The Eight Avenue at Solaris Dutamas: Review

The Eighth Avenue could be this month’s first choice for customers seeking somewhere new to eat at Solaris Dutamas; married couple Vanessa & Raj have opened the kind of restaurant that KL could always use more of, with a menu that’s adventurous & appealing, buoyed by prices that feel honest & fair, plus service that’s encouragingly hands-on & personal.

East & West

Much of the selection is unique to this venue, showcasing an ambitious scope that Vanessa & Raj cultivated after spending years in Perth. This is their maiden F&B venture, but they’ve worked to put together a team capable of executing elaborate recipes that borrow inspiration from both East & West, from the seafood devotee’s Phat Boy Squid (RM17.90; squid stuffed with minced shrimp & fish, scrawled with squid ink sauce) to a vegetarian-friendly Zucchini Pasta Doppelganger (RM24.90; strips of zucchini masquerading as pasta, drenched in savoury basil pesto with portobello mushrooms & sun-dried tomatoes).

Pork Temptations

The Eighth Avenue genuflects before the glory of the swine: Pork temptations hog the spotlight – rolled soft tacos filled with pulled pork & paired with chili con carne (RM29.90) & a tortilla-based pizza blanketed with shredded pork, bacon & chorizo (RM26.90). If you’re here for lunch, some afternoon specials include nasi lemak with pork rib rendang (RM15.90 for a set with a soft drink & dessert) & an Oriental pork belly stew with enoki mushrooms, quail eggs & steamed rice (RM15.90 for the set).

Engaging flavours & playful textures come to the fore for the tender grilled catfish with creamy peri-peri sauce, crispy risotto balls & asparagus (RM30.90) & the Angels & Demons, a platter of smoked salmon wrapped around asparagus & pork bacon cloaking juicy prunes (RM14.90). There are many other intriguing items to try – oat-fried squid tentacles, ostrich burgers in pandan brioches & roasted beef bone marrow. Wine is available too; our thanks to The Eighth Avenue for having us here.