Aurum Theatre & JIN Gastrobar KL

Aurum Theatre & JIN Gastrobar – The Gardens Mall KL

Words: Caning Jaramillo & Monica Tindall
Photos: Monica Tindall

Aurum Theatre and JIN Gastrobar at The Gardens Mall combine a luxurious cinematic experience with a fully stocked bar and professional kitchen. The name “Aurum” is derived from the Latin word for gold, as is the Chinese word “Jin.” The complex certainly lives up to its precious-metal namesake, enveloping cinephiles in a world of luxury and sophistication.

Aurum Theatre has two outlets in Malaysia, each bringing grandeur to the cinema scene – The Gardens Mall KL and the Mall Midvalley Southkey in Johor Bahru. This premium offering by Golden Screen Cinemas promises an exclusive service for a discerning audience.

The Cinema Halls

Parking was easy in the shopping mall’s basement, and we found the cinema on the top floor at the end of the escalators. We were impressed by the luxurious and exclusive atmosphere of Aurum Theatre. The staff was helpful and efficient, and the ticket selection process was easy. We had a great experience.

Monica and I were eager to watch the movie “Barbie,” which had garnered enthusiastic reviews from our friends. Our excitement grew as we headed to the Getha Lux Suites, priced at RM 160 per seat. These suites boasted dual-motor recliners, with an exclusive touch from Italian architect Marco Fumagalli apparent in its streamlined design. The beds included pillows, a blanket, slippers, a side table and a pull-out drawer to store belongings. Additionally, the ticket price is inclusive of one non-alcoholic beverage and one snack. Bed/table service is available where guests can order from a full restaurant and bar menu to truly nosh up the session.

While the Getha Suites are the most premium, Aurum Theatre at The Gardens Mall offers a variety of other seating options to suit different preferences. The Comfort Cabins provide an intimate setting with reclining seats, swivelling side tables, and wireless chargers. The Escape Studios offer themed halls with various styles of chairs, such as family-friendly four-seater sofas, LA-Z Boy rocker recliners, and Nordic-themed IMG recliners. All halls can be customised for work or leisure events, where guests can use the room as a fully-catered event space.

JIN Gastrobar

The Aurum Theatre’s commitment to providing a complete cinema experience extends beyond the movie halls to include dining and drinking options at JIN Gastrobar. It boasts a fully stocked bar and the food menu rates up there with many competitors outside the theatre. There are two dining rooms, but our preferred seat is at the bar, where we watch the bartender mix us up some cocktails while we enjoy some small bites and, later, a full meal. 

There’s quite a nice selection of whiskies on the bar’s top shelf, sided by an international collection of spirits. A handful of craft and classic cocktails are available, with gin and tonics a speciality. Look out for their “three cocktails for RM98” promo – surely one of the better deals in the city. Furthermore, wine by the bottle or glass (both entry-level and premium reds and whites) supports the option of a wine-paired meal or a tipple with snacks while enjoying the latest flick.

We started our meal with goat’s cheese (RM 38), caramelised onions and crackers, paired with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc from Domaine de La Baume 2020 (RM 68). The cheese was creamy and tangy, the onions were sweet and savoury, and the crackers were crunchy and delicious. And, well, sav blanc is a natural mate for goat’s cheese, so it was a win all around. This first course defied the stereotype that cinema food is limited to popcorn and hotdogs, proving that JIN Gastrobar is redefining the cinematic food scene.

My main course was chargrilled chicken (RM 38) with roast vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes. The chicken was juicy and cooked through, the vegetables were tender and roasted to a golden brown, and the mashed potatoes were smooth and creamy. Monica had pan-seared herb-crusted salmon (RM 48), flaky and moist with a crispy green crust. It was sided with chunky mashed potatoes and carrots.

We shared a slice of cheesecake (RM 19) for dessert. The rich, creamy middle was broken by that tang of berry coulis, allowing us to repeatedly dig back in until it was all gone.

Aurum Theatre The Gardens Mall Review

While we enjoyed the luxury of fully reclining beds to watch a movie, we could also return for a drink and a bite in JIN Gastrobar. Conveniently located within the mall but tucked away privately within the cinema complex, it appeals to our desire for privacy away from the crowds. Various deals are offered throughout the day, such as coffee and cake, and beer and cocktail promos, making it value-for-money for lunch, a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, a social drink with friends or a full meal (with or without a movie attached).

Reason to visit Aurum Theatre & JIN Gastrobar KL: An excellent range of private and extremely comfortable seating options; full food and beverage service both within the movie halls or at the on-site restaurant and bar along with value-for-money promos; both entry-level and premium selections of wine available by the glass; great for special occasions and small events. 

Aurum Theatre & JIN Gastrobar
The Gardens Mall
FF-201, 4th Floor, Lingkaran Syed Putra,
Mid Valley City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+603 7713 7888
[email protected]

Find more KL bar recommendations here, and stay up-to-date on the latest happenings in KL’s food and beverage scene here and here.