Positano Risto, where Quality and Craftsmanship are on Full Show

Text by SHAHIDA SAKERI Images by MUHAMMAD HASIF MOHD JELANI

“It’s a good thing that food is transportive, because boy, how I miss Italy!”

Being one of the trendiest spots in town, Publika is always buzzing and fuelled by an array of noteworthy eateries. However, there is one particular establishment that proudly holds its own: Positano Risto, a modern restaurant serving authentic Halal Italian specialities. In fact, the restaurant has consistently been impressive that it garnered the firm spot as the ‘#1 Halal Italian Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur’, as well as being listed as among the ‘Top 10 for Italian restaurants in Kuala Lumpur’ by TripAdvisor!

I arrive at the restaurant during what could have been a chaotic lunch hour, but instead I am greeted by a remarkably relaxed atmosphere. Oh no, this is not to say that the restaurant is Sahara-desert-empty; on the contrary, all tables are almost filled by diners, some are even occupied by groups celebrating special occasion. It’s a busy day for Positano Risto, yet I see no single frown on the faces of the staff. Kudos to the team for remaining attentive and swift when delivering service.

Every patron seems jolly, taking in the ample natural light coming from the floor-to-ceiling windows with the muchappreciated view of the nearby park. The space is also cleverly designed, with wooden panels and a striking huge mural of the eponymous cliffside village that the restaurant is named after gracing the feature wall. No nonsense, just an efficient, welcoming space ideal for leisure meals or work meetings.

The menu is extensive, so be sure to come hungry. If you were unsure, start with Arancini, the sumptuously golden rice balls packed with savoury flavours that are classic, precise, and perfect to whet the appetite. Then surrender yourself to one of the restaurant’s bestsellers, the Super Supreme Calzone, a Roman-styled pizza that punches out strong hits of arugula, burrata, parmesan, mozzarella, beef pepperoni and turkey ham. I learned that Positano Risto specially hired a chef from Verona who took six months to exquisitely craft this recipe. This glorious pizza is bordered by eight handcrafted pockets that are perfect for sharing. The incredibly addictive fettuccine carbonara topped with crispy beef bacon that is luxed-up with a sous vide egg is also worth a try.

Wash down everything with any refreshing mocktail such as the Blue Electric Lemonade or the Nojito, which you can never go wrong. Resisting the dessert offerings here would be futile. So, you are recommended to order the cannoli, a beautiful assembly of cocoa shells filled with homemade ricotta cheese infused with orange, raspberry cells and Chantilly cream. This rendition of the classic Italian pasty is whimsical and textural at all the right places.

In short, Positano Risto at Publika seems to be doing everything right, masterfully serving genuine Italian dishes with uncompromising flavours sans liquor and pork, which I understand is the Italians’ favourite white meat. Every dish served in this restaurant has a soul and has the power to make you come back for more. Don’t believe me? Then you better come over and try it yourself…

Positano Risto @ Publika Opens every day, from 11:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. W: positanoristo.com.my