Midi 57 is a “relatively” new kid on the block along Jalan Bangkung. It is run by the same folks behind Bangsar Shopping Center’s Le Midi Mediterranean restaurant, so do expect to see some authentic flavors here. The menu features an interesting mix of small bites ala tapas style appetizer, wood oven baked pizzas, suckling pigs, burgers, pastas and desserts. The vibe is fun and casual as most diners prefer to be seated at the semi outdoor dining area, while sipping on some interesting cocktail concoctions from the bar.
Caprese Salad with Parma Ham (RM48)
We started our night off with some cured meats and greens. I enjoy having cured meat at its purest form, especially the good quality ones. The sides of wild arugula, tomatoes and mozzarella with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil was very light and refreshing.
From top left (clockwise): Mussels and Prawns in Beer Batter (RM18), Chicken Fingers in Red Wine and Rosemary Batter (RM18), Deep Fried PolentaPotato & Ham Croquette in Walnut Crust (RM18)
I like how Midi 57 created these small plates of portioned deliciousness to be passed around the table and shared amongst friends and families. The beer battered mussels were juicy and delicious but the prawns were overcooked. We enjoyed the chicken fingers with a light hint of rosemary flavour. With its soft centre and crispy outer layer, the deep fried polenta was a crowd’s favorite that night. The ham croquette was well flavoured but I would love to have a soft, silly and almost velvety centre.
Crispy Foccacia (RM15), Porchetta Pizza (RM29), Spaghetti Carbonara and Lasagna, Midi 57 Bar Burger (RM 28)
Midi 57’s crispy foccacia was being executed perfectly. The thin crust was light and crispy and the combination of flavuors from olive oil, garlic and rosemary was perfect. Midi 57 takes pride in their wood oven pizza and the porchetta pizza did not disappoint. It was being filled with some great porcine goodness as well as plenty of rockets. So delicious! Trust the Italian chef when it comes to pastas and lasagnas. They were delicious! Midi 57 Bar Burger uses slow cooked minced pork patty. The patty was well flavored but I found it to be a tad too dry for my likings.
Pot Plate: Lamb Leg with Szechuan Pepper and Onions braised in Guinness (RM28), Chicken with Black Olives, Mushroom, Rosemary Sauce (RM25)
We were told that Pot Plates are slow cooked in the wood-fired oven for hours which helps to retain the juiciness of the meat. The chicken pot plate was absolutely delicious as the chicken pieces infused with rosemary flavours was tender and juicy. The gravy went really well with their home made crispy foccacia too. The lamb leg was juicy, tender, and ever so delicately flavored by the Stout Guinness beer .
Chocolate and Ginger Ganache, Chocolate Bomb
Dessert is a must at Midi 57 if you have tried Chef Alimenti’s creation at Le Midi. I love the chocolate ginger ganache as the zesty ginger actually tone down the richness of the chocolates. I must say that I felt less guilty indulging in this velvety masterpiece. Underneath the chocolate bomb reveals a filling of semifredo. This traditional Italian ice cream bar is the perfect solution rendition of a frozen creamy dessert.
Head over to Midi 57 for a casual night out or a weekend family dinner. It may not the fanciest restaurant in town but you will not be disappointed.
Midi 57 Restaurant & Bar
57 Jalan Bangkung, Bukit Bandaraya
59100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Business hours: 11am-12am daily
Tel: 03 2095 1381
