What is “flavours” in Italian? SAPORE, of course and it’s an apt name for a restaurant that celebrates the authentic flavours of not only Italian food but also Spanish-Mediterranean favourites. Located in a quiet suburb in Ampang, Sapore Restaurant is the quintessential neighbourhood eatery that beckons with delicious comfort food and a relaxing place to just chill out with artisanal food and fine wines.
Chill and relax in this casual cosy space!
Owned by Chef Fabio Ruggiero, a talented chef who has turned Sapore into a popular venue serving a good selection of dishes prepared and cooked with passion. With his talent and vast experience garnered from various 5-star hotels in Italy and London and more recently, from Marini’s on 57, Chef Fabio’s creations are remarkable indeed. Here there’s no fancy fine-dine stuff… diners come for the premium quality ingredients used unabashedly by Chef Fabio in his tasty dishes.
Freshly-baked focaccia studded with herbs and dried fruits
The regulars know exactly when to appear for their favourite specials, like the Paella Party every Sunday. I wondered if they had actually smelled the crazy good aromas from the bubbling rice and meats in the flat pan – they all came when the paella was just about ready to be served!
Watching Chef Fabio cook the Sunday paella, I could appreciate how hearty that big pan of deliciousness was. Chef Fabio’s version of this popular Spanish rice dish used Iberico pork neck to give it that robust intense flavour while the fresh prawns contributed a marine sweetness to the grains. True enough, once the paella was served, I couldn’t stop eating it, which is really crazy because I’m not a rice fan actually! The paella is usually ready by around noontime on Sundays.
You will be tempted for more of this!
If you come earlier on a weekend, then catch some of Sapore’s popular breakfast dishes. The Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon that we had was scrumptious – eggs done just right and so satisfying when eaten with the smoked salmon on baguette slices.
Breakfast/brunch on weekends!
Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon (RM28)
When we spotted Guanciale Ham as one of the ingredients, we just had to order the Spaghetti Carbonara and it was an excellent choice especially when there’s also Pecorino in it!
Spaghetti Carbonara (RM28) with Guanciale Ham, eggs and Pecorino cheese
One of Sapore’s main attractions is their tapas, both hot and cold types. It’s quite the thing to do here…people love the tapas, cold cuts charcuterie, antipasti or just a selection of excellent cheese to go with their wines, beers or cocktails.
We checked out some of their tapas bestsellers…
Baby Octopus stewed with Tomato (RM22)
Spanish Green Olives (RM12)
Salad Beetroot & Queso de Cabra – goat cheese (RM16)
Artichoke & Sun-dried Tomatoes (RM18)
Anchovies marinated in Olive Oil (RM22)
Lardo (RM25) – Flavoured Tuscany Pork Lard
Jamon Iberico (RM45)
Salad Momotaro (RM15)
Do note that Sapore is open only from 2.00pm on Mondays to Fridays till late, 11.30pm. On weekends, it’s open from 10.00am till 11.30pm. So, if you find yourself feeling peckish and need some bites and drinks during this time, pop over to Sapore for some Italian, Spanish-Mediterranean love!
SAPORE
18 Persiaran Ampang
Desa Pahlawan
55000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +6 03 4266 6362
www.facebook.com/saporemy
Business hours:
Mon- Fri: 2.00pm – 11.30pm
Sat & Sun: 10.00am – 11.30pm
Great Restaurant thanks for the sharing. Now i hope i get best Spanish restaurant after the great indian food in kl.