Little Italy – Not so Little

Dining at Little Italy is always a comforting experience, and my wife and I recently enjoyed another satisfying meal there.
We started with the Bruschetta Malanzane , which delivered a pleasant balance of smokiness from the eggplant and freshness from the tomatoes. The fried calamari was crisp and well-seasoned, a reliable appetizer that paired well with the house dips.
For mains, we ordered two pastas: the Fettucine Norcina , featuring turkey ham and walnuts, was rich and creamy yet not overwhelming, with the crunch of walnuts adding a nice texture. The Seafood Arrabbiata brought the opposite spectrum—zesty, bold, and generously loaded with seafood, its heat cutting perfectly through the richness of the other dishes.
To wash everything down, the Iced Peach Tea was refreshing and light, complementing the heavier flavors of the meal.
What makes Little Italy special is its consistency. Their first and original outlet at Damai Plaza opened more than 25 years ago and became a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. Although that branch has since closed after the restaurant moved to its current Kota Kinabalu location, the food still carries the same spirit — reliable, hearty, and comforting.
Little Italy doesn’t chase trends or try to be overly elaborate; instead, it focuses on what it does best: serving honest Italian comfort food that has stood the test of time in Kota Kinabalu.