At the heart of Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel, Essence Restaurant introduces a refreshing new buffet concept that brings the sun-soaked flavours of the Mediterranean straight to the city. Aptly named “Wave & Grill”, this seafood-centric spread is a celebration of coastal cuisines spanning Southern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa — all brought together in one indulgent dining experience.
A Bounty from the Sea
The evening begins at the chilled seafood counter, where an impressive selection of ocean treasures takes centre stage. Freshly shucked oysters, plump prawns, mussels, and scallops are presented on ice, offering a clean, briny sweetness that sets the tone for the meal. The quality is evident — each bite delivers freshness that seafood lovers will appreciate, especially when paired with a squeeze of lemon or light condiments that enhance rather than overpower.
Mediterranean Classics Done Right
Moving into the heart of the buffet, the Mediterranean influences become more pronounced. The Middle Eastern section features a satisfying lineup of mezze and hot dishes, including well-seasoned grilled lamb kofta, juicy chicken shawarma, and crisp fried falafel with a fluffy interior. The Musakhan, a Levantine roasted chicken dish layered with spices and onions, stands out for its aromatic depth and comforting richness.
Within the Middle Eastern and grill selections, the inclusion of Shish Kebab further enhances the authenticity of the spread. Typically consisting of marinated cubes of meat skewered and flame-grilled, the shish kebab delivers a smoky, juicy bite with well-balanced spices. Its slightly charred exterior and tender interior make it a natural complement to dishes like grilled lamb kofta and chicken shawarma, reinforcing the buffet’s strong emphasis on flame-grilled specialities.
From Europe, the spread continues to impress with Italian and Spanish highlights. The antipasti selection offers a lighter contrast, while the Spanish paella delivers a fragrant, saffron-infused rice dish packed with seafood flavours. The Osso Buco alla Milanese is another notable inclusion — tender braised veal with a savoury richness that pairs beautifully with its accompanying elements.
North African touches are equally well represented. The chicken tajine is slow-cooked to tender perfection, infused with spices that bring warmth without overwhelming the palate. Meanwhile, seafood dishes like chermoula-marinated selections and Gambas al Ajillo (garlic prawns) highlight bold yet balanced seasoning profiles. The Bronzino al Forno (oven-baked sea bass) and hearty seafood stew with tomato, lemon, and parsley round off this globally inspired offering with comforting, homely flavours.
Live Stations That Elevate the Experience
One of the key highlights of Wave & Grill lies in its live cooking stations. The grill station is particularly popular, serving up freshly cooked seafood medleys featuring lobster and tiger prawns, charred to smoky perfection. The rotisserie and shawarma carving stations add an interactive element, with meats sliced to order for optimal juiciness.
Another standout is the pasta station, where pasta is finished in a wheel of Parmigiano cheese — resulting in a creamy, indulgent dish that’s both rich and satisfying. Signature mains such as roasted whole grouper with fennel confit showcase refined Mediterranean techniques, while dishes like deep-fried calamari with spicy tomato sauce deliver crowd-pleasing familiarity with a flavourful twist.
A Sweet Ending
No buffet is complete without dessert, and Wave & Grill ensures a memorable finale. The dessert selection leans into Mediterranean favourites, including crème catalana with its caramelised top, indulgent tiramisu, and sticky-sweet baklava layered with nuts and syrup. A live dessert station and a variety of Western pastries provide even more options for those with a sweet tooth.
Wave & Grill at Essence Restaurant successfully captures the essence of Mediterranean coastal dining, combining fresh seafood with robust, spice-driven dishes across multiple regions. The variety is thoughtfully curated, ensuring a balance between premium indulgence and comforting classics, while the live stations add both freshness and theatre to the experience.
With its limited-time promotion — “Buy 1, 2nd Person 50% Off” throughout April 2026 — this buffet becomes even more appealing for those looking to gather and indulge over the weekend.
Pricing & Details
- When: Every Friday & Saturday
- Time: 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Price: RM178 per adult | RM89 per child
- Promotion: 50% off second diner (April 2026 only)
For those craving a seafood buffet with a Mediterranean twist, this is one dining experience that delivers both variety and quality in equal measure.
