Spectacular rooftop Bar, Restaurant and Cigar Lounge – fine contemporary Italian cuisine & vibrant ultra-chic bar
December 11th, 2012
The official opening of Marini’s on 57 in September 2012 marked the pinnacle of an exceptional culinary enterprise in Malaysia for Italian chef Modesto Marini, commencing with the opening of his first restaurant – “Modestos”- in Kuala Lumpur back in 1995. The original Modestos restaurant was established in a refurbished bungalow in central KL, that coincidentally, overlooked the construction site of the Petronas Twin Towers which were just beginning to make their mark on the KL skyline. The original Modestos was an instant hit with both expats and locals, offering for the first time in the city, an enticing combination of authentic Italian cuisine in a casual, chic environment, plus a vibrant bar and late night club experience. The concept was successfully applied to an expanding group of outlets that eventually extended across KL and Malaysia, and into Singapore.
Having recently sold his interest in the Modestos group of restaurants, Modesto embarked on the new project to create a stunning rooftop restaurant, bar and lounge- Marini’s on 57– on the 57th floor apex of the newly completed office tower- Menara 3 at Petronas KLCC. As Malaysia embraces the concept of classy rooftop dining and bar venues that has been so popular in other Asian capitals such as Singapore and Hong Kong, Marini’s on 57, with its stunning views and contemporary design, has established itself almost overnight as the hottest and most glamorous nightspot in KL. And also claims the title for the loftiest rooftop restaurant and bar in Malaysia.
The rooftop space that Marini’s occupies has been configured in a triangular shape- with each side of the triangle being one element of the multifaceted venue- The Bar, The Lounge, and The Restaurant. Guests can move from one section to another either internally, or via the outdoor terrace spaces that seamlessly connect the three sections at each corner of the rooftop.
The Restaurant and Bar spaces both take full advantage of the towering rooftop location, with full height glass curtain walls and glass panelled ceilings that provide uninterrupted panoramic views across the city. The interior decor in both sections has a pared-back minimalist approach, with the views taking prominence. The Lounge has a more opulent, luxurious approach- dark timbers and leathers, heavy curtains and billowing ceiling drapes- evoking an atmosphere of classic elegance and sophistication.
Marini’s on 57 is accessed from a ground floor reception, with dedicated lifts whisking guests directly to the 57th level rooftop.
Open daily, service commences at The Lounge from 3:00 pm, from 5 pm at The Bar, and for dinner only at the Restaurant from 7 pm. Due to the popularity of Marini’s on 57, bookings well in advance are strongly recommended, both for tables at the Restaurant, and the Bar. And strict dress codes are enforced.
Stellar views from the outdoor terrace corner of Marini’s on 57
The outdoor terrace on the corner nearest the Petronas Twin Towers
Inside the Bar
The Bar has been generating most of the initial buzz about town- hosting glamorous fashion events and celebrity parties- and attracting a steady stream of guests every evening to luxuriate in the fantastic views, sumptuous drinks and chill-out tunes from the in-house DJs. Suffused with daylight in the afternoon, the space transforms in the evening into a gorgeous, multi-hued playground of the chic and fashionable.
The drinks list is a concise, well-crafted assemblage featuring both classic cocktails, and the original signature creations of head mixologist Rizal Junior. The bar also serves a good selection of single malt whiskys, wines and champagnes, premium spirits and beers. Complimenting the sumptuous drinks are the Bar Bites- a menu of snacks for sharing including platters of antipasti, cheeses or bruschetta; pizzas; Burrata with baby tomatoes and rucola; Grilled Angus rib eye with aioli; and Dessert platter of chocolate praline, macaroons, lemon tart and panna cotta.
The entrance to the main indoor bar section of Marini’s on 57- from the outdoor terrace.
The Bar at Marini’s on 57 is totally enclosed with full height glass walls and ceiling- with outdoor terraces at either end of the room.
The island bar is prominently placed in the centre of the room – the translucent panels are lighted with color changing LEDs.
The vibrant scene around the bar in the evenings- enveloped with the stunning views of the adjacent lighted Twin Towers.
Marini’s Restaurant
The Restaurant, under the direction of resident Italian chefs, presents diners with a modern, authentic Italian cuisine. Grounded on fresh daily produce, the menu follows classic Italian structure with Antipasti , Pasta, Pesce & Carne ( fish & meat)- followed by Dessert. The kitchen also offers, from the wood-fired ovens, the gourmet thin-crusted pizzas that Modestos restaurants pioneered in Malaysia. Some highlights from the A la Carte Menu include- Carpaccio alla Marini’s- thin sliced Angus beef carpaccio with rucola, parmesan and home-made mustard sauce; Tagliolini con Parmiggiano Creama e Tartuffo- Home-made Tagliolini pasta with parmesan cream, egg yolk and freshly shaved black truffle; and Filetto con Midollo – 120 days, grain-fed Australian Angus beef tenderloin served grilled with polenta and bone marrow and parsley.
The elegant main dining space of the Restaurant features full height glass walls and glass ceilings for unrestricted vistas.
The Restaurant also features original artwork commissioned from contemporary Italian artists.
Various table settings on the restaurant floor space- all with stunning views.
The Lounge
In the Lounge, the emphasis is on serving guests a carefully curated selection of single malt whiskys, wines, and premium spirits. And for the cigar aficionado, the cigar divan offers a fine selection of Havana cigars. The elegant Lounge room is an ideal space for after-dinner drinks, classic music and relaxed conversations.
The Lounge exudes a sophisticated air- with dark timbers, classic leather armchairs and subdued lighting from chandeliers.
Lounge seating arrangements include bar stools facing the main bar counter and luxurious leather and fabric armchairs and sofas.
Looking down the length of the Lounge room- with glass fronted private bottle cabinets, the dramatic main bar display, and at the far end of the space, the cigar divan holds an impressive selection of cigars for purchase
The Lounge is a popular destination for post-dinner drinks and relaxed conversations.
Premium aged Single Malt bottles showcased on the timber bar counter.
Cocktail highlights
Marini’s Bloody Mary- Reposado Tequila, Fresh tomato juice, fresh lime juice, cilantro, green tabasco, food seasoning, black pepper. Created by Head Mixologist Rizal Junior.
Mary Melon Cocktail- Manuka Honey Vodka, Midori melon liqueur, honeydew melon, homemade rosemary syrup, homemade vanilla syrup,rosemary herbs.
Jungle Bird– classic cocktail of Malaysia- re-discovered by Rizal Junior- Angostura Seven-Year-Old dark rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, and Campari.
Hibiscus Daisy- Angostura 7 years rum, Dry orange curacao, Orgeat syrup, hibiscus roselle cordial, fresh lime & egg white.
Marini’s on 57- Bar, Restaurant & Lounge
Address: Level 57, Menara 3 Petronas, Persiaran KLCC . 50088 Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia
Reservations: +60.3. 2161 2880
Website: www.marinis57.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/marinis57
Opening Hours:
Restaurant Daily 7:00 pm~ 11:00 pm
Bar- Daily 5:00 pm ~ Late
Lounge– Daily 3:00 pm ~ Late
Dress Code: Smart Casual
