Mesa on 51 – Spanish Restaurant, Nikkei Lounge & Terrace Bar, Kuala Lumpur
Words: Stephen Reid
Photos: Han Sen Hau
The Marini’s Group has become synonymous with sophisticated dining and entertainment in Kuala Lumpur. Founded by Modesto Marini, the group has curated a collection of upscale venues, each offering a distinct experience while maintaining a commitment to quality and luxury. From the acclaimed Marini’s on 57, Located in Tower 3 adjacent to the iconic Petronas Towers, with its breathtaking views and refined Italian cuisine, to the vibrant M Marini Grand Caffè & Terrazza, a stylish Italian cafe and bar, the Marini’s Group caters to diverse tastes and occasions. The group also includes Marble 8, a modern steakhouse, and Maristar, a seafood haven offering a luxurious dining experience.
Rising high above the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur, Permata Sapura Tower is a striking addition to the city’s iconic skyline. Completed in 2020, this 53-storey skyscraper, inspired by the majestic Mount Kinabalu, cuts a sleek and modern figure. High above the city, joining this portfolio of stylish restaurants and bars is the Marini group’s newest venture, Mesa on 51.
Mesa on 51 evokes the stylish ambience of sister establishment Marinis on 57, with expansive steel-framed windows that reveal breathtaking, unobstructed panoramas of the city. While Marinis on 57 provides intimate views of the Petronas Towers, Mesa on 51 showcases their full majesty, leaving no doubt about their iconic status in the Kuala Lumpur skyline. Despite the emergence of new architectural wonders like TRX 108 and Merdeka 118, the Petronas Towers remain the undisputed symbol of this vibrant metropolis. Mesa on 51 provides the newest and possibly the best vantage point to appreciate their enduring presence.
Permata Sapura Tower offers seamless connectivity, with an air-conditioned basement concourse linking it to the KLCC Exhibition Centre and providing convenient access to Suria Mall and KLCC LRT stations via a covered walkway. Ample underground paid parking is available for those arriving by car. Upon arrival, clear signage directs guests to Mesa on 51, where attentive staff guide you through security and into high-speed elevators that swiftly ascend to the top at a speed that may make your ears pop!
Mesa on 51
The Terrace Bar
The venue is divided into three distinct spaces, each offering a unique experience. The Terrace Bar is an inviting space with a relaxed atmosphere. Here, guests can enjoy the cool evening air thanks to a design incorporating open-air sections alongside floor-to-ceiling windows. Smoked-glass mirror tiles adorn the bar, while gold-lit shelves showcase a global selection of beverages, creating a warm and inviting glow. Ornamental bougainvillaea adds a touch of nature, its realistic vines climbing towards the ceiling, where they entwine with hammered copper discs, adding another layer of visual interest to the space. At night, the towering banana palm trees are dramatically lit as the city lights twinkle.
The Nikkei Lounge
The Nikkei Lounge exudes a more exclusive, club-like ambience. A mirrored ceiling, black walls, and various seating options, including tan leather bar stools and plush Chesterfield sofas, create a luxurious and sophisticated setting. The lounge offers a menu inspired by Nikkei cuisine, a unique fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavours, focusing on sushi, sashimi, and ceviche. A dedicated DJ station hints at the vibrant nightlife that unfolds as the evening progresses.
Spanish Restaurant
Finally, the Spanish Restaurant presents a dramatic and opulent setting. High tables with red leather bar stools line the windows, offering prime cityscape views. A luxurious emerald green banquette provides a more intimate seating option. The restaurant’s centrepiece is a captivating artwork featuring a flamenco dancer in layers of red tulle, a bold statement that rivals the stunning city views for attention. An open kitchen area provides a glimpse into the culinary action, while a striking honeycomb light fixture suspended from the ceiling adds a touch of modern elegance. Several private dining rooms, suitable for corporate events or celebrations with family or friends, also afford stunning city skyline views. These spaces, seating 12 people, can be combined should a larger space be required.
Whilst the Terrace Bar is relatively balmy and tropical, some may find the air conditioning in the Nikkei Lounge and Spanish restaurant a little cool for dining and may wish to bring a light sweater or shawl.
Drinks Menu & Prices
Mesa on 51 offers an extensive drinks menu with a wide variety of wines and spirits from around the world, many available by the glass or bottle. They also offer cocktails, mocktails, soft drinks, juices, teas, and coffee. Additionally, there is a range of drinks promotions and happy hour deals, so be sure to check them out when you visit.
We opted for a refreshing jug of Sangria (RM 218 or RM 48 for a glass), a blend of red wine, orange liqueur, maple syrup, cinnamon, orange, and apple and decorated with a sprig of rosemary and a slice of strawberry. It was a little, perhaps sweeter than I would have preferred. Still, the cinnamon and orange flavours made it a fantastic chilled tropical alternative to Mulled Wine, my favourite Christmas tipple!
Mesa on 51 Food Menu & Prices
Crudo (Raw Menu)
Our first dish from the raw menu was the Ocean Trout Mentai Oromaki (RM 68), a delectable sushi roll featuring the delicate flavours of ocean trout wrapped around sushi rice and enhanced by the richness of mentai sauce and the salty pop of tobiko (flying fish roe).
The Maki Spicy Tuna Maki (RM 52) delivered a satisfying balance of flavours and textures. The tuna, avocado, Japanese cucumber, and tobiko were expertly combined with just the right chilli heat to provide a tingling finish without overpowering the palate. The crunch of the cucumber added a refreshing contrast to the sticky sushi rice.
The Haru 4 Types of Fish (RM 128) was a playful, Instagram-worthy dish. Presented in a bamboo fishing boat on a bed of glowing crushed ice, lit from below with LEDs, it was a feast for the eyes. The chef’s selection of fish included succulent prawns, salmon, and translucent slices of Hamachi yellowtail sashimi. The presentation was completed with fresh leaves, slices of lime, and delicate sea grapes that added a salty pop.
Tapas
Our tapas selection began with the Escalivada (RM 38), a dish that defied the usual rustic presentation of roasted veg. Elegantly served in an attractive circular dish with fluted sides, it showcased beautiful layers of onion and silky roasted yellow and red peppers, complementing the perfectly cooked eggplant’s creamy texture and smoky flavour.
This was followed by the visually stunning Ocean Trout (RM 62), with vibrant colours and artful plating. The almond garlic sauce beautifully complemented the fresh, delicate flavour of the ocean trout, while the beetroot-marinated salmon added a touch of sweetness and earthiness. The compressed cucumber provided a refreshing crunch, and the squid ink tapioca chips – which we also enjoyed with the Amazzoniko ceviche – offered a unique and playful textural element.
Speaking of the Amazzoniko (RM 68), this ceviche was a refreshing departure from the usual, with a vibrant yellow-orange hue thanks to the mango “Leche de Tigre.” This marinade, with its tropical sweetness and acidity, “cooked” the fresh red snapper and scallop to perfection, resulting in a beautifully balanced and flavourful dish. We then moved on to some classic tapas, starting with the Patatas Bravas (RM 35). The triple-cooked potatoes were perfectly golden and crispy on the outside while remaining fluffy on the inside. The combination of the creamy aioli and the spicy brava sauce was irresistible, and the portion was more than generous for two or three people sharing.
Next came the Croquetas De Cangrejo (RM 69), delicious little crustacean croquettes with a crispy outer layer giving way to a creamy, flavourful crab filling. The jalapeño mayo added a subtle kick, while the tobiko provided a burst of umami and a textural contrast; there were only three per serving, so order another to help prevent anyone from missing out!
The Croquetas de Boletus (RM 35) was another excellent choice, offering a wonderful combination of earthy flavours. The creamy filling, slightly oozing out when cut in two, was packed with the rich taste of boletus mushrooms. The subtle truffle aioli perfectly complemented the dish, which was topped with delicate salty slices of Cecina de León (Spanish Beef ‘ham’).
Our tapas feast continued with the Gambas al Ajillo (RM 68), a garlic lover’s dream. It features perfectly cooked tiger prawns bathed in rich, flavourful garlic oil and topped with crispy garlic chips. The dish also includes a wonderfully rich garlic cream sauce. While the flavours were fantastic, some bread to accompany the dish and soak up the delicious garlic oil would have been a welcome addition. If you’re not ordering many tapas dishes, I recommend ordering some bread to avoid wasting any of the fantastic flavours.
Finally, we savoured the Pulpo Canario (RM 98), a standout dish featuring tender and flavourful grilled octopus with a delightful smoky char. The octopus was perfectly cooked, achieving a melt-in-your-mouth texture that was neither rubbery nor tough. The accompanying potato picon espuma added a creamy and earthy element, while the mojo verde provided a zesty counterpoint to the rich flavours of the octopus.
We finished with the Montadito (RM 69), a delicious open-faced mini sandwich with a fantastic combination of flavours and textures. The toasted bread provided a sturdy base for the creamy goat cheese, tender slices of Black Angus beef, and sweet red capsicum. The beef was incredibly tender, and the tangy goat cheese added a lovely sharpness that balanced the meat’s richness; this was one of Monica’s favourites.
Paella
The Paella Negra (RM 168) was a delicious but challenging dish to photograph. The inky black rice, served piping hot in its skillet, blended with the black tabletop under the fading evening light. However, the vibrant green parsley aioli and lemon wedges provided a welcome visual contrast. A squeeze of lemon added the perfect acidity to cut through the rich creaminess of the rice, with the cuttlefish and prawns appearing as ghostly silhouettes against the inky backdrop. This hearty paella, meant for sharing, was tasty despite its photographic challenges. Our photographer, Han Sen, happily polished off every last grain of rice, a suitable reward for his efforts in getting the perfect shot.
De Nuestro Horno De Carbón (From the Charcoal Oven)
The Grilled Hanger Steak (RM 148 for 200g) was a suitable finale to our savoury dishes. The Angus beef was perfectly cooked, boasting a delicious char on the outside while remaining tender and succulent. The smoked eggplant purée was silky smooth and rich, while the chimichurri sauce added a vibrant green freshness that balanced the richness of the beef (also available with Wagyu Beef Score 7 for 200g for RM 248).
Postre (Dessert)
Our first dessert choice, the Spanish Churros (RM 39), was a delightful sweet treat. It offered a trio of dipping sauces: chocolate, vanilla cream, and mixed berries. The churros themselves were perfectly golden and crispy, dusted with cinnamon sugar. While all the sauces were tasty, the mixed berry was a standout, its acidity cutting through the sweetness of the churros.
The Tarta De Queso De Viña (RM 38) provided a delightful end to our meal. This Basque cheesecake was rich and creamy, infused with fennel and adorned with a beautiful edible flower and delicate elderflower jelly pearls. While the fennel flavour was subtle, the cheesecake was nonetheless a perfect finale; being quite rich, the portion would be enough to share between two.
Reasons to visit Mesa on 51: sophisticated dining experience high above Kuala Lumpur; breathtaking panoramic views of the city; modern design, divided into three distinct spaces (the relaxed Terrace Bar, the exclusive Nikkei Lounge, and the opulent Spanish Restaurant); perfect spot to take visitors for cocktails, tapas or a more substantial meal. My favourite dish was the Maki Spicy Tuna Maki, Monica enjoyed the Montadito, Han Sen gave a thumbs up to the Paella, and Ivan approved of the cheesecake.
Mesa on 51
Level 51, Permata Sapura Tower
Lot 91, Jalan Pinang 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Link to Mesa on 51 on Google Maps
+6 032386 6030
marinisgroup.com
Dress Code: Smart Attire
Mesa on 51 Opening Hours
Spanish Restuarant
Daily: 6 pm – 12 am
Terrace Bar
Daily: 5 pm – 2 am
51 Nikkei Lounge
Sunday – Wednesday: 5 pm to 2 am
Thursday – Saturday & Public Holiday Eve: 5 pm – 3 am
Find more Spanish restaurants in Kuala Lumpur here, and stay up-to-date on the latest gourmet and travel happenings around Asia via The Yum List on Instagram and The Yum List on Facebook.