Tucked away at one corner and overshine by it’s promiment neighbour Souled Out @ Bangsar South, Nexo is definitely a hidden gem for Spanish food.
Unlike your typical jamon, paella and olives offerings; Nexo’s menu is given a breath of fresh air by it’s owners who take pride in their iberico pork offerings. It comes from the Iberico breed of pig, known as a “black-footed pig”, which is raised almost exclusively in Spain. The pigs roam freely and they feast on grass, herbs and acorns.
It’s small and unassuming looking facade is easy to be overlooked. This is a classy, hidden gem that has a great little bar with extensive wine and alcohol list, and an al-fresco dining area overlooking the city view.
The air-conditioned indoor seating area is dark and cozy, with lovely ambiance for after work drinks or a little date night.
Nexo’s house pouring wine (RM 22++ by glass, RM 110++ by bottle) is good value for money.
We started off with some Iberico Pork Belly. The meat was really tender and succulent with a slight sweetness to it.
Nexo believes that a good piece of Iberico pork does not require much marination, so we got to taste it’s natural sweetness. The pork belly was a little less fatty than the normal pork, but it had a really a soft, melt in your mouth texture.
We also tried the crab cake filled with big chunks of crab meat. It was hot and fresh and not greasy at all.
I am not exaggerating when I said that these Iberico pork jowls are life-changing. These jowls are so precious because there are only a few pieces in a pig. The meat was beautifully tender, juicy and extremely delicious.
We were not too impressed with the pan-seared scallops as they tasted bland. However, the scallops were big and plump and juicy, a little more seasoning would do the trick.
This Iberico rack sold by grams is Nexo’s signature dish and there is a 20-30 minutes waiting time. Patience is virtue when it comes to good food.
The ribs were fork tender and the bones pull easily away from the meat. We just need to use our hands to savour it slowly. Coated in an beautiful glaze/sauce, the ribs were finger licking good. I love the fat-covered side that is caramelized and lightly charred with crispy bits.
We did not have any more stomach space to savour Nexo’s famous paella (so huge that it can be shared amongst 2-3 person), roasted whole suckling pig (order in advance, RM 300) and roasted baby lamb leg (order in advance). It was a very satisfying and delicious meal nonetheless. We will definitely go back for the suckling pig and baby lamb leg.
Nexo is also offering a CNY reunion dinner (RM 638 6 pax or RM 888 10 pax) with iberico yee sang, suckling pig, paella, Iberico pork ribs and etc. Remember to check out their FB page for more information. Reservation is required.
Nexo Restaurant & Bar
G-13, Ground Floor,
Nexus, Bangsar South,
No.7, Jalan Kerinchi,
59200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-22422226
Business Hours: 11:45 a.m. till 02:00 a.m.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nexorestaurant
