1. A Tavola
Bangsar’s new Italian restaurant offers house-made pastas and pizzas as well as other classic Italian flavours that lean northern and central-Italian. Run by a friendly Milanese founder, the food here, like the Pappardelle alla Norcina and Brasato di Manzo Giapponese (Japanese beef braised in red wine), is done simply and well, and can be savoured in its rustic setting that’s great for intimate dinners.
Address: 61-1, Jalan Bangkung, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 3:00pm – 11:00pm (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays), 12:00pm – 3:00pm, 5:00pm – 11:00pm (Fridays to Sundays)
Contact: +6017-265 0133
2. Dak Han Specialty Coffee
This small SS2 specialty coffee spot’s pretty new in the KL cafe scene but is already building a local following for its carefully crafted espresso, filter, and a handful of inventive coolers. Its space – minimal, low-key, and calming to a certain degree – invites you to linger longer, especially for a coffee stop or quiet catch-up with some pals.
Address: 25-1, First Floor, Jalan SS 2/30, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: 11:00am – 11:00pm (closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Contact: +6012-346 1849
3. The Great Chase
This Kuala Lumpur outpost of the award-winning Halal British restaurant from London serves British comfort plates with a modern spin. Think Sunday roast energy and beef-forward classics, complemented by unique starters like the Mackerel Yakitori and desserts like the Pengat Pisang Semifreddo. To round off your meal, try The Great Chase’s craft mocktails that are thoughtfully made.
Address: A4-G1-3A, Jalan Solaris Dutamas, Solaris Dutamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11:00am – 3:00pm, 5:00pm – 10:00pm (Wednesdays to Sundays), 5:00pm – 10:00pm (Tuesdays), closed on Mondays
Contact: +603-2739 3592
4. Gaia’s
Inspired by a grandmother’s kitchen in Northern Malaysia, this high-floor restaurant riffs on Southeast Asiana and Langkasuka flavours with theatrical fire-and-smoke cooking, serving up plates that read like modernised regional classics. At Gaia’s, every meal is a journey through cultures, and for us, it’s definitely worth reserving for a slightly more special night.
Address: Level 37, ILHAM Tower, 8, Jalan Binjai, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 6:00pm – 10:30p.m (closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Contact: +6012-600 0371
I @gaiaskl
5. Neo
A sister establishment to Gaia’s and located on the same tower level, this sky-high cocktail bar offers a borderless menu comprising handcrafted cocktails ingrained in nostalgia, with a majority of them inspired by childhood treats. We love the thoughtful storytelling that goes into each and every one of the cocktails, and there are also unique sips made with unused or leftover produce.
Address: Level 37, ILHAM Tower, 8, Jalan Binjai, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 6:00pm – 1:00am (closed on Sundays and Mondays)
6. Hideaway Cafe
This neighbourhood butter-cake and tea stalwart has moved from Section 17’s Happy Mansion to a new Taman Yarl home. Those visiting can expect to enjoy the cafe’s dependable, nostalgic buttery bakes in a homely, relaxed atmosphere. It’s surely a no-brainer choice for an afternoon tea stop or an after-dinner hangout spot.
Address: 59D, Jalan Awan Jawa, Taman Yarl, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11:00am – 7:00pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Contact: +6013-757 1237
7. Le Comptoir
Alila Bangsar has just relaunched its signature bar on the hotel’s 41st floor that’s ideal for a pre- or post-dinner sip. This intimate space extends handcrafted cocktails which are mostly citrus-led, featuring ingredients like yuzu, lime, and grapefruit. Here’s our recommendation: Visit just before sunset for an after-work wind down and sip your way as the sun descends.
Address: Level 41 at Alila Bangsar, 58, Jalan Ang Seng, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12:00pm – 4:00pm, 6:00pm – 10:00pm daily
Contact: +603-2268 3820
8. Tai Wong
A new Chinese Muslim restaurant operating within King’s Court TTDI, Tai Wong is family-run, serving approachable London-style crispy duck, dim sum influenced items, and other crowd pleasers like sang har mee. Pop by for lunch or dinner, and play a game of pickleball too while you’re at it.
Address: Lot 56165, Jalan Datuk Sulaiman, Kampung Sungai Penchala, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11:00am – 2:30pm, 5:00pm – 10:30pm daily
9. Sari Ratu Signature
Sari Ratu has been serving authentic Minangkabau flavours since 1982, so one can also expect its familiar nasi Padang repertoire at its new Damansara Heights branch. It’s a solid option for those craving bold, home-style Malay/Minang classics, with various types of vegetables and proteins cooked the proper Indonesian way.
Address: Republik, 1, Jalan Medan Setia 1, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 7:30am – 10:00pm daily
Contact: +6018-405 7784
10. TinyPockets
This petite dessert parlour spotlights tiny tarts, bite-sized pastries, and catering boxes that are great for parties and larger gatherings. If you’re planning to build a desert table at your event or just crave a concentrated sugar hit, look no further. While it is available for dine-ins, TinyPockets’ space is… well, pretty tiny, so just keep that in mind when visiting.
Address: 4, Jalan 5/101c, Cheras Business Centre, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10:30am – 6:30pm (Wednesdays to Fridays), 10:00am – 6:00pm (Saturdays and Sundays), closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Contact: +6011-5417 0816
11. The Neighbourhood Cafe
A new, cosy neighbourhood cafe (as its name suggests), this local spot offers comfort food like creative pastas and brunch options, including Beef con Carne, Cornflake Chicken Burger, Pan-Seared Chicken Chop, and more. The cafe also has camping-style outdoor seating that’s ideal for lunch hangs or late casual weekend lounging, since it shuts its doors at midnight.
Address: 19-G, Seksyen, 5, Jalan Wangsa Delima 5, Wangsa Maju, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12:00pm – 12:00am (closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: +6017-278 1204
12. Battered
KL’s notable fish and chips hype has now arrived in REXKL as a pop-up, brought to you by Hull-born brothers Charlie and Danny. There’s nothing quite like having thick, tender fillets of sea perch, fried up in a golden and crispy batter, and served alongside thick-cut chips, mushy peas, and tartar and curry sauce. Rumour has it that Battered’s pop-up will soon call REXKL its permanent home, so stay tuned.
Address: REXKL, 80, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12:oopm – 10pm (Thursdays to Sundays, closed from Mondays to Wednesdays)
13. One Brick Drop
A new bungalow-turned-eatery that’s taken over the space of the Laos embassy, One Brick Drop presents sunlit dining and modern, polished plates, including uni pasta, ikura pesto risotto, and other contemporary Japanese-leaning items. The stylish space is also poised to be a connective hub where food, design, culture, and craftsmanship naturally converge.
Address: 25, Jalan Damai, Kampung Datuk Keramat, 55000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11:00am – 10pm daily
Contact: +6019-385 0068
14. Fiel by Kays
Situated at the newly opened KLGCC Mall, Fiel (pronounced as “feel”) is a charcoal-focused modern grill house brought to you by the team at Kay’s Steak and Lobster. Expect to find open-kitchen grilling with steaks and seafood options as the main event, crafted with fire, heart, and soul. Besides the food, we particularly adore its dimly lit, stylish interior that sets the tone for a romantic or intimate night out.
Address: 3F-06, KLGCC Mall, 1, Jalan Bukit Kiara 1, Bukit Kiara, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12:00pm – 9:30pm daily
Contact: +603-2080 0840
15. Kotsu Kotsu
Meet Kotsu Kotsu – a Japanese patisserie dedicated to the delicate art of yōgashi (Western-influenced Japanese confections) and the tradition of omiyage (gift-giving). Helmed by Chefs Sasaki and Fukuda, the patisserie showcases airy roll cakes, fresh whole cakes, and other refined sweets made daily from the finest halal ingredients, each one a small act of craftsmanship wrapped in quiet elegance.
Address: No. 34-G, Jalan 24/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12:00pm – 11:00pm daily
Contact: +6012-411 2369
16. Fuwa Fuwa Social Club
Both a retail store and a bright, playful cafe, Fuwa Fuwa Social Club was brought to life by Malaysian fashion designer Cassey Gan. Those who drop by this colourful nook can indulge in matcha-based drinks and mini tiramisu bowls while perusing through adorable lifestyle goods that will certainly have you leaving in a better mood.
Address: 33, Jalan Bukit Desa 5, Taman Bukit Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11:00am – 6pm (closed on Sundays and Mondays)
17. Somewhere Slow Coffee
Operating inside Kedai KL, slow down and hit pause while you enjoy creative caffeinated beverages and leisurely savoury and sweet bites (like sourdough sandwiches and teh tarik tiramisu) at Somewhere Slow Coffee. It’s definitely worth stopping by after a quick browse at Kedai KL, or if you happen to be hanging around with friends in PJ on the weekends.
Address: 2-15, Level 2, Block B, Kedai KL, Mahsa Avenue, Jalan Ilmu, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm (closed on Mondays)
18. Manisan Dessert Club
Manisan Dessert Club has traded its cosy home-kitchen beginnings for a polished new space in Seksyen 17, marking a sweet new chapter. Known for its inventive creations that fuse French-inspired techniques with Malaysian flavours, the beloved patisserie continues to charm with seasonal dessert menus that are slated to change every now and again. It’s nothing but a delicious excuse to keep going back.
Address: 25-1, Jalan 17/56, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: 7:00pm – 11:00pm on Fridays to Sundays
Contact: +6012-215 4335
Explore last month’s Eat List here or head here for more food stories.