Food

Roberto’s offers Malaysians an authentic Tuscan dining experience

Petra Cucina’s flagship restaurant opens at the Bangsar Shopping Centre this weekend

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 18 Dec 2020 1:55PM

Roberto’s offers Malaysians an authentic Tuscan dining experience
Chief executive of Petra Cucina, Roberto Guiati, describes to members of the media a sampling of some of the dishes available at Roberto's. – The Vibes pic, December 18, 2020

by Haikal Fernandez

ROBERTO’S 1020 Osteria, opening at a prime location at the Bangsar Shopping Centre on December 16, hopes to provide a discerning audience with authentic Emiliano and Tuscan cuisine – northern Italy – that has previously been hard to find in Kuala Lumpur. 

The restaurant will be the first of many Roberto’s as Petra Cucina plans to open more outlets across Malaysia, and throughout Southeast Asia. 

Roberto Guiati, Chief Executive of Petra Cucina said, “At Roberto’s, we share Italian hospitality by welcoming our guests like family and making every visit truly memorable. In Italy, eating together is  what connects us with family members and friends.” 

Special Margherita pizza in the centre, topped with sliced tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. (Clockwise from L) Carpaccio di Manzo, Filetto di Tonno, Gran Tagliere con Formaggi, white pizza, Burrata alla Caprese, Pappardelle al Ragu. – The Vibes pic
Special Margherita pizza in the centre, topped with sliced tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. (Clockwise from L) Carpaccio di Manzo, Filetto di Tonno, Gran Tagliere con Formaggi, white pizza, Burrata alla Caprese, Pappardelle al Ragu. – The Vibes pic

The food here is designed for sharing, ideal for a gathering of friends and family. The menu at Roberto’s has been meticulously curated and was inspired by Guiati’s and head Chef,  Cristian Grandi’s personal taste. 

The restaurant sources many of its ingredients such as cold cuts, cheese, flour, some vegetables, some of the fish, veal, olive oil and wine directly from Italy.

Carpaccio di Manzo, which is Australian beef carpaccio served with rocket salad, Grana Padano, cherry tomato confit  and lemon dressing. – The Vibes pic
Carpaccio di Manzo, which is Australian beef carpaccio served with rocket salad, Grana Padano, cherry tomato confit and lemon dressing. – The Vibes pic

While the menu is resplendent with various mainstays like salads, soups and pastas, Roberto’s calling card is its selection of pizzas made in an Alfa Forni wood and gas fired pizza oven brought specially from Italy. The model located in the outdoor dining area is the only one of it’s kind in Malaysia. 

The Alfa Forni wood and gas fired oven, located in the outdoor eating area. Imported from Italy, the oven is a centrepiece of the dining experience at Roberto's. – The Vibes pic
The Alfa Forni wood and gas fired oven, located in the outdoor eating area. Imported from Italy, the oven is a centrepiece of the dining experience at Roberto's. – The Vibes pic

The food very much shares the ethos of simple, quality ingredients prepared well. There is not an excess of sauce on a dish, just enough to coat and enrich the pasta. 

An up-close look at Pappardelle al Ragu. Long, flat pasta with a fresh beef meat sauce. – The Vibes pic
An up-close look at Pappardelle al Ragu. Long, flat pasta with a fresh beef meat sauce. – The Vibes pic

The mushroom risotto is especially flavoursome, each bite transportive to a bucolic northern Italian villa. It's very rich, belying the simple and humble ingredients.

Italian Risotto with porcini mushroom ragout and thyme. – The Vibes pic
Italian Risotto with porcini mushroom ragout and thyme. – The Vibes pic

There are also plans to introduce seasonal recipes in keeping with what ingredients are available from Italy at any given moment. However, this is still traditional northern Italian food, so don’t expect localised dishes with typical Malaysian flavours (sambal on pizza?) anytime soon.

The Margherita pizza up for sampling was made in the shape of a Christmas star, the bread having a nice char with a soft crunch. Light and airy, it exemplifies the notion that the best pizza is a simple pizza. You can’t go wrong with the perfect balance of bread, sauce and cheese. 

The Margherita pizza, in the shape of a Christmas star that would top a tree during this season. Topped with nothing but some basil, this pizza exemplifies the notion that the best pizza is a simple pizza. – The Vibes pic
The Margherita pizza, in the shape of a Christmas star that would top a tree during this season. Topped with nothing but some basil, this pizza exemplifies the notion that the best pizza is a simple pizza. – The Vibes pic

In terms of beverages, the restaurant has wine from all regions but specialises in a unique selection sourced from  the lush and bountiful Tuscan countryside, and characterised by an elegant yet powerful and structured style. 

Many refreshing cocktails are available from the mixologist manning the bar at Roberto's. This Gummy Bear cocktail consists of aged rum, bourbon, lime, Angostura bitters, and gummy bear pieces. – The Vibes pic.
Many refreshing cocktails are available from the mixologist manning the bar at Roberto's. This Gummy Bear cocktail consists of aged rum, bourbon, lime, Angostura bitters, and gummy bear pieces. – The Vibes pic.

The restaurant also features an indoor and al-fresco dining area and a bar  where drinks and cocktails are served by a trained mixologist. It boasts a modern interior incorporating Tuscan elements. 

Located at the ground floor of Bangsar Shopping Centre, Roberto's will open for breakfast, lunch and dinner starting tomorrow. For reservations, please call +6017 3948 050. – The Vibes, December 18, 2020

Related News

Malaysia / 1mth

Delivery rider’s birthday gesture leaves young boy smiling (video)

Malaysia / 1mth

Malaysia must prepare for the effects of the Gulf War

Events / 2mth

Penang proposes partnership with Medan in the food industry and farming sectors

Places / 3mth

Hungary looks towards greater collaboration with Penang

Opinion / 4mth

The Islamic business revolution in Southern Thailand

Health / 4mth

Mesut Ozil plans to ‘tackle’ Penang food during visit to the state

Spotlight

Malaysia

Melaka Assembly dissolves, state election must be held within 60 days

Malaysia

Negeri Sembilan Exco has no power to suspend State Secretary, Legal Adviser - AGC

Malaysia

PH-BN cooperation in Penang remains smooth, says Exco

Malaysia

Negeri Sembilan suspends state secretary, legal adviser amid deepening standoff

Malaysia

UMNO branch chief quits over Negeri Sembilan royal dispute (video)

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

PDRM: Children as young as 13 allegedly producing sexualised animations for sale

You may be interested

Tech

JustMarkets now offers more than 260 CFD instruments

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Events

Business community urged to tap opportunities created by the government

By Ian McIntyre

Our Planet

Some 2,200 personnel from 19 countries join major ASEAN disaster response exercise

Off beat

TICA targets data centre cooling market as AI demand grows

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Events

China Eastern updates international app

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir