As we prepare for the year-end and usher in yet another new year, Kuala Lumpur (KL) is seeing the opening of new eating joints and Instagram-worthy cafes pop up like mushrooms. This is great to see because many locals have had to say goodbye to some of their favourite places due to the effects of lockdown.
As rules ease and things return to somewhat normal, we’re seeing new places foodies can explore. Our curated guide of new restaurants in KL includes various cuisines — from Asian fusion and Western bites to decadent desserts that will have you coming back for more. This list has something for everyone, so check them out before the crowd builds.
1. Raw Kitchen Hall, Else Retreats Kuala Lumpur
Raw Kitchen Hall is an extension of its sister brand, Raw Kitchen Bar, in Singapore. This modern eatery is inspired by the Latin-Asian concept and brings comfort food in a luxurious space. Tucked inside Else Kuala Lumpur boutique hotel, Raw Kitchen Hall offers an array of starter plates to share.
Some of them include tuna tartare, prawn toasties, and pad kra pao croquettes, guaranteed to satisfy your tastebuds. As for mains, try their Crab Meat Tagliatelle with the Warung Wagyu Beef Brisket — we promise you won’t be disappointed. Raw Kitchen Hall prides itself on creating dishes for sharing so you can bring along your family and friends for a delicious meal.
Address: Else Retreats Kuala Lumpur, Ground Floor, 145 Jalan Tun H S Lee, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6014 2672887
2. Burger and Lobster, KLCC
Great news for those who have been hankering to try Burger and Lobster but didn’t want to make a trip up to Genting Highlands — it’s now opened a second outlet in KLCC! This famous London-born dining spot features signature lobster rolls and burgers: The Mayfair Burger, The Original Lobster roll, and The Original Lobster.
If you’re looking for something fancier, we recommend the B&L Burger, which combines rich, succulent lobster meat and delicious beef slices drizzled with tarragon and truffle sauce. While you’re there, check out the outlet-exclusive Lobster Laksa, with Canadian lobster braised in a coconut broth topped with herbs, laksa noodles, and fried bean curd.
Address: Lot G46, Ground Floor, Suria KLCC, 50088 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2707 5932
3. Pokok, Lalaport Bukit Bintang
If you have yet to get a chance to visit Pokok at MAHSA Avenue in Petaling Jaya, fret not! You can now head over to Lalaport Bukit Bintang to taste their menu. Step into a vast plant haven and soak in the industrial-meets-tropical interior. Located on Lalaport’s rooftop garden, customers can expect beautiful natural lighting seeping into the cafe, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows.
The restaurant serves a variety of Western and Asian favourites, including Aglio olio, avocado toast, and nasi lemak; we hear the salmon salad is pretty good too. Sweet tooths, don’t pass up the chance to check out their pastries and desserts, especially their pavlova!
Address: Lalaport BBCC, Lot L4-04C, Level 4 Mitsui Shopping Park, Jalan Hang Tuah, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6016 406 5218
4. Kenny Hills Bistro, Fours Seasons Place
Local bakery chain, Kenny Hills Bakers has opened its first casual contemporary bistro in the heart of KL and is located within the exclusive Shoppes at Four Seasons Place. Kenny Hills Bistro comprises a bar, an al fresco dining area facing the Petronas Twin Towers, and a spacious dining room with a clear view of the kitchen. With such a setup, it’s truly a perfect place to share a meal or drink with loved ones.
Unlike its sister outlets, the bistro’s menu offers a more European-inspired fare. Sample their Spinach & Ricotta-filled Tortellini with soft egg yolk, brown butter, and ricotta salata. Other options include charred Basque-style Spanish octopus, seared-scallop ceviche, and beef wellington.
Address: Shoppes at Four Seasons Place, G-07 (B), Ground Floor, 145, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6017 230 8081
5. Nippori Cafe, Publika
Foodies will be familiar with Nippori Cafe and dance joyfully to the opening of their second outlet in Publika Shopping Gallery. Known for its warm and cosy ambience, Nippori has loyal fans who keep coming back for their delicious home-cooked-style Japanese food.
Order their signature smoked duck thin-crust pizza topped with sliced onion, cheese cube, and Japanese mayonnaise. Or indulge in the spicy Korean spaghetti using Korean miso paste cooked with premium Wagyu beef and topped with a sunny side up. For set lovers, try their Nippori home-cooked bundle with soup, pickled chawanmushi, and salmon sushi.
Address: Lot 58, Level G2, Publika Shopping Gallery, 1, Jalan Dutamas 1, Solaris Dutamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 6413 9953
6. Commons KL, Bukit Bintang
Commons KL is a new food haven home to a handful of cafes and restaurants such as Thai seafood AoDeeDee, Morning Wood, and Morning Wood, which serves specially brewed coffee, ranging from Spanish lattes to Okinawan black sugar lattes.
Pots and Trays may look like a plant nursery, but it doubles as a restaurant. To find it, you must look for the greenest spot in the modern hub, contrasted against warm wooden walls, and you’ll meet the entrance. The best part of Commons KL is that the outdoor seating is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring along your fur babies!
Address: 55, Bukit Bintang St, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2148 3651
7. A Little Bud, Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI)
A Little Bud had its humble beginning as a little florist shop but has now blossomed into one of TTDI’s most trendy cafes. Worry not, though, as they still sell flowers. As you step into the cafe/florist shop, you’ll be greeted by a Balinese-style cosy space decorated in pastel-coloured flowers and rustic rattan furniture.
The menu features aromatic coffee, artisanal fruit teas, home-baked pies, homemade cakes, and pastries by independent bakers, with more savoury options coming soon, so stay tuned.
Address: 24 Persiaran Zaaba, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6012 322 2703
8. Last Project, Bangsar
If you’re looking for quick Japanese bites, head to the Last Project in Bangsar. It is a pork-free eatery and bar serving delicious hand rolls, yakitori, and alcoholic drinks. Take a pick from their range of comfort food, including maki rolls, kushiyaki, rice bowls, and other sharing plates. The most popular and exquisite Wagyu Off Cut roll is loved by many, and you can opt to pair it with an ice-cold mug of beer or even wine.
Address: 11-B1, Lorong Kurau, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6017 527 7285
9. Little Tee Cakes, Bangsar
Little Tee Cakes may sound very familiar, especially if you’ve ordered some of their sweet treats on Eat Cake Today. Now, you can finally visit their standalone store, which is both whimsical and pretty! Step into a candy store-meets-ice cream parlour and take all the fun pictures you need for your Instagram!
Little Tee Cakes’ signature Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookie Cake and Chocolate Nutella Cake are true favourites for many dessert lovers. Besides that, you can also try their strawberry shortcakes, taro cakes, scones, and tarts, to name a few. Remember to order a side of coffee with your dessert and enjoy the sugar rush!
Address: 5 Jalan Bangsar Utama 3, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6012 242 5669
10. Piccadilly Cafe
Recently opened near Masjid Jamek LRT in Downtown KL, Piccadilly Cafe aims to unleash your imagination with breathtaking exposed brick walls, beautiful arches, wooden furnishings, and mostly by elevating traditional cuisines to novel yet sophisticated meals.
Indulge in the carefully crafted menu for breakfast, lunch, tea, and dinner; taste a wide selection of pasta specially prepared by a Chef de Cuisine who has more than 20 years of experience in the western food industry. Stop by for the ‘gram, and stay for the fantastic food, coffee, and desserts.
Address: 62 & 64, Jalan Tun Perak, City Centre, 50500 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2022 1102
