Chiaroscuro

Chiaroscuro provides ample dining space on a lovely, shady terrace – perfect for a short afternoon coffee or a long romantic drink in the evening. Inside the restaurant, things have been kept simple and uncluttered. Starched white linen and sturdy wooden chairs are set around large tables that give guests ample space. It creates an ambience that is inviting and comfortable yet refined. The same theme is also evident in their simple yet elegant menus, detailing a decent-sized selection of Italian classic as well as more inventive interpretations of Mediterranean cuisine.

The rocket salad with cherry tomatoes and balsamic vinegar dressing (RM24) seemed an ideal choice for such a setting, proving to be light and refreshing. The Pasta Fresca (RM28), topped with pancetta, mozzarella, rocket and parmesan cheese also showed they had adequate mastery of their oven and a good understanding of the basics of Italian cooking. However, the porcini mushroom gnocchi with bacon bits and truffle oil (RM28) could have done better. The mushroom had been incorporated into the gnocchi, meaning a few grey blobs of starch were sparsely arranged on a plate and slavered with a cheese sauce. It tasted better than it looked but the presentation really needs reconsidering. They redeemed themselves with the homemade pork sausage (RM32), grilled “Luganega” and served on sautéed spicy kai lan broccolini style. Sounds alien, but tasted fantastic. The succulent sausage was meaty and juicy, going particularly well with the irony bite of the kai lan with just enough spice to lift the flavours and leave you wanting more. The tiramisu (RM16) was excellent too. It was a towering specimen of mascarpone and chocolate encased in a thin, crispy pastry: an ingenious presentation for the most well known of Italian desserts. The downside is the soggy, luscious, espresso-soaked biscuits were missing in their version.


Contact:
Ground Floor, 38 Bidara,
30 Jalan Bidara,
Off Jalan Nagasari,
Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2144 8006

Website:
www.chiaroscurokl.com
Operating Hours:
12pm – 3pm, 6:30pm – 12am (Mon – Fri)
6:30pm – 12am (Sat)
12pm – 11pm (Sun)

Cuisine:
Mediterranean