Authentic Italian meals at this new Putrajaya haunt

The eatery is dotted with potted plants and has an uncomplicated, instant charm. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON/The Star

In a corner of the expansive IOI City Mall in Putrajaya is the spanking new Isabelle Restaurant & Bar. For fans of Italian cuisine, this true blue Italian eatery is a sight for sore eyes, with foliage artfully scattered in strategic spaces, intricate flooring near the entrance and a general low-key charm and elegance.

The kitchen is headed by Nicolo’ Delbono, a sweet, youthful-looking chef who has been plying his trade in restaurant kitchens all over the world since he was 17 years old (he is now 33). Nico, as he is better known, was also born in the restaurant business, as both his grandfather and father owned and operated restaurants in Italy – a tradition that dates back nearly 70 years ago.