You don’t have to sacrifice comfort and good food when you’re a little tight on budget. Date nights can still be fun and satisfying for your tummy if you know where to look! Of course, restaurant and affordability preferences are very subjective, but we hope this list gives you an idea of where you can go.
We’ve kept the prices between RM100 to RM200 for each date night, but it also depends on what you order! As prices in restaurants change from time to time and may not include taxes, do allocate a buffer when planning your date night budget.
Happy dating!
1. Ramen Bar Shi Shi Do, Petaling Jaya
Date night estimate: RM130
If you love ramen and have never heard of Ramen Bar Shi Shi Do, it’s time you did! The design of their interior is made to look like the back alleys of Japan, so it may be a casual restaurant, but the ambience makes it totally date-worthy!
Of course, what’s a date at a ramen bar without ramen? We recommend the classic Ajitama Chashu Ramen (RM26) and a Tonkotsu Tsukemen (RM30) with any soup combination of your liking. For sides, Grilled Gyoza (RM20 for six) or Original Fried Garlic Chicken (RM22) are our personal favourites. Then, choose from a selection of alcoholic drinks (average RM25 to 27) or soft drinks to quench your thirst.
Only walk-ins are accepted, as Ramen Bar Shi Shi Do doesn’t take reservations — which is the only downside to this place. Do try to get here as early as possible, or you’ll have to wait in line for a seat. Waiting times are usually about 25 to 30 minutes, but because the food is good, it’s worth the wait!
Address: The Gasket Alley, 15-5 @, Jalan 13/6, Seksyen 13, 46200 Petaling Jaya
Operation hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 10pm; Closed on Mondays
2. Ole Ole Bali, multiple locations
Date night estimate: RM129
Escape the city and dive into Bali vibes while dining at Ole Ole Bali. The ambience and flavours here will transport you to Indonesia for the duration of your date! Start off with their ultra-refreshing Barley Lime (RM9) drink or a mocktail (RM17) of your choice. For starters, seafood lovers can go for the Balinese Squid Salad (RM25) or the Tipat Cantuk (RM23) for grilled chicken.
The Bali Trio (RM60) is an awesome sharing platter that acts as your main course, as you get to savour a combination of barbecued chicken wings, Sate Lilit, and fried goodies. It’s served with nasi kuning (rice with turmeric) and other dipping condiments.
End things on a sweet note with any of their desserts (from RM14 to 18)!
Address: See locations here; Bumbu Bali, Puchong; KafeBali in Puchong
Operation hours: Open daily, 11am to 9pm
3. Mori Kohi, Kuala Lumpur
Date night estimate: RM95
Mori Kohi is a green respite in the city, with its airy al fresco dining area surrounded by plants and vertical green walls. It’s the ideal place for a plant-loving couple — visit the adjoining plant shop, Midorie, after the date for some plant shopping!
The cafe serves comforting Japanese food, excellent for winding down after a long day. For a refreshing start, share the Cold Somen (RM15) or Salmon Chazuke (RM19), and get a side of Chicken Gyoza (RM16) or Takoyaki (RM19). Once you’re ready for something heartier, go for the Mori Signature Tendon (RM28) or the Chicken Karaage Curry Rice (RM23).
Tie it all up with ‘green’ drinks, like the Cold Brew Asebi (RM13) for something simple but filled with umami, or the Yuri Matcha Latte (RM16) for a fuller mouth-feel. If you still have room for dessert, go for it! Otherwise, you can end the night here, soaked in the bliss of Mori Kohi’s green surroundings.
Address: 11 Jalan Aman, Off Jalan Tun Razak, 55000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2300 1165
Operation hours: Wednesday to Monday, 10am to 10pm; Closed on Tuesdays
4. TTDI Meat Point, Kuala Lumpur
Date night estimate: RM200
Meat lovers! Looking for a steakhouse to enjoy quality meats at a decent price point? At TTDI Meat Point, you can pick your meat cut, done-ness, marination, two sides, and gravy of your choice. Then, everything is cooked to order for you. Best part? It’s halal! So our fellow Muslim friends can eat tanpa was-was.
Now, because we’re on a budget here, we’ll go with the Grain Fed Sirloin (RM79) and Grass Fed Ribeye (RM82). Remember, the prices on the meat cuts you’ve chosen include two sides. This leaves you just enough for a drink each. Budget, but you get quality steak!
Take a look at their menu here if you’d like to plan out your evening in detail. You can make reservations through their website, WhatsApp or by phone call.
Address: 62 Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6014 360 4040
Operation hours: Open daily, 11am to 11pm
5. La Risata Bar Pizzeria Ristorante, Kuala Lumpur
Date night estimate: RM180
Located in Ampang and Damansara, La Risata has been operating since 1996, serving authentic Italian dishes that whet the appetite. Choose from pizza, pasta, or seafood and meat mains, while pairing them with your favourite tipple!
For mains, let’s go with their house speciality Zuppa Di Pesce (half serving at RM38) for a seafood-rich meal, which entails prawns, squid, mussels, clams, and fish in a rich tomato sauce. Plus, we’ll also spoil ourselves with Agnello Alla Griglia (RM59), a grilled lamb tenderloin dish served with mashed chickpea and vegetable caponata.
We’ll then get a cocktail each (RM30 x 2) as well, leaving us with enough to choose between dessert, antipasto, or maybe both! You decide. All of that under or within RM200, and for good Italian fare!
Reservations can be made through La Risata’s website, and their menu is also available online for your browsing.
Address: 128 Jalan Kasah, Medan Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur; 16, Persiaran Ampang, Kuala Ampang, 55000 Kuala Lumpur
Operation hours: Damansara – Open daily, 12pm to 2:30 pm, 6:30pm to 10:30 pm; Ampang – Open daily, 11 am to 3pm, 6pm to 11 pm
6. JOLOKO, Kuala Lumpur
Date night estimate: RM205
This lively little area of Downtown Kuala Lumpur is great for date night! JOLOKO is hidden from unsuspecting passers-by but popular with regulars. It can get a little pricey here, but it’s a great place to experience Afro-Caribbean flavours, tipples, and ambience.
Cocktails range from RM38 to RM46, and for starters, you can begin with a crowd favourite, Chilaquiles (RM28) — a fun plate of nachos, cheese, runny egg, tomato sauce, and salsa verde. We love the Jamaican Jerk Chicken with Mango Relish (RM68), as it’s perfect for sharing between two, and the flavours really pop in your mouth. For sides, go for some greens like the Snake Bean Salad (RM25) or a Potato Salad (RM25).
We’re going slightly over budget here, but if you’re not going for cocktails or alcohol-based drinks, you can save a little more!
Address: 43 Jalan Kamunting, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6011 6426 2645
Operation hours: Monday to Thursday, 5pm to 10.30pm; Friday to Sunday, 12pm to 10.30pm
