Kucina, Penang Marriott Hotel — Restaurant in George Town

Housed inside the newly opened Marriott Hotel, "Kucina" promises to be a high-quality Italian restaurant where chefs elevate traditional pasta and pizza dishes through careful techniques and creative combinations, turning them into meals that transcend the everyday. For an afternoon lunch, we were offered both an à la carte and a promotional menu. The outlet manager "Krishnan" politely explained the choices, and after consideration, we decided to go for the promotional lunch, which included a selection of three items each from the starters, mains, and desserts, all for RM88 nett. With the three of us ordering different sets, it felt like a fantastic deal.

Starters We began with a selection of starters: the Heirloom Tomato Soup featured heirloom, Roma, and cherry tomatoes with basil oil; Caprese brought together mozzarella, Roma tomatoes, sweet basil, and a balsamic glaze; and the Kucina Caesar salad, a delightful combination of buttermilk dressing, Grana Padano cheese, sous vide egg, cashew nuts, and croutons. Each dish showcased a refreshing and harmonious mix of flavours, setting a positive tone for the rest of the meal.

Main Courses The main courses continued to impress, reflecting the restaurant's dedication to elevating classic dishes. The Tortellini stood out with its earthy portobello filling combined with king oyster mushrooms, cashew nuts, and white truffle oil, creating a luxurious umami profile that was both juicy and delicious. The Basil Pesto Pasta, served with perfectly pan-seared Hokkaido scallops, sweet basil pesto, and pine nuts, had a distinctive flavour profile. The pasta was cooked to a perfect al dente, providing a pleasing bite that paired well with the basil pesto. Although the pesto was bright and herbaceous with a hint of garlic, it could have been less creamy to allow the basil flavour to shine through more prominently. The natural sweetness of the scallops complemented the pesto, while the pine nuts contributed a subtle crunch that balanced the sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavours and textures in each bite. The Burrata Pizza, featuring fresh tomatoes, basil, oregano, mozzarella, and burrata, delivered vibrant and comforting flavours. The dough, skillfully prepared and perfectly baked, had a delightful, crusty texture with a slight chewiness. The thin, crisp crust contrasted satisfyingly with the creamy burrata and juicy fresh tomatoes. This balance of textures elevated the overall flavour profile, making each bite a delightful combination of crunch, freshness, and richness.

Desserts The desserts were a delightful conclusion. The Chocolates dessert brought richness and texture, combining chocolate gelato with raspberry puree, dark crumble, and pistachio chocolate, providing contrasting flavours and textures. The Kucina Tiramisu, with its coffee-soaked ladyfingers and sweet mascarpone layer, offered a comforting finish with a hint of bitterness from the cocoa powder.

Overall Assessment Overall, the restaurant's blend of traditional and innovative approaches creates a distinctive menu that goes beyond standard Italian fare. While some dishes could benefit from stronger seasoning for those who prefer bold flavours, the careful ingredient selection and precise preparation reflect culinary expertise that appeals to sophisticated palates. At RM88 nett, this promotional lunch felt like a steal, offering incredible value for the...

Kucina, the Italian restaurant at the Penang Marriott Hotel, is renowned for its authentic Italian flavors and high-quality ingredients.

Crew service are very friendly and helpful. The price are reasonable here.

Here are some recommendations.

The Insalata di Rucola is a classic arugula salad featuring fresh rocket leaves, shaved Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic dressing—a light and refreshing starter.

The Zuppa di Pesce is a traditional Italian seafood soup made with a rich tomato-based broth and fresh seafood such as mussels and prawns, offering a comforting and flavorful experience.

For pasta lovers, the Agnolotti Ragu D’Anatra presents delicate agnolotti (small stuffed pasta) filled with a rich duck ragu, enhanced by a flavorful sauce that highlights the depth of the slow-cooked duck.

The Orzo Gamberi combines orzo pasta with shrimp, cooked in a light yet flavorful sauce that enhances the natural sweetness of the seafood.

Mushroom enthusiasts will enjoy the Tortellini al Funghi, featuring tortellini pasta filled with a portobello mushroom filling, complemented by king oyster mushrooms, cashew nuts, and white truffle oil for an aromatic and indulgent dish.

To end the meal on a sweet note, the desserts, including Tiramisu and Panna Cotta, stand out as some of the best I’ve...

We had a lovely dinner here yesterday for a birthday celebration and truly enjoyed the experience. The ambience was warm and inviting, and the service from the staff was friendly and nice, especially Mac, who made us feel very welcomed and well taken care of.

A highlight was definitely the tiramisu, freshly prepared right at a table, a delightful and interactive touch! We also really appreciated the surprise complimentary birthday cake and the adorable Instax photo they took for us. Such a sweet gesture that made the night even more special. 🥰

As for the food, most of the dishes were enjoyable. The only slight hiccup was the rib-eye, which was a bit more medium-well than the medium-rare we ordered, and the risotto had some grains that were slightly undercooked. The staff mentioned it might be due to the traditional Italian style, which we understand — but hopefully there’s room for a bit of improvement there.

Overall, it was a great dining experience, and we would definitely return again. Thanks to the team for making our celebration so...