Aria Italian Dining & Whisky Bar,
44G Plaza Damansara, Jalan Medan Setia 2,
Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2095 0016
Business hours: Weekdays, 11.00am to 3.00pm,
5.30pm to midnight,
Weekends and public holidays (dinner only) 4pm to midnight.
ARIA Italian Restaurant in Bukit Damansara, formerly known as Moxie Restaurant & Bar, is nestled within Plaza Damansara’s pubs and restaurants.
At first glance, it might look like a posh establishment from the outside. But as you make your way in, a charming and cosy restaurant with a tasteful ambience greets the eye.
Its manager Param Muthu confides that in its Moxie days, it was hard to maintain that “American steakhouse” title. Then again, how does one define American cuisine? Steaks, fries and burgers? Let’s just say they faced a lot of competition.
“People tend to be more at ease when they realise we serve Italian cuisine. We fill a niche here in Plaza Damansara seeing that we are the only Italian eatery here and we’re very affordable,” said Param, who elaborated that one bottle of wine including a two-course meal for two can run you less than RM200. We will let you be the judge on the “price” factor.
According to Param, Aria is known for its pizzas and pastas.
“One of our best sellers is also the Linguine Alio Olio with Smoked Duck (RM28) as well as the Cod Fish with Asparagus and Nere Sauce served with Capalini Pasta (RM52) and Filet di Manzo (RM55) which is grilled tenderloin with porchini mushroom sauce,” he added.
Aria’s repeat clients tend to gravitate towards the starters, especially the Pear Salad with Mesclun salad served with Apple Cider Vinegar (RM22). Somehow I imagined the pears would be caramelised but instead it was sliced fresh onto the greens, which was also good.
Lovely piece of veal: Osso Bucco literally means ‘bone with a hole’ in Italian.
Speaking of salads, Param said during lunch hours, they have introduced an all-you-can-eat Salad Bar buffet priced at RM11.90++. If you add RM6.50++ to that, you can choose from 10 varieties of lunch specials.
We also tried their Mushroom Surprise (sauteed portobello and button mushrooms in extra virgin olive oil), Zuppa di Mare (spicy seafood soup – RM30), Pizza D’Anatra (smoked duck, anchovies, mushrooms and rocket leaves – RM32), the Cod Fish with Pasta as well as a new item on the menu – Osso Bucco (braised veal shank with squid ink pasta).
The mushrooms had a smoky, earthy taste, which was good. The pizza was palatable. I must say the cod and veal were both cooked well and cleverly presented with the pasta.
If you are like me who constantly craves for spice in an otherwise bland dish, Param recommends their Volcanic Sauce. The name itself should intrigue you. It is actually chilli padi mixed into a paste with garlic and olive oil. Just a small dollop of this on pasta or fish and you will taste the kick.
For dessert, we had Tiramisu (RM22) and Creme Brulee (RM20). Both were good enough to pacify your sweet cravings.
If you are already planning your Christmas meal outings, Param said they would be introducing a five-course Christmas menu priced at RM110 per person. Roasted turkey can also be pre-ordered. Currently, Aria is having a wagyu beef promotion, 180gm of marbled steak for RM68.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
