Sitting atop the 51st floor of THE FACE Style Hotel, Molina is a European-themed fine dining establishment that offers an extant approach with its seven- to nine-course tasting menu. A new venture by celebrated Dutch chef Sidney Schutte, Molina adopts an avant-garde culinary philosophy that creatively manipulates ingredients to a certain extent. “Vegetables and seafood are the stars of our menu; this reflects my roots on the south shores of the Netherlands,” Schutte says. Given this trope, diners can expect premium ocean catches and abundant land-based produce.
Upon entering Molina, you’ll find an intimate setting that visually emanates modernity and grandeur. Smooth, gentle jazz sweeps through the air in the thick of minimalistic fixtures and a curated collection of artworks and sculptures. The restaurant is spread over two levels: the main dining area and an upper-level private dining room that seats eight to 12 guests. Both floors overlook the sightlines of Petronas Twin Towers, making them ideal for special occasions and romantic dinners. With head chef Guillaume Depoortere at the helm, the three-hour sojourn unfolds with choregraphed precision, akin to a rehearsed performance. A notable aspect is the synchronised service sequence, where servers work in silent unison to ensure that each plated dish is served and cleared at the same time.
(right photo) Runner bean, tomato, horseradish and mint.
Molina’s menu begins with three inventive starters: the tangy kick of runner beans with tomato, horseradish, and mint; the decadent Dutch shrimp with macadamia and pickle; and the silky sea snail with infused mezcal. Among the main course highlights are two crowning dishes—a distinctive pairing of potato with oyster, vanilla, sour cream, and caraway, and a sea-fresh sepia in a medley of verbena, peanut, blueberry, goat cheese, and red hornweed.
A personal favourite in the menu is the bracing sorrel dish with a parade of intriguing profiles—this well-balanced palate cleanser consists of white chocolate, basil, fennel, and rhubarb wheatgrass. “Our Molina team works diligently to source locally and sustainably whenever possible. We’re always making sure that our ingredients are the freshest and of the highest quality,” Depoortere emphasises.
If you’re on the hunt for a new gastronomic adventure in our local fine dining scene, Molina is the perfect spot to sample unconventional distinctions and enjoy something out of the ordinary.
Molina is located at Level 51, THE FACE Style, 1020, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250, Kuala Lumpur. The restaurant is now open for reservations.
Lead image: Upper-level private dining room for 8 to 12 guests.
