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Spasso Milano

by Maggie T 1 Nov 2011

Straits Quay is now established as the choicest place to dine in Penang. Every month new restaurants are opening giving us foodies fantastic choices in a very happening location.

All palates and budgets are catered for in a wide variety of international cuisines, decors and themes. Spasso Milano is the latest offering to open up its doors at Straits Quay. Whether for lunch or dinner I’m always looking out for a restaurant, which is able to satisfy. I am not a big eater but like the adventure of experiencing different dishes.

Spasso Milano gives that opportunity. They have a wide selection of starters and my friends’ choices were the tuna tartare, calamari and the beef carpaccio (as my friends main course), while I had garlic bread. The other two lucky diners were very happy with their dishes. The carpaccio and tuna were presented as if you are dining in a five star restaurant, and my friend’s taste buds, unlike Mick Jagger’s were fully satisfied.

The calamari was a very generous serving, easily enough for two or three to share as a starter, or one to have as a main. The squids were very much enjoyed, but the dipping sauce was a bit bland.

For main course we had black cod with black olives and Margareta pizza. The cod was very nice, with lots of olives. The pizza was also very much to my liking, though on the night we were there their wood fired oven was not operating. Staff were very friendly, smiling and eager to serve, yet not intrusive.

The interior of the restaurant is simplicity itself, with white walls, white tables and white chairs. A splash of colour is added by the large cartoon images of Italian looking chefs on one wall, and some fruit bowls on the bar counter. When the colourful Italian food is presented it is thus highlighted against the minimalist white background.

I found it pleasant and relaxing, one of my friends described it as sleek contemporary-modern, but yet welcoming. My other friend thought the ambience too cold, and thought Italian restaurants should have a more ‘cosy’ atmosphere, but he was a minority.

Spasso Milano offers an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the gastronomic Italian creations prepared by their genuine Italian Chef Felice Martinelli. You have a choice of indoor or alfresco dinning with views of the marina.

Prices are very reasonable and the quality of the food is very good. All in all we had a great dining experience. We would recommend Spasso Milano for that authentic Italian dining experience.