The Marco Polo Kitchen: Unlimited Italian Buffet For Just RM35 (S$11)

Nestled in the heart of Taman Bukit Indah, The Marco Polo Kitchen has established itself as Johor Bahru’s most beloved Italian restaurant, consistently earning the top spot among the city’s 880+ dining establishments on TripAdvisor with an impressive 4.8 out of 5 rating. This family-themed restaurant offers a unique culinary adventure that seamlessly blends authentic Italian flavors with Asian influences, creating an unforgettable dining experience for locals and tourists alike.

The restaurant’s interior design features unpolished red brick finishing extending from floor to ceiling, creating an authentic Italian ambiance that’s both posh and welcoming. The spacious layout includes high ceilings and ample seating, with additional dining areas on the upper floor that open on weekends to accommodate the restaurant’s popularity.

The bright, clean environment is complemented by carefully selected background music that enhances the dining atmosphere without overwhelming conversation. This thoughtful attention to ambiance has made the restaurant a favorite venue for various occasions, from casual family meals to special celebrations, business meetings, and even wedding receptions.

One of The Marco Polo Kitchen’s standout features is its commitment to inclusive dining. The restaurant maintains a strict policy of serving no pork, no lard, and no alcohol, making it particularly popular among Muslim diners while ensuring that guests of all backgrounds feel welcome. This thoughtful approach to menu planning demonstrates the restaurant’s dedication to serving the diverse community of Johor Bahru.

The lunch buffet at The Marco Polo Kitchen represents exceptional value for money and has become the restaurant’s signature offering. Guests consistently praise the buffet for its impressive quality and quantity, with many describing it as a culinary adventure that exceeds expectations.

What Makes the Lunch Buffet Special The lunch buffet features an extensive selection that goes far beyond typical buffet offerings. Diners are often surprised to discover that the menu spans multiple sides, offering an overwhelming variety of choices. The buffet includes:

• Authentic Italian Classics: Fresh pasta dishes, including the highly recommended Aglio Olio and Carbonara

• Pizza Selection: Featuring the restaurant’s signature thin-crust pizzas, including the popular Tandoori Chicken Pizza and Meat Lovers Pizza

• Main Courses: From the succulent Creamed Tuscan Chicken to hearty Lamb Stew and perfectly prepared Fish and Chips

• Soups and Starters: Including the beloved MP Cream of Mushroom Soup, known for its creamy texture and rich flavor

Beyond the buffet, The Marco Polo Kitchen has earned recognition for several signature dishes that showcase the kitchen’s commitment to authentic Italian cuisine:

Pizza Perfection

The restaurant’s pizzas maintain the authentic Italian style with thin, bread-like bases that achieve the perfect crispy texture without being greasy. The Meat Lovers Pizza, while moderately topped with pepperoni, represents genuine Italian pizza-making techniques.

Premium Steaks

Marco Polo Kitchen is one of the few restaurants in Johor Bahru serving grass-fed ribeye steak. Grilled to medium-rare perfection, these steaks offer a beefier, more robust flavor profile that distinguishes them from conventional corn-fed alternatives.

Pasta Excellence

The restaurant’s pasta dishes, particularly the Carbonara and Aglio Olio, have earned consistent praise for their authentic preparation and generous portions.

Decadent Desserts

The dessert selection includes classic Italian offerings like Tiramisu, featuring authentic mascarpone cheese, coffee, chocolate lava cake and finger biscuits, alongside French favorites like Crème Brûlée with its perfectly caramelized top.

The restaurant accommodates various dining preferences with extended operating hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 11:30 AM - 11:00 PM

• Friday: 11:30 AM - 1:00 AM

• Saturday: 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM

• Sunday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

The establishment offers takeaway and delivery services, making it accessible for various dining preferences. The restaurant is also wheelchair accessible and provides free WiFi, highchairs for families, and ample parking.

The Marco Polo Kitchen has become a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors to Johor Bahru. Singaporeans frequently cross the border specifically to dine here, with many making it a weekly tradition. The restaurant’s ability to consistently deliver quality food, exceptional service, and outstanding value has earned it a devoted following that spans across borders.

For families seeking a memorable dining experience, couples looking for a romantic evening, or business professionals needing a reliable venue for meetings, The Marco Polo Kitchen offers an environment that adapts to any occasion. The combination of authentic Italian cuisine, inclusive dining policies, exceptional lunch buffet, and legendary service creates a dining experience that truly justifies its position as Johor Bahru’s premier Italian restaurant.