Luuma Dining & Bar is what one would call a hidden gem. We were reminded afresh that we shouldn’t judge a restaurant by the office building it occupied. Ensconced on the 20th floor of a nondescript office building in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, we were astonished to walk into an unexpectedly bright and spacious venue with high ceiling and glass walls upon exiting a bleakly lit lift.
The bar counter is set against an illuminated, colour-changing wall on one side and opens out to the main dining area, contained within a sleek, interlocking framework of steel and glass. Several overhead chandeliers and a small raised stage complement the understated, neutral-toned furnishings while floor-to-ceiling windows provide unimpeded views of nearby office buildings and residential towers. There’s also a private dining space with access to a wraparound balcony available, making it a desirable venue for corporate and private events, and even wedding receptions.
From left: Whisky sour, Jungle Bird and Mojito. Luuma bills itself as a skybar restaurant so we were encouraged to sample its cocktail offerings as the litmus test of the outpost’s creative flow. My tipple of choice, Jungle Bird (RM40) passed at first sip.
The invigorating concoction of dark rum, Campari, pineapple and lime juices left me with a nice buzz. My dining companion had Whisky Sour (RM40) that passed muster whilst the jury’s still out on Luuma Surprised (RM42). Served in a tall glass edged with dried chilli flakes, .