Garibaldi stocks gluten-free pasta and flour regularly. Chef Andreas’s ex-girlfriend is a celiac and he understands gluten-free dining. As with most places I dine out at, I call ahead to book and specify the need for gluten-free food.
On my last visit, this scored me some fresh-baked gluten-free focaccia on my side plate. I started with a buratta and tomato salad (the gluten-free version has a different sauce) and it was well-balanced. The acidity of the beefheart tomatoes offset the rich and creamy buratta and the tartness sweetened with a balsamic reduction.
I followed this with a spaghetti aglio olio and the pasta was indistinguishable from normal wheat pasta. Just to be sure, I asked the waiter to check with the chef, who appeared with the pack. They use an Italian brand that the chefs bring in from back home. For my main, I tried the lamb loin. The chef substituted the non-gluten-free sides with sautéed asparagus and mushrooms and served the meat with a jus. The meat was cooked medium rare, exactly how I like it, but it could have used a little more seasoning.
The vanilla bean pannacotta served with macerated strawberries and mint leaves was my dessert, again, a little altered from its description on the menu to keep it gluten-free.
I liked Garibaldi as an easy and local option and have been back a couple of times. My downside is the service with servers not being conscious of cross-contamination but I expect this will continue to improve.
Kiss kiss,
Bubbles
Garibaldi Italian Restaurant & Bar.
Lot10 & G22, Bangsar Village I, Jalan Telawi 1, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur
Reservations: 03-2282 3456. Email: garibaldi@garibaldi.com.my
Opening hours: Lunch and Dinner daily
- Allergy friendly: ***
- Taste: ****
- Cost: Around 150 for three courses without wine
- Atmosphere: *** White table cloths and modern but casual
- Service: *** It was a little slow and there was the waiter and the bread incident