Just a flight of stairs down and away from the main resort building at The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa, Tide offers beachfront dining against a natural backdrop: a pristine shoreline with the Andaman Sea spread out beyond it. Ideal for romantic dinners and cosy family gatherings, Tide’s contemporary ship-shape interior is enlivened by strategically placed ambient lighting in oceanic hues. Come dusk, table top lights lend an extra glow to the comfortable woven wicker chairs and dining tables, making this restaurant an attractive outpost for discerning diners.

The menu focuses largely on seafood with a selection of Asian, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes thrown into the equation. At the restaurant entrance, an ice-filled display counter showcases the day’s fresh catch: local lobsters, prawns, groupers, snapper and seabass. Once diners have made their selection, the chefs grill, poach, bake or deep-fry the seafood accordingly.

The lightly creamy mushroom soup is a nice precursor to the main course, with the broth exuding a lovely woody aroma.

A trio of sauces: lemon beurre blanc, tomato salsa and green pesto with a choice of starch (potato or rice) and vegetables accompanies the grilled Andaman lobster, making it a substantial meal. The doneness is on point and the lobster meat is deliciously sweet and tender.

Cocoa powder, nutty biscuits and chocolate sauce lend textural and flavour interest to the tiramisu, making it a pleasant dessert to end the meal with.

As befitting a fine resort of such stature, rest assured the range of cocktails, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages is wide enough to leave no thirst unquenched. Thumbs up for the better-than-usual array of wine by the glass that includes champagne, sparkling wines in addition to red and white wines. Fruity notes of cherries and blackcurrants with subtly spicy notes prevail in the glass of ruby red Pascal Jolivet Pinor Noir, which is a complementary match to the dishes.

Most waiters possess a good grasp of the menu, capably guiding diners through notable options and in making recommendations. Waiters are also accommodating and somewhat prompt in fulfilling requests.

RM150/Per person

Overall, prices are similar to what you’d expect to pay at other five-star hotels and resorts. Food portions, especially main courses and dessert, are substantial enough for two light eaters to share.