Nero Nero DC Mall

Nero Nero DC Mall, Italian Restaurant, A Chef’s Journey

Words: Craig J Selby   Photos: Monica Tindall

It wasn’t that long since we’d headed out the door from Grandma’s Table brunch at Nero Nero DC Mall that Chef Giuseppe Lioce invited The Yum List back to sample some of his additions to the menu. Clearly, Chef wants to make his mark on this fantastic restaurant, and he is certainly doing that through the gorgeous dishes he conjures up.

What I enjoy so much about Chef Giuseppe is that his food tells his journey – one of family, one of friends, one of love for his native Italy. I just hope I can do him justice with my words.

Nero Nero DC Mall
Nero Nero Damansara City Mall
Nero Nero DC Mall Drinks List

Our early dinner started with an Italian classic, an Aperol Spritz, which is a bitter beverage softened with prosecco, very refreshing, and Mon’s favourite way to kick off an afternoon. We also tottered on to some Italian wines, beginning with a crisp Masottina Pinot Grigio (RM 160 bottle), fresh and fruity on the nose following through with citrus and balanced acidity in the mouth. Chef’s hometown furnished the red wine, Gran Sasso Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (RM 145 bottle) providing a well-rounded red with scents of plum, a full body and lingering finish. All are good value for the quality.

Nero Nero DC Mall Wine
Drinks at Nero Nero DC Mall
Appetizers Nero Nero Damansara City Mall

Out to the table first was the Carpaccio di Manzo Angus (RM 55++) featuring thin slices of Black Angus steak, balsamic, shaved Parmesan, and dressed with a light lemon and mustard sauce. Add to that an aged balsamic caviar, and the dish is complete. Chef enjoys a little theatre too – and sprays a lemon perfume onto the carpaccio. Beautifully light and fresh, the slices melted in our mouths. What a lovely start to a meal.

Nero Nero DC Mall
Carpaccio di Manzo Angus

A creamy burrata Caprese (RM 38++) was next. It’s served with roasted cherry tomatoes, and marinated in garlic, olive oil, and basil, with crispy Sardinia style bread. Delicious, light and creamy, the flavours of Italy came to our mouths with the soft burrata and olive oil. This slightly deconstructed caprese not only looks great, but the char on the roasted tomato adds depth to the profile and the creaminess of the cheese is divine.

Nero Nero DC Mall
Caprese

Next to taste was Bruschetta Pugliese (RM 28++). Memories of teenage years and football were the inspirations for this one – a recipe from grandma. Three different tomatoes (plum, Roma, and cherry), extra virgin olive oil, olive tapenade, and shaved pecorino cheese, make this bruschetta special. Apparently, these were “snacks of the poor people” but we all know just how evolved this simple snack can become.

Nero Nero DC Mall
Bruschetta Pugliese
Nero Nero DC Mall Menu – Pasta

Something new for me was the Pasta e Patate (RM 45++) – pasta and potatoes. Served together in a single pot, this dish is both cheesy and spicy. Pasta, potato, broth, chilli oil, fried onion and Provolone cheese make this recipe both comforting and irresistible. Think winter nights, huddled around the fireplace. Think family. Think cosy. Think delicious.

Nero Nero DC Mall Menu
Pasta e Patate

Having spent two years in the north learning to make pasta from a 75-year-old expert we’re excited to try some of chef Lioce’s handmade pasta with Ravioli al Gorgonzola (RM 59++). It’s packed with punch with its gorgonzola, Parmesan and olive filling and balanced by a rich tomato sauce. With the soft cheese, it becomes melt-in-your-mouth consistency. Sublime.

Nero Nero DC Mall
Ravioli al Gorgonzola
Nero Nero DC Mall Menu – Mains

As we moved into the more substantial, we learned that the menu is moving Nero Nero towards a home-styled family-friendly restaurant – great food with a familiar comfortable atmosphere. The next dish certainly reminded me of home.

Stracotto d’Agnello (RM 120++), an Aussie lamb shank is slow cooked in Chianti for 24 hours. Yes, 24 hours cooking in beautiful Chianti. Served with creamy polenta, crispy vegetables, and a rosemary sauce, the lamb falls off the bone as it is being served. The polenta is soft and fluffy, and the rich rosemary gravy binds it all together. Lamb shank has fast become a best-seller and deservedly so.

Nero Nero DC Mall
Stracotto d’Agnello

The final main of today was the Salmon alle Erbe (RM 90 ++) – a herb-crusted salmon fillet served with seasonal vegetables. This thick slice of salmon was perfectly cooked – just look at the crunchy top and moist flesh in the pic below. Served on a chickpea mash, this dish pays homage to the Arabic influences in the south of Italy. Unique to this dish is the squid ink chip and marinara sauce. It’s a must-order for salmon fans.

Nero Nero DC Mall Italian Restaurant
Salmon alle Erbe
Nero Nero Damansara City Mall Menu – Desserts

Our sweet conclusion ended with two desserts, a Millefoglie (RM 35++) and Torta Caprese (RM 35++). The former has already become a favourite on the menu at Nero Nero with its flaky pastry and layers of creamy custard with vanilla gelato. The second is a gluten-free almond cake, mildly crumbly in texture with a good nuttiness to finish.

Nero Nero DC Mall Menu
Millefoglie
Nero Nero DC Mall
Torta Caprese

Reflecting on a fabulous meal, what impressed me also about Nero Nero DC Mall beyond the cuisine is the friendliness and the depth of knowledge of the staff. They not only understood the food but could explain it well too. For me, that makes a huge difference, as they spoke about the cuisine, and the chef’s inspiration for it, with great passion and knowledge.

Reason to visit: home-crafted Italian dishes from the heart, superb service, great atmosphere.

Nero Nero DC Mall
California Italian Restaurant
L3 – 02 Jalan Damanlela
Damansara City Mall
Damansara Town Centre
50490 Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
+60 3 2011 3811
www.neronero-dc3.com

Open: Monday – Sunday
12.00noon – 2.30pm (Lunch)
2.30pm – 5.30pm
(Limited Menu)
6.00pm – 11.00pm (Dinner ; Kitchen closes at 10.00pm)

Happy Hours
5.00pm – 8.00pm
(Daily)

9 Comments

  1. Somehow there is that Italian feel to the place.

  2. Flaky pastry and creamy custard? Sounds too good to be real!

  3. This must be the place to go to to experience the real deal. I am very drawn to the desserts 🙂

  4. I was a little too full by the time desserts came around to fully appreciate them, but they are delicious. Yes, Nero Nero is the real deal when it comes to Italian cuisine – it has a great (extensive) menu and Chef loves his food :-). Hope you guys enjoy there as much as we have.

  5. The dishes all look so moist they are making my mouth water.

  6. Good Italian food, done well, accompanied by appropriate wines, is one of life’s greatest pleasures. I make a traditional caprese salad at home, but perhaps I should up my game and try to create something like the one you present here. I can’t imagine eating as you do every day – I am quite sure you must weigh 200 kg!!!

  7. Mmmmm mouth watering, but pasta and potatoes is a very new idea to me. Cheers Diane

  8. Awesome photography, dear! Love every bit of it! xoxo

  9. I can never resist Beef Carpaccio! Great picks! xoxo

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