Verona Trattoria Section 17

At first glance, Verona Trattoria seems like an odd match for the quiet neighbourhood of section 17. Located right next to Bistro a Table, as well, you would think it might feel a little daunted by the French fine-dining restaurant next door. Though it calls itself a bistro, we know how high end the food can get over there, sometimes.

Anyway, Verona Trattoria occupies a modestly spacious, airy space, with deep red comfy high back chairs and white washed push doors, that swing open to welcome the guests. With the doors closed, however, you will find that the small, practical menu, has a bare-bones, utilitarian feel, although almost everything is priced under RM40.. which is a good thing. For the wallet, at least. The first dish we sampled was a plate of hot, crispy Deep Fried Mozzarella Cheese Sticks. These were good – but then again, when is deep fried fat not good..?

A steamy bowl of Minestrone Soup made with chunky kidney beans and shreds of onion, carrots, potatoes, celery and penne pasta bits, arrived after that, and then a dish of Potato Gnocchi with Gorgonzola sauce that tasted pleasingly rich and decadent. I loved the soup (tasty, massive bowl for only RM10) but found the gnocchi rather stodgy. The gorgonzola was addictive and tasted fab though, so much so, I ended up eating the next dish (the pizza) with it. Dunking the pizza crust into the gorgonzola cream sauce was just so disgustingly good. Goodbye healthy eating. Tomorrow I run 20km to make up for this act of debauchery.

These were only precursors, however, to the more starchy, carbo-laden items to come, like the Spinach and Cheese Ravioli (perfectly al dente and drenched in a thick sauce of creamy cheese), the Risotto (containing beef bacon & pecorino cheese), and the occasional slice of pizza (from the Pizza Quattro Stagioni, because we are greedy and like having our cake and eating it). The spinach and cheese ravioli was pretty well done. The risotto however, failed the acid test as it did not live up to the texture that I like in a risotto – the elusive sweet spot between gloppy and soupy. Oh well, for that price, who can complain? Also the Pizza was tasty and I was a happy diner.

Will I be back? for sure.. It’s not often you get a comfortable, affordable, Italian restaurant within walking distance of your home. I can eat here for cheap when I am too lazy to cook. Not bad at all.

deep fried mozzarella cheese sticks

minestrone soup

Potato gnocchi with gorgonzola sauce

Pizza Quattro Stagioni

beef bacon & pecorino cheese risotto

spinach & cheese ravioli

Tiramisu and Zabaione dessert