big fan of their pizza crust (I assume it’s Roman style) but the overall flavours are savoury and hearty. Another pizza we tried was the Siciliana (RM35), which is simpler. Toppings include beef pepperoni, olives and capsicum in tomato based sauce, and mozzarella cheese on top. If I had to choose, I’d pick the Fellini’s Special.
Calabrese Platter
Cold cuts and cheeses are imported from Italy
Calabrese Platter (RM71 – 2 pax) is generous in portion so I reckon it would feed 3 pax easily. The cold cuts and cheeses are imported from Italy, which locals might find more strong-flavoured (read: saltier) than usual. There’s also a locally produced version for RM51, which I’ve not tried.
Cacio e Pepe with Pork Sausage
I’ve had the Cacio e Pepe with Pork Sausage (RM42) twice and each time, they tasted as good. This is merely linguine, tossed in butter, onion, pepper and pork sausage slices but the flavours are in harmony. I could finish the entire plate on my own.
Bacon Al Pesto
Bacon Al Pesto (RM44) is also decent – chopped bacon with garlic and olive oil, tossed in basil and pine nut mix. I think bacon is not needed in this as the pasta holds its own well enough. There’s also a prawn and chicken version, if you insist on having protein.
Stinco di Agnello
One of my favourite things to eat at Fellini is the Stinco di Agnello (RM61) – lamb shank, slow-cooked with whole tomatoes. I like how the meat is falling-of-the-bone tender, and it’s not overly gamey from the acidity of the tomatoes. The vegetables served on the side were justly cooked so they retained enough crunch.
Pork Loin and Grilled Onion
Pork Loin and Grilled Onion (RM45) is another option to consider if lamb isn’t your thing. Meat is juicy and thick, and the onions are nicely caramelised. That said, I still prefer the lamb shank over this.
Pork Casserole
This portion is good for 2-3 pax. There’s also a larger portion if you’re dining with more people.
Order a side of garlic bread to mop up the sauce
Another popular sharing dish at Fellini is the Pork Casserole (RM72 – 2 pax) which happens to be a crowd favourite at the restaurant. I suggest ordering some breads to go with this as the gravy is quite thick and robust. I had to ask for some bread slices to offset the saltiness but it is, true and true, an Italian casserole dish.
Tiramisu
Panna cotta
Affogato
I can’t decide which dessert I like better at Fellini – Tiramisu or Panna Cotta. Both are proper classics and what you’d expect from an Italian grandmother. I was once seated next to the kitchen so I watched Tony prepare and check all the desserts (and dishes) before they were sent out. There’s also affogato (RM20) which is almost as strong as having an espresso shot.
Tony (the owner) is often in the kitchen to ensure food QC is to his satisfaction.
Ambiance is casual – family-style with live performances from 7-9pm if I’m not mistaken. It’s not quite a “first date night” spot but a place to go to for hearty Italian dishes cooked like how a Nonna would do for you in her home. You can bring your own wines; corkage charge is RM25 per bottle.
I usually bring my own wines to Fellini Ristorante as corkage charge is reasonable.
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Ambiance: 6/10
Price: 6.5/10
Food: 7.5/10 (non-halal)
Verdict: You won’t go wrong with the lamb shank and cacio e pepe.
Do you have a food recommendation? Tell us!
A gem of an Italian restaurant in PJ
Fellini Ristorante & Caffe
119, Jalan Gasing,
Seksyen 10, 46000 Petaling Jaya.
Tel: 012-655 7710
Business hours: 11.30am till 4pm, 6pm till 10.30pm
(closed Monday)