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As a Japanese cuisine lover, and a self-proclaimed connoisseur of sushi, I had my standards set quite high as I entered Sagano, a famed Japanese restaurant at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Kuala Lumpur.

Serving the best sushi in town, this Japanese restaurant in the heart of KL’s pulsating centre, features a vibrant setting and a dynamic hibachi grill. Treated to a feast of scrumptious delights that would make anyone throw their diet out the window, the food at Sagano did not disappoint.

We started with the sashimi platter to share. With an assortment of six different types of fish all of which were immensely fresh and sliced to perfection, it was hard to find fault with this dish. Topping the must-try list is the butterfish – so succulent and delectable, you could eat it for days on end.

A great lunch choice, the pari-pari salad is both light and fresh.The crispy salmon skin adds a delightful crunch to the rich dressing in this Japanese inspired salad.

If your love for sushi is as deep as mine, look no further than the lobster roll. Served in one of the most elaborate fashions I have ever seen, the presentation was no match for the taste of this outstanding dish. The roll was prepared to perfection and rolled perfectly around an absolutely sublime crispy lobster. Topped with thin slices of mango, salmon roe and a wasabi mayo, it comes as no surprise that the lobster roll is one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes.

Tempura is another feather in Sagano’s cap. Served immediately after cooking, so the crust is light and crispy, the restaurant also offers several platters for a delicious sampling of a few different tempura treats. We particularly enjoyed the mushroom variation.

Seafood lovers should not miss out on the cod. Served in a delightful presentation with pickled radish, the fish is cooked perfectly and melts like butter in your mouth.

The beauty of Sagano is that it balances sleek, modern designs with hints of traditional Japanese infuences.There are several private dining rooms, a sushi bar and a teppanyaki grill table, complete with seating, for diners to view master chefs grilling their favourite Japanese delights to perfection.

Sagano offers monthly promotions, with all sorts of themes and focuses. While we were there, we were able to sample the monthly special of beef wagyu served in a variety of tantalizing ways – absolutely brilliant!

Prices, as expected are on the higher side, but the attention to detail and sourcing of extremely fresh and delicious ingredients make the meal well worth the price. By Simon Gartner

Sagano Japanese Restaurant
Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel
Corner of Jalan Sultan Ismail and
Jalan Ampang Kuala Lumpur, 50450
Tel: 03.2162 2233

Business Hours:
Open for lunch and dinner

Prices:
Appetizers and salads: RM15 – RM55
Grilled dishes: RM32 – RM55
Sashimi and sushi: RM40 – RM140
Hot pot and steamed dishes:
RM12 – RM80
Rice and Noodles: RM30 – RM70
Teppanyaki: RM120 – RM200
Dessert: RM15 – RM20

Source: The Expat September 2013

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