Italian wonders uncovered at Svago, KLCC

Its prime location at KLCC might conjure up the image of a buzzing crowd and packed atmosphere; not conducive for those in need of privacy to linger over a meal. Well, we think Svago will definitely surprise you. Situated above its sister outlet Limoncello, the mood drastically changes the moment you take the wooden stairs up into the restaurant. The noise and din slowly fades away with every step you take so that when you finally arrive at Svago, you are able to take a breather.



In the dining area, vinyl and leather chairs and crisp white tablecloths complement the black-and-white checkered floors. Adjacent to the dining area, the sleek bar has a consistent scheme in the use of wood and earthy colours, aligned with a masculine, sophisticated identity. A key point here is of course Svago’s sweeping view of the KLCC fountain and park. As magnificent as the interiors are during daytime, you will be spellbound by its transformation as the sun begins to set. The dim lighting and pale dusk light, magnified by the use of reflective walls, intensifies the restaurant’s romantic ambience even further as the sky darkens outside. A talented live band adds to the mood with relaxing music.

The food at Svago is top-notch, crafted and prepared under the vigilant watch of its owners and Chef Felice Martinelli. Continental with an Italian twist, the dishes emphasise on the quality and flavours of the ingredients with minimum fuss and muss. One could call the presentation of their dishes simple, but looks can be deceiving. Once you savour Chef Martinelli’s creations, you are able to grasp his talent in executing a delicious meal while letting the ingredients’ flavours shine through.

Take its blue-fin tuna tartare, for instance. Itsy bitsy pieces of fresh tuna are mixed with equally tiny pieces of capsicum and tomato for a variety in textures, marinated with wafu dressing. Light and sweet, you could really taste the freshness of the ingredients at every bite.

Consistent with the chef’s skill with seafood, the Alaskan scallops flamed with brandy is chewy and smooth; its accompaniment of sun-dried tomato pesto and polenta adds texture to the scallops. Another must-try starter here is its warm soft shell crab. Fusing French preparation techniques with Japanese flavours, the crispy crab is fried in semolina dust and comes with a mustard cream on the side for an extra bite in flavour.

 
Aside from its wildly popular seafood bouillabaisse, the porcini mushroom essence soup with truffle flakes and cream is a delightful soup to indulge in. Infused 100% in porcini mushroom, the soup is thick in flavour but not too overwhelmingly so that you stop midway.




While waiting for the kitchen to perfect our meat courses, we are served with basil pasta with sundried tomato cream. Proving that sour and creamy are not mutually exclusive in dining, this handmade pasta dish is dangerously moreish.

High quality meats are the raison d’etre of Svago; it offers prime cuts of Black Angus and Australian Wagyu served in various ways. Fourteen or so cooking styles are available for you to choose from in the preparation of your meat, so you can be sure there is one particular style that would suit you. The Black Angus tenderloin served with roasted fig sauce is an excellent choice as the ingredients simply go well together. Despite its firm consistency, the meat is easily cut with the knife. If red meat is out of your dining list, then go for the sea bass cooked in Mugnaia style. The lightly pan-fried fish is topped with parsley, lemon, caper and butter; the zesty extras add a satisfying zing to the fish’s flavours.

Save some room in your stomach for dessert, especially when it comes in the form of a chocolate lava cake served with fior di latte gelato. The milky ice cream complements the floury and moist cake, filled with gushing warm chocolate lava. If you favour something sour, helping yourself to a serving of the tarte tatin (upside down caramelised apple tart) with fior di latte gelato should do the trick.

Svago, Lot G45B-136, Ground Floor (Lakeside) Suria KLCC, 50088 Kuala Lumpur; Tel: +603- 2163 3188