Aria Restaurant and Bar, KL

Some of the awesome reasons being with VibeHero are that i discover places i never knew existed and explore regions i don't normally go. My latest food adventure with the team at Aria was a fine example- an Italian cuisine treasure well kept in Bukit Damansara.


Driving there was relatively easy. I used the DUKE highway and exited at Pusat Sains Negara (National Science Center), then followed the road to Plaza Damansara at Bukit Damansara. It's difficult to miss Plaza Damansara from there since it's mostly one-way. I noticed the quiet neighbourhood surrounding Plaza Damansara as i searched for Aria. And yes, finding a parking spot was challenging- i had to make two rounds before parking along the roadside right in front of the eatery.

Aria is located amongst many other eateries, yet its board stood out. By definition, it means a long, accompanied song for a solo voice- so explains the musical influence to its board. I found my way in to meet with the team.

I truly enjoyed the ambiance. It's warm and cozy, with pretty decorations neatly adorned the eatery, and gentle music playing in the background. The Christmas atmosphere was felt too. Definitely an ideal place to unwind after a day's work or to meet up with family and friends. Service was friendly. After a short introduction about the restaurant by Param, we began our dinner- buffet style.

Bruschetta Platter: Tuna, Mushroom and Tomato on Bread for starters. Among the three, my favourite was the Mushroom- partly because of my liking towards anything mushroom and partly because it was fresh and tasty. That aside, the best, however, was the Tomato because it was, again, fresh, sweet and juicy. The accompanying breads well complemented these easy-to-eat starters. As for the Tuna, i felt it was alright. Overall, a good beginning.

Roasted Turkey was delicious, especially with the sauce. Eating the turkey alone felt slightly dry and meaty but the flavours of the sauce brought out the best of this combination. The dish next to the turkey went well with the jam too.

What would be an Italian cuisine without some pasta? I thought it was difficult to review a Spaghetti Aglio-Olio because it's a simple dish, and there are many restaurants that serves this dish and its many variations. But i would stand by and say that this is one of the better ones i've tasted. The texture of the spaghetti was good. It's plain and i would enjoy it more when eaten with something else...

... like this Roasted Tenderloin. The meat was succulent and tasty, and the Mushroom Porcini Sauce was the perfect match. I returned for more but there weren't much left and the sauce bowl was empty. The mixed vegetables (capsicum, Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, carrot) was good to balance this meal with the greens.

A Creme Brulee to end this dinner. Tolerable sweetness, i enjoyed the soft but even texture throughout this dessert and the crispy, torched surface. It could do more with more strawberry though.

Full stomachs and happy faces of the team and other bloggers.

Although a generally simple dinner, each element- starters, sauces, mains and dessert, was well executed and that makes for a satisfying night.

What? Italian cuisine, Bruschetta
Where? Aria Restaurant and Bar. 44G, Plaza Damansara, Jalan Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara, KL.
When? Monday to Friday, noon to midnight; Saturday and Sunday, 5pm to late.
Website? Aria Restaurant & Bar
Facebook? Aria Italian Dining
VibeHero? Aria Restaurant & Bar
Contact number? 03-20950016



* Thanks to VibeHero and Aria for the invite to this event.
** Pardon the quality of food pictures due to low lighting and amateur photography skill.