F&B (FOOD & BEVERAGES)

Review: M Marini Grand Caffè & Terrazza

M Marini Grand Caffè & Terrazza – or just ‘the Caffè’ to its regulars – brings a touch of refined Italian dining to the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Located in One KL, just adjacent to Suria KLCC and Mandarin Oriental, this elegant café has built a reputation for its upscale yet wholly inviting atmosphere, with plush interiors, a vibrant al fresco dining space, and a menu that balances elegant dining with approachability. Whether stopping by for a breezy brunch, a refined afternoon tea, a leisurely drinks-and-dinner session, or – if you’re feeling indulgent – a glass of wine paired with caviar (!!!), diners can expect quality ingredients and attentive service, both hallmarks of The Marini’s Group of restaurants.

Elegant ambiance, yet remarkably approachable

We recently dropped in for a late afternoon happy hour that, thanks to the welcoming and enjoyable ambiance, segued seamlessly into an early dinner. Despite its top-notch location and luxury trappings, the Caffè has some great happy hour prices. As an example, we enjoyed a couple of rounds of cold Tiger draught in frosty mugs for just RM15 each. Cocktails, wines, Proseccos, and Champagnes are also on offer at prices that, at least for some options, may just surprise you – in a good way.

Crisp, cold Prosecco… never a bad choice!

Bar snacks are terrific here, whether you’re enjoying a bowl of Crispy Fried Baby Shrimp (RM18), Shoestring Fries with Truffle Mayo (RM18), or the popular Sausage Platter (RM28), which is definitely more of a bowl presentation than a platter one! Well over a dozen more dishes are offered on the snack page, but we flipped a bit further into the menu and ordered the Pizza Truffle (RM68), a thin-crust masterpiece bubbling with truffle-lashed mozzarella and other cheeses.

Founder Modesto Marini made a name for himself in KL nearly three decades ago with outrageously good, authentic Italian pizzas, and it’s clear the tradition he began with Modesto’s in the 1990s still stands today. We enjoyed the crispy crust and indulgent flavours so much, we didn’t last long before ordering another pie, this one the Diavola (RM35), with tomato sauce and mozzarella punctuated with beef salami and mild red chillies. Delicious!

Pizza Diavolo and an ice-cold Tiger beer

We didn’t have a full dinner, just a few drinks and some light food that ultimately left us wonderfully satisfied. Friendly, efficient service and a great vibe that perfectly balanced the upscale dining element with that welcoming, approachable al fresco ambiance completed the picture and ensured we all enjoyed the evening. (We enthusiastically recommend dining outside here, but would be remiss to not point out how comfortable and chic the inside tables at the Caffè are, too.)

For those who are in search of a complete meal, the Caffè menu offers a mix of classic Italian dishes and modern café fare, with highlights ranging from beautifully plated pastas and seafood to delicate pastries. We thought the food prices were equally attractive as those of the drinks. You can certainly ‘go big’ and have a very nice steak here (the 180g Black Angus tenderloin is RM178, as one example), but a wide array of dishes both local and Western are available at wallet-friendly price points. Try the Green Chicken Curry with Rice or Curry Laksa (RM38 each), a selection of very appealing salads (starting at RM32), or a sure-to-be-terrific Marini’s house-made pasta dish (such as a Tagliatelle Bolognese with Wagyu Beef Ragout for RM42 or the Spaghetti Carbonara with Smoked Duck for RM38). Coffee lovers will also appreciate the well-crafted espresso-based drinks, adding to the outlet’s appeal as a stylish meeting spot for business or leisure.

With its polished setting and a menu catering equally well to both casual bites and special occasions, M Marini Grand Caffè & Terrazza delivers an upscale yet comfortably accessible experience right in the beating heart of KLCC. We loved our time spent there, and definitely look forward to more enjoyable experiences to come!