If you haven’t yet been to The Five, tucked inside the old Kompleks Pejabat Damansara (KPD) area, you’re missing out on one of Kuala Lumpur’s best lifestyle hubs. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t scream for attention but rewards those who wander in. Whether you’re here for coffee, a proper meal, or a slow afternoon with a book, The Five makes it easy to stay a little longer than planned.
Here’s a straightforward guide to what you can do, eat, and explore at The Five in Damansara.
First off, what is The Five?
The Five is a commercial development built around an old office block in Damansara Heights. The architecture blends sleek, modern glass buildings with open courtyards, lush greenery, and a chill, walkable layout. Think upscale but unpretentious—a quiet contrast to malls and noisy cafes. It’s popular with the after-work crowd, creatives on coffee breaks, and foodies chasing KL’s latest bites.
Now, let’s get into the good stuff.
Things to do at The Five
1. Grab coffee and chill (or work)
If you’re a café-hopper or, like me, a remote worker, The Five has some excellent options:
- Artisan Roast: A household name among KL coffee lovers, they serve strong brews, great cold brews, and solid pastries. The vibe is no-frills, perfect for reading or work.
- Nourish by Kenny Hills Bakers: Sleek, slightly more upscale, with good coffee and their signature bakery treats. Best known for their almond croissants and quiches.
Most cafes here offer both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can park yourself under a tree and let the hours drift by. It’s a far cry from the chaotic pace of Bukit Bintang or Mont Kiara.
2. Attend events or pop-ups
From weekend markets to art showcases, The Five occasionally hosts events in its open-air courtyard or pop-up spaces. These range from plant markets to vinyl fairs and even yoga sessions. It’s where you’ll stumble into a kombucha-tasting booth or a small jazz gig. Follow their Instagram (@thefivekpd) to keep tabs on what’s coming up.
3. Walk and browse
The design of The Five makes walking a pleasure – wide walkways, lots of greenery, and no traffic noise. If you’re not feeling for a full meal, opt for something lighter at any one of the available snack-ish outlets.
- Paolo Paolo: This is one artisanal gelato brand you cannot miss. Paolo Paolo Gelato has set the bar high with its unique flavours, and those who love bread will love the brand’s milk bun toasties.
- All About Chew: Craving something even sweeter than gelato? Pick up some warm, delicious cookies from All About Chew. Better yet, bring some home.
4. Plan a dinner date or drinks night
At night, The Five turns into a buzzing but low-key dinner spot. The restaurants get busy –especially on weekends – but the vibe stays intimate. It’s a great place for a first date,dinner with friends, or a solo glass of wine with your book.
What to eat at The Five
Let’s be honest—the food scene is what makes The Five stand out. The quality is consistently good, from Japanese to Italian and modern Malaysian, and the options are well-curated. Here are the must-tries:
1. Pizza Mansion
If you’re craving Italian and pizza specifically, this is the place. Pizza Mansion’s outlet at The Five is a seriously cool place to chill and eat. They nail the classics without trying too hard. Think perfect doughs, mac n cheese, and generous portions. Must-try: Jamaican Me Crazy and Butter Clam Pasta.
Pssst, they serve one of the better tiramisus in KL. Get it even if you’re full.
2. Kazu
This upscale Japanese restaurant is all about fresh seafood and minimalist presentation.The menu focuses on three experiences: omakase, kappo cuisine, and a chic whisky bar.
It’s not cheap, but worth it for a special night out or if you really love good sushi.
3. Oolam
Craving for the best of our region’s flavours? Check out Oolam, where the dining experience focuses on traditional recipes and regional cooking techniques. This relatively new addition to The Five is a speakeasy-style dining experience with a modern Southeast Asian menu.
Book ahead—this place gets packed, and the seats are limited.
4. Qra Foods
This combo spot is half gourmet grocer, half casual eatery. You can shop for organic veggies and kombucha, then sit down for a rice bowl or sourdough sandwich. Great for a light lunch or when you want something quick but still good. If you want juicy meats, this outlet at The Five offers deep-fried bagels, hot dogs, and more.
5. Quin
Quin is the go-to in the area if you’re craving French food. The menu offers modern representations of French classics but with a ‘less is more’ concept, and Quin, short for quintet, is definitely the place you’ll want to linger with loved ones long after dinner. We couldn’t get enough of their Steak Frites – perfection.
The Five isn’t trying to be everything to everyone, and that’s part of the charm. It’s not as flashy as Pavilion or as packed as TTDI on a Saturday, but has its own aura. The curation is well thought out, the food is solid, and the vibe is that rare mix of polished but relaxed: no rush, no noise, and no hype, just a big space to enjoy the moment.
Bring a book. Bring a date. Bring your appetite.
