Whether you’re craving artisan pastries or a spirited izakaya night, these newcomers are stirring the pot in all the right ways. Here’s your eat list. Come hungry.
Benihana
Benihana bursts onto the Klang Valley stage at Suria KLCC with true teppanyaki spectacle, complete with flipping spatulas, onion volcanoes, and knives spun skyward. This iconic Japanese teppanyaki establishment offers three distinct dining experiences: front-row at the teppan grill, a spacious main dining room, or a private room for intimate celebrations.
Besides a kaiseki menu, the extensive teppanyaki selection include various beef steaks, lamb steak, Norwegian salmon belly, and more, served with accompaniments like house salad and garlic fried rice. Complementing the drama are standout mocktails like One Night in Tokyo and Maneki Neko. It’s evident Benihana’s unique appeal lies in its immersive “dine-and-be entertained” approach, creating a feast for the senses with showmanship incorporated.
Address: Petronas Twin Tower, Lot LC-401, LC-401A & LC-407 Fourth Floor, 50088 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm
Contact: 017-558 8014
Koka Izakaya
Koka Izakaya, new to REXKLUP, transports guests to the bustling alleys of Tokyo with its grilled kushiyaki and delightful warmth. While there are various donburi and snacks served such as the koebi karaage and kawahagi mirin boshi, the chicken-based and richly glazed yakitori is definitely the highlight here.
Authentic and casual with real Japanese depth and nuance sans the pretentiousness, the izakaya presents serious temptation as a spot to unwind at after work hours, particularly when its bold bites can be paired up with refreshing beverages like its shochu lemon sours. Craving a ramen fix while you’re there? Order from next door at Raijin Ramen: an equally satisfying concept by the same team behind Koka.
Address: 36, Jalan Hang Lekir, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12pm – 3:30pm, 5:30pm – 10pm (closed on Mondays)
Contact: 013-804 7685
LAD & DAD
Originally founded in Singapore by a father-and-son duo, LAD & DAD now brings a modern twist to classic British comfort food to Kuala Lumpur. Their signature fish and chips is of course a standout: freshwater perch or Norwegian haddock encased in a light, crisp batter, served with a choice of thin- or thick-cut fries, house-mashed mushy peas and proper malt vinegar.
To go with your fish and chips, take your pick from the sambal aioli (a Malaysia-only exclusive), curry sauce, spicy tartare, or classic tartare. While the dishes stay true to their UK inspiration, the heart of the brand beats with Malaysian hospitality. LAD & DAD’s captivating quality lies in its ability to serve nostalgia with modern polish – comfort food with a cross-cultural soul.
Address: Lot G-30, Ground Floor, Wisma Cosway, 88, Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11:30am – 2pm, 5pm – 8pm (closed on Sundays)
Jhol
Jhol brings coastal Indian cuisine to Mont Kiara with bold, elegant flair. An offshoot of the Michelin-recognised Bangkok original, this Malaysian debut by Chef Hari Nayak offers a vibrant tasting menu that travels through India’s coastline. Highlights include the Calicut Pepper Crab, Kolkata Dim’er Devil, and Alleppey Fish Curry served with tapioca and Kerala Matta rice. The Masala Muska Bun, laced with curry leaf butter and pav bhaji, reimagines street food with polish, while desserts like the Tender Coconut Payasam offer a cooling finish.
House cocktails like the Indian Porn Star (with yuzu and cardamom candy floss) and Where Are You Da (Amrut whisky and butterscotch) are playful yet sophisticated, designed to pair with spice-forward plates. There’s also a dedicated gin bar and private wine room for elevated evenings. With its Michelin Guide pedigree, regionally rooted dishes, and immersive atmosphere, Jhol is a refined celebration of Indian coastal cuisine that’s unfussy, inventive, and deeply satisfying.
Address: The MET Corporate Towers, 20, Jalan Dutamas 2, Kompleks Kerajaan, 50480, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm daily
Contact: 012-502 4528
Botanical Arts Society
The drink menu (flowers-and-plant-themed teas and artisanal coffees) also complements the overall concept. Bring a friend, bring a book – beyond a café, this is a restorative experience in culinary form, where every bite feels purposefully green and artfully presented.
Address: Level 3, 17, Jalan Yap Ah Shak, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12pm – 6pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Scrappy Dough
Tucked within an industrial-chic warehouse in Sungai Besi, Scrappy Dough has swiftly become the go-to for bagel devotees. Known for putting a local twist on an international staple, some of the bestsellers are the Kam Heong Chicken Bagel Sandwich and the Sambal Prawn Bagel Sandwich which are made with its signature soft, pillowy sourdough bagels.
Each loaf and sandwich showcases a devotion to texture and flavour, complemented with a refreshingly simple beverage lineup comprising a rotating selection of espresso, filter coffee, and sun-dappled cold brews ideal for pairing with the carb-rich bakes. Every bite hits with homely comfort, mirrored in the space’s ‘grammable corners and industrial vibe.
Address: 139, Jalan Sungai Besi, Sungai Besi, 57100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 013-427 6740
Contact: 8am – 4pm (closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays)
Swirl
Swirl is Section 17’s latest soft serve shop transforming soft serve into an indulgent ritual. Their velvety vanilla soft serve stars in sundaes sprinkled with pandan kaya and kuih kapit as well as other interesting seasonal toppings like apple cinnamon muffin, fruit loops, and Honey Stars. As an alternative, you can get your soft serve between two fluffy donut halves for the ultimate treat.
Other specials at Swirl include gluten-free orange poppy seed muffins and various cakes, coupled with a thoughtful beverage adjunct with floats, kombucha, and coffee. A place to dawdle, share, and delight in, Swirl somehow balances novelty with sincerity really well. Did we already mention that the store is pet friendly?
Address: 76, Jalan 17/1a, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya
Opening hours: 12pm – 11:30pm daily
Contact: 011–5559 6118
Rhea Dining
Tucked in Bukit Damansara, Rhea Dining is a masterclass in considered brunch and all‑day dining. Its signature Smashed Avocado in a croissant is flaky, buttery, and absolutely memorable with a precisely four-minute egg and chilli oil, while a heartier option, like the Big Ben Duck & Waffle, dazzles with succulent duck confit atop a crisp waffle, finished with a sunny-side-up egg and maple syrup.
As evening falls, Rhea Dining smoothly transitions into a stylish dinner destination. The Octopus & Yam is a standout starter, with delicate baby octopuses glazed to tender perfection. For mains, one highlight is the Chocolate-Braised Angus Beef Brisket, which is melt-in-your-mouth tender. Rhea Dining succeeds in fusing eloquent cooking, polished presentation, and approachable refinement in an equally sophisticated space, ideal for a meaningful meal no matter the time of day.
Address: 01.02, Ground Floor, Menara Milenium, 8, Jalan Damanlela, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 7:30am – 10pm (Mondays to Fridays), 9am – 10pm (Saturdays and Sundays)
Contact: 011-6260 6610
1MORE PIZZA
This Brunei-born pizzeria in Taman Paramount Petaling Jaya is winning hearts with its 72-hour fermented dough, baked in a brick oven for 90 seconds until perfectly crisp. The house pizza, Toast to Our Differences features generous slices of Aussie ribeye steak, whereas the seafood offering, Smoke On The Water, mixes cured salmon, whipped ricotta, gorgonzola, garlic, and pesto oil for a silken treat.
Pair your pizza with a refreshing watermelon cooler, and you’ve got a lively, casual affair. The star is definite: light yet incredibly satisfying crusts topped with bold ingredients, great for shareable, unpretentious meals. What more could one possibly ask for?
Address: 34, Jalan 21/12, Sea Park, 46300, Petaling Jaya
Opening hours: 11am – 2:30pm, 4:30pm – 10pm (closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: 010-915 6388
Don Omakase
If you’ve ever longed to savour top-tier omakase ingredients without committing to a full course, Don Omakase in TTDI delivers just that. Offering the finest seafood, expertly handled, in beautifully composed rice bowls, each don is a refined expression of Japanese craft. The Zuwai Kani Don is layered with sweet snow crab and umami-rich kani miso, while the Aburi Engawa Don features melt-in-your-mouth flounder fun, lightly torched for a smokey finish.
Seasonal specials like the Uni Toro Don and Truffle Hotate Don elevate the experience even further, making return visits irresistible. With over 40 varieties on rotation, the menu reads like a love letter to premium ingredients. The meals are rounded out with clear dashi broth, house-pickled vegetables, and silky chawanmushi. Thoughtfully curated, Don Omakase proves that excellence doesn’t have to come with ceremony as it can arrive, simply, in a bowl.
Address: No.123, Ground Floor, Jalan Aminuddin Baki, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11am – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 10pm (closed on Mondays)
Napolia
Tucked in Chow Kit, Napolia delivers a slice of Naples with a playful, street-style twist. The star here is the Pizza Portafoglio, a folded, wallet-style Margherita pizza made with slow-risen dough, San Marzano tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella, offering a fresh, grab-and-go take on classic Neapolitan flavours. On the snack front, you’ll find golden arancini bursting with beef ragù and molten cheese, crocchette di patate, and deep-fried frittatina with béchamel.
The energy here is unmistakably vibrant. Napolia channels the feel of a lively Neapolitan street corner with casual flair and serious flavour. Its laidback service and tightly edited menu keep the focus on quality, while its open kitchen and bold red interiors create a sense of theatre. Whether you dine in or grab a pizza to go, Napolia attests that sometimes the simplest pleasures are the most memorable.
Address: 14G, Jalan Yap Ah Shak, Chow Kit, 50300, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12pm – 3pm and 6pm – 11pm (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays), 6pm – 11pm (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays), closed on Mondays
Kappa Kaisen Izakaya
A buzzing addition to Damansara Heights, Kappa Kaisen Izakaya channels the convivial energy of a Tokyo back-alley gastropub, complete with an impressive spread of seafood and sizzling grilled bites. The menu spans comforting Japanese classics and luxe touches, such as the Crab Gratin that arrives bubbling hot with rich béchamel. For sushi lovers, the Toyosu Set delivers glistening cuts of premium sashimi and nigiri on perfectly seasoned shari (sushi rice).
Drinks are a big part of the experience here, with highballs, umeshu, shochu, and sake, poured generously. The bar is always lively, the service fast and friendly, and the mood effortlessly upbeat, making it an ideal spot for casual catch-ups or unhurried nights over grilled skewers and sashimi platters. With its winning mix of quality and draw, Kappa is the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again.
Address: 54-1F, 54, Jalan Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 5pm – 11:30pm daily
Contact: 012-504 9143
Cezanne
In Desa Parkcity’s Plaza Arkadia, Cézanne channels the spirit of its namesake painter, weaving culinary artistry into every plate. Each dish reads like a canvas and every one is bold, balanced, and beautifully arranged. At the time of writing, there are two pre-set tasting menus with one comprising five courses and the other includes seven courses, with both offering options for mains.
Dinner here is a journey for the senses. Taste the Hokkaido scallop draped in pear‑pumpkin curry and smoked eggplant puree, or indulge in Japanese A4 wagyu beef paired with salted‑black‑bean butter and ponzu coffee oil. The dessert offerings – like roti‑bakar – inspired French toast with Earl Grey ice cream and kaya mousse, or banana madeleines with gula Melaka cream and pandan mochi offer gentle closure to a vivid tasting narrative. The wine and drinks list complements the artistry with elegant pairings and a warm, intimate ambiance.
Address: Block C-G-01, Plaza Arkadia, 3, Jalan Intisari, Desa Parkcity, 52200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 6pm – 11pm (closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Contact: 012-577 3229
Fennel & Co.
Situated in the lush surrounds of Bukit Tunku is Fennel & Co., a halal café and restaurant that’s open from morning through to late evening, inviting leisurely brunches, casual lunches, and relaxed dinners. The crowd-favourite Biiig Breakfast delivers on its name with Spanish chicken or corned beef sausage, eggs your way, hash browns and toasted sourdough, while the Nasi Serai comes with either assam pedas barramundi or a fragrant lamb curry, both deeply flavourful and generously portioned.
Dishes here walk the line between playful and familiar: Tomyam Prawn Spaghetti hits with tang and heat, while the buttermilk oat-crumbed fried chicken, served with gochujang, habanero, and chili-lime sauces, invites mix-and-match fun with maximum flavour. For drinks, look to the Matcha Blossom topped with strawberry cream, or refreshing house blends like Ginger Lemon Turmeric. With polished plating, a comforting menu, and a cosy indoor-outdoor layout, Fennel & Co. is fast becoming Bukit Tunku’s go-to for soulful, all-day dining.
Address: i2, Stories of Taman Tunku, Jalan Langgak Tunku, Bukit Tunku, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 8am – 10pm daily
Contact: 03-6211 3698
Chulop!
Singapore’s cult-favourite snack bar has opened up at TRX, bringing along its artisanal churros, enlivened with a Southeast Asian twist, and creamy milkshakes to the Klang Valley. These crispy, aromatic and satisfying fried dough sticks can be complemented with its premium dips, such as gula Melaka, Spanish caramel, and Mexican chocolate, or an elite lineup of toppings like the S’mores Churros topped with torched meringue.
Meanwhile, pair your treat with one of their luscious milkshakes or smooth, bottled milks. Though the Singapore and Bangi, Johor branches offer a broader selection, it’s uncertain if the TRX outlet will expand its menu in time. This surely is a place to linger over sweet treats, and Chulop!’s charm definitely lies in lifting old-school sweetness to new heights.
Address: Lot GS.06, Ground Floor, The Exchange TRX, Persiaran TRX, Imbi, 55188 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm daily
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