Luciano's Italian Street Food — Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur

I never knew a slice of Italy was in Wisma Central until today. As you make your way through thousands of working class people having lunch in the almost filled with Malay / Indonesian food with some dotted Western cuisine restaurants, this little slice of an Italian restaurant is a breath of truffle fresh air.

The restaurant itself is very small and narrow, similar to the ones they have in Italy. Decorated with all the Italian restaurant paraphernalia and an Italian chef working behind the counter with arms that looked like he had been kneading the '00' pizza dough since he was a kid.

On the counter are half-baked pizza base waiting for the topping as per order to be done in the oven. The result? A light hand tossed crusty dough that tasted all the fresh ingredients used for the day.

Each bite tasted like Italy from the dough, tomatoes, pepperoni, and cheeses used. If that doesn't bring you to Italy, perhaps you need their spaghetti to reinforce the vision.

The chicken aglio olio has the right touch of saltiness, and olive oil used is of high quality. The finely chopped parsley brings up the earthy smell and flavours of the olive oil. Again, like the pizza brought me straight back to when I was in Italy.

To ensure I was still in Italy, the tiramisu in a mug took the cake (pun intended). A taste of coffee, sponge cake, and layers of cream and chocolate dusting was just exquisite. I bet paired with their single or double espresso would make you a permanent resident of the establishment.

There are many, many so-called authentic Italian restaurants promising real taste of 🇮🇹 but not many can come this close to this cafè.

The pasta menu changes daily, and my next try is definitely the ciabbata bread dipped in olive oil and their coffee.

What would be great if they could...

++ 1st visit 29 Oct 2024 ++

I’ve been eyeing this spot for lunch ever since the review for Luciano’s appeared on my socials feed a few years back.

Somehow the stars were never aligned until today.

Had a quick errand at one of the stores in Wisma Central and since I had the lunch hour clear, decided to check the lunch crowd - and was able to secure a table (for 1)

Based on the recommendation of Lis (Liz?), I went with the Amatriciana - just because it’s uncommon for me and the hot cafe latte.

As I was on the phone when the pasta arrived (banking matters), appreciated the simple unassuming presentation and only consumed it 10 mins later.

The sauce was flavourful, hitting my tastebuds at the right spot.. and the pasta noodle was cooked just right - with a bit of bite to it.

Cafe latte was milkier than those I would get from other cafes (I usually get either ZUS or SF Coffee), but I am not complaining.

Finished the meal by around 1:10pm but stayed on until 2pm for the company. Lis (Liz?) dropped by to check on me - and whether I enjoyed the food - which I gave my thumbs up. The rest of the conversation ranged from how the Italian food business (her husband’s) got started, to her own business (preloved handbags), the merits of private vs public medical services and the experiences & jobs she’s had since her younger years.

It gave me a glimpse of life as an expat in UK, which is interesting for me (who’s spent all her career landlocked in Klang Valley 😝)

Will definitely make a point to schedule in another lunch alone

++ 2nd visit 3 Nov ++

Visited again for lunch with the fam - as they’re also pizza and pasta lovers.

So this time round, managed to try a few more options on the menu. Reviews are...

Luciano's is a gem, allow me some backstory:

I finally got there (seat) on my 5th attempt, the first 4 were marred on failure. The lines were too long and once when I reached the counter, the kitchen had closed because of the food finishing.

I am happy to say that, it was worth trying 5 times!!!

The food was excellent. the pasta was perfect, had a good 'al dente' bite to it. I of course had to spread some pepperoncino on it as like a bit of zing on my pasta.

The Pizza.... one word, "legendary". The last I had pizza this good was in Lygon St. in Melbourne, famed for being the best pizzas in the world, and also (in my opinion) this pizzas are as good or if not better than some of the famous eateries in Naples.

My advise for those going to try food at Luciano's is... be prepared for a long que. But the food is worth the effort (I tried 5 times!!!)

The Italian gentlemen at the kitchen - his dedication to his art is very apparent, I can spend the afternoon just looking at him cook. You can always tell a master cook when you see one.

I cant wait to venture and try other items on the menu, definitely will be back. Was really hoping to try the Arrancini but it was no longer on the menu. I'm not giving up - will keep asking

Small note: The ques can be long, and often times the team is under a lot of pressure to serve people. If you can't operate within those parameters (do what I did) and come again another time. I've seen the team stretched, and I do not envy them. I am so happy today. so, in summary:

Best Italian food ever in KL Authentic - 100% First Class service They need to move on to a bigger premise You MUST come and...