Review: Makishima at Sheraton Imperial Hotel

One of KL’s latest Japanese outlets is an oasis with a zen garden-inspired setting (plans for a koi pond are afoot), concealed on Sheraton Imperial’s second floor. Note however, Makishima is a stand-alone venue that operates independently of its host hotel.

Private rooms galore down this path; compellingly pretty & completely crowd-free for now (the hotel isn’t helping with publicity).

Omakase-style Set Menus

Makishima embarked on its soft-launch stage with omakase-style set menus, starting from RM130 before taxes (items can nevertheless still be ordered individually).

Amuse Bouche Platter

The selection displays distinctiveness from the beginning: An amuse bouche platter with oyster, pickle & eggplant. Exactly enough to arouse the appetite.

Avocado Sashimi

Avocado admirers will adore the ‘avocado sashimi;’ the fruit is bountifully served, both sliced & mashed, for double the delight.

Tarabi Kani

Some of Makishima’s premium offerings will set customers back by nearly RM200 per order. The sweetly fleshy tarabi kani (Hokkaido king crab legs) is enjoyable for the palate but excruciating for the wallet.

Kagoshima Wagyu Beef

Kagoshima Wagyu beef, slabs of sirloin that prove stirringly fragrant & fatty (the lipid content might surpass the protein).

Both the crab & the beef shine on their own, so there’s scant need for the accompanying sauces (tasty though they may be).

Omelette-wrapped Fried Rice

As any Japanese restaurant worth its wasabi realises, a comprehensive menu includes simpler options that still supply sheer satisfaction. At Makishima, the creamy, omelette-wrapped fried rice fits that bill.

Tea

Part of fun here is choosing your own cup for the tea; being indecisive, we took more than 10 seconds to make up our minds.

Final Thoughts on Makishima

Service at Makishima is cordial & reasonably obliging, living up to the benchmark set by its food & ambiance. Locating the restaurant is not tricky once you know it exists: Take the elevator to the hotel’s second level & look for the ‘noren.’