Emilio Cibo E Vino KL
Those craving for a taste of Italy should visit Emilio Cibo E Vino in Glo Damansara. Helmed by Sicilian-born chef Emilio Broso, the restaurant offers renowned Sicilian dishes that are reinterpreted by the skilled chef to suit local taste buds. Broso also previously ran two successful Sicilian joints in Seoul, before opening here. Apart from the pizza, pasta, and other Italian staples, one should also try their signature caponata – a sweet and sour salad with eggplant, zucchini, capsicum, celery, onions, and green olives.
I: @emiliociboevinokl
Pepper Bakery & Bistro
If you’re missing Australian or modern European flavours, then you can check out Pepper Bakery & Bistro – which is brought to you by the Brick House Group, the name behind eateries Pokok, Daun, and Ginger. Their menu is a tempting celebration of spicy, bold, and innovative dishes. And apart from breakfast, brunch, and dinner offerings, the restaurant in Damansara Heights also has a special weekend brunch that one can check out.
I: @pepper.kl
The Ordinary Smash Burger
We’re attributing the smash burger as American cuisine, seeing as how the first instance of it being recorded hailed from Texas, US. This Muslim-friendly, perhaps not-so-ordinary eatery was founded by Kevin Chan, and offers fuss-free chicken, lamb, and wagyu beef options. And the kicker (for us at least) is the amazing skin-on fries that the burgers come with.
I: @theordinarysmashburger
Palgaeook Korean Restaurant
Moving on to Asian flavours, we begin with a Korean BBQ joint – Palgaeook, in Hartamas. This Muslim-friendly joint specialises in its chicken barbecue, and their charcoal-grilled Chicken Dakgalbi comes in three flavours: special soya sauce, salt pepper sauce, and the restaurant’s special spicy sauce that doesn’t involve gochujang! Plus, the restaurant gets bonus points for having a self-service banchan bar, so you can refill sides without judgment.
I: @palgaeook
Enishi Malaysia
Meanwhile, those looking for a hot and hearty bowl of ramen can look no further than Enishi. Located in Mont Kiara, the Michelin-awarded brand serves dashi-based ramen, of which its soup stock is derived from kombu (edible kelp) and other dried items. The restaurant prides itself on the use of authentic recipes and ingredients, so those who appreciate Japanese food and culture will be in for a treat.
I: @malaysia_enishi
Cheevit Cheeva Malaysia
Moving on to dessert, The Row KL recently saw the opening of this Thai eatery – which is also the first outpost outside of Thailand. Specialising in Thai-style bingsu, one can expect signature flavours like Thai tea, mango sticky rice, and salted egg yolk variants. One can wash down their desserts with refreshing drinks or coffee.
I: @cheevitcheeva_malaysia
Park90 KL
Although not technically fitting into the August 2024 “new restaurants” list, there’s always a reason to drink wine. The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur and Park90 Kuala Lumpur have partnered to enhance Malaysia’s wine scene. The Drawing Room at The St. Regis transforms into an intimate wine lounge at night, where guests can enjoy a selection of over 530 top-notch wines curated by Park90, known for its expert sommeliers and diverse vintages.
I: @park90kl
Feeling hungry? Relish more of our food content here.
Featured image: Park90 KL