St Regis KL's Christmas eve buffet and Christmas Day lunch (Photo: St Regis KL)
Buffets and prix-fixe dinners may be the wisest choices when you’re dining with a large group but we’ve listed some quiet restaurants that cater to couples or even those who just want to have a laidback meal this Christmas. Here are a list of places that'll ensure you’re suitably fed and well-entertained.
Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur
Renowned tea supplier Whittard just opened its first Malaysian store at 1 Utama Shopping Centre last month, and there’s no better way to experience its selection of fine offerings than pairing it with desserts prepared by Chef Antony Hoyle at Mandarin Oriental KL’s Lounge on the Park. The Whittard Christmas Afternoon Tea is perfect for those who fancy a scone with a piping hot kettle of tea as a midday pick-me-up. If you still prefer an elaborate Christmas meal with all the traditional trappings, opt for the dinner buffet at Mosaic and Lounge on the Park; or the five-course set dinner at Mandarin Grill.
Kuala Lumpur City Centre. Call 03 2179 8798 or email [email protected] to make reservations. Whittard Christmas Afternoon Tea, 2.30-6pm; RM148 with free flow of hot beverages; RM198 with champagne. Christmas Day Dinner Buffet, 6.30-10.30pm; RM258; five-course set dinner, 6.30-10.30pm; RM408.
Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Here’s a brunch buffet crossover you don’t often hear about: The Courtyard is offering a live action station – teeming with dishes such as oven-baked turkey with chestnut stuffing and honey prune sauce, herb roasted whole lamb with homemade mint sauce and herbs crusted striploin with black pepper sauce – and an extensive spread of sushi and sashimi. If the family chatter (or banter) gets too overwhelming, you can always turn to the four-piece jazz band for entertainment.
170, Jalan Bukit Bintang. Call 03 2117 2888 or email [email protected] to make bookings. 11am-3pm, RM98 nett per person.
Skillet
For a restaurant that advocates the creative use of local ingredients, trust its head chef Raymond Tham to sneak in some Asian influences in his modern European cooking. Start with an amuse bouche of sourdough bread, salmon and porcini foam, before moving on to the main course of either cod fish, turkey, slow-cooked beef short ribs or wagyu striploin for an additional RM140. Cap off your meal with mulled wine granité, chestnut mousse and a platter of Christmas Petit Four.
163, Fraser Place Kuala Lumpur, 10, Jalan Perak, KL. 03 2181 2426. Menu starts from RM200++. Book here.
W Hotel Kuala Lumpur
With heaps of presents to wrap and a roomful of guests to entertain, there will be hardly time to prepare dinner on Christmas day. Whisk your loved ones to W Hotel’s Flock, where a brunch buffet spread spanning the hotel’s entire eighth floor will serve the likes of roasted turkey, classic mince pie, foie gras chawan mushi, red wine braised wagyu beef cheek and grilled lamb cutlet with salsa verde. It’s a meat-focused buffet but at least you get to offset the elaborate dinner with something sweet – pick from gingerbread muffins, hangover fruit cake, citrus-cinnamon eclairs and mont blanc au chocolat, among others.
121 Jalan Ampang, KL. Reserve via 012 347 9088 or [email protected]. 12.30-3.30pm. RM288+ for food and free flow of non-alcoholic beverages; RM688+ for food and free flow selected alcoholic beverages inclusive of champagne.
Shangri-la Kuala Lumpur
Classic French cooking gets an upgrade this Christmas at Lafite, whose reliable chefs will lay out a deluxe lunch buffet – complimentary with house wine and beer – consisting of dishes such as trufled parsnip soup, Alaska king crab, smoked eel, crispy skin amadai fillet, wagyu beef. For something more relaxing, the hotel is introducing a kids’ Christmas afternoon tea that will charm the little ones with polar bear macarons, cucumber cream cheese yule log and milkshakes. Don’t forget your camera.
11 Jalan Sultan Ismail. Lunch buffet, 12noon-2.30pm; RM410 nett per person. Kids’ Christmas Afternoon Tea, Until Dec 31, 3-6pm. RM50nett per child. Call 03 2074 3900 or email [email protected] for bookings.
Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur
Step into Favola’s open galleries and rustic Renaissance-inspired setting for a change this holiday season and savour a specially crafted four-course Christmas Eve dinner menu prepared by head chef Domenico Piraz and his team. The Venetian menu features a range of spruced-up Italian dishes and holiday favourites including Pappa et Cittiri (pan-roasted cod fish fillet with foie gras escalope, braised baby leeks, shimeji mushrooms and lobster bisque), Classico Ma Moderno (classic baked turkey roulade) and All’algherese (gently poached Boston lobster with red onion rings, Amoroso tomatoes, baby potatoes, and extra virgin olive oil). The Christmas Eve dinner is priced at RM318 per person. Add on RM30 to enjoy your meal with a glass of prosecco.
Favola, 2, Jalan Stesen Sentral, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, KL. Dec 24, 6.30-10.30pm. For reservations, call 03 2263 7434 or email [email protected].
The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Treat your loved ones to a front row seat to The Solianos — descendants of the legendary maestro Alfonso Soliano — and a wine-paring dinner at the classic Colonial Café this Christmas Eve. Known to be great entertainers like their late father, the Solianos are regarded as one of the most talented musical families in Malaysia. For this special Christmas Eve dinner, they will be performing a line-up of soothing Christmas renditions while guests sip on traditionally mulled wine and tuck into sliced roasted turkey and homemade yule log, among many other Christmas must-haves. For last-minute gifts, stop by The Orchid Conservatory and pick up a Phalaenopsis Orchid accompanied by The Majestic Bear for RM288 nett or top up RM100 for an additional Majestic Spa Experience.
Colonial Café, 5, Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, Tasik Perdana, KL. Dec 24, 6.30-10.30pm. RM380 nett per person, RM480 nett per person with wine pairing. For reservations, call 03 2785 8000.
St Regis Kuala Lumpur
Gather your friends and family over a dazzling spread of traditional roasts and Christmas desserts at The Brasserie on Christmas Eve as you exchange meaningful conversations (and presents) with each other. Fit for the whole family, the extensive assortment includes a cheese and oyster bar, foie gras and risotto cooking stations, fresh seafood and other festive treats that will satisfy even the most selective eater. For the adults, enjoy free-flowing sparkling, red and white wine and cocktails for RM548+ per person or purchase a bottle of Delamotte for RM558+ and enjoy another one for free.
The Brasserie, 6, Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, KL. Dec 24, 7.30-11pm. RM368+ per person. For reservations, call 03 2727 6696 or email [email protected]
Saint Pierre Kuala Lumpur
Celebrity chef Emmanuel Stroobant’s cheerfully modern eight-course affair was specially created for the festive season. Diners will start with delectable canapés followed by Fine de Claire oysters, creamy Japanese uni, Iranian saffron-infused lobster and Cornish chicken. For the main course, choose from either lamb or wagyu (additional RM190) accompanied with sage, juniper and salsify. And for dessert, enjoy a glass of orange spiced wine followed by cinnamon ice cream, rum and coconut. Saint Pierre also offers a festive corporate dinner menu from Tuesdays to Sundays until December 30. Choose between a five or seven course dinner at RM388 and RM588 per person respectively and reward your clients or staff after a fulfilling year.
Saint Pierre, Level 8, W Kuala Lumpur, 121, Jalan Ampang, KL. Dec 24, 7-11pm. RM668+ per person. For reservations, call 03 2732 5008 or email [email protected].
The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur
Want to avoid the crowd but still be able to enjoy some Christmas treats? The Ritzy Classic Afternoon Tea at The Lobby Lounge is most probably your best bet. Available for the entire month of December, the afternoon set features a collection of intricately handcrafted desserts and delectable savouries accompanied by a selection of fine teas. If you have had your fair share of sweets, book a table at The Library for Chef Wai’s four-course Christmas Eve dinner (RM300 per person or RM450 per person with wine pairing).
The Lobby Lounge, 168, Jalan Imbi, Bukit Bintang, KL. Until Dec 31, 2.30-6pm. RM80 per person. For reservations, Whatsapp 018 929 2174 or email [email protected].
