Zipangu

Servers smartly attired in black trousers and khaki jackets swoop in to greet you at the entrance of Zipangu. From there on, it’s swift service from start to finish. The glass-walled kitchen allows diners to observe the chefs in their element, and floor-to-ceiling windows provide pleasant views of a bamboo garden with white pebbles and a manicured hedge. In fact, Zipangu might be the most zen Japanese restaurant we’ve visited in KL. Premium produce is a highlight of the teppanyaki grill, and our Australian Wagyu beef was cooked exactly as per requested and served with a dollop of French Dijon mustard. Desserts include the inevitable green tea and black sesame ice cream, freshly cut fruit and a signature dish of green tea ice cream with rice dumplings.

TATLER TIP

The honey-hued furniture includes seats that maybe just a tad too low for Caucasian customers, but the wheelchair ramp leading into the restaurant is a welcome feature for the physically challenged.

SIGNATURE DISHES

1. A5 Wagyu beef steak with vegetables

2. Dragon Roll sushi

3. Chef ’s Course ‘Nao’ $100-$300/PERSON

YES YES $117/BOTTLE

Shangri-la Hotel Kuala Lumpur, 11, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur TEL: 03 2032 2388 shangri-la.com/kualalumpur/shangrila