Review: Mesa on 51

Perched high atop the Permata Sapura tower, Mesa on 51 is the latest addition to The Marini’s Group portfolio of upscale dining and entertainment venues. Set on the 51st floor (as you may have guessed), the rooftop destination boasts outstanding panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline, including the Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC Park, and beyond. As we found when we first visited the outlet upon its opening, the moment you step inside, the breathtaking vistas deliver an undeniable ‘wow’ factor.

The dining room at Mesa on 51, early evening

“Mesa on 51 has been designed to transport guests from the city’s hustle and bustle into a rooftop haven filled with great music, expertly crafted cocktails, and a full Spanish restaurant with some unique Nikkei cuisine offered on the side,” said Cavaliere Modesto Marini, founder of The Marini’s Group. “We always strive to push boundaries, creating new and exciting dining experiences for both local and international guests. With Mesa on 51, we’re introducing fresh culinary concepts while offering one of the most spectacular views in the city.”

Dining at Mesa is enhanced by its lofty location, but – perhaps unsurprisingly – the food and beverage options certainly match its elevated position, both in terms of quality and price (though there are still a handful of real bargains to be found on the menu).

The restaurant is well-appointed with excellent crockery, cutlery, and glassware. There are even stylish pepper and salt grinders on the table – definitely a rarity in Malaysian restaurants these days. The interior is refined and elegant, and the light is sensibly dim so that diners can take in their impressive Kuala Lumpur skyline surroundings. Subtle tabletop lighting (and dedicated menu lamps) help diners negotiate the menus as they admire the city’s distant rolling hills and the Petronas Twin Towers in all their glory. We suggest reserving a window-side table and arriving before 7 pm so as to admire the city’s ‘golden hour’ at sunset, following by the city-enhancing ‘blue hour’ before the real darkness sets in.

Mesa on 51 has swiftly gained a reputation as a sophisticated yet inviting venue, drawing both locals and visitors with its high-end menu, chic ambiance, and alluring nightlife vibes. Whether you’re indulging in authentic Spanish dishes, innovative Nikkei flavours, or a cocktail overlooking the city lights, this new high-altitude spot delivers an unforgettable dining experience.

A NEW ADDITION TO KUALA LUMPUR’S SKYLINE

The Permata Sapura Tower, completed in 2020, is one of the city’s latest architectural landmarks, said to have been inspired by the grandeur of Mount Kinabalu. Rising 53 floors and some 252 metres above the city, it makes a real impact on Kuala Lumpur’s evolving skyline, not only looking impressive from anywhere in KLCC Park, but also providing a fresh vantage point to admire the city’s most iconic structures.

Soaring over the KL Convention Centre, the Permata Sapura tower is a bold addition to the city skyline | Image Credit: PRC Magazine

Mesa on 51 offers an incredible perspective on the Petronas Twin Towers, setting itself apart from its sister venue, Marini’s on 57. While Marini’s on 57 provides up-close, intimate views, Mesa on 51 showcases a full-frame view of the twin towers, reaffirming their status as the defining symbol of Kuala Lumpur, despite no longer being the city’s tallest buildings. Indeed, even as the skyline changes with the likes of The Exchange 106 and Merdeka 118, the Petronas Towers remain the city’s crown jewel, and Mesa on 51 offers perhaps the best vantage point to admire them. (But rest assured, you can see pretty much all of KL’s most notable skyscrapers!)

Conveniently located, Permata Sapura connects directly to KLCC via a covered walkway, with an air-conditioned basement concourse linking it to the KLCC Exhibition Centre and Suria Mall. However, we found it a bit more straightforward to arrive by the main entrance on Jalan Kia Peng, but either way is an easy option. Underground paid parking is available for those travelling by car, while clear signage ensures relatively effortless access to Mesa on 51. Upon arrival, guests are guided through security and whisked up to the 51st floor via notably high-speed elevators, reaching the rooftop in mere seconds.

THREE DISTINCT SPACES, THREE UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Similar to other concepts under The Marini’s Group, Mesa on 51 is divided into three sections, each offering a different atmosphere, design, and menu. We didn’t spend time in all three spaces when we visited, mostly focusing on the restaurant, but we did check out the lounge briefly.

THE TERRACE BAR

The Terrace Bar sets a relaxed yet sophisticated tone, blending open-air elements with floor-to-ceiling windows for uninterrupted city views. Smoked-glass mirror tiles give the bar an inviting glow, while gold-lit shelves display an extensive selection of spirits and wines. Ornamental bougainvillea vines climb towards the ceiling, intertwining with hammered copper discs to create a striking aesthetic. As night falls, the towering banana palm trees are dramatically illuminated, complementing the glittering city lights.

THE NIKKEI LOUNGE

For a more laid-back, club-like setting, the Nikkei Lounge exudes sophistication with its mirrored ceiling, black walls, and plush seating options, including quite a number of Chesterfield sofas strategically placed to let guests soak in the views. The menu is inspired by Nikkei cuisine, a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavours, and features sushi, sashimi, and ceviche, among numerous other menu options. A dedicated DJ station ensures a lively nightlife experience, and when we popped in for a short while, the music was great.

THE SPANISH RESTAURANT | DINING REVIEW

The Spanish restaurant at Mesa on 51 delivers dramatic flair and bold design, with tables lining the windows, offering prime cityscape views, while a striking artwork of a flamenco dancer at the bar adds a vibrant touch. We particularly liked the eye-catching honeycomb light fixture in the middle of the dining room. The restaurant also features private dining rooms, ideal for corporate events or celebrations, with floor-to-ceiling windows affording amazing skyline views. These rooms seat up to 12 guests, but we were told they can be combined for larger gatherings.

We took our seats about half an hour before sunset and thoroughly enjoyed watching the changing cityscape as the afternoon turned to dusk, and then to night. We ordered a few tapas from the restaurant’s menu, and some sashimi from the Nikkei menu, appreciating the fact that diners can choose from any menu, regardless of where they are seated. Before the tapas arrived, though, we were served a basket of various fresh breads and lavash, along with a black olive tapenade, which was all outstanding.

The bar in the restaurant features a dramatic painting of a flamenco dancer

Outstanding breads served with a fresh tapenade

From the tapas menu, we chose the Barbacoa Mini Tacos (RM48), Patatas Bravas (RM35), Costilla de Maiz (RM35), Croquetas de Boletus with Beef Cecina Ham (RM48), and Gambas Ajillo (RM68). The clear winners for us were the stunningly delicious Patatas Bravas (triple-cooked potatoes with aioli and brava sauce), and the Gambas Ajillo, with four large, succulent tiger prawns in a mouthwatering garlic aioli. The Croquetas de Boletus (mushroom croquettes) were also very tasty, while the Costilla de Maiz (grilled sweet corn ‘ribs’) were a creative and enjoyable dish. The tacos had a great flavour with the Wagyu beef cheek, but the mousse-like texture of the mushroom puree was a little confusing.

We also selected a small Haru ‘boat’ of sashimi for two (RM128) from the Nikkei menu, comprising the chef’s selection of four kinds of sashimi. If you want to splurge on a truly indulgent treat, opt for the A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Sirloin Nigiri (RM80, two pieces), which is out of this world.

Returning to the restaurant menu, we ordered the Ceviche Amazzonika (RM68), which brings together red snapper, scallops, and prawns, along with Peruvian corn and cassava chips, marinated in a tangy mango tiger’s milk (leche de tigre). The addition of mango to the classic lime-based tiger’s milk was quite a departure, but after a couple of bites, we adjusted to it and very much enjoyed the dish!

Sushi & Sashimi Boat (large version pictured)

Though Mesa on 51 offers a range of excellent paella dishes, we had already eaten quite a bit, so instead opted for a relatively small steak from the kitchen’s charcoal Josper grill. This was in no small part thanks to a visit to our table by the chef, who convinced us that we really needed to try one of the steaks. The chef explained that the Marini’s Group has a long tradition of importing and serving the finest meats from around the globe, including premium cuts from various Stanbroke properties in the Gulf region of northern Queensland, Australia. Wagyu and Angus beef have become house specialities in Mesa’s associated restaurants of Marble 8 and Marini’s on 57. Mesa has followed suit, and it too sources premium cuts of beef from Stanbroke, one of Australia’s largest owners of cattle ranches. Cattle from these vast ranches freely roam and feed on natural Flinders and Mitchell grasses of the Queensland Gulf Country. These aged cuts arrive in Malaysia with the bones still attached, as this improves the flavour and aroma of the beef. We were sold, but still asked for the smallest steak on the menu, which ultimately proved to be a great choice all-around.

At 200g, the Entraña grilled hanger steak is available in two variants, Angus beef (RM144) and Wagyu M7 (RM248). We went for the latter, and it was absolutely incredible. Tender, perfectly grilled, and topped with a fresh chimichurri sauce and served with broccoli and a roasted eggplant puree, this was beef decadence on a plate. We also were told that a hanger steak is alternatively known as a ‘butcher’s steak’ simply because it was so highly prized for its flavour and tenderness that most butchers were reluctant to sell it and usually kept it for themselves!

Other dishes available from the grill include chicken, tomahawk steaks, roasted lamb, red snapper, and a very tempting 600-g Wagyu Picaña. Clearly drawing on years of experience in selecting, preparing, and serving some of KL’s best steaks at sister restaurant Marble 8, the latest restaurant from The Marini’s Group again shows us that when it comes to top-quality beef, these guys know what they’re doing!

We also added a Queso Cabra salad (RM48), a large frisée salad drizzled with honey mustard dressing and accented with mixed nuts, caramelized pear, cherry tomatoes, pickled onion, and a thick slice of goat cheese gratin. It was a great addition to the steak, rounding out the meal nicely.

Tender steak with bits of flaked sea salt… perfection

There really wasn’t much room left for dessert, but we were nevertheless gently guided to the Tarta de Queso de Viña (RM38), the signature fennel-infused Basque cheesecake with mixed berries coulis. To be truthful, we didn’t pick up much pronounced fennel flavor, but it cannot be denied that if you’re a fan of cheesecake in general, you will most assuredly love this one. A single order is easily sufficient for two, and if dessert is your thing, this one is a guaranteed winner. Other options include the Flan de Coco (a coconut milk flan, RM35), Spanish churros (RM38), and the classic Crema Catalana (RM38) with thyme and ginger.

BEVERAGES AT ALTITUDE

Mesa on 51 is a Spanish restaurant at its heart, so it was only natural that we should order a glass of sangria while contemplating the menus. Mesa offers three variations on this Spanish classic – white, red, and sparkling wine-based. We chose the red and sparkling version, with both being refreshing and invigorating, but noted that the sparkling sangria with prosecco was a little light on bubbles.

It is worth noting that these beverages, like some others, are also offered in the adjoining Nikkei Lounge as packages (five or 10 cocktails, or even jugs), confirming the party atmosphere that awaits those who adjourn to the lounge after their dinner.

One of the joys of dining out is admiring wine lists that are presented in fine dining restaurants. The Mesa wine list of mostly Old World wines (Spain, France, and Italy) is very impressive for its premium (and expensive) vintages, grape varieties, styles, and overall quality. Several wines are offered by the glass, and it is worth noting that the Lucaris crystal glassware used matches the setting and location. The staff are knowledgeable and understand the importance of the total wine experience, including the use of carafes to enable the red wines on offer to breathe. We were indeed suitably impressed by the professional calibre of the wine service.

We were also quite happy for a wine recommendation and accepted the offer of a Spanish wine to capably complement the Spanish dishes. The wine of choice, a lovely Beso de Rechenna Crianza 2018, enabled us to enjoy a grape variety not often seen in Malaysia. This elegant red wine is produced from Bobal grapes, which flourish in the Utiel-Requena region, just west of València. A little research during the enjoyment of this excellent wine revealed that Bobal grapes are the second most common of all red grape varieties planted in Spain after Tempranillo, and with higher plantings than both Garnacha and Monastrell.

Mesa on 51 was a genuine good time. The food and beverages were both on point, we loved the service (including a talented singing waiter and a roving violinist at various points during our lengthy dining experience), and the ambiance and skyline views are genuinely second to none. We had a spirited debate on whether we’d pick Mesa or Marini’s to take our out-of-town visitors. Both definitely have their highlights, but you’d be truly hard-pressed to beat the incredible panoramic views from Mesa on 51.

A NEW LANDMARK IN LUXURY DINING

And so there it is: With its unparalleled views, an inspired ‘triple threat’ menu, and a refined, contemporary ambiance that patrons have come to expect from The Marini’s Group, Mesa on 51 has quickly established itself as one of Kuala Lumpur’s must-visit ‘rooftop’ destinations. Whether for after-work drinks, a romantic dinner, or a lively night out, this unique concept restaurant and lounge delivers a sky-high experience that’s nothing short of spectacular.