Enoteca Vino & Cucina – A Taste of Italy in TTDI
Words: Caroline Lai
Photos: Peter Tan
At the quieter backstreet of shop lots facing the Taman Tun Dr Ismail local residences, we found Enoteca Vino & Cucina. This unassuming Italian eatery occupies both the ground and first floors and offers comfortable, spacious seating and traditional Italian recipes.
As soon as we arrived, the attentive Enoteca team warmly welcomed us to our table. Thana, the outlet manager, guided us through each course with exceptional hospitality, making our visit all the more enjoyable.
Enoteca Vino & Cucina Menu
Enoteca Vino & Cucina’s Executive Head Chef Jasur and team have compiled a comprehensive menu. They take pride in making just about everything from scratch, including bread, sauces, fresh pasta, and even ice cream.
To Begin
We began our meal with the Tagliere Enoteca (RM40 small, RM75 medium, RM135 large), a generous selection of imported cold cuts and Italian cheeses served with marinated olives and homemade bread. The specific cheese varieties change, but the spread usually has hard, semi-soft and blue cheese.
Mon’s favourite starter was the Crostino Con Burrata E Alici (RM65). The seemingly simple yet delicious appetiser featured crisp toasted bread (made in-house) topped with creamy burrata and tangy marinated anchovies.
One of the team’s highlights was the Polpo Alla Griglia (RM75), a beautifully prepared dish of grilled octopus tentacles, enhanced by a roasted bell pepper purée and aromatic potatoes. This one got the stamp of approval from everyone! The octopus was smoky, tender, and vibrantly seasoned.
Pasta & Rice
Given that fresh pasta is made in-house, it’s a must on any order at Enoteca Vino & Cucina. We had the Ravioli Ricotta E Spinaci (RM55). These delicate parcels were fat with ricotta and spinach, then bathed in a decadent white truffle and Parmesan sauce. While its richness may be overpowering for some, I thoroughly enjoyed it! You can choose a tomato or butter, sage and cheese sauce if you prefer.
The Gnocchi Sorentina (RM48) was another popular choice with our team. The plump potato gnocchi was tossed in a robust tomato sauce with buffalo mozzarella. The sweetness and mild tang of the tomatoes complemented the rich cheese sauce, ensuring a well-balanced bite.
After indulging in rich, creamy dishes, the Risotto Frutti di Mare (RM60) could not have arrived at a better time. This seafood-infused risotto is cooked in a tomato-based sauce, bursting with the natural sweetness of a generous portion of prawns, mussels, clams, and squid.
Pizza
With standards already set high, we were not surprised to learn that Enoteca’s pizza dough is made fresh in-house daily to ensure its crisp yet airy texture. Cooked over a wood fire, cheese aficionados will salivate – just as we did – at the arrival of the Quattro Formaggi Pizza (RM25, 9-inch | RM45, 12-inch), an indulgent blend of four premium cheeses that filled the room with its pungent yet fragrant aroma.
Meanwhile, the La Maiala Pizza (RM25, 9-inch | RM48, 12-inch) offers a combination of spicy salami, pork sausage, honey ham, bell peppers, red onions, and chilli, delivering just the right amount of heat and savouriness.
Mains
At this point, we’d pretty much filled up on carbs, but we had no trouble finding a little extra space for the Controfiletto di Wagyu (RM265, 200gm). The Australian wagyu MB7 striploin was cooked to a perfect medium and served with rosemary potatoes, grilled vegetables, and a unique gorgonzola sauce—a homemade brown demi-glace infused with gorgonzola instead of cream.
Dessert Menu
Despite being stuffed to the brim, we were happily enchanted by the theatrics of the Palla Di Ciocolato (RM30). This chocolate sphere encases vanilla sponge, vanilla ice cream, and fresh strawberries, melting together beautifully as hot chocolate sauce is poured over the top. For an added dramatic touch, diners can opt for flaming Sambuca (RM8), adding a flame to the tableside presentation.
Since we couldn’t decide between sweet or tangy, the Duo de Crème Brûlée (RM28) was the perfect sharing platter. It delivers both classic chocolate and zesty lemon, each topped with a thin caramelised sugar crust. It made the signature “tap tap” sound before our spoons broke way to the velvety custard beneath.
Cocktail & Wine List
Enoteca’s Vino & Cucina’s beverage list includes soft drinks, juices, tea, coffee (with some boozy options), mocktails, cocktails, wine, beer and spirits.
We began with a classic Aperol Spritz, a refreshing Italian aperitif made with Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water, designed to stimulate the appetite. The bittersweet finish is an acquired taste but is great in warm weather.
The wine menu offers a handful of entry-level wines by the glass alongside an Italian-dominant list of wines available by the bottle. By the glass, the Torresella Pinot Grigio Rosé from Venezia (RM38 per glass, RM190 per bottle) is a light-bodied, dry rosé with aromas of wild strawberries and citrus, offering crisp acidity and a refreshing finish. It works well with seafood. The Caleo Montepulciano D’Abruzzo Velenosi (RM38 per glass, RM190 per bottle) is a medium-bodied choice for red with notes of ripe cherries, blackberries, and a hint of spice. It’s a fine match to our rich tomato pasta dishes.
The by-the-bottle wine list is worth exploring, covering a good spread across Italy. You can’t go wrong with a Chianti with pizza, but the San Vincenti Chianti Classico D.O.C.G (RM270) also matched well with the striploin. Bold yet elegant, the medium-bodied red wine’s high acidity and tannins make it an excellent food mate. Cherry, earth, and lots of fruit enhance the pizza toppings, and the acidity and tannins are ideal for the rich steak.
Reasons to visit Enoteca Vino & Cucina TTDI: friendly, casual setting; the first floor has pleasant green tree-top views; must try the handmade pasta, pizza and risotto; agreeable selection of Italian wines; value-for-money set lunches and happy hours deals.
Enoteca Vino & Cucina, Italian Restaurant
65, Lorong Rahim Kajai 13, Taman Tun Dr Ismail
60000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Link to Enoteca TTDI on Google Maps
@enoteca.vinoecucina
+6017-290 2402
Enoteca Vino & Cucina, Italian Restaurant Opening Hours
Daily 11:00 am – 10:30 pm
Serves pork
Vegetarian & gluten-free options available
Weekday set lunch available
Has semi al fresco balcony seating on the first floor
Has a private dining room
Street parking available
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