This new restaurant in Petaling Street is so rich, there’s 18-karat gold in almost every meal

Throughout human civilisation, gold has been associated as the symbol of wealth and prosperity. Be it in the form of gold bars or gold-plated cars, the shiny metal is one way to show off just how loaded you are. But did you know there is a place in Kuala Lumpur where you can eat gold? If not, let’s talk about Mona Lisa KL, a place where food comes with 18-karat gold.

A unique restaurant

Located in Chinatown, Mona Lisa is a newcomer to the local culinary scene, having opened its doors just last year. The restaurant is quite luxurious, with gorgeous chandeliers and modern decor. At the back of the restaurant, the world-famous painting whose name the restaurant shares hangs on a wall. So, why go to the Louvre Museum in France when you can come over to admire the beautiful smile of the Mona Lisa here?

The restaurant itself has an equally interesting story, starting with its name. According to the owner, restauranteur Mark Nejad, he chose the name of the restaurant of his late brother, a singer whose last song was inspired by the famous Renaissance painting. Nejad has several other restaurants operating in the Klang Valley but decided to open this Italian restaurant in Chinatown. He believed that Chinatown had more than enough Chinese eateries, so he decided to open Mona Lisa to give people something a little different.

And something a little different is an apt description for Mona Lisa’s Western-inspired menu. This place has become quite known for serving food with a twist. What is this twist? Many of the restaurant’s menu items come served with 18-karat gold! Edible gold, of course. Aside from the gold making you feel like a king, the food itself is nothing short of perfect. We had a few samples of what Mona Lisa had to offer and here are some top-rankers.

Mona Lisa’s pride and joy

The O’Connor Black Angus Tomahawk Steak is the king of the menu with its generous portions and flavourful meat. The Australian beef is first seasoned to perfection before being left in the oven. The juicy, beautifully seasoned meaty tomahawk steak comes adorned with a sheet of 18-karat gold. Plus, there is potato mash and assorted vegetables to fill the void in your tummy.

Also worth trying out is the foie gras, a well-known French luxury dish typically made using duck liver. Mona Lisa’s take on the dish is quite extravagant. The liver is doused in generous amounts of homemade Japanese sweet sauce. Eating 18-karat gold leaf with your foie gras is super fancy, plus it comes served with both truffles and caviar. Truly, you are going to feel like royalty indulging in this dish.

All the way from Italy

Want something Italian? The Burrata Pizza is begging to be ordered, especially if you are a cheese lover. Burrata is an Italian cow’s milk cheese with a uniquely soft texture, made from mozzarella and cream. Take your sweet time enjoying the creaminess the burrata, topped with 18-karat gold, adds to the already delicious pizza. Another Italian dish worth savouring is the Seafood Tagliatelle, a pasta dish served with large helpings of shellfish and calamari. Any time is a good time to be on a seafood diet, yes?

Juicy Wagyu

Last but certainly not least is the Wagyu Burger, made with the famous Japanese beef. Dripping with meaty juice, the 18-karat gold leaf atop the burger bun is the cherry on top. Like any good burger, this one comes served with a side of fries, salted and fried just the way you like it. Once you finish eating, check out the cocktail menu to find the drink that appeals to you.

Is Mona Lisa KL worth a visit anyhow? While the prices are obviously on the high side, if you have to burn or are celebrating a very special day, the food, ambience and service here are all top-notch and deserving of the price tag. And for a bonus, be sure to explore the back of the restaurant when you can. Who knows? Maybe there’s a hidden bar lurking right around the corner (there is!).