Qba is split over two floors: downstairs is the main bar area, with an island bar, cosy booths and a stage for live Cuban bands, and outside is an al fresco tapas garden where light, economical meals are served.

A grand staircase with a scrolled wrought-iron balustrade leads upstairs to a private cigar divan, wine bar and the main ‘paladar dining room’, which overlooks the downstairs bar. Here is the grill where customers can make their selections from a large menu of excellent Latin American-inspired dishes. An open kitchen greets patrons at the top of the staircase, with a corridor leading the way to the cigar divan and wine bar.

Grand arches with paintwork done by Californian artist Willy Baet, delicate elaborately hand-painted frescoes, decorative timber ceilings and crystal chandeliers are prominent throughout Qba Latin Bar & Grill. The furniture is rustic with elegant, old-fashioned wooden chairs and barstools, booth seats hemmed with heavy Spanish-baroque style trimmings, leather upholstery and decorative, custom-made floor tiles in the bar area.

Deep red curtains and the bar’s resident ‘angel’ (which overlooks the downstairs bar area) adds to the atmosphere; carved from a single tree trunk, this life-sized statue has an aged patina look and looks like something you would find in a Cuban Catholic church.

Over the years Qba Latin Bar & Grill has attracted an elite crowd of food enthusiasts: the cuisine selections are divided into different ‘grilling stations’ with seafood, steaks and more all on the menu. Since the restaurant was shortlisted as one of the candidates for the 2011 Time Out KL Food Awards ‘Best for Steak’ category, it comes as no surprise that their succulent and tender signature steaks and wine tasting plates (which have portions of sirloin, eye fillet and kobe, paired with matching wines) is an especially good choice. The meat is flown in from Argentina and Australia, so you can bet it is fresh and of five-star quality.

Tripling as a restaurant, wine bar and cigar lounge, beers, cocktails, grilled food and good music are all on the menu at Qba Latin Bar & Grill. One of KL’s coolest clubs, the drinks selections include wines, cocktails, beers, soft drinks and juice – repeat customers say they love the mojitos here.

Meanwhile the dulces (sweets or desserts) are varied and oh-so-satisfying with favourites including tropical fruit paletas popsicles, coffee chocolate mousse and cinnamon churros and coconut macaroons all on the menu. Wait staff are professional and service is efficient and slick.

• Opening Hours: 18:30 – 22:30 Monday – Saturday
• Address: The Westin Hotel, 199 Jalan Bukit Bintang.
• Tel: +603 2773 8338