Riviera Poolside Brunch by Nizza, Sofitel Damansara Kuala Lumpur
Words: Jacob Weber
Photos: Peter Tan
Sunday brunch is booming in the heart of Bukit Damansara.
At the Riviera Poolside Brunch by Nizza at Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara, I mean that quite literally. They do have a guest DJ, after all.
With melodic house music pumping out of the big speakers next to the barbecue station and buffet spread—more on those in a second—it feels more like a Bali beach club than a suburban hotel. And with plenty of kid-friendly activities (and adult-friendly drinks packages), you can see why it’s a popular choice with large family groups from the surrounding neighbourhoods (and far beyond, I’m sure.)
Riviera Poolside Brunch takes place every Sunday from 12:30-3 pm. The food package is RM168+ per person (50% off for kids aged 7-11; free for kids 6 and below), giving you free rein over a lavish buffet, including a live charcoal grill and fresh pasta stations. There’s also a small selection of a la carte dishes, which you can order as many times as you want, and you can pay extra for some fancier options like Wagyu Beef Skewers (RM28+) or French Oysters on Ice (half-dozen RM 39+; one dozen RM 76+).
Nizza is inspired by the Côte d’ Azur, and the menu has a distinct French-Italian flair to it, from the seafood to the parmigiana to the delicate-but-decadent dessert selection. In true South of France fashion, you can order a seafood tower to your table, with French oysters and poached lobster and mussels and scallops and … you get the idea.
But it’s the drinks package deals that really earn the Riviera Poolside Brunch top marks. There are three options of two-hour free-flow packages — the cheapest at RM148+ includes beer and red and white wine; the most expensive at RM398+ includes Victoire Brut Prestige Champagne — and (here’s the kicker) you don’t have to order the brunch package to add this on to. We’re not sure of any other place in the city that does that.
You can just rock up, sit at the poolside bar and indulge in a good old-fashioned daytime drinking session. Marvellous.
But you’d be doing yourself a disservice because the food here is excellent.
Indoor and outdoor seating is available, so we pick a strategic spot inside, within equal distance of the grill, cold cuts, seafood station and desserts. There’s a lot to sample, and we don’t want to miss a thing. And it all looks so appealing, we don’t know where to begin.
There’s fresh artisanal bread, premium antipasto, and a wide selection of Mediterranean-style salads, from a classic Panzanella to a vibrant Beetroot Carpaccio. Gigantic prawns and crab’s legs beckon us from their beds of ice. Dips, pâté, and slices of chicken chorizo and cured beef sit invitingly alongside crackers and crispy grissini (breadsticks).
The beautiful bite-size desserts—miniature versions of every tart and cake and pastry you can think of—are tempting me to abandon normal mealtime principles and get started with the sweet stuff. The cheese board has a particularly classy touch to it; you’ll find the selection of fine French cheeses in the glass-walled wine cellar, so you’ll feel posh even if you’re dressed for the pool.
I can’t resist making a beeline for the barbecue station, where BBQ short rib, Black Angus sirloin, marinated leg of lamb, and chicken burgers and sausages are cooked to order. There’s also corn on the cob and grilled vegetables if you’re of a vegetarian persuasion (or just trying to make your plate look more colourful). Toasted buns, sauces and garnishes are kept well-stocked. At the pasta station, your choice of pasta is freshly boiled while a friendly cook prepares your sauce and toppings.
I’m even a little envious of the kid’s facilities, which include a make-your-own-mocktail station and a melted chocolate crèmeux dip with marshmallows and cookies. (Although nothing’s stopping me from mocktails and chocolate marshmallows, I suppose …)
I get involved in the adult’s activities instead — the drinks packages. Even the cheapest option includes some quality vino, which the smiling staff are only too happy to continue topping up for you. We toast to the weekend with some bubbles; a Terredirai Prosecco Valdobbiane, a crisp and fruity variety that’s perfect as an aperitif, and an extra dry Champagne Victoire Brut Prestige with lovely citrus acidity.
For the white, a Le Grand Noir Viognier 2022, a well-balanced blend with plenty of peach, apricot and melon on the nose and some mineral notes, all of which complement the seafood selection very well. When I’m back from the barbecue, I order a silky Le Grand Noir Cabernet Syrah 2021, a distinctive oak-aged red full of black and red fruits and a very pleasant character all-round.
Thirsts quenched, we can’t decide what to order from the a la carte selection, so we decide to order all of it. Everything comes in light serving portions (which is a sensible idea), so we’re not putting anything to waste. The classic Eggs Benedict with smoked duck and spinach is a personal favourite, although the Spicy Buttermilk Chicken alla Milanese served on a fluffy waffle is a close second. If you’re feeling fancy, I recommend the Grilled Salmon with organic black sushi rice risotto. The Baked Eggplant Parmigiana is a delicious vegetarian option, too.
Thanks to the great service, my glass hasn’t stayed empty for very long. And after one more glass of red wine, I might be in danger of getting my face painted. (Yes, they have that here too.) Perhaps just a coffee to finish, then. And one more sneaky sweep of the desserts station before heading back for a Sunday snooze, feeling very satisfied.
Reasons to visit Riviera Poolside Brunch by Nizza: family-friendly Sunday brunch set-up, ideal for small or large groups; a variety of drinks packages that can be purchased independently of food; wide selection of French-Riviera Mediterranean starters, salads, mains and desserts; live BBQ grill and pasta station; good atmosphere with funky house music; brunch guests can use the pool, change rooms and sauna free of charge.
Riviera Poolside Brunch by Nizza
Level 3, Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara, No. 6, Jalan Damanlela, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+603 2720 6688
+6017 511 7725
Riviera Poolside Brunch by Nizza
Every Sunday: 12.30 pm – 3 pm
Price: RM168+ (food)
Kids aged 7 – 11: 50% OFF
Complimentary for kids six and below
*Brunch guests may use the pool, change rooms and sauna free of charge
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