Recently, The Apartment Downtown unveiled a new look, menu as well as cocktail & champagne bar. Featuring an European styled dining concept, the restaurant is comfortable and modern, a place where formal and casual coexist. It is completely renovated to showcase a large open space, allowing diners to sit back and relax over a drink with a scenic lake view. Open for lunch and dinner, the menu features a variety of modern European eats with an occasional Asian infusion, while some all-time favourites remain on the menu.
We took a tour around the restaurant and found that the setting is very cosy. With dim lighting and ample seating, we absolutely adore the minimalist and chic concept its interior. We were also lucky enough to have been invited to sample a few of The Apartment Downtown’s 50 over latest offerings from the menu, so scroll on down to take a look!
Fried herb & potato dumplings (RM16.90) – Crispy fried herb & potato dumplings served with grilled banana ketchup
The idea of this dish is great, but the potato dumplings were too soft and mushy inside for our liking. The texture of the dumpling is very similar to that of overdone gnocchi and we would have preferred more of a bite to the dumpling. Having said that, the herbs went very well with the potato and we really enjoyed the banana ketchup. It’s unique and the banana flavour isn’t overpowering.
Chicken liver pate (RM22.90) – Homemade chicken liver pate with port jelly served with cornichons, fresh arugula and rye toast
We were told that the port jelly contains alcohol, so this dish wouldn’t be suitable for Muslims. We’ve tasted many chicken liver pate dishes in the past and we must say that this particular one was very well prepared. Chicken liver pate isn’t for everyone, but this was easy on the palate and the pate paired very well with the port jelly, which was sweet and delectable.
Silky scallops & tofu (RM39.90) – Scallops and roe baked with tofu, topped with soy-wasabi butter
This dish was lacklustre compared to everything else we tried. The scallops and roe were cooked to perfection, but the tofu, alfalfa and soy-wasabi butter did not give the scallops much flavour. It only tasted a little garlicky and it was rather bland. Also, it was served at room temperature. We expected way more from this dish, considering the price and small serving.
Korean sticky fried chicken (RM25.90) – Tender chicken coated in a sweet & spicy Korean sauce with chopped salted peanuts
This was the perfect starter in our books. The chicken was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The sauce was flavourful and it wasn’t too spicy. Anyone, including children, would love this. This dish would be wonderful paired with beer.
Duck & mango salad (RM25.90) – Shredded duck, fresh mango, lemon grass, spring onions, ginger and lime leaves tossed with Thai “Nam Pla” dressing
We’ve tried many duck & mango salads at other eateries, but this salad was, hands down, the best one we’ve tried. It was spicy and sour, but the flavours weren’t too overpowering. There was a very generous amount of shredded duck meat tossed together with all the greens, so we got to taste a little bit of everything in every bite. We also loved the combination of greens in this salad. The spring onion and rocket leaves gave the salad a tangy flavour, while the lemon grass was very fragrant.
Duck confit (RM38.90) – Slow cooked duck served with potato wedges, sweet apples, cherry tomatoes, plum chutney and arugula
The duck meat was very tender and came right off the bone, without being way too soft. The plum chutney was all kinds of amazing paired with the savoury duck meat as it was slightly sweet. We also enjoyed the sweet apples which were cooked in duck fat, according to the chef. This dish had the perfect balance of flavours and we enjoyed every bit of it.
Greek mac & cheese (RM30.90) – Macaroni in creamy cheese sauce with fresh dill, feta cheese, spinach and a Greek spice blend
This mac & cheese is unlike any other we’ve tried. The Apartment Downtown’s version is light, guilt-free and easily enjoyable, with plenty of greens inside. With every bite, we got a little bit of mac & cheese, dill and spinach. We usually prefer our mac & cheese to be cheesier, richer and more flavourful, but this one was alright.
Salt & pepper scallops linguine (RM45.90) – Linguine in a rich cream sauce served with roe on scallops flavoured with smoked salt, Sarawak pepper and lemon
The pasta was al dente, the scallops were cooked perfectly and the rich cream sauce was very yummy, but the Sarawak pepper was way too strong for our liking. We ended up putting aside all the peppercorns that were in the dish because it was too overwhelming and the pepper overpowered all the other flavours in the pasta. Perhaps they should use crushed pepper.
Moroccan beef burger (RM36.90) – Moroccan spiced patty on toasted brioche topped with beef bacon, roasted capsicum, portobello mushrooms with a drizzle of lemon-mayonnaise and house crème fraîche, sweet potato fries as a side
This burger was massive and it was definitely a burger to remember. According to the chef, the brioche for the burgers are baked fresh daily and this one was fluffy inside. The patty was flavourful and juicy, and it went very well with the bacon, capsicum, mushrooms as well as the dressing. The sweet potato fries weren’t greasy at all. If you’re a small eater, do share this burger with someone else.
Greek style lamb cutlets (RM70.90) – New Zealand lamb with Greek yoghurt crumbed eggplant and fresh cherry tomatoes
The presentation for this dish was commendable and it was top-notch. The lamb is only marinated lightly, according to the chef, and it was cooked well according to the doneness we had requested. We loved the meat, but we also thoroughly enjoyed the other ingredients accompanying the lamb cutlets. The grilled cherry tomatoes looked incredible on the plate and they tasted just as good as they looked. They were lightly salted, sweet and very juicy. The crumbed eggplant weren’t greasy at all and they were soft inside.
Eton mess (RM15.90) – Broken crisp meringue with fresh strawberries topped with whipped cream and drizzled with strawberry coulis
Eton mess isn’t very commonly served in Malaysia, so we just had to give it a go. This is massive and it’s definitely meant for sharing amongst three to four people. When we dug our spoon into the dessert, we got a little bit of everything – the crumbly meringue, yummy strawberry pieces, whipped cream, the sweet strawberry syrup – and it was sinfully good. We didn’t expect such a simple dessert to be so satisfying and divine. If you don’t have a sweet tooth, stay clear off this dessert.
The Apartment Downtown
Lot 139, 1st Floor, Suria KLCC (facing the lake)
Kuala Lumpur City Centre
50088 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11am to 10pm
For more information or to make reservations, please contact the outlet at 03-2166 2257 or visit this website.
