The quest for a lovely, lively meal in Pavilion leads us to Quivo, which pulses with the vitality of a vibrant restaurant throughout the peak hours of lunch. Now in its third year at the mall, the bustling kitchen shows no signs of slowing down, remaining a popular pick for throngs of patrons, who include regulars seeking a consistent fix of Mediterranean-inspired specialities & mixologist-crafted cocktails, as well as casual shoppers who appreciate the alfresco section that's perfect for people-watching.
From start to finish, Quivo's menu is colourful, contemporary & crowd-pleasing - get your appetite roaring with the tuna ceviche, with irreproachably fresh morsels of the fish cured in citrus juices & chilli, filled with invigorating flavour & texture, beautifully finished with a dollop of guacamole in a coconut husk (RM35). The sizzling prawns are a fan favourite too, with the tender crustaceans served in a garlicky olive oil sauce that you'll want to mop up with garlic bread for double the dose of garlic deliciousness (RM39). Another highlight of the snacking section is the skewers, which span medleys of protein & fibre - the lamb loin with tahini is worthwhile, the well-prepared meat nicely complemented by the condiment's sesame nuances (RM38).
Pizzas & pastas here fulfill the promise of food that feels sun-kissed, powered by the produce of springtime & summer - Quivo's paddle board pizzas work wonderfully for sharing, with interesting topping possibilities such as spinach fondue with beef bacon, caramelised onions, crispy rosemary & rocket leaves; we happily devoured each flavour-packed slice (RM36). Choices for pastas are extensive too, but the Black Mamba might be our best bet, the slick strands of squid ink pasta served with a bounty of prawns, squid & cherry tomatoes in a pleasingly light chilli-&-tomato sauce (RM41).
Beef up the feast with this triumvirate of diverse bovine creations: Chunky, richly robust short ribs wisely partnered with terrific companions of crisp kale, rock melon & sweet potato mash (RM69), comfort-food risotto with slow-braised brisket & wild mushrooms (RM42) & a moist wagyu burger with pickled green chillies, avocado, ancho mole sauce & plenty of cheese in a jalapeno bun alongside Cajun-spiced potato wedges & a petit salad (RM40).
Servings prove hearty enough that many customers might be stuffed before dessert, but it would be a shame to skip these indulgences (RM22 each) - a chocolate sphere melted with hot sauce to reveal more decadent treasures within, a true treat with salted caramel ice cream, & one of our favourite cakes this year, irresistibly layered with chocolate buttercream, Snickers & caramel, a genuinely valid reason to abandon any diet. And if we needed another reason to believe Quivo merits further visits, the cocktails seal the deal - a Gin Swizzle, Mediterranean Margarita (made with semi-sweet white wine, tequila & fruits) & Moroccan Twist (Haig Club, TWG Tea Moroccan Mint, elderflower, dried orange). Thanks to the Quivo team for having us.
Quivo
Lot 3.09.02, Level 3, Pavilion, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. Daily, 10am-1am. Tel: 03-2141-7711
