Italian food with a Japanese twist.
Rebel Pasta seems like just another Italian restaurant, but if you look closely at the items on their menu, there is a Japanese flair to some of their dishes. Many Italians around the world will aggressively insist on the “correct” way to do Italian food. This restaurant cheekily acknowledges its defiance of traditions with its name, “rebel.”
Ambience & Amenities
Rebel Pasta was closed for months while renovations were underway. The biggest change is that the big windows at the edge of the restaurant (with tables half out in the mall corridor) are gone. Now there are comfortable booths with tables running down the middle. Rebel Pasta is possibly the coldest place in Sunway 163 Mall. The aircon is blasting as if they were smelting iron in here. I get it, Malaysians love AC, but it also means that food gets cold within minutes once it arrives at the table. Not great.
There is no toilet inside Rebel Pasta. Conveniently, the nearest one is right next door. Leave the restaurant and turn right. Make another right to go down the corridor behind the restaurant to get to the public mall toilets.
Menu at Rebel Pasta
Keeping with the spirit of unconventionality, Rebel Pasta’s menu has become more affordable. Whereas the cheapest pasta dish used to be around RM30, there are now six options under RM22. Although, my guess is that these dishes are made from boxed dry pasta instead of fresh. Filtered water costs RM1 per glass. And yes, they’re strict about the per glass. If you order a refill, you’re paying another ringgit.
Sample Menu
Click on menu pictures to enlarge
View full menu
Food at Rebel Pasta
The Fresh Mozzarella (RM38) had five thick slices topped with a few leaves of rocket. It might’ve been purchased downstairs at the Jaya Grocer, but hey, we buy the same one. The velvety cheese is unsalted, only flavoured with olive oil. There were lots of cherry tomatoes to pair with it, but only about five croutons. We used half of the mozzarella to elevate our respective pasta dishes.
The Gnocchi Alla Beef Ragu (RM41) is the strangest gnocchi I’ve ever seen, and not like any I’ve ever had before. It’s supposedly ricotta gnocchi, but I could still taste the potato. The flavour is similar to fries, with a crispy outer shell.
The Ravioli in Pomodoro Sauce (RM45 for 8 pieces) is the archetype of the classic dish. Just simple ravioli stuffed with ricotta (not even spinach) and smothered in pomodoro sauce. I enjoyed the hint of lemon in the ravioli. There was an average amount of ravioli filling, but more than enough sauce to go around.
Saturday Worthy?
This is the last time we’ll eat at Rebel Pasta. The prices are more economical, but the food quality doesn’t taste the same. I suspect some enshittification has occurred. The atmosphere is also unpleasant, due to the restaurant’s cold temperature. Rebel Pasta is trying to be more high-end, but in my opinion, it’s not working. Osteria Emelia downstairs is a much better experience for Italian food.
Price for 2 Pax: RM147.30
Fresh Mozzarella: RM38.00
Gnocchi Alla Beef Ragu: RM41.00
Ravioli in Pomodoro Sauce: RM45.00
Filtered Tap Water per Glass x 3: RM3.00
10% Service: RM12.70
6% SST: RM7.62
Rounding: (RM0.02)
Rebel Pasta
Address: Lot 1F-10 & 11 (First floor, by the escalators), Sunway 163 Mall, 8, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Daily, 11am – 10pm (10:30pm on Fridays & Saturdays)
Alcohol Served: Yes
