Located at a quiet section of Medan Damansara, this restaurant offers a contrasting blend of a modest interior as well as rich authentic and novel Italian cuisine. The younger of two outlets, both local branches are made affordable but exudes class.

• The Vibe
  The slight hint of herbs and cheese in the air greets you as you enter. The warm red tones of the walls lightly decorated with modern acrylic paintings and the dark chocolate furniture creates a cosy and personal atmosphere. A relaxed feeling rings throughout the rectangular dining area inviting families and businessmen alike. Wood burning cement oven that delivers “autentico” pizza adds to the Italian experience. The bar that sits snugly to the right doesn't overshadow the restaurant to the point of being for adults only.

• The Food
  Whether your taste leans towards seafood, pizzas or pastas, La Risata has it all. It's hard to favour one over the other as the Italian trained chefs deliver their best in every dish. To start your meal, the restaurant brings to your table a complimentary basket of French bread and olive paté as soon as you are seated.

  Among those that left an impression was the Filetto di Merluzzo. This dish of baked cod fish soaked in juices from the generous blend of herbs that coats the fish is garnished with Italian style vegetables ( tagliatelle ) on the side. The delightful La Parmigiana E Melanzane which is solely made from aubergine is lasagne at its best as it is layered with tomato parm esa n and mozzarella. Also a must try for cheese lovers is the Filletto di Manzo ai funghi o ai gorgonzola. A choice of gorgonzola cheese sauce with a sprinkle of mixed vegetables smothers the grilled tenderloin steak. This cheese sauce enhances the meat that is already bursting with its natural juices.

  An interesting creation is the Capellini Al Nero Con Fruitti Di Mare. It's angel hair pasta topped with prawns and squid and is coated in shiny black squid ink, a rare choice for sauce. The thin noodles go down easy and the ink lends a tang of seafood.

  Baked in a firewood oven, their pizzas are neither greasy nor limp. The crispy thin crust allows you to experience the heart of the pizza – the toppings. In the Calzone, lies an abundant fusion of turkey-ham, mushroom, tomato and mozzarella in its fold. All dishes fall between a modest range of RM 5 to RM45 (US$ 4 to US$12)

• The Service
  The service staffs are friendly and greet customers as they enter. The prompt service was admirable as they waited on your beck and call. For dining and wine recommendations, the service staffs are generous with their well rounded suggestions.

SD Food Advisor's take on La Risata
We found this place heavenly for Italian cuisine lovers. Their niche is truly projected through their cheer and the love for their foods was unmistakable. The beautifully presented dishes really worked up an appetite. The walls that seem to fold in creating a private atmosphere in a public place is an ingenious design. A deserving applause for their wide selection of food with each one carrying a distinct taste instead of a cheese and tomato base in every dish.