Kota Kinabalu, Sabah – July 2025 – This July and August, Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu invites gourmands and lovers of Italian cuisine to savor an extraordinary culinary journey led by renowned Guest Chef Domenico Piras, fondly known as Chef Dom, returning to Sabah with a legacy of excellence. Chef Dom will present a series of Italian dining experiences at the hotel’s signature outlets: Favola, Latest Recipe, and Azure Poolside Bar & Café.
With more than 40 years of experience across prestigious kitchens in Europe and Asia, Chef Dom is celebrated for his mastery of authentic Italian flavors, Mediterranean flair, and elegant modern presentations. Born in Milan and raised on the island of Sardinia—known as the “island of centenarians”—he brings a soulful and heartfelt connection to his cuisine.
Chef Dom’s impressive culinary journey includes celebrated roles in esteemed Italian establishments, Singapore’s finest restaurants, and notably, a past tenure in Kota Kinabalu. He later joined Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur, where under his direction, Favola earned the title Best Italian Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur twice. Today, he leads the hotel’s award-winning PRIME steakhouse, widely recognized as one of the city’s best.
1. Italian-Themed Sunday Brunch Buffet at Azure Poolside Bar & Café
Venue: Azure Poolside Bar & Café
Date: Sunday, 27 July 2025
Price: RM108 nett per person / RM58 nett per child
*Complimentary use of swimming pool
Begin your Italian escapade with brunch featuring rustic favourites and timeless recipes, including Gamberi e Insalata Russa, Lasagna alla Bolognese, Melanzane alla Parmigiana, Salt-Baked Whole Fish, and the unforgettable Tiramisu (1956 recipe).
2. Exclusive 4-Course Set Dinner at Favola
Venue: Favola
Date: 28 July – 1 August 2025
Price: RM238 net per person
For a more intimate affair, treat yourself to a curated 4-course dinner featuring:
- Beef Carpaccio with Shaved Truffle
- Fresh Tagliatelle in Basil Pesto with Tuna Tartare & Salmon Roe
- Traditional Sardinian Seafood Stew “Pingiadedda” or Five-Hour Braised Lamb Shank
- Classic Tiramisu (1956 recipe)
Each course is a tribute to Chef Dom’s Sardinian roots and Italy’s rich regional flavours.
3. Italian-Infused Weekend Dinner Buffet at Latest Recipe
Venue: Latest Recipe
Date: Friday & Saturday, 1 & 2 August 2025
Price: RM158 net per adult | RM60 net per child
Enjoy a rich and vibrant spread of Italian comfort food, where generous carving stations meet classics like Calamari in Umido, Spezzatino di Manzo alla Toscana, and Bonet Piemontese. A perfect evening to indulge with family or friends.
4. Four Hands 6-course Dinner at Favola – One Night Only
Venue: Favola
Date: Saturday, 2 August 2025
Price: RM338 net per person
The culinary celebration culminates with a Four Hands Six-Course Dinner, crafted by Chef Dom and Executive Sous Chef Kelvin Kilin. Guests will experience a refined harmony of flavors across:
- Chilled Tomato Juice with Prawns & Basil Croquettes
- Sea Bass & Salmon Carpaccio with Caviar
- Handmade Chicken & Truffle Tortellini
- Pumpkin & Mushroom Carnaroli Risotto
- Slow-Braised Beef Cheek with Mashed Potatoes
- Tiramisu – 1956 Recipe
Every course is a testament of the harmonious blend of local ingredients with Italian culinary masterpieces.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chef Domenico back to Kota Kinabalu,” said Pavin Ravindran, Hotel Manager of Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu. “His deep appreciation for traditional Italian cooking, paired with decades of global culinary experience and the hotel’s sustainability efforts to incorporate local ingredients, promises a truly special experience for our guests—especially for his long-time fans in Sabah and Sabah’s food lovers.”
Check out “Chef Dom Returns: A Series of Exquisite Italian Culinary Elegance” here!
For reservations and enquiries, contact +60 88 322 227 or +60 19 897 2258 (WhatsApp)
Follow @lemeridienkotakinabalu on Instagram and Facebook for updates, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes content.
