Saloma Kuala Lumpur — Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur

We’ve heard about Saloma for some time, the Google reviews were mixed, but we were still curious to try it for ourselves. It was initially meant to be our anniversary dinner on August 2nd, but plans changed, and we decided to visit on the 4th instead, for a late lunch at around 2:30 PM. Why not?

Upon arrival, the parking area was clean and spacious, with plenty of spots available. A friendly gentleman, who seemed to be managing the lot, greeted us warmly, a nice touch. We parked right in front of the restaurant, but the entrance was a little confusing. There was no visible hostess stand or signage to guide guests, so we wandered for a bit until a lady approached us. She explained that the lunch buffet had just ended and the staff were busy resetting the space. She kindly directed us to a table, and we appreciated her initiative.

Once seated, a server handed us the menu, which we really liked. It had a refined, exclusive feel, with a hardcover design that matched the elegant setting.

For drinks, I went with a coconut water and my wife chose a watermelon juice, both were refreshing and nicely presented. Since this was a special anniversary meal, we decided to share two dishes: the lobster in chili sauce and the Saloma fried rice, with a side of white rice.

The Saloma Fried Rice came first, and it made a great first impression. The presentation was neat and appealing. The rice was flavourful and came with a generous serving of satay. The peanut sauce was rich and delicious, exactly how we like it. However, the shrimp chili on the side seemed a bit overdone; the shrimp had a slightly dry texture, and the deep red hue suggested it had been cooked earlier and reheated before serving.

There was quite a noticeable gap before the lobster dish arrived, which left us waiting longer than expected. But when the lobster in chili sauce finally showed up, the presentation was impressive. It was served on a warming plate with a burner underneath to keep it hot. The dish looked indulgent and elegant, fitting for a special occasion.

The chili sauce, especially with the egg, was quite tasty. Unfortunately, the lobster meat itself was disappointing. It appeared to have been deep-fried or pan-cooked in oil before being placed back into the shell for presentation. While this looked nice, the method compromised the meat's texture, it became tight and firm, losing the tenderness and succulence that good lobster should have.

The service was another letdown. Not once did any server come by to check on us, no follow-up, no greeting, nothing. After the lobster dish was delivered , along with fried fluffy mantou (which were tasty with the chili sauce but not something we remember ordering) we didn’t see a single server again.

Final Thoughts, while the ambience and cleanliness of the restaurant were commendable, the food quality and service did not meet the standard we expected. especially from a restaurant with such a high profile. For a special occasion meal, it felt underwhelming. With improvements in hospitality and more consistency in the kitchen, Saloma could truly shine.

Maybe the experience would be different for VIPs or high-profile guests, perhaps they receive dishes freshly made to order or special attention, as is often the case in many Malaysian hospitality establishments. But for two ordinary guests simply hoping to enjoy a good meal, it...

My first visit to Saloma Bistro was unfortunately very disappointing, and I feel compelled to share my experience so others know what to expect. I went with my husband and two kids, looking forward to a nice dinner, but things started off badly even before we entered the restaurant.

Upon arrival, there were several empty parking spaces near the entrance, but a few men were guarding the area and had placed cones to block anyone from parking there. When I asked if I could park nearby, they refused, even though it was clear that there were plenty of free spots. I would have gladly paid for valet parking if that was an option, but nobody offered it, nor was there any sign or information about parking procedures.

As a result, we had to park much further away in a separate parking area down below and walk quite a distance with our children. This was both inconvenient and frustrating, especially since the empty spots right by the door were left unused. To make matters worse, I tried speaking with two different managers about the parking situation, hoping for some clarification or assistance. Shockingly, both seemed clueless and unable to provide any answers about their own café's parking arrangements. How can management not know about something as basic as customer parking?

Despite the rocky start, we stayed for dinner and ended up spending over RM200. We noticed that some customers seemed to linger for hours without ordering much, and yet there was no oversight or attention from the staff. The service overall was the worst I’ve experienced in a long time—completely lousy and inattentive.

Saloma Bistro needs to seriously improve its parking management and customer service. I won’t be returning, and I cannot recommend this place to anyone looking for a pleasant...

We were here some 20 years ago when it was still Saloma Bistro and last night, we were thrilled to experience the refreshed vibes of Saloma Kuala Lumpur. The atmosphere was cool and welcoming, with an engaging Malay cultural performance and a live band that added to the charm. As for the live band, just a humble suggestion it would be great if they could include more current songs in their setlist, rather than focusing mostly on oldies or karaoke-style tunes. A mix of contemporary hits, like Faizal Tahir’s "Malaysiaku," could create a more vibrant and energetic atmosphere that appeals to guests of all ages, not just the older crowd. A balanced playlist would really elevate the experience even more.

The unbeatable view of KLCC, right in front of you as you dine, is simply breathtaking. As a local and KLites, I can say that the iconic skyline never fails to leave me in awe and Saloma Kuala Lumpur truly captures that magic.

Service was a perfect 10 fast, attentive and delivered by top-notch staff whose friendliness matched the ambiance beautifully. It’s the kind of place that truly showcases Malaysian warmth and hospitality, making it ideal for tourists and locals alike.

I also loved the food! The "cekodok" (banana fritters) were super yummy crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful inside.

Saloma Kuala Lumpur has it all culture, flavor, hospitality, and that...