With a retro-themed café, and another that will transport you to Japan, as well as a club-bar-café in the heart of KL that offers great food alongside bumping beats, you just have to add these recommendations to your must-try list.
Picaro
Michelin-starred Chef Kim Hock Su unveils his latest venture – the loud, fun and exciting Picaro, which promises a kitchen party for everyone! Located inside Nam Hock Hotel, Picaro serves Spanish-inspired cuisine, and you can choose between six or nine courses in a chef selects special course menu playfully titled The Tease or The Feast. Signatures include the Duck Paté served with corn chips and the Crab Paella. The fun doesn’t stop at the food’s flavours however, as the party continues all night long with fun performances from the chefs and kitchen staff, along with good music and good drinks too. Picaro is currently booked out for November, so be sure to reserve well in advance so you don’t miss your spot at the kitchen party.
W namkokhotel.asia | I @picaro.kl
Lane 23
The latest nightlife hotspot located in The Exchange TRX, Lane 23 aims to redefine KL’s night life scene with its unique multi-concept approach that encompasses dining, drinking and dancing. Begin your dining journey at the Café Lounge, inspired by the listening bars of Tokyo and kitted out with Lane 23’s L-acoustics sound system. Bask in the curated music as you enjoy a lunch of globally-inspired eats or start your night out early with an evening meal before heading down to the club area to dance the night away.
W lanetwentythree.com | I @lane23.kl
Torito
A new addition to the dining options in Banyan Tree Hotel, Torito serves Nikkei food, a unique mix of Japanese and Peruvian flavours that breeds a cuisine style all on its own. Headed by Chef Ivan Casusol, the menu is inspired by the food and flavours of his hometown in Lima. Their signature dish is the Stone Ceviche, where the classic ceviche is served up on a sizzling stone and featuring fresh seafood cooked to perfection. Aside from the signature food and drinks, Torito is situated on Level 53 of Banyan Tree, giving you access to a great view too. Torito is open daily for lunch and dinner, and it’s still in the soft launch phase so reservations are recommended.
W banyantree.com | I @torito.kl
UP KL
If you find yourself in need of a chill night out with good music and good vibes, then UP KL is the place to be. Located in the first floor of shops at The Row, UP KL’s specialty lies in the extensive selection of natural wines ranging across whites, reds, oranges, rosés and sparkling natural wines, alongside craft beers, liquors and non-alcoholic sparkling teas for the sober ones. Pair your drinks with a selection of Turkish and Mediterranean dishes, including mezze platters, lahmacun, manti and varieties of kofte.
Sunnies
Fresh off their soft launch a couple of weeks ago, Sunnies is a retro brunch café in Mont Kiara that promises three things: good brunch, good coffee and good vibes. Opt for the eye-catching Duck on Toast which features thick slices of smoke duck on fluffy omelettes, or bite into the rich and hearty flavours of their shakshuka. For the sweet tooth, classic butter waffles await. But it’s not all just breakfast foods, as the Prawn Buttermilk Pasta or Truffle Mushroom Rigatoni will hit the spot for those who need something a little heartier. Wash it all down with their signature Brown Butter Coffee or a simple iced latte and brunch at Sunnies is sure to delight the palate.
Tanaair
Craving a taste of local Malaysian delights, but elevated to the next level? Then Tanaair, the latest concept store by the minds behind bröom artisan bakery, is the place for you. Serving traditional Malaysian food and flavours in a cosy kampung-inspired setting, Tanaair boasts a great place to hangout with delicious comfort food. Think nasi lemak, with a side of sambal udang, or classic rendang tok paired with pulut kuning. Finish off the meal with a sweet and icy cendol gula melaka. You can find Tanaair just down the street from the original bröom location in Taman Paramount.
W tanaair.com | I @kedaitanaair
Tomo Tomo
Take a step through the noren into Tomo Tomo and you’ll be instantly transported to the cozy and warm-toned cafés of Kyoto, Japan. Decked out in dark stained wood with big glass windows and plenty of warm lighting, Tomo Tomo serves Japanese food and desserts, croffles, matcha and house-roasted coffee. Serving a limited menu (for now), Tomo Tomo is nestled away within Parc Subang Ria, for eats with an extra side of sun, sky and greenery too.
W tomotomo.coffee | I @tomotomo.my
Ocean Ground
Bukit Jalil gets another café to call home in the form of Ocean Ground, a nautical-inspired, minimalist decorated café, complete with outdoor loungers and sail-like canopies so you can get some sun while sipping on an iced latte. Ocean Ground is freshly opened, and serve stellar coffee and a rotating daily list of cakes and pastries. Expect the menu to grow and improve over time, but even now they’re bringing a very welcoming and truly relaxing vibe to the Arked Esplanad area.
Liten Coffee
Coffee lovers in Gombak might be familiar with the name, but now Liten Coffee has moved into the heart of the city with their new (and larger) space on Jalan Wickham. The café shares its space with their roastery, and though they don’t serve food yet, you’ll be guaranteed a good and satisfying cup of joe. The open outdoor area also make for the perfect place to hang out with friends and chat the night away.
I @litencoffee.wickham and @litencoffee.roasters
Header image: Lane 23
Photos by the respective brands, unless otherwise credited.
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