The Barn & LaHagen @ 1 Mont Kiara

Bursting with new eateries that have launched in recent weeks, 1 Mont Kiara is poised to finally become a dining destination for this neighbourhood. Here's a look at two high-profile entries occupying prime territory in this mall, beginning with The Barn.

The Barn boasts the look of a cool watering hole, with spacious sections suitable for afternoon meals or night-time boozing.

The Barn's soft-launch specialities comprise 'small plates' - essentially tapas that range from beef skewers & mussels with white wine to roast pork ribs & prawn ceviche, costing RM9.90-RM12.90 each.

The place has potential & the service team seems well-meaning, but the kitchen needs to step up its game; the complimentary welcome bread emerged well below room temperature ...

... while the quail eggs with hollandaise sauce (RM9.90 before taxes) seemed to have surfaced straight out of the fridge, completely chilly, with something of a stuck-in-storage flavour ...

... & the crispy pork belly (RM12.90) proved too lean for our preference, lacking a lovable lusciousness.

For now, the main lure is the wine, which clocks in at about RM14 per enjoyable glass. A cocktail menu is unavailable so far.

Click here for online reservations.

This restaurant is available for bookings under TABLEAPP, which enables customers to make instant reservations at Malaysia's top restaurants, while saving time and money in the process. Reserve your table at this restaurant by clicking here.

Also on 1 Mont Kiara's street level, pork-seeking patrons can now check out LaHagen. If the name rings a bell, that's because this is the reincarnation of Hagen Bake & Brew, formerly at the nearby Mont Kiara Shoplex.

Update: LaHagen has undergone further decoration since our visit, with beautifully adorned walls now (management photo).

Hagen fans will be happy to see that roast pork belly isn't missing on LaHagen's menu; have these meaty slices as an add-on with spaghetti aglio olio (the pasta on its own is RM12, while the pork costs RM11 per 100 grams).

Gnocchi also makes an appearance at LaHagen, a creamy rendition with lots of bacon bits on top (RM22).

 Streaky bacon is everywhere here, accompanying the pork loin chop, braised & pan-fried with a splash of red wine (RM26) ...

... as well as a possible add-on with waffles; we threw in both bananas & bacon on our waffle, but we probably should have known better. LaHagen also serves everything from porky burgers to pizzas.

 Coffee & beer are also available; speaking of beer, Taps Beer Bar has also opened a new branch at 1 Mont Kiara.

 The Barn, 1 Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur.

La Hagen, 1 Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur

La Hagen, 1 Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur

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