Tucked on the top floor of WOLO in Bukit Bintang, Mr Chew’s Chino Latino Bar is a popular drinking spot, boasting Instagrammable interiors and amazing views of the bustling Golden Triangle area. Spanning two floors, the main dining area is overseen by an extravagant floor-to-ceiling portrait of the Empress Dowager Cixi, as well as tall glass windows that offer excellent views of KL’s busiest district at night. The second floor is more of a private lounge area, suited for those who want a couple of drinks and quiet conversations with friends.

Not sure if we came at a bad time but the service was not what I expected. There was no one at the concierge, and nobody bothered to pay attention to us as we hovered about the foyer for a good 10 minutes, waiting to be seated. The one guy who finally came was warm and friendly, and led us upstairs,  but nobody came to take our orders for a good 15 minutes. As we were looking and pondering over the menu, Ate Noemi asked if we could sit downstairs instead, in one of the lounges. I went to look for the same guy and he said yes, so we moved downstairs.

Again, no one paid us any heed or came to check on us – I guess we could’ve just lounged there without ordering anything. I don’t know why because the place was not crowded, nor did it seem very busy (it was about 10PM). I understand ‘service’ is always subjective because it’s the customer’s word against the establishment’s, but for such a high-end place with high-end prices, I was expecting more.

View was stunning though. Feels like a metropolis – downtown LA, Tokyo, or NY.

We had dinner earlier at Jalan Alor, so we came here just for desserts and drinks. The Banana Burrito with Tonka bean ice cream, Deep fried banana, shaved gula melaka and Coconut (RM35) came served in a wooden box. It was okay. Rather underwhelming to be honest.

Dessert tacos (RM35) of Mango pomelo, strawberry and hazelnut chocolate were equally underwhelming. They weren’t bad, just not wow or anything. The presentation was nice though.

Since it was Ate Noemi’s birthday, we surprised her with a box of Mr Chew’s Favourites (RM50). It’s basically what we ordered earlier, with the addition of Lychee Ice Kacang. I did not know or I would have ordered something else from the dessert menu like the Peanutbutter Parfait and the Mint Ice Kacang. Add this on to four drinks – three fresh juices and a soda – and that came up to RM250.

My overall impression of the place? I can see why people like going there because the ambience is great, but I was not too keen on the service nor the food and its prices. It was all kinda meh. This is not a professional review of any kind – you have all the high traffic websites for that. This is just an average person penning down their thoughts on their experience – which looks to be a one-off one.

Now if you want really good food in the area, I suggest this (mid-range price with excellent service – been here four times now!) and this. (cheap but hearty)

MR CHEW’S CHINO LATINO BAR 

The Penthouse, WOLO, Bukit Bintang Street, 55100 Kuala Lumpur

Opening hours: 11.30AM – 2.30PM, 5PM – 1AM

Reservations: mr-chew.com