Bringing the welcoming warmth of an Italian trattoria to Kepong, Me Famiglia lives up to the comforting connotations of its name, combining the soulful classics of Nonna's cookbook with a spirited sense of hospitality that crosses cultures. For those of us who love the nourishing flavours of Italian cuisine, this restaurant promises a fuss-free meal of crowd-pleasing creations.
We spent three hours here on a recent Saturday afternoon, and the time breezed by effortlessly, with Me Famiglia manager Max and his team ensuring a flawless experience.
With a wide-ranging menu, it might be worth seeking solace first in carbs - pastas come in all the familiar preparations, from aglio olio to arrabiata, bolognese to carbonara, pesto to vongole, but the house recommendation is the Linguine D'Mare, with slick strands of pasta, prepared perfectly al dente, tossed with a seafood lover's catch of calamari, mussels and shrimp, surfacing in a light garlic sauce with a smooth, mellow savouriness (RM26.90).
The kitchen also does justice to risotto - the arborio rice is confidently creamy but firm, well-complemented by a mix of mushrooms for a boost in both taste and texture. Price-conscious patrons can take note that the cost of a meal here is relatively reasonable; we'd be hard-pressed to find a satisfactory risotto in KL for RM21.90, but Me Famiglia manages that without breaking a sweat.
With a dozen pizzas to choose from, there's certainly something for everyone, with topping combinations that span smoked duck with peaches to carrots and cauliflower with broccoli and eggplant. Again, we trusted Me Famiglia's suggestion for the Varieta Pizza - as its name implies, all four quarters of this pizza bear a different ensemble of ingredients, from turkey ham to chicken salami, beef bacon to beef pepperoni, bound together with cheesy mozzarella. Each slice is generously blanketed, so you'll enjoy a juicy burst of protein-packed umami in every bite (RM30.50).
While lamb shank might seem like a cliched choice at many eateries, Me Famiglia revitalises the recipe with this eight-hour-baked shank, as tender as we could hope for, saturated with a house-made vegetable sauce that conveys a lovely, full-bodied tang, rounded out with penne and a salad for a balanced meal that two could share. For RM32.90, it's worth the trip to Kepong even if you're not in the neighbourhood.
Tiramisu, that time-honoured staple, brings us to a conclusion that's as strong as the start - again, it's challenging to imagine tiramisu that's as fresh and luscious as this for RM9.90.
Bonus: Me Famiglia imposes no corkage fee, so while there's no wine on the menu here, folks can bring their own bottles without enduring the usual surcharges.
Many thanks to the Me Famiglia team for having us.
Me Famiglia
C-G-16, Jalan Metro Perdana 3, Kepong, Kuala Lumpur. Open 11am-3pm, 6pm-11pm; closed Tuesdays. Tel: 03-6258-8442
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