KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 20 -- For nearly a decade, Via Pre KL has been serving hearty, pork-free Italian fare from a quiet corner on Lorong Setiabistari in Bukit Damansara.

Nestled along a single row of shops in a residential neighbourhood, it has become a favourite among regulars who return time and again for a little taste of la dolce vita, just minutes from the bustle of Kuala Lumpur.

But for Via Pre's founding partners, brothers Maurizio and Massimiliano Ranauro, their story in Malaysia began long before the restaurant opened its doors.

Massimiliano first arrived in 2004, starting as a chef at Nero Vivo before becoming a partner, and then went on to open Nero Teca in 2006, before opening Bar Italia on Jalan Berangan in 2009 - all with t...