Whether you’re in the mood for handmade noodles inspired by Malaysian flavours, a thoughtfully crafted alcohol-free cocktail, or a comforting taste of the East Coast, this month’s crop of new openings offers plenty of reasons to venture out. Across the Klang Valley, chefs, bar and cafe operators, and restaurateurs continue to pursue innovation while celebrating tradition, resulting in a dining landscape that’s as diverse as it is exciting.
Here’s our monthly roundup of new restaurants, cafés, and bars to add to your list for July.
1. Jalinan, TTDI
One of the most intriguing openings in TTDI this year, Jalinan reinterprets Malaysian culinary traditions and flavours through the lens of their signature handmade egg noodles. Helmed by the team behind Fifty Tales, the restaurant draws inspiration from dishes such as nasi ulam, kerabu, and laksa, translating them into contemporary nibbles, sharing plates, and noodle dishes served in an intimate setting.
Similarly, the beverage menu also incorporates local elements to complement the food, such as cocktails crafted with banana leaf-infused rum and sodas prepared with curry leaf or assam boi.
Address: 3, Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 7, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12pm to 4pm (lunch) & 6pm to 11pm (dinner) | Closed on Wednesday
Contact: +60 11-5944 3279
2. MULJIL, Damansara Heights
The latest South Korean import to land on our shores, MULJIL introduces diners to a side of Korean cuisine that extends beyond barbecue and fried chicken. Located at The Five in Damansara Heights, the coastal dining concept is a collaboration between Maljiro and Taan Korean Steakhouse. Currently operating as an open-air dining pop-up, MULJIL specialises in Han Sang seafood platters, Hanwoo tataki, and Korean sashimi inspired by the Jeju haenyeo (legendary female freedivers).
Address: E-3-01, Aras 3, Block E, The Five (Kompleks Pejabat Damansara), 49 Jalan Dungun, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Thursday to Saturday, 6pm-12am
3. Teetoturtle Sober Mixology, Pasar Seni
Proving that a great night out doesn’t have to involve alcohol, Teetoturtle is a new sober mixology bar cum art space in Pasar Seni (AKA Central Market) that’s challenging perceptions of the “mocktail”. Led by veteran mixologist Shawn Chong alongside Mheng and Naqib, the intimate bar serves 13 flavour-forward, non-alcoholic cocktails crafted from two house-made spirit substitutes, Jamu and Pudina. Housed in a space inspired by the form of a turtle shell and an art gallery, Teetoturtle delivers all the craftsmanship, creativity, and atmosphere of a contemporary cocktail bar – minus the hangover.
Address: 62-1, Jalan Hang Kasturi, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday – 3pm to 11pm
4. Rumoh Mekda, Bangsar
After building a loyal following through its catering business under the name Dapur Mcda, Rumoh Mekda has opened its first permanent home in Bangsar Village 1. Staying true to its roots, the restaurant continues to showcase cherished East Coast family recipes and flavours, from comforting curries to traditional Kelantanese and Terengganu-inspired dishes. The name reflects a new chapter rather than a change in direction – “rumoh”, or home, encapsulates the warmth, heritage, and hospitality at the heart of the brand.
Address: LG10, Bangsar Village 1, Jalan Telawi 1, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12pm to 4pm (lunch) & 6pm to 10pm (dinner) daily
Contact: +60 11-2809 5014
5. Cafe Conti, Section 17
Open only on weekends, Cafe Conti is here to convince you to start your day with a solid continental breakfast. Inspired by hotel breakfasts but served in a warm, laid-back ambiance, the neighbourhood café lets you mix and match your preferred sweet and savoury European-inspired dishes, paired with specialty coffee or juice. Think pancakes with maple syrup, chicken-ham-and-cheese eggy toast, and nutty cereals. It’s the daytime counterpart to Manisan Dessert Club, ideal for slow mornings solo or with loved ones.
Address: 25-1, Jalan 17/56, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: 8am to 1pm (12pm last call) on weekends only
6. Jaga Cafe, Taman Botani Perdana
Tucked within the lush grounds of Perdana Botanical Gardens, Jaga Cafe offers a welcome escape from the city without leaving it. The open-air, outdoor café serves coffee, pastries, and bagels in a relaxed, nature-filled atmosphere that appeals to morning walkers, families, and park-goers seeking a slower pace. Though mainly open for an early breakfast until lunch, the team is working to extend its hours soon.
Address: Kiosk Teratai, Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 7am to 2pm
Contact: +60 11-1085 5242
7. Operator 21, Damansara Uptown
Uptown folks now have another new spot to add to their extensive list of dining options. Part café, part social hub, Operator 21 caters to nearly every occasion with operating hours that stretch from early breakfast to late night. Expect specialty coffee, nourishing breakfast bowls, smash burgers (by the team formerly behind Lo & Behold), and other modern fusion creations in a versatile space designed for everything from remote work sessions to casual dinners and post-work gatherings.
Address: No. 7, Jalan SS 21/39, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya
Opening hours: 7am to 12am daily
Contact: +60 17-228 7570
8. Kopi + Ulam, Seri Kembangan
Founded by Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) alumni, Kopi + Ulam has recently opened its doors on campus grounds in Seri Kembangan. Set inside an herb garden, the new cafe offers a serene space to sit and relax amidst nature over comforting Malaysian flavours. The menu champions local ingredients and traditional recipes, creating a dining experience that feels both familiar and satisfying.
Address: FRSB (Faculty of Design and Architecture), Persiaran Universiti 2, 43400 Seri Kembangan, Selangor
Opening hours: 7.30am to 7pm daily
I @kopiandulam | F @kopiandulam
9. 555 Thainanese Chicken Rice, Sri Hartamas
Traditional Hainanese steamed chicken rice meets Southern Thai-style crispy fried chicken at this new joint in Sri Hartamas. The Muslim-friendly restaurant keeps the menu simple with either crispy or poached chicken, or a Signature Duo combining both, alongside local and Thai favourites like Curry Laksa, Pad Krapao, and Fried Rice. In other words, come for your kopitiam classics, stay for the modern, casual setting and good vibes.
Address: 22, Jalan Sri Hartamas 8, Taman Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 9am to 9pm daily
10. LinLin Cake Shop, Sungai Besi
After running a successful online business, LinLin Cake has finally opened a brick-and-mortar shop at The Pocket in Sungai Besi. Its founder, Charmaine Wong (nicknamed LinLin), specialises in contemporary Asian-inspired cakes and pastries that are as visually attractive as they are indulgent. From playful flavour combinations to beautifully executed desserts, the bakery has quickly attracted a following among those seeking celebration-worthy sweets and everyday treats alike.
Address: The Pocket, 139, Jalan Sungai Besi, Pudu, 57100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Wednesday – 12pm to 7pm | Friday to Sunday – 11am to 7.30pm
11. Tangga KL, Bukit Bintang
Nestled on the upper floor of a charming heritage shophouse on Jalan Sin Chew Kee, Tangga KL combines café culture with old-world character. Brought to life by the guys behind Bar Pahit, its thoughtfully restored interiors, curated selection of pre-loved books, and photogenic appeal have already made it one of the city’s most talked-about new café openings, especially for the wooden ladder leading up to its entrance (hence the name). On the menu, there’s specialty coffee to pair with traditional kuih such as pulut panggang, ketayap, and kuih lapis.
Address: 3A, Jalan Sin Chew Kee, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 9am to 5pm
12. Mala Bistronome, TTDI
Fans of all things mala, there’s a new spot in TTDI for you to satisfy your cravings. Cue Mala Bistronome, a modern Sichuan restaurant serving malatang and bistro bites made with premium Muslim-friendly ingredients in the vibrant space that was once Zaataru. Choose your favourite soup base and add-ons, or order from the a la carte selection featuring signature mala bowls, skewers, and more.
Address: First Floor, 21-1, Lorong Rahim Kajai 13, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11.30am to 11pm daily
Contact: 011-6224 5723
13. Fade by SB, Section 16
Having spent nearly three years in PJ New Town, Fade by SB welcomes loyal patrons and new visitors to its fresh, bigger space in Section 16, Petaling Jaya. Run by founders Sam and Bernie, the cosy, Japanese-inspired cafe serves up coffee and bakes for your mid-afternoon break. Famous for its vintage cups and antique decor, it offers a warm, intimate place for single dates or small group catch-ups.
Address: 7, Lorong Universiti C, Section 16, 46350 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: Friday to Tuesday – 12pm to 6pm
14. Pepe, Bukit Takun
Tucked inside the lush surroundings of Takun Retreat Club in Rawang, Pepe offers a destination dining experience that combines nature, architecture, and food. The “functional” menu champions superfoods and adaptogens to complement the club’s wellness philosophy, making it an ideal, tranquil escape for those seeking healthy dining offerings outside of the city centre.
Address: Takun Retreat Club, KM-20, Jalan Ipoh-Rawang, Taman Rekreasi Templer, 48000 Rawang, Selangor
Opening hours: 8.30am to 3pm, 5pm to 8pm daily
15. Koboreya, Bukit Bintang
Originating from Tokyo’s famed Tsukishima district, Koboreya introduces Kuala Lumpur diners to the interactive experience of monjayaki (a popular street food similar to okonomiyaki). Guests prepare the savoury batter-based dish themselves at the table, offering a fun and authentic taste of a Japanese comfort food that’s still relatively uncommon in Malaysia. With seven outlets in Japan, the LaLaport BBCC branch marks their first international outpost.
Address: G-83, Ground Floor, LaLaport BBCC, Bukit Bintang
Opening hours: 12pm to 10pm daily
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Photos courtesy of respective establishments unless otherwise credited