Palazzo Viva at Telawi, Bangsar: Restaurant Review

One of KL’s most ambitious new eateries, Palazzo Viva, is a Malaysian-Italian collaboration that brings a fresh thrill to Bangsar.

This space is a culinary kaleidoscope; at lunchtime, customers can check out a counter brimming with croissants & ‘tramezzino’ sandwiches (RM8 each), a speciality of Turin – soft, crust-free white bread bountifully stuffed with the likes of crab meat & avocado cream. Come at night & the counter is transformed into a tapas bar with temptations galore for the choosing.

A Riot of Colours, Flavours & Textures

A riot of colours, flavours & textures – the selection is expected to evolve everyday, with highlights like a carbonara ‘salad’ with poached egg, beef bacon & parmesan, served comfortingly warm. Palazzo Viva taps the talents of chefs Denis Dianin & Andrea Valentinetti from D&G Patisserie, west of Venice; their work here complements the expertise of Malaysian firm SKS, which manufactures metalwork & accessories for clients worldwide – SKS’ Jay Lee is the Malaysian founder of Palazzo Viva.

Main Courses

Main courses also showcase a sense of intrigue – spaghetti with creamy burrata cheese & caramelised tomato sauce (RM33), pasta carbonara (RM30), grilled octopus with purple potato puree (RM40), beef tartare with a mango ‘yolk’ (RM42), seared beef tenderloin with carrot puree & Belgian endive (RM69) & roasted lamb with broccoli puree (RM60). Fun pizzas will be available soon too, topped with unique combinations like scallops, sweet potato, caramelised red onions & lemon aioli (RM40).

The Best Thing: Italian-Made Desserts

The best thing about Palazzo Vivo: A patisserie counter of Italian-made desserts, flown in regularly from D&G Patisserie. The selection is staggering – lemon sables with mascarpone cream & strawberries sauteed in balsamic vinegar; chocolate cakes with Sicilian pistachios, scented with Avola almonds; classic babas with natural leavening, soaked with Jamaican rum; beautifully luscious macarons in flavours like licorice & Piemonte hazelnut. Prices for the smallest treats start from RM6.80.

Pair Your Desserts with Palazzo Viva’s Coffee

Desserts worth deserting your diet for – each piece tastes sumptuously fresh & delicately nuanced. Pair with Palazzo Viva’s coffee, a satisfying house blend prepared by an enthusiastic team of young baristas. Service here is hospitable & thoughtful.

Wine & Cocktails

Well-chosen wine & well-executed cocktails – the signature Palazzo comprises Moet & Chandon bubbly with berries (RM45), while Lillet Rose features Moscato with grapefruit juice & flower petals (RM45) – furnish an effervescent finish to a fine night.