Some ideas simmer quietly until the right moment to come to life. For restaurateur and entrepreneur Cavaliere Modesto Marini and his wife, Elizabeth Marini, the thought of opening a Japanese restaurant was always on their horizon—a dream waiting its turn. But, perhaps, the timing was serendipitous. Over the years of the couple’s travels to Spain, filled with tapas trails and rustic vinos, the nostalgia added a new layer to their vision. In the latter months of 2024, that vision took shape with the birth of Mesa on 51, a restaurant that brings together the vibrant flavours of Spain and the artistry of Nikkei cuisine—the best of both worlds.
Mesa—Spanish for table—is a fitting invitation, a place for connection and celebration. As for the number 51, it’s no coincidence. The acclaimed Marini’s Group never fails to locate the best spots in the city, and it only made sense to make level 51 of Permata Sapura Tower the home of Mesa on 51.
“We believe in constantly pushing boundaries and creating new, exciting dining and entertainment experiences for local and international guests. We’re excited to introduce new types of cuisine at Mesa on 51, with Spanish and Nikkei dishes as our focus this time around,” said Cavaliere Modesto Marini. “There’s also something to be said about the breathtaking views from the rooftops of Kuala Lumpur, and Mesa on 51 offers an encompassing view of four of the city’s most prominent towers.” It’s also a prime viewing spot to take in the fireworks display at the Petronas Twin Towers on New Year’s Eve and National Day.
The restaurant is divided into three spaces, each designed for a unique experience where guests are encouraged to gather, savour and linger. The Terrace Bar hums with life. Its open-air setting transports you to the lively azoteas of Madrid or Barcelona, where guests gather to soak in the energy of the city with expertly crafted drinks. The main dining room, complete with private rooms, serves as the heart of the restaurant. Here, the focus is on the food. This is where you get to sit back and savour the comfort of shared dining. After your meal, move on to the Nikkei Lounge for a more intimate experience. With its rose gold interiors and plush Chesterfield sofas, the Nikkei Lounge is a nod to the Spanish tradition of sobremesa, a space for guests to linger over drinks, nibbles and conversation.
Back in the main dining room, indulge in the remarkable flavours of Nikkei cuisine with an impressive sushi boat showcasing toro and ocean trout mentai uromaki. A standout on the menu is the A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Sirloin nigiri that melts away in one bite.
Guests can also experience a taste of the Marinis’ Spanish sojourns through the wide selection of tapas here. The Patatas Bravas shine as a revelation with its crispy exterior and a flavour profile that rivals those found in Spain. Then there’s the Gambas Ajillo, tiger prawns bathed in the most aromatic, garlicky infusion that’s so intoxicating, it makes you want to reach for more. No exploration of Spanish flavours would be complete without the paella. At Mesa on 51, this beloved dish is made with bomba rice, capturing the most authentic essence of this Spanish classic. Traditional options such as squid ink sit alongside modern integrations such as duck confit and Japanese M5 sirloin.
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Mesa on 51 began as an idea but like the most remarkable ones, it evolved—picking up colours and textures along the way, shaped by places explored and flavours too unforgettable to leave behind. Some ideas only find their form when they’re set free and, sometimes, it’s the unexpected that feels exactly right.
