CALIA at PAVILION BUKIT BINTANG

From its imposingly elegant marble-clad doorway to its warm, minimalist interior, Calia at Pavilion KL makes an unforgettable first impression. The restaurant strikes a perfect balance between sophistication and comfort—thanks to its airy, spacious layout and the natural light streaming through tall windows. That sense of ease is elevated by the consistently polite and friendly service, making you feel welcomed from the moment you step in.

Renowned for its creative take on modern Japanese cuisine, Calia presents a menu brimming with enticing options. We began our lunch on a refreshing note with two vibrant salads—both elevated by umami-rich toppings that turned simple greens into something memorable.

The Softshell Crab Salad with Avocado (RM41) was a delightful contrast of textures: crisp, savoury softshell crab perched atop creamy avocado and fresh greens. The Kale Salad with Bara Bara (RM44) was equally impressive, featuring delicate cubes of fresh fish that added a light, oceanic touch to every bite.

 

While waiting for the rest of our order, we nibbled on Ko Ebi (RM18)—tiny, crispy shrimps that were wonderfully moreish and perfect for whetting the appetite.

At Calia, the visual appeal of each dish rivals its taste—and nowhere is this more evident than in their exquisite donburi bowls. Beautifully composed and generously portioned, every bowl we tried delivered on its promise. The Salmon Tataki Engawa Don (RM88) was a standout, featuring marinated engawa and salmon atop warm sushi rice, accompanied by tangy pickles and premium kizami wasabi. That wasabi—savoury with a gentle bite—was a revelation. Equally satisfying were the Salmon Mentaiko Don (RM46) , with its luscious grilled salmon and mentaiko glaze, and the Salmon & Avocado Don (RM48) , where buttery avocado, fresh salmon cubes, and a silky onsen egg came together in perfect harmony. 

 

 

The maki rolls are generously cut and beautifully executed, each piece crowned with high-quality toppings. The Engawa Maki (RM48) was rich and buttery, while the Softshell Crab Maki (RM33) delivered a satisfying crunch in every bite. The Unagi Maki (RM43) , draped in savoury-sweet eel, was comfort in its most elegant form.

No visit to Calia would be complete without experiencing their signature Calia Bear Garden Shabu Shabu (RM68) . The star of the show? An adorable bear sculpted from frozen collagen broth, slowly melting into a bubbling hot pot. The resulting soup was deeply savoury and nourishing—so good we preferred to enjoy it simply with vegetables and Japanese meatballs, letting the broth shine.

For noodle enthusiasts, the ramen and udon selections are not to be missed. The Charcoal Truffle Collagen Ramen (RM38) impressed with its silky black noodles and tender sous-vide truffle chicken, all swimming in a rich, chicken collagen broth. The Ebi Ramen (RM56) was equally compelling—its intensely flavoured shrimp broth loaded with succulent freshwater prawns. Every slurp was pure comfort.

The Uni Truffle Inaniwa Udon (RM126) was nothing short of sublime. Hand-stretched thin udon, delicately infused with truffle oil, was topped with sweet, clean-tasting uni and popping ikura. It’s a dish that feels both luxurious and effortlessly refined.

We also tried the Gyusuji Nikomi (RM38) , a slow-simmered beef stew featuring tender tripe, tendon, and daikon in a rich, savoury broth. Hearty, lip-smackingly good, and deeply comforting—it’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

For something truly indulgent, the Australian Full Blood Wagyu Sirloin (RM288) delivered on every level. Air-flown from Australia, this MB 8–9 sirloin was cooked to perfection—tender, juicy, and full-flavoured. Served with yuzu potato salad, garden crisps, and nuts, it was a decadent highlight of the meal.

Desserts at Calia are just as thoughtfully crafted. We sampled a few and were delighted by the variety and execution. The Yokan Anmitsu (RM28) offered a lovely taste of tradition—silky red bean jelly paired with agar cubes, fresh fruits, and matcha ice cream. The Warabi Mochi (RM28) was soft, jelly-like, and perfectly complemented by roasted soybean flour and black sugar syrup. For chocolate lovers, the Matcha Lava (RM33) was a showstopper—a warm, gooey cake oozing with rich matcha ganache. The Black Sesame Burnt Cheesecake (RM21) was wonderfully nutty and creamy, a unique twist on a classic.

   

To wash it all down, we sipped on two playful and photogenic milkshakes—Easy Summer and Blueberry & Sweet Potato—both as delightful to look at as they were to drink.

Calia isn’t just about stunning, Instagram-worthy food and interiors—it’s about the entire experience. From the warm hospitality to the thoughtfully curated menu, every detail is designed to pamper and satisfy. Whether you’re planning a romantic date or a casual catch-up with friends, Calia’s casually chic setting provides the perfect backdrop.

Online Reservations: https://inline.app/booking/calia CALIA PAVILION KL | Lot 6.11 Level 6 | Pavilion Kuala Lumpur | Jalan Bukit Bintang | 55100 Kuala Lumpur Open Daily: 12.00pm – 10.00pm PORK-FREE Email: malaysia@calia.co Instagram: @caliamalaysia

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