Here's where to go for authentic Mediterranean cuisine whether you're looking to impress that date or just for a fun hangout spot with friends at your next night out.
Many debates have arised when it comes to the use of the term 'Mediterranean cuisine'. Some are of the opinion that there is no designated category for it since it encompasses food from many different cultures so long as they are adjacent to the Mediterranean sea.
In our opinion, that is exactly why Mediterranean food is so widely accepted -- its varying recipes and ingredients have the potential to appeal to a wide variety of palates.
Here's where to go for some Mediterranean fare in KL for various occasions.
For a romantic date night: Le Midi
Simply walking into Le Midi is like slipping into the warm crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean. Effortlessly elegant, the restaurant impresses with immaculately laid tables and chic decor, all backdropped against the breathtaking city skyline of Kuala Lumpur. On the food front, it has held its own since its opening in 2010, showcasing the best of Mediterranean food ranging from Italian and French to Spanish and Moroccan recipes. Complemented by an extensive wine list, a visit here is always a true dip into Mediterranean cuisine and hospitality.
For a family gathering: La Cucina
With a welcoming atmosphere and homey feel complete with plush pillows and heavy curtains, this restaurant in Pullman Hotel KL seems made to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries or any special family occasions. A live cooking suite in the centre of the restaurant will add to the experience highlighted by Mediterranean staples like gnocchi pasta, anchovy pizzas and oven-baked cannellonis. The children will have a splendid time with the open-faced pizzas as much as the adults with the chicken cacciatore.
For an evening with colleagues: Giovino
Giovino's location right smack in Changkat Bukit Bintang makes it an ideal place to people watch but it is its specialty in Greek and Italian cuisine that has helped it stay open over the years. Go for its collection of homemade soups that will warm any stomach as well as its long list of salads that doesn't scrooge on the cheese and extra virgin olive oil. It will be hard for anyone to not find something they like given Giovino's menu that covers all types of seafood typically found in Mediterranean cuisine alongside an equally extensive list of meats.
For tapas with your best friends: Mercat
Founded by two passionately Spanish men, this restaurant located in the popular Bangsar Telawi area seeks to transport the best flavours of Barcelona's city markets to Kuala Lumpur. Hence, expect plenty of red meat, seafood, cheese and cured meats on the menu, all done to exemplary standards. Presentation-wise, Mercat impresses with clever use of wooden boards and stone plates for a rustic feel. A meal here always comes with a lot of flavour, texture and fun.
For a night out with the boys: Quivo
Urban and trendy, this bar and bistro at Pavilion KL combines the best of flavour and fun with fresh, sun-kissed food and creatively crafted cocktails to evoke a true Mediterranean feel. Its alfresco concept space in one of the busiest places in KL makes it perfect for mingling and meeting new people while you snack on delectable Mediterranean delicacies like fried calamari with jalapeno aioli, battered shrimp with chipotle dip and the classic margarita pizza. Bonus: Quivo also serves coffee alongside its craft beers and cocktails.
Looking for something a little more Asian? How about our selection of Balinese restaurants in KL.