Porto Romano

One of the most authentic Italian foods I have eaten in Malaysia. With their prices, they are really worth it. Atmosphere is cozy and like a pub. Staff are incredibly wonderful too. Oh and they sell giant calzones.

Easily mistaken as an authentic Italian cuisine restaurant , Porto Romano is really a port of authentic Mediterranean flavors (Spanish, Italian, Greek) . Sure at first glance at the menu, even I thought it was an Italian only restaurant, and this comes to no surprise since the restaurant flaunts a wide selection of delicious Italian pasta cooking styles such as aglio e olio, alfredo, bologne, puttanesca, marinara, carbonara, pesto. 

Also its pizza selection is vast: magherita pizza, neopolitan pizza, formaggi pizza, pesto pizza and so much more. But truly once you explore their menu, the Mediterranean connection makes sense: things such as the greek moussaka, Spanish style chicken leg, roman style oxtail, Mediterranean pizza, traditional spanish paella. Every dish in this restaurant is made pork free, and is certified Halal. Nevertheless, non-muslims don't fret, porto romano offers a wide range of white and red wines, bottled beers to pair with your delicious meal. 

To also die for is their dessert and after meal drinks. Their tiramisu is mandatory for any first timers , and their selection of coffee would leave coffee lovers smiling. Everything from latte, affogato, cappuccino, espresso and hot chocolate is served here. Coupled with the warm Mediterranean decor, complete with white table cloth, dim lit ambience, instrumental music, Porto romano is the perfect gathering place for both couples and families. The TTDI location is pretty small and sits about 30 people at max, therefor I would highly recommend calling ahead and reserving a table for your party. 

My personal favorite is the Pasta Nera con Calamari - Squid Ink Pasta RM 35. This fresh hand made fettucini, exhibits a burst of flavor original to Porto Romano, it has a slightly salty taste, coupled with a smooth sweet, fragrant and sour taste. This dish is pretty big, and the fresh tasting squid rings, is perfectly cooked and usually generously portioned in each plate. For those looking for a lower carb higher meat option I would recommend the succulent lamb shank served with a side of salad. The lamb shank RM45 is cooked so tender that it falls off the bone, the sauce itself is a delicious red tomato puree based sauce, has a sweet and sour taste. The whole baked barramundi RM45 is delicious, and perfect for people looking to watch their weight, the fresh asian sea bass is perfectly baked to crispy skin and served with green beans. I just find that the beans is rather stingy in this dish, and I would appreciate a bigger portion of vegetables. 

My other recommendation includes: Spaghetti alla Vongole - Spaghetti with Clam Sauce, Spaghetti con Aglio e Olio - Spaghetti w/Olive Oil and Spaghetti alla Carbonara - Spaghetti Carbonara. For pizza, Pizza alla Porto Romano - Porto Romano Pizza and Pizza al Pesto - Pizza Pesto & Chicken is my favorite because its taste really lush. Don't forget the tiramisu.
Overall their service is usually great and fast. I do have a complaint about drinking water over the weekend. Apparently complimentary water is not served on the weekends, and only bottled water is the only option we have at RM 4.50 for 600 ml spritzer bottle. I just find this absurd, and as a water drinker I find this a heinous crime. I hope the management would reconsider. Parking for this establishment is metered street parking with touch and go facility. Avoid Sundays at 5-8 pm because parking is atrocious due to Sunday night market nearby. This place is ok for kids- although please be considerate to other guest and don't bring a screaming ill tempered child, and there is an outdoor sitting.