When you think of go-to areas for wining and dining without the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur’s (KL) City Centre, it’s hard not to think of a neighbourhood spot like Taman Tun Dr Ismail. Also affectionately known as Taman Tun or TTDI for short, the area is centrally lo-cated near the city and is a certified foodie haven.
While less bougie or upscale compared to KL, dining options here are abundant, which means parking may be scarce, but that shouldn’t be a deterring factor. After all, that’s what ride-hailing apps are for anyway, so be sure to make your way to these tried and tested din-ing options over at TTDI. We promise you’re in a for a treat.
1. Aposto
Love everything pasta, meats, and sweet Italian treats? Look no further than the modern in-terpretations of Italian classics over at Aposto — helmed by chef-patron Chu Wei Sin, for-merly of Babe Gastro fame.
The restaurant operates an evening-only service with a romantic ambience without ostracis-ing those seeking a more casual vibe. The menu (developed with communal dining in mind) presents small sharing plates with a respectable wine list, craft drinks, and other go-to beverages.
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Address: 38 Lorong Rahim Kajai 14, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpuer
Contact: +6010 282 4990
2. Vin’s Restaurant
Another Italian bistro to make our list of gastronomical adventures is Vin’s. Having been around for yonks, Vin’s is an institution and Italian restaurant that proudly uses local prod-ucts from different locations all over Malaysia, its talented chefs will astound you with their presentation of Calamari All’Uovo, Sicilian Smoked Duck, and Lamb Pizza.
The ambience is perfect for any occasion, including a romantic dinner with your date, a small gathering with family members, or even if you’re looking for a quick lunch with coworkers.
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Address: 6 Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 1, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6012 200 2119
3. Ficus Bistro
Hankering for some standard western cafe fare and then some? Ficus Bistro is where you ought to be making a beeline. Think truffle fries, pasta, and burgers, joined by a smattering of Asian specialities like Japanese gyu don, Indonesian sup buntut, and a trio of baos. And with a name like Ficus Bistro, you couldn’t ask for more than a corner shop at TTDI with an almost minimalist white and green aesthetic.
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Address: 36 Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad 1, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 KL
Contact: +603 7733 4887
4. Dotty’s TTDI
A quaint little cafe, Dotty’s burst into the food scene a few years back and quickly became the talk of the town, thanks to its pretty interior and hearty western-style menu. Of course, nothing makes a cafe poppin’ as much as freshly baked pastries. Let’s not forget that their ever-popular salted egg cronut reigned supreme when the salted egg craze hit a few years ago.
These days, it remains a popular place for breakfast, brunch, or any meal for that matter, and has since opened several other outlets in KL. Though Dotty’s over at TTDI will always be the OG and a fan favourite.
Address: 20-G, Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad 2, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, 60000 KL
Contact: +603 7733 4233
5. Full Plate
Want another quick draw in your TTDI brunch food quiver? Adding its interpretation of brunch to the cafe-peppered neighbourhood is Full Plate, a cafe/bistro that comes with a menu that fuses Western and Asian influences.
From pasta to donburi alongside a selection of coffee, tea, and colourful mocktails, you’ll un-likely to want a fuller plate! Occupying the upper-floor of a corner lot, the bright unit is char-acterised by the industrial aesthetic with bare concrete walls and wide windows that over-look the streets.
Address: 96A Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 7732 4333
6. Topshelf
Tucked away in a quieter part of TTDI lies a modern cafe serving delicious French fare. More contemporary than classic, Top Shelf is fit for a casual date or a chill hangout, with its indus-trial-styled decor complete with quirky paintings and an open kitchen.
Highlights include Dry-Aged Duck Breast, Beef Bourguignon, and Moules Mariniere (a French mussels stew). Those looking to live on the slightly wilder side will also be glad to know that fresh oysters are air-flown weekly from Ireland.
Address: 61 Lorong Rahim Kajai 13, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6011 6177 7277
7. Brasserie Léon
Equal parts casual and elegant, Brasserie Léon’s offerings never disappoint. Located inside the luxurious Greens Terrace condo, this eating venue was modelled after French brasseries known for simple, inexpensive single dishes, for that fuss-free environs that focuses on the classic steak-frites.
The floor-to-ceiling windows achieve that, and with plenty of sunlight streaming in, it’s a warm and cosy setting to enjoy the classic French fare the likes of their Signature Steaks served with secret sauce, Melted Raclette Cheese, Baked Shell-Less Escargots, and Beef Tar-tare. Do look out for their daily specials scrawled out on the board. We love coming here on Mondays for the amazing deal on escargots. Oh, and kids eat free too!
Address: Greens Terrace, 1-1, Jalan Wan Kadir 3, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lum-pur
Contact: +603 2712 4481
8. Peko Peko
Not much for European delights? Well, dear reader, you will be glad to hear that TTDI is also home to Peko Peko, a restaurant that serves Japanese eats. Also housed within Greens Ter-race, the establishment offers all things poke bowls, sashimi, and sushi.
All of these naturally pair well with sake, and as luck would have it, Peko Peko happens to boast of one of the largest sake selections in Malaysia. Look out for their sake of the month, usually announced on their socials, for a deal and a smooth sipping experience.
Address: Greens Terrace, 1-2, Jalan Wan Kadir 3, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lum-pur
Contact: +6013 627 8895
9. Sachi Dining
Offering modern kaiseki to a maximum of 10 guests every evening, Sachi is perhaps one of the latest in the string of Japanese restaurants that have popped up since the easing of re-strictions.
Sachi Dining is helmed by Chef Akira Sono, who has previously worked at the illustrious Shangri-La Singapore’s Nami and was also part of Sushi Oribe’s launching team. The menu changes regularly, depending on the seasonal produce and available ingredients, but unlike regular omakase dining, it stays consistent for a while.
Address: 14 Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 1, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6011 2374 3521
10. Aburii
Craving for more Japanese chow to supplement the still-pretty-restricted travels? Just around the corner is Aburii, offering sushi, yakiniku, and contemporary omakase. The hip new spot features an all-black exterior with two neon-lit samurai foxes at the entrance, mak-ing it hard to miss if you’re in the area.
The katana-armed foxes reappear on a poster inside the modern space, alongside Bored Apes plastered on the walls. There are yakiniku rooms for fans of grilled dishes and a sashimi bar for those who prefer sushi. And, of course, for those willing to surrender to the chef’s choice, omakase experiences are available too.
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Address: 5 Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 7, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 KL
Contact: +6010 910 0267
11. Gesuto
Need a bit more char for your Japanese appetites? Gesuto serves contemporary robatayaki — a Japanese barbecue carried out over a wide pit. Lunchtime fare ranges from one-bowl meals to bento boxes with the traditional miso soup, steamed rice, side salad, and fruits.
Dinner, on the other hand, sees over two dozen a la carte specialities that are sure to delight. Some crowd favourites include the truffle pappardelle topped with Japanese egg yolk, octo-pus with Ponzu lime butter, and sous-vide duck breast with star anise.
To make it simple, Guseto even has a Robata Tasting Menu (RM148) for you to sample the best they offer!
Click here for reservations.
Address: 24 Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 1, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6012 773 2070
12. Oh Cha Matcha
Not content resting on their laurels after establishing a coffee empire in Bandar Sunway with Garage51 and Coffee Sociétè, Choong Kar Heng and Choong Kar Wai move to conquer matcha too. Unlike in Japan, where matcha is a ceremonial beverage, the average Malaysian consumer sees it as an everyday drink or health supplement. The brothers Choong make it all the more fun and relevant to Malaysian palettes too. Oh Cha Matcha‘s brightly coloured offerings are a case in point, topping off your hearty meals with a dash of whimsy.
Address: 130 Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 7732 0397
13. Foo Foo Fine Desserts
The dessert joint needs no introduction to those with a sweet tooth wandering the streets of Petaling Jaya and KL. But for the sake of posterity, let it be said that Foo Foo Fine Desserts truly embodies its namesake, more specifically, the words ‘fine desserts’.
Whilst they may have courted controversy in the past with one particular customer com-plaint (easily searchable if you’re interested, but irrelevant), the fine owners have reacted with dignity and class, putting the focus where it should be — on the delectable desserts served.
Aside from the classics of pavlovas and profiteroles, European delights mingle with oriental flavours at Foo Foo’s, bringing life to contemporary favourites such as Apple Strudel with Black Pepper Mango Ice Cream and White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Osmanthus-Lemon Stewed Pear. Simply delightful!
Address: 64A Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2389 3155
