Luuma, glasshouse in the sky

This is one instance where you can’t judge the resto by the building. A nondescript, almost drab office building in Brickfields, hides a lovely glasshouse on its rooftop. Spacious and bright, in the day it lets in a brilliant play of sunlight and in the night, a gorgeous view of the city skyline.

Luuma Dining & Bar offers a decent collection of cocktails, including a selection of creative surprises by the bartender when you order the Luuma Surprise. Cocktail prices are pretty competitive if not, a little lower than usual drinking spots.

The food rises above usual humdrum bar food to really praise-worthy mutton varuval (great with garlic bread) and an innovative take on nasi lemak with pasta (highly recommended). Spicy and expertly nuanced with herbs, the mutton goes well with garlic bread or rice while the essence of Nasi Lemak has been nicely encapsulated in the plate of pasta, complete with anchovies, peanuts and sambal in the mix.

Pizzas come large and unabashed with interesting toppings such as the Smoked Duck Pizza which came with duck and sliced peach. Surprisingly yummy, though I would ask for less BBQ slathered across next round. Prices range around  RM40-something depending on the topping or less that’s perfect for sharing.

We also tried the Aglio Olio Tiger Prawns Pasta – good, but not inspiring, especially since there’s other creative options like kam heong pasta and delish pesto. Skewers of Chicken Tikka Kebab, with a nice char and juicy chunks of chicken, was impressive, especially with the house mint sauce.

Only the Sirloin Steak which came with fragrant and better than average Black Pepper Sauce failed to live up to expectations as it was overcooked and tough. 

There’s a host of other stuff, both Western and Asian-fusion fare, on the menu so there’s lots more to explore here. It’s also a great place to host an event, even weddings have been held here. What’s really nice is how the skyline looks so different and even prettier at night. I would definitely say yes to a repeat visit.

Add: LEVEL 20, MENARA SENTRAL VISTA, 150, Jln Sultan Abdul Samad, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur. Hp: 019-499 6770