Of Food & Tradition

Roberto Guiati, the mastermind behind Roberto’s Osteria, has made his mark on the Malaysian food scene by bringing the heart and soul of authentic Italian cuisine to local palates. With a passion rooted in Emilia-Romagna, Roberto’s journey from Italy to Malaysia is a tale of love for food, tradition, and an unrelenting pursuit of authenticity.

From Italy to Malaysia: A Culinary Journey
Roberto’s passion for Italian cuisine isn’t just a profession; it’s a way of life. Growing up Italian through and through, it is a country known for their rich culinary heritage, he was surrounded by the aromas of rustic dishes, homemade pastas, and the warmth of family-style dining. This inspired his mission to replicate the Italian dining experience, but right here in Malaysia. "Everyone who’s experienced the traditional Italian Osteria knows the familiar warmth of a simple meal, prepared with the best ingredients," Roberto shares. And that’s exactly what he aims to deliver at his restaurants—authentic, hearty, soulful Italian food.

Roberto’s Osteria: A Growing Empire
Roberto's brand, Vitalia Lifestyle, has grown rapidly with seven outlets to its name, and it's only just beginning. His flagship restaurant in Bangsar was such a hit that he decided to expand to Tropicana Gardens Mall, an area Roberto believes was lacking in authentic Italian fare. "We realised that such a huge part of Kuala Lumpur was underserved when it comes to real Italian food," he explains. The Tropicana Gardens outlet offers the same authenticity, but with added perks like affordable set lunches, happy hour promos, and corporate deals—perfect for the bustling business district.

Designing the Italian Experience
Expanding one's dining experience to go beyond the food, Roberto's Osterio is also about creating an environment that transports you straight to Italy. "The design details are inspired by the classic osterias found in the Italian countryside," Roberto says. With its charming emerald hues and rustic décor, Roberto’s Osteria offers diners a full sensory experience—one that perfectly complements the quality of the dishes on the menu.

A Menu Steeped in Tradition
The menu at Roberto’s is a reflection of Roberto’s Italian roots, curated with the best of Emilia-Romagna. “Our chefs and senior team all hail from these regions, so we grew up with this food. It’s in our blood.” From pizzas with perfectly blistered crusts to handmade pastas that melt in your mouth, the dishes stay true to traditional recipes, crafted with the finest ingredients. "There are no excuses when it comes to authenticity," Roberto insists. And it’s this unwavering commitment to quality that has earned Roberto’s Osteria a loyal following.

Challenges and Triumphs
Setting up a restaurant in a foreign country comes with its challenges, but for Roberto, it’s been an "amazing journey". Training staff to master authentic Italian techniques and sourcing the right ingredients were obstacles, but ones that Roberto embraced with passion. "We’ve not only trained Malaysian chefs and servers but also helped them understand the essence of Italian hospitality."

What’s Next for Roberto’s Osteria?
With seven successful outlets and more on the way, Roberto shows no signs of slowing down. "We’ve got plans to expand further, even beyond the Klang Valley," he hints. Although he’s keeping future locations under wraps, it’s clear that Roberto’s vision is to make Italian cuisine a staple across Malaysia.

The Future of Italian Dining in Malaysia
Roberto sees a bright future for Italian food in Malaysia, with an evolving food scene and growing appreciation for authenticity. "Roberto’s will always be a beacon for quality and standards," Roberto confidently states. As his restaurants continue to flourish, Roberto’s Osteria is set to remain a reference point for authentic Italian dining in the region.

So, if you're after an Italian experience where every dish is crafted with love, passion, and the finest ingredients, Roberto’s Osteria is the place to be. With a true Italian atmosphere and food that speaks to the soul, Roberto's vision for Italian cuisine in Malaysia is already a resounding success.