Bubbly Brunch, Prego Branzo Brunch, Westin, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Words by Kristen Cosgrove

Photos by The Yum List

Combine a traditional Italian lunch (“Pranzo”) and an all-you-can-eat brunch, throw in a party atmosphere with plenty of drink options and you’ve got Prego’s new Branzo Bubbly Brunch, served Sundays from noon to 3pm.  

This is brunch reimagined, think giant set menu with limitless portions served tableside and you’re beginning to get the idea. No need to constantly get up for more food, interrupting your flow of conversation with your company.  Simply sit, sip and indulge and let the friendly Prego servers bring the food to you. And then bring you more. And more.  And just when you think you can’t eat another morsel… more!  

I quickly decide this style is rather more refined than a buffet and frankly a much more relaxing way to enjoy food amongst great company.  

Prego is near capacity during our recent visit, and the atmosphere evolves from cheerful to positively convivial throughout our three-plus hour (!) experience. A note: one need not spend this amount of time at Branzo, but why not? It’s Sunday after all, and we’re here to relax and enjoy.  

Throughout the dining room, everyone - including staff and the chefs in the open kitchen - is having a great time. Children wander playfully while their parents happily chatting over heaping platters of food. Another group nearby smiles and laughs throughout the meal as attentive servers keep their glasses topped up. Occasional bursts of revelry float down from the lofted dining area as two larger sized groups are each celebrating birthdays. 

Monica and I start with a fizzy non-alcoholic welcome drink in the bar area and then make our way to our table, where we are offered bubbly – “yes, please!” – and then order some coffee. Soon a chewy and delicious rosemary and garlic focaccia arrives with a side of red sauce for dunking. It took all my will power not to have a second slice, knowing I had to save room. Just in time to save me from myself, an antipasto platter is whisked to our table, consisting of two each: gratin of scallops, calamari, eggplant parmigiana, caprese, Caesar salad, and prawns.  

This is joined quickly by a sample of breakfast eggs including scrambled eggs and a lovely eggs benedict, which I adore. Diners are allowed and encouraged to order more of anything during the meal, but the platters hold generous portions and the list of menu items promises much more to come. 

Servers come around with handmade pizzas fresh from the massive wood-fired oven in the corner of the open kitchen. I try a delicious chicken pizza with a thin crust - just the right blend of crispness and chewiness gave it the perfect texture.  

It must be said that by this time I’m feeling more than satisfied, which means time for a cocktail! Trays of apple martinis are making their way around and I happily partake. 

This is the perfect lubricant to continue our overindulgence and it comes none too soon, as out comes a large platter filled with the main course: Prego’s Slow Roast Leg of Lamb, Fresh Water Prawns, Fish, Australian Angus Sirloin and Spring Chicken. All the meats were cooked simply with minimal fuss, but to the perfect degree. The leg of lamb was juicy and the steak was a quality piece of meat, tender and flavorful. The prawns were especially good with a smoky, bar-b-cue taste.  

Just when we think we can’t fit another bite in, out comes the dessert platter. The dainty sample sizes I expected are dwarfed by five full-size behemoths. Miraculously, we managed to find room to try them all. The hooey-gooey Walnut Cheese Brownie and Yoghurt Cheesecake deserve special mention, and Monica declares the Tirimasu one of the best in KL!  

Digestifs are now in order; Limoncello and Grappa are served and then, out comes the piece d’resistance. Like Cleopatra being carried across the Nile, an enormous cheese board with fresh bread and marmalade is ceremoniously carried from the kitchen by two chefs, who then proceed to cut and serve delicate morsels from the cheese wheels. Impossibly stuffed, we manage only a few bites.  

Reason to visit:  Upscale restaurant with a party atmosphere. A wide variety and limitless portions like a buffet but instead served tableside by friendly wait staff, which means more time to spend with company.

Branzo Packages:

Package 1:  RM128++ per person includes free flow soft drinks, juices and smoothies.

Package 2:  RM 186++ per person includes free flow of draught beer (plus package 1)

Package 3:  RM226++ per person includes free flow imported red and white wines with a range of spirits (plus package 1 & 2)

Celebrate in Style with Moet:

RM286++ per person includes free flow Moet & Chandon Imperial Champagne and selected digestifs (plus package 1, 2 & 3). 

High Roller Party

Purchase a magnum of Moet & Chandon Imperial Champagne and up to 4 people eat for free. Priced at RM888++

The Westin Kuala Lumpur

199 Jalan Bukit Bintang

55100 Kuala Lumpur

+603 2731 8333