Japan’s Saizeriya opens first outlet in Malaysia
Having Italian food for a meal in Malaysia can be a pricey affair when compared to dining on Asian grub. Pastas and pizzas don’t exactly come cheap. But then there are spots like Saizeriya, a huge chain from Japan that’s popular among families and budget travellers for serving affordable Italian mains.
In 2025, the restaurant revealed that it is set to open an outlet in Malaysia, at AEON Mall Taman Maluri in Kuala Lumpur (KL), with an official opening announced for 4th June 2026.
What is Saizeriya?
Founded by Yasuhiko Shogaki in Japan’s Ichikawa City in 1967, Saizeriya made a name for itself by delivering cheap and guilty-pleasure Italian mains with a Japanese flair. The wallet-friendly menu prices are the kicker at its restaurants. Almost all of the mains on the menu are priced under ¥1000 – roughly RM28 after conversion.
Saizeriya now operates over 1,600 restaurants worldwide, with its first overseas store located in Shanghai. In 2008, the budget restaurant chain expanded into Taiwan and Singapore, and later into Vietnam in May 2025.
First outlet in Malaysia & pending halal certification
On 19th August 2025, it was reported by Japanese media Nikkei that Saizeriya Co., Ltd was setting up a dedicated subsidiary to bring its Italian restaurant chain to Malaysian shores by September 2025. With this venture, Saizeriya makes a significant direct investment of approximately ¥300 million, or around RM8.5 million.
Better late than never, the Malaysian branch officially opened in June 2026 at AEON Mall Tamun Maluri. The Malaysian expansion adapts to local tastes, with localised dishes added to a staple menu of pizzas, pastas, and appetisers. The Malaysian branch is also in the process of applying for a halal certification, so everyone in the country can dine at the restaurant.
A menu of under-RM15 Italian dishes
Lucky us, the Malaysian Saizeriya outpost delivers on low prices for Italian mains like its overseas counterparts. Find a menu of pastas, pizzas, baked rice and macaroni, and risotto to order alongside appetisers, soups, and salads.
The whole menu is priced under RM15, with the priciest menu items being the Salmon Steak and Assorted Appetisers at a still-reasonable RM14.90 each.
In the pizza corner of the menu, you have 9-inch pies topped with a medley of seafood (RM13.90) and pineapple and beef strips (RM11.90), if you’re not going for the standout margherita (RM8.90).
These are joined by worth-it cream- or bolognese-based risotto (from RM9.90), and baked cheesy mains like the Baked Rice with Bolognese Sauce (RM9.90) and the Baked Macaroni with Truffle & Mushrooms (RM12.90).
Don’t skimp on the sides, as these are a must for most frequent diners at Saizeriya. There’s the go-to Garden Salad (RM8.90) and Clam Chowder (RM6.90), both worth an order with the mains.
Japan’s Saizeriya brings budget Italian mains to Malaysia
It looks like budget-friendly Italian meals are now possible, as Japan’s Saizeriya makes its way to Malaysia. Consider it your next go-to for fast Italian food that’s worth the money.
Saizeriya Malaysia （サイゼリヤ） AEON Mall Taman Maluri
Wednesday 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM Show More Timings
Also read: Popular US Brand Little Caesars Pizza Opens First M’sian Outlet In PJ With RM22 Large Pizzas
Cover image adapted from: TheSmartLocal Malaysia
Photography by Brooklyn.
This article was first published on 21st August 2025, and updated on 5th March 2026 and 9th June 2026.
The post Japan’s Popular Saizeriya Opens First M’sia Outlet In KL With Budget Japanese-Italian Mains For Under RM15 appeared first on TheSmartLocal Malaysia – Travel, Lifestyle, Culture & Language Guide.