Italian cuisine

There are regular pizzas and then there are more true-to-form wood-fired pizzas, lent a smokiness that is inimitable with a regular oven. 

Amore (meaning ‘love’ in Italian) is indeed what is felt when there’s talk of pizza. Crunchy, cheesy, flavourful and comforting are just some of the adjectives one can use to describe the delicious Italian dish.

But like chocolate, wine and most good things on earth, not all pizzas are created equal.

There are regular pizzas and then there are more true-to-form wood-fired pizzas. What are wood-fired pizzas you ask? Exactly as the name implies, they are pizzas that have been baked in a wood-fired oven – which is an oven that uses wood as fuel – just like they do in Italy. It lends pizzas a smokiness that is inimitable with a regular oven.

Here’s a roundup of wood-fired over pizza places in KL to check out the next time you need a pizza fix.

Proof Pizza + Wine

Coming in at the top of the list is Proof Pizza + Wine. Located in APW in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, Proof Pizza has the hallmarks of a traditional Italian dining experience. Wood-fired pizzas made to a perfect crisp come in a range of flavours including truffle (yes, that’s right) and pepperoni and it can be accompanied by a bottle of fine wine from the restaurant’s wide range of labels. Made in a traditional wood-fired oven, pizzas come in 8-inch and 12-inch portion. Proof also has non-cheese based pizzas if you are not feeling particularly indulgent. W: proofpizzaAPW

Location: No. 29 Jalan Riong, Bangsar Kuala Lumpur

Sassorosso

Located in Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, Sassorosso features an extensive selection of wood-fired pizzas for every palate’s preference. From traditional margherita pizzas to folded calzones, there is something for every pizza lover at this Italian restaurant. The menu also features a wide selection of pasta, fish, meat and appetizer dishes – so get ready to be filled up. You can wash all of this delicious food down with some wine from this establishment’s long list of palate-pleasing grape varieties. W: sassorosso.com.my

Location: No. 9, Lorong Yap Kwan Seng, Kuala Lumpur

La Risata

Established in 1996, La Risata has been a household name in KL when it comes to Italian dining. With two outlets, one in Ampang and one in Damansara – La Risata is tried and tested when it comes to quality wood-fired pizzas. La Risata is a bar, a pizzeria and a restaurant so their wide and varied menu selection should not come as a surprise. Of course, what Italian meal is complete without wine? Sample a bottle or glass from the restaurants selection of reds and whites, to complement your meal. Besides pizza, La Risata also offers pasta, salads, appetizers, meat dishes, fish dishes, speciality coffee, cocktails and mocktails. W:la-risata.com

Location(s):

Ampang outlet:No. 16 Pesiaran Ampang, Kuala Lumpur
Damansara outlet: No.128 Jalan Kasah, Medan Damansara Kuala Lumpur

Prego, Westin

Located in the heart of the city inside the posh Westin Hotel KL, Prego is a must-visit for all the wood-fired pizza loving foodies out there if you’re in the golden triangle of Bukit Bintang. This Italian restaurant has all the signature flavours including vegan and gluten free options, alongside Italian pastas, calzones and more. Of course, wine is not to be missed out while you are dining in this establishment. W: marriott.com

Location: Level G, The Westin Kuala Lumpur, 199 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur

Pizza Mansion

Next on the list is Pizza Mansion. This small restaurant tucked away in Section 17, Petaling Jaya is packed with delicious and quality wood-fired pizza creations. Featuring a list of both traditional and in-house flavours, Pizza Mansion’s simplicity is one of its shining traits. From beef pepperoni pizza to truffle mac and cheese, this cosy restaurant’s dishes will leave you feeling completely satisfied. It also has options for wine – though it is not large, as well as a selection of craft beers. W: facebook.com/pizzamansion

Location: BG3, Block B, Happy Mansion Jalan 17/13, Seksyen 17 Petaling Jaya

Pizzeria Dihyang

Located in a shop lot in downtown Kuala Lumpur, this unsuspecting Napoletana pizzeria offers pizzas made fresh inside their wood-fired oven. With ingredients sourced directly from Napoli, Italy,this pizza joint is about as authentic as it gets. They are also the first approved AVPN Neapolitan Pizza in Malaysia, so that is about as legitimate as Neapolitan pizza gets. Their menu caters for vegetarians and non-vegetarians and they do not provide extra condiments such as Tabasco sauce or chilli flakes. The pizza must speak for itself! The next time you’re in Kuala Lumpur, take a step into this Italian pizza paradise. W: facebook.com/pizzeria.dihyang

Location: No. 14G, Jalan Yap Ah Shak, Kuala Lumpur