(REVIEW) Hyatt Centric KL's Il Forno: A New Haven for Italian Food Lovers

Il Forno, which aptly means 'the oven' in Italian, is perched on the 19th floor of the Hyatt Centric Kuala Lumpur City Centre and offers breathtaking views of the city skyline.

We were recently invited to try out its menu, brimming with authentic Italian recipes, and here are our thoughts.

Cosy decor & an intimate ambiance

The decor in Il Forno mirrors the overall aesthetic of Hyatt Centric KL, featuring a blend of rustic charm and industrial design elements.

As we exited the express elevator on the 19th floor, we were immediately met with rows and rows of stainless steel wine fridges, which helped to encapsulate the industrial vibe of the building.

The restaurant, which can accommodate up to 250 diners, features a couple of distinct zones: an al fresco terrace with city views, a lively bar area, the main restaurant, and a more relaxed and cosy lounge.

Meanwhile, Il Forno features an open kitchen so guests can simply watch the skilled chefs in action, adding an element of excitement and authenticity to their dining experience.

The open kitchen at Il Forno is a striking blend of gleaming stainless steel and warm copper pendant lights, which allows diners to witness the culinary process. The kitchen’s centrepiece features an imported Italian pizza oven named "Il Forno" with a copper hood, which radiates warmth and fills the air with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked pizzas.

Overall, the space strikes a perfect balance between intimacy and openness, featuring a variety of comfortable seating options. All of the elements come together to create a lively and inviting atmosphere, ideal for dinner or drinks with your loved ones.

Range of drinks

Il Forno's drinks menu is a delightful complement to its exquisite Italian cuisine. Guests can indulge in a carefully curated selection of fine wines, featuring both renowned Italian vintages and international favourites from Argentina and France.

The cocktail list is equally impressive, offering classic Italian aperitifs like Negroni Sbagliato and Mimosa, alongside innovative creations crafted by skilled mixologists.

During our visit, we sampled the Negroni Sbagliato (RM50), Mimosa (RM50), and Campari Spritz (RM50). The Negroni Sbagliato was a delightful blend of the sweet Cocchi Vermouth di Torino and the bitter Campari, creating a perfectly balanced cocktail.

The Mimosa, on the other hand, combined fresh orange juice with Terredirai Prosecco DOCG Brut, resulting in a light and fizzy drink that was both refreshing and elegant.

For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, there’s also a variety of refreshing mocktails, soft drinks, tea, and coffee, as well as freshly squeezed juices.

Antipasti & pasta

For starters, we opted for Il Forno’s Tagliere Misto di Antipasto e Formaggi (RM198), which is their signature 1-meter board of appetisers recommended for 3-4 pax. The board had several components, including burrata salad, roasted vitello tonnato, tomato bruschetta, beef bresaola, 18-month-aged-grana padano cheese, pickles, marinated olives, and warm pizza bread.

The burrata salad was a creamy delight, with the burrata's rich texture perfectly complemented by fresh, crisp greens. The roasted vitello tonnato was a standout, with tender slices of veal topped with a luscious, tangy tuna sauce that was both unique and delicious. Meanwhile, the tomato bruschetta offered a burst of freshness, with juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil on a crunchy bread base.

Additionally, the beef bresaola was a savoury treat, its delicate slices melting in the mouth with a subtle, smoky flavour, while the 18-month-aged Grana Padano cheese added a rich, nutty note to the board, pairing wonderfully with the tangy pickles and marinated olives.

Finally, the warm pizza bread was a comforting addition, its soft, chewy texture perfect for mopping up any remaining sauces and flavours.

We decided to try the Polpo Alla Griglia (RM 49/RM 70). The octopus was perfectly grilled, with the flesh meltingly tender and free of any rubberiness. It also had a lovely char with a subtle smokiness that beautifully complemented the octopus's delicate sweetness.

For our pasta course, we opted for the Risotto con Porcini e Tartufo Nero (RM110 for one person, RM150 for two) and the Tagliatelle alla Bolognese (RM48 for one person, RM72 for two).

The Risotto con Porcini e Tartufo Nero was a luxurious dish that truly impressed. The risotto was perfectly cooked, creamy yet al dente, with the earthy flavours of porcini mushrooms and the rich aroma of black truffle permeating every bite.

On the other hand, the Tagliatelle alla Bolognese was equally delightful. The tagliatelle was cooked to perfection, with a satisfying bite that paired wonderfully with the hearty Bolognese sauce. The sauce itself was a masterful blend of tender meat, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, simmered to develop deep, robust flavours.

Pizza & dessert

After deciding on the Margherita Pizza (RM39 for 9 inch, RM48 for 12 inch), we were treated to a personal tour of the kitchen by Chef Vincenzo Carbone and a behind-the-scenes look at how he and his team meticulously prepare each dish.

We watched in awe as he skilfully crafted our pizza, from stretching the artisanal pizza dough, which was made using a slow maturation for 36 hours, to the amalgamation of the fresh tomato sauce (specially imported from Naples) with creamy mozzarella and fresh basil.

Chef Enzo then explained to us the way their pizza baking process happens in their special Il Forno oven, where the pizza is cooked at 430 degrees Celsius for only 90 seconds.

The end result was extraordinary: a crisp outer crust along with a soft, chewy centre while the tomato sauce, basil, and mozzarella pair together for a burst of flavours. It is simply the best pizza we’ve had in KL, hands down.

To end our meal, we were treated to their Tiramisu (RM48), Panna Cotta alla Vaniglia (RM38), and Affogato (RM32).

The Tiramisu was a classic done right, with layers of creamy mascarpone, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa powder. Each bite was a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness, with the rich flavours melding together beautifully.

Meanwhile, the Panna Cotta alla Vaniglia was a standout, with its silky smooth texture and delicate vanilla flavour. It was a light and elegant dessert that provided a refreshing contrast to the richer tiramisu.

Last but not least was the Affogato, which was a delightful combination of hot and cold, with a scoop of creamy vanilla gelato drowned in a shot of robust espresso. The contrast between the cold gelato and the hot espresso created a harmonious blend of flavours and temperatures, making it a simple yet satisfying end to our meal.

All-you-can-eat promotion

This month, Il Forno will be having its own version of a buffet with all-you-can-eat pizza Napoletana, artisanal pasta, and an antipasti spread!

Il Forno’s Giro Pizzas and Pastas all-you-can-eat is available from 10 March to 23 March from 6:30 pm to 10 pm. Prices start from RM128+ for adults and RM64+ for children.

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Our verdict

Il Forno at Hyatt Centric Kuala Lumpur City Centre is a true gem for lovers of authentic Italian cuisine. From the inviting ambiance and exceptional service to the meticulously crafted dishes, every aspect of our dining experience was outstanding.

The attention to detail and dedication to quality ingredients were evident in every bite, making Il Forno a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a genuine taste of Italy in the heart of KL.

For more information or for reservations, check out their website and Instagram page.