Special thanks to Italiannies for extending this food review invitation.
Update: This business has ceased its operations.
Italiannies is a casual dining restaurant in Queensbay Mall. As its name implies, the eatery serves classic Italian fare such as pizzas and pastas. Italiannies has recently revised its menu, so my visit today is to savor a handful of the new dishes.
Furnished with comfortable booth-style dining tables, Italiannies presents a family-friendly dining atmosphere. The place is also conducive for having business meals. A doorway at the dining area leads to Fridays, which operates under the same management.
Freshly baked bread is served almost as soon as customers are seated. As per tradition, bread is typically taken with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
The Spinach & Artichoke Formaggio (RM23.55) is a blend of parmesan cheese with spinach, mushrooms and artichokes. Served in a skillet, the dish is topped with marinated tomatoes, crispy spinach and fried garlic. Toasted garlic bread is provided on the side. The strong taste of cheese makes this dish quite appealing. In fact, “formaggio” is the Italian word for “cheese”.
The Salmon & Spinach Fettuccine (RM34.25) strikes a chord with my palate. The pasta has a springy texture that blends well with creamy parmesan sauce. However, the main appeal is the juicy salmon fillet. The pasta dish also contains crispy spinach, oven-dried cherry tomatoes and black sesame seeds.
As for pizzas, the Big Daddy (RM38.50) uses a thin crust that presents a degree of chewiness. Pizza toppings include applewood smoked beef bacon, pepperoni, beef meatballs, grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes and cheese. Meanwhile, creamy pecorino sauce and balsamic glaze prevent the pizza from becoming too dry. This large pizza is just right for two persons.
The Fisherman’s Platter (RM34.25) is perfect for sharing around the table. Each piece of calamari, shrimp or fish finger is coated with light batter, and deep-then fried to golden perfection. Three dipping sauces are provided: marinara sauce, chipotle aioli and honey mustard. Also included are sweet potato fries and sautéed vegetables with garlic.
As for dessert, Crème Brulee (RM17.05) is one of the bestsellers. The vanilla-flavored custard is covered with a transparent layer of caramelized sugar. Icing sugar around the cup’s circumference provides aesthetic appeal. I personally feel that custard to sweeter than necessary; it is better to let the taste of cream and eggs take the center stage.
Italians are known for their affinity for coffee. To this end, Italiannies has several espresso-based coffee drinks for diners to get their caffeine fixes. For instance, Cappuccino (RM8.50) is prepared from two shots of espresso, steamed milk and a thick layer of milk foam.
Meanwhile for cold drinks, Coolers (RM10.70) come in one of four flavors: green apple, peach, strawberry or passion fruit. As for Fruit Shake (RM12.45), strawberry and mango versions are interesting choices.
As a family-friendly restaurant, Italiannies has a special menu for children aged 12 and below. The kid’s meal is complimentary with any order from the à la carte menu. Besides this restaurant in Queensbay Mall, Italiannies has another outlet in The Curve, Petaling Jaya.
Name: Italiannies
Address: GF-129, Queensbay Mall, Persiaran Bayan Indah, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-611-9211
Business hours: 10:30am-11:00pm
Website: http://www.italiannies.com.my
Coordinates: 5.33449 N, 100.30670 E
Directions: Italiannies is located on the Ground Floor of Queensbay Mall, next to Fridays near the north entrance. Queensbay Mall has a multilevel parking garage and several outdoor parking spaces.