COASTAL ITALIAN INSPIRED NEW MENU AT NIZZA

 

Chef Simone Fraternali serves up herb-accented specialities, handmade pastas and impeccably fresh Mediterranean seafood inspired by the sun-drenched Italian coast as he refreshes the menu at Nizza restaurant.

Served in relaxed, convivial style to encourage sharing, the chef reveals his dishes celebrate the vibrancy of Liguria, Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast. Highlighting seasonal and artisanal produce, Nizza's new menu proffers thoughtfully prepped food that’s deeply comforting and should be savoured in good company.

 
Classically trained in Italy, Chef Simone honed his craft at esteemed outposts including the three-Michelin-starred Ristorante Da Vittorio and Michelin-starred La Tana Gourmet. His culinary philosophy emphasises allowing quality ingredients to shine, honouring tradition, and cooking with generosity.

 
Setting the pace is Bruschetta Pomodoro (RM39) in which juicy heirloom tomatoes come piled atop crisp toasted bread, spread with brightly flavoured ricotta-lemon spread.

 
Seafood lovers will appreciate Ricciola (RM58), delicate slices of amberjack enhanced by zesty Sorrento lemon dressing. Juicy grapefruit wedges and smoky capsicum purée add pops of refreshing brightness.

Refined indulgence appears in Carpaccio di Manzo (RM72), paper-thin Wagyu drizzled with a deeply savoury Parmigiano Reggiano dressing, chives and a gentle hint of mustard.

 
Comforting Zuppa di Patate & Tartufo (RM48) delivers with its velvety truffled potato base, finished with rosemary croutons. It’s the kind of dish to evoke “La Scarpetta” — that instinctive Italian habit of mopping up every last drop with bread.

In fact, Nizza leans into this tradition with a playful invitation: diners are encouraged to share their own “La Scarpetta” moments on Instagram using #LaScarpettaAtNizza, @nizzadamansara and @sofitelkualalumpurdamansara. Selected entries will be rewarded with RM1,000 worth of dining experiences and exclusive treats.

Pasta, as expected, is a highlight. Pappardelle al Ragout di Guancia (RM62) proves stellar thanks to the big flavours of beef cheek ragout, accented with Taggiasche olives and basil enveloping the broad ribbons of pasta.

A nutty brown butter sauce with sage and hazelnut bestows a lighter note on Ravioli Ricotta e Spinaci (RM58), delicate pasta parcels filled with ricotta and spinach.

For mains, the Branzino (RM98) is a standout. Perfectly baked seabass arrives with clams, capers, cherry tomatoes and potatoes, capturing the essence of coastal Italian cooking in one dish.

 
Equally satisfying is the Agnello (RM128), featuring chamomile-crusted lamb chops. Crisp on the outside and tender within, the meaty richness is balanced with yoghurt, salsa verde and a white balsamic-dressed salad.

To end on a refreshing note, the uplifting Delizia al Limone (RM26) delights with soft lemon sponge layered with lemon custard, finished with a vanilla-lemon glaze. A light, fragrant and not overly sweet dessert worth lingering over.

Every Thursday from 6.30pm – 10.30pm, diners can partake in La Tavola Infinita at RM188+ per person where a free flow of wine, cheese, pizza and pasta beckons for a limited time.

 
There’s also a Mother’s Day Brunch by the Pool on 10 May from 12pm – 3pm at RM168+ per person.

For reservations and enquiries, please contact Nizza restaurant, tel:03-2720 6688, WhatsApp +6017 511 7725 or email: HA123-FB@sofitel.com or hanafi.suid@sofitel.com
 

TANTALISING TEMPTATIONS OF TAAN THAI

The seasonal dish of Yellow Cockle Curry (RM32.90) alone is reason enough to make the trip to Taan Thai at Sunway Velocity. Freshly shucked, the cockles’ availability bears testament to the philosophy of Taan Thai — literally to “Eat Thai” i.e. cook thoughtfully, serve with intention, and waste nothing.

 
We are stoked to find the cockles barely cooked, just firm enough to hold their sweet mineral nuance, bathed in a gently spiced curry perfumed with cha om (acacia leaves).

Each component of the Signature Appetiser Platter (RM49.90) offers a measured glimpse into the culinary team's budding abilities. A well-composed introduction, it teases our palate with the charred smokiness of pandan-wrapped chicken, a custard-soft mackerel otak, deliciously crisp prawn fritters, scrumptious skewers of grilled pork, and a punchy savoury mackerel dip with cucumber.

 
The Mieng Kam (RM18.90) arrives neatly composed instead of leaving diners to assemble their own. Each betel leaf parcel unleashes a well-balanced profusion of sweet, savoury, and herbal notes. Calibrated with a dab of house-made caramelised shrimp paste, we relish the appetiser’s delicately flavourful depth.

Also on-point are the moreish Crispy Prawn Donuts (RM24.90). Bite into one and you'd find the exterior shatters lightly, giving way to a springy, well-seasoned prawn filling that induces repeat servings.

Soups are treated with much deserved patience. The bright and clean Clear Tom Yum Seafood Soup (RM49.90) delights with its finely tuned acidity, while the Coconut Chicken Soup with Galangal (RM27.90) exudes a softer, more rounded profile.

Touting a culinary team focused on the importance of balance stemming from the use of house-made pastes - ground fresh from herbs and spices - they form the backbone of winsome dishes like the rich and creamy Khao Soi with chicken (RM22.90) or beef (RM28.90) and the pleasant, lingering sharpness of Tangy Pork Belly & Morning Glory Curry (RM29.90). 

Familiar and rare specialities beckon too. Comforting mainstays include house-made Pure Mackerel Thai Fish Cakes (RM18.90) and Pomelo Salad with Signature Taan Thai Dressing (RM23.90) whilst fiery trail-blazers of Spicy Isaan Thai Beef Salad and Southern Thai Minced Chicken Dry Curry (RM20.90) should please chilli heat-seeking fiends.

Equally compelling is the seabass selection. Edging ahead is the Deep Fried Seabass in Spicy & Sour Curry (RM64.90), thanks to the addition of fluffy cha om omelette that soaks up the sauce nicely. Its counterpart, dressed in a vibrant Thai herb and fruit dressing, is lighter but no less engaging.

For those who appreciate greens with character, the Kai Cha-Om (RM19.90) leaves an indelible impression thanks to its unmistakable acacia aroma in omelette form, while the Stir-fried Melinjo with Egg (RM22.90) offers an agreeable bitter counterpoint.

 
Pork dishes are adroitly handled. The Spicy Isaan-style Grilled Pork Neck Salad (RM32.90) carries a gentle smokiness, the Pad Kra Pow Moo Sap (RM23.90) is punchy without being harsh, and the Braised Pork Knuckle (RM32.90) leans into comforting, familiar flavours.

 
Street food staple like Pad See Ew (RM21.90) is given due respect. The flat rice noodles flaunts whiffs of wok hei - that elusive breath of the wok lending heady flavoursome depth to the soy-slicked fried noodles.

Desserts are straightforward but well-judged. Tub Tim Krob (RM14.90) refreshes with its cool sweetness and textural contrast, while Mango Sticky Rice (RM16.90) closes the meal on a comforting note. In Kuala Lumpur’s heat, the invigorating Tom Yum Cooler (RM15.90) and Pandan Cooler with Basil Seeds (RM8.90) provide welcome relief.

Taan Thai is not about theatrics but about clarity of flavour, respect for ingredients, and cooking that's grounded in heart and experience rather than excess. And in today’s dining landscape, that makes Taan Thai worth returning to.

 
For more info and reservations at Taan Thai, call tel: 011-6547 1811. Address: Lot B-25, B1 Floor, Sunway Velocity Mall, Lingkaran SV, Kuala Lumpur.