With chef Neil Frediani cooking in the kitchen, his wife Angie taking orders and making recommendations, and their son Alexander ensuring everyone is fed and happy, La Cucina is a family-run restaurant where customers can feel at home, tucking into British and Italian favourites.
On a street with few other eateries, facing a row of houses, this is the kind of neighbourhood place that many patrons will enjoy returning to (it's pet-friendly too), serving up hearty fare at fair prices, only a 10-minute drive from Sri Hartamas.
La Cucina is a kitchen that thrives on specials to surprise its regulars - if it's available, order the classic Cornish pasty, a savoury, flaky pastry pocket that two can share, plumply packed with beef, potatoes and onions, warm and comforting with red wine sauce and lovely mashed potatoes.
Beef devotees can also devour the roast beef sandwich, with tender slices of beef blanketed beneath melted cheese, stuffed in a soft bread roll with plenty of fresh fries on the side (RM30). But if you prefer a purer roast beef experience, make a reservation for the Sunday roast (served on Sunday as well as Saturday), complete with Yorkshire pudding and the works.
Reflecting Britain's rising multiculturalism, Indian curries are also available at La Cucina, as they would be throughout London. The chicken vindaloo packs a fiery punch - the menu here calls it very spicy, which is no lie (RM26).
After the Cornish pasty, our favourite offering at La Cucina is the cauliflower steak, chunky and crunchy, cushioned with cauliflower puree for two textures of the vegetable, served like a rustic celebratory platter, sauteed with garlic, studded with walnuts and raisins for nuttiness and sweetness (RM28).
Neil is Italian-born (but British-raised), so expect a sprinkling of Italian staples here. The carbonara pays tribute to tradition, cream-free, with parmesan, pancetta and an egg to round out the pasta (RM32).
La Cucina by Spetta
23, Jalan 5/38d, Taman Sri Sinar, 51200 Kuala Lumpur. Open Mon, Wed-Thurs, 11am-8pm; Fri-Sun, 1030am-10pm. Tel: 012-566-6135
This post first appeared on eatdrinkkl.com
