Review: M Marini Caffe at Suria KLCC

Cold pasta, chilled seafood and cool cocktails constitute the hottest attractions at Suria KLCC’s M Marini Caffe, one of two new venues unveiled this past month by the people behind Marini’s On 57.

M Marini Caffe takes up space amid big-ticket businesses like Versace, Cartier and Georgio Armani, so it might cater best to shoppers at those stores; the first page on the menu here features a selection of caviar, ranging from the roe of Petulama ocean trout and pike to top-flight Sevruga, Ossetra and Beluga that’ll cost as much as plane tickets.

Seafood

A crustacean bar occupies a place of pride here, with lobster and shrimp taking centre stage. Crudos are available, spanning raw servings of fresh Hokkaido scallops, tuna and more.

Pasta

A variety of cold pasta comes recommended; this one features delicate strands of capellini mixed with ‘ama ebi’ spot prawns, salmon, avocado, yellow tomatoes and salmon roe (RM42).

Other pasta options can be crowned with the likes of momotaro tomatoes and burrata cheese; patrons willing to splurge can order a RM228 pasta with Sevruga caviar, oysters, truffle oil, chives and creme fraiche.

Oysters

Irish native oysters come at RM8 per piece, a worthwhile choice, served with raspberry shallot vinaigrette & horseradish cocktail sauce. The pricier oysters include French Fine de Claire and Belon ones.

Salad

Salads prove more affordable: The signature recipe comprises roasted free-range chicken, poached organic eggs, sliced apples and 23 types of veggies from Australia, tossed in a kitchen-made sweet dressing (RM28).

Mains

The main-course list is compact; keeping in line with the healthy theme, this sous-vide Petaluma ocean trout with crisp fennel salad and trout eggs (RM68) probably works well as low-guilt nutrition.

Beverages

Here’s what we found pretty memorable: Espresso and soy milk combined with Bailey’s and truffle oil (!). It succeeds; the earthiness of the oil supplies a discernible aroma that complements the rest of this lightly sweet coffee cocktail.

All in all, M Marini Caffe is an interesting addition to Suria KLCC, with a menu that’s tantalising to browse, though this ultimately is the type of establishment where the water is sold as still or sparkling, nothing less.