I love meat. I also like Italian food. Pasta carbonara with bacon is one of my go-to dishes.
So it came as a surprise to my friends when I raved about the mushroom carbonara pasta at Antonio’s Trattoria Calabria in Taman Tun Dr Ismail – a hop, skip and jump away from the office.
Yes, mushroom and no meat in sight! Blasphemy!
But it works so well. For the longest time that was the only dish I would order at Antonio’s.
First, a confession. The Twentytwo13 crew started eating at Antonio’s because of its incredible lunch sets.
The aforementioned mushroom carbonara is part of a lunch set that comes with either a soup or salad plus a soft drink for less than RM15. Real value for money, considering some outlets charge more than RM20 just for pasta.
Several other sets include roast chicken and fish and chips (not your typical Italian dishes!) – are under RM20.
The mushroom carbonara is also a favourite of Twentywo13 creative editor Amar Qastellani Tajuddin as is the Diavola pizza (chicken or beef pepperoni with red chillies and mozzarella cheese).

Twentytwo13 editor Haresh Deol and managing editor Pearl Lee swear by the Penne tuna and order that 80 per cent of the time.

But it is not just the food or friendly dining atmosphere that makes it a delight to visit Antonio’s.
Owner Anand Raj, who used to serve the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), is ever ready with a smile and a tale or two.
“The family has been running the place since 2004. We are all passionate about food so decided to venture into the business,” said Anand.
“We are usually busier at dinner than lunch. We have our regulars, but the business has been a little slow because of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
That, however, hasn’t affected Anand who runs a tight ship.
He is also unafraid to undertake special, although some may say weird, requests. Like me having an affogato with chocolate ice cream instead of the traditional and boring vanilla.

It tasted more like a mocha but the espresso and ice cream are just the perfect midday pick-me-up.
Lately, I have a new favourite – softshell crab salad – which Haresh says is among his favourite too.

I tried it for the first time last month together with another favourite of ours – garlic bread with mozzarella cheese – which is a must for every meal.
Don’t forget to try the desserts, with tiramisu a crowd favourite. The apple pie which comes with a dollop of ice cream is unusual but I liked it. I’m just a sucker for sweets.
Antonio’s Trattoria Calabria
32A, Jalan Wan Kadir 4,
Taman Tun Dr Ismail,
60000 Kuala Lumpur.
Contact number: 03-7725 4164.
Opening hours: 11am-2.30pm; 6pm-10.30pm