Best restaurants in Kepong

Dewakan

★★ Michelin$$$$fine_dining, malaysian

Dewakan means “food from God”, and chef Darren Teoh crafts a heavenly dining experience that is Malaysian down to its very core. Every ingredient is locally sourced; even the dinnerware is handmade by local artists. The tasting menu features many items that are fermented or dry-aged in-house, alongside seasonal fruits and herbs. Stunningly located on the 48th floor, diners enjoy jaw-dropping city views.

🕐 Mo-Sa 18:00-23:30

Akar

★ Michelin$$$Malaysian, Contemporary

Informed by stints in Japan and France and paying homage to his culinary roots, Chef Low refashions European recipes with Japanese, French and Malaysian influences. His set menu takes diners on a culinary journey inspired by his personal history and memories. An array of cooking techniques is deployed to great effect, such as cooking in melted beeswax, dry aging, and searing in claypot. Elevate the experience with local rice wine and sake pairings.

Terra Dining

★ Michelin$$$Malaysian, Contemporary

Self-taught Chef Chong uses Malaysian produce to imbue his French-leaning 11-course tasting menu with local colour and flavour. His lobster bisque is made with smoky Tahal oil based on asam laksa; his beurre blanc incorporates a creamy curry with turmeric and coconut milk à la masak lemak. Equally inspiring, his curated tea pairings complement the food by flavour bridging. Ask the chef for the tea tasting notes.

DC. by Darren Chin

★ Michelin$$$$French Contemporary

Divided into bars and dining rooms, the three-story restaurant also sports a Louis XIII-themed private room. Diners can choose from the Omakase menu, seasonal menus and vegetarian options. Dishes range from modern classics, such as French roast chicken and freshly made pasta, to novel creations, all of which underscored by solid skills and quality international produce. Don’t miss the cheese trolley with 20 choices.

Molina

★ Michelin$$$$Innovative

Perched atop a skyscraper, the restaurant affords panoramic vistas of KL's skyline. Chef Sidney Schutte hails from the southern shores of the Netherlands. His menu is a delectable amalgam of French techniques, Nordic sensibility and Asian twists; seafood and vegetables are his strong suits. His dessert is the final bow, imparting depth and sweetness. With a menu spanning 3 hours, it's the perfect setup for a date.

Beta

★ Michelin$$$Malaysian, Contemporary

The theatrical dining room is quite stunning, and the chef adds drama to local favourites with modern techniques and meticulous plating. His "Tour of Malaysia" menu celebrates the breadth and depth of the country's culinary heritage – even more enjoyable with cocktail and wine pairings. Consider ordering the add-on abalone Lawas rice – creamy Sarawakian heirloom rice topped with abalone cubes, briny caviar and a dash of kaffir lime oil.

Chim by Chef Noom

★ Michelin$$$$Thai contemporary

Tucked inside an office building, this upmarket restaurant serves Thai dishes rooted in tradition but with creative twists and stylish plating. Chef Noom, who also owns Chim by Siam Wisdom, in Bangkok, devises two multicourse tasting menus that change every season. Quality ingredients from Japan are used in conjunction with local spices, fruit and vegetables. The Lost Recipe is a 200-year-old variation of tom yum with nicely balanced flavours.

Hing Kee Bakuteh (121 Jalan Kepong)

Bib Gourmand$Malaysian

Just as bak kut teh is Malaysia's iconic dish and soul food, this restaurant also has a place in the hearts of locals. It’s particularly popular for lunch. The bak kut teh soup has a characteristic mild flavour that’s well-balanced with a subtle use of herbs and light, sweet flavours. The dry, spicy version has a richer, thicker consistency. The four shop houses that line the boulevard offer plenty of seating and absorb the noise and energy of the street.

Hor Poh Cuisine

Bib Gourmand$Hakkanese

This simple shop has been selling authentic Hakkanese food in an unremarkable neighbourhood for over 20 years. The must-try Hor Poh lui cha is a sheeny green soup served with steamed rice. Made with ground sesame seeds, peanuts and mint leaves, the soup is nutty and aromatic. The Hor Poh dumpling with dried tofu, garlic and pickles enrobed in a thin skin is also popular. With a range of tasty offerings at bargain prices, this place is always busy.

Leen's

Bib Gourmand$$syrian

After delivering home-cooked meals during the pandemic, the Syrian chef opened his brick-and-mortar shop, and it quickly became a neighbourhood favourite. The heady aromas of freshly baked goods fill the space. Unmistakably Middle Eastern, the food is rife with bold colours and flavours. The smoked hummus infused with burnt chilli oil tastes mildly spicy and very smoky. Try the kebab khashkhash – lamb skewers in a sharp, spicy poppy seed sauce.

🕐 Mo-Fr 18:00-23:00; Sa,Su 12:00-15:00,18:00-23:00

Jalan Ipoh Claypot Chicken Rice

Bib Gourmand$Street Food

For over 30 years, this stall has been selling chicken rice cooked to order over charcoal in claypots. The dish comes with Cantonese pork sausage and ginger, and has a crispy crust at the bottom. You can add salted fish, which imparts extra aroma.

Gulainya

Bib Gourmand$$Peranakan

Plaza Damansara offers no end of dining options, but this Peranakan joint stands out with the owner’s family recipes that have been polished and updated. No-frills home-style dishes are made with the freshest local produce and the sauces are made by the owner himself. Try his creamy basil boneless chicken, boasting juicy, velvety meat in a creamy sauce loaded with fresh herbal notes. Alfresco dining on balmy nights.

Aliyaa

Bib Gourmand$$sri_lankan

Amid cute bars and eateries in Plaza Damansara stands Aliyaa, famous for authentic Sri Lankan dishes. On the menu, beef, mutton, chicken, seafood or veggies mingle with distinctive Sri Lankan spices to great effect. Besides the famous whole crab, also try the Negombo prawns in pineapple gravy; or Kuliyal, curry rice and tomato paste baked in banana leaf. Food is generally quite spicy, but the chef will gladly adjust the level of heat to your liking.

Nirwana

Bib Gourmand$$indian

Bangsar Village is home to numerous buzzy restaurants and shops. In this vibrant district, Nirwana attracts diners for its distinctive flavours – a selection of regional dishes for anyone seeking the authentic taste of India. Go for one of the set menus with rice and vegetable curry on banana leaves, which you can top up with your favourite sides (fish, chicken or lamb). The chicken biriyani boasts moist tender meat and balanced flavours.

🕐 10:00-02:00

Lama

Bib Gourmand$$Peranakan

The two-storey restaurant doubles as a museum to display the owner’s antique collection. The father-and-daughter team serves authentic Nyonya home-style dishes, many of which are meant to be shared. Try their pie tee, or crispy pastry cups filled with finely diced vegetables, fried onions and shrimps dressed in a homemade chilli sauce. With unlimited free refills, pandan lemongrass tea is the perfect drink to quench the heat of the food.

Sin Kiew Yee Shin Kee Beef Noodles

Bib Gourmand$noodle

What started as a humble food stall back in 1949 is now a household name, famous for its beef noodles in soup or dressed in an aromatic sauce. Choose between ribbon rice noodles, rice vermicelli and thin, bouncy Hakka noodles. In addition to the signature springy beef meatballs and sliced beef, the thickly sliced beef tripe is prized for its tender texture and rich flavours – all perfectly complemented by the home-made chilli sauce.

🕐 Th-Tu 10:30-16:30; We closed

MTR 1924

Bib Gourmand$indian

This international chain, which began almost 100 years ago, now has branches all over the world. This outpost has been a popular dining spot among the locals since 2017. Idli is a soft, fluffy steamed cake made out of fermented rice batter, paired with green chutney and lentil sambar. Masala dosa, or crispy crepe with potato curry, packs a real kick. Uddin vada, or black lentil fritter, is also a good choice. Check out the daily specials and mini meals for combos.

Lai Foong Lala Noodles

Bib Gourmand$noodle

What began as a street stall 10 years ago that shot to local fame now occupies two shop floors on the street corner. Red lanterns adorn the ceilings, and large photos cover the walls like wallpaper. Chinese vintage gadgets, like an abacus, decorate the interior. Lala means “clams” in Malay, and a bowl of flavoursome lala bihun with prawns is a must. The broth, meanwhile, is aromatic with Chinese yellow wine and ginger. Portions are generous.

🕐 Mo-Su 09:30-22:00

Nam Heong Chicken Rice (City Centre)

Bib Gourmand$chinese

Since 1938, this household name has been hugely popular among the locals for its famous Hainanese chicken rice. Two kinds of chicken are on offer – “veggie farm” chicken with leaner, firmer flesh and a free-range version with fattier, softer meat. Barbecue meats, such as roast pork belly that boasts crispy skin and alternate layers of fat and lean meat, are also bestsellers. Order crispy, juicy Ipoh bean sprouts to go with the rice.

🕐 Mo-Su 10:00-15:00

Anak Baba (Brickfields)

Bib Gourmand$Malaysian, Peranakan

Since 2018, this cosy little gem tucked inside the Little India has been serving authentic Southern Peranakan cuisine that melds Indo-Malay flavours with Chinese influences. The must-try nasi lemak with ayam goreng kunyit is the quintessential national comfort food – coconut milk lends a subtle sweetness to the rice, in stark contrast with the juicy fried chicken, fiery sambal and crisp water spinach.

🕐 Mo-Su 8:00-17:00

Sao Nam

Bib Gourmand$$vietnamese

With a yellow façade and colourful interior, Sao Nam ticks all the boxes for a fun-filled meal. The Vietnamese kitchen team deliver specialities from across their home country, including some showing strong French influences. Their iconic phở bò (beef noodle soup) packs a tasty punch and features a broth that takes over 10 hours to make. The mangosteen and prawn salad tantalises the taste buds with big flavours and contrasting textures.

🕐 12:30-14:30,19:30-22:30

Congkak (Bukit Bintang)

Bib Gourmand$$malaysian

Named after a traditional Malaysian game, Congkak is located in residential Jalan Beremi, not far from the city’s bustling central district. The restaurant is an expression of national pride and identity serving what visitors would deem as exotic, but are classics for locals. The most popular dish, the nasi ambeng platter, offers a multitude of textures and combinations of spicy, sweet and savoury flavours that go nicely with sambal. Different serving size is available to suit for your party size.

🕐 Mo-Fr 12:00-22:00; Sa,Su 12:00-23:00

Coast by Kayra

Bib Gourmand$$Indian

The sister establishment of Kayra stays true to its sea-to-plate ethos, and the turquoise accents in the décor are a nod to the ocean theme. The kitchen excels at reimagining the traditional dishes of Kerala in sophisticated ways. Quality seafood and produce are sourced locally to support small farms and fishermen. The must-try Kerala fish curry is based on a family recipe, with raw mango and yoghurt for acidity. Order naan to mop up the tangy sauce.

De. Wan 1958 (Taman U Thant)

Bib Gourmand$$$Malaysian

Sunny and cheerful like the local celebrity Chef Wan, the room is inviting and bustling. Similarly, the food is guaranteed to lift your spirits with big tropical flavours. Whet your appetite with pomelo salad with crispy prawn cheeks in kerabu lime dressing and a hint of fish sauce. For mains, go for bakar bakar, BBQ meat or seafood that comes with your choice of the chef’s mouth-watering sauces. Portion sizes are big enough for sharing.

Wong Mei Kee

Bib Gourmand$Street Food

Open for just a few hours a day, this stall attracts foodies in droves with its coveted siew yok – roast pork with crackling skin and succulent meat. Arrive early and wait for the pork to come out of the oven at noon sharp.

Ah Hei Bak Kut Teh

Bib Gourmand$Malaysian

This 30-year-old shop makes its own bak kut teh daily at 5 am with a blend of 16 Chinese herbs. The soup may look a bit on the dark side, but it boasts not only aromas and flavours, but also health benefits. In addition to the typical spareribs, you may choose other pork cuts, such as tripe, intestine or belly. Or, you may add mushrooms or deep-fried tofu skin to the health tonic served in claypot. Side dishes of fish or veggies are also good.

Roti by d'Tandoor

Bib Gourmand$$Indian

A North Indian brand, d'Tandoor opened in Malaysia in 1990 and has since spread to other countries around the world. Located in a residential area, they offer a hearty range of fine Indian cuisine, featuring a consummate blend of herbs and spices. Highlights include well-seasoned butter chicken masala and soft, chewy naan bread, while Kulfi ice-cream – available in a variety of flavours – adds a final flourish to the meal.

Nasi Ayam Hainan Chee Meng (Jalan Kelang Lama)

Bib Gourmand$chinese

This family-owned business has been a mainstay of the local dining scene since 1965 and is now run by the second and third generations. As its name suggests, it specialises in Hainan chicken rice – choose between the steamed and fried varieties. For solo diners, the set menu offers great value, with peanut soup, flavoursome rice cooked in chicken fat and stock, and your choice of chicken cuts. The other chicken dishes are also worth trying.

Foong Lian

Bib Gourmand$chinese, coffee_shop

A firm favourite with the locals, Foong Lian has been feeding hungry diners claypot rice cooked over charcoal since 1986. The experienced chef uses two kinds of rice and controls the heat meticulously so that every pot is perfect. Try the preserved meat option with pork and liver sausage that perfume the rice with flavourful grease or top up with chicken leg and salted fish. Soups and snacks like tofu skin roll are also recommended.

Hai Kah Lang (Taman Cheras)

Bib Gourmand$$Seafood

This place is always packed with customers craving seafood noodles. Only the freshest catch makes it to the table because the owner also runs a seafood stall nearby. Pick your favourite fish, shellfish or a combination of both. Then choose from the eight types of noodles and five types of soup bases on offer. If you find the menu hard to navigate, go for one of the popular combinations such as mixed seafood noodles or fish head noodle soup with milk.

Sek Yuen Restaurant

Bib Gourmand$$Cantonese

Chinese

La Suisse

$$European

Since their opening in 1992, husband-and-wife team Chef Mike Yap and Claudia have maintained alpine levels of excellence. Through their unwavering passion and hard work, they’ve created a restaurant with modern charms and old-fashioned styles that exudes genuine warmth – it’s like being invited into a family home for a meal. The heartwarming menu includes cheesy favourites like raclette and malakow, classic beef dishes and a veal that evokes waves of nostalgia.

Kuki

$$$Vegan

Bonsai, round windows and shoji doors set the charming Japanese-inspired scene. Similarly, the 5- and 8-course set menus are of Shojin ryori inspiration. The owner makes sure only the freshest ingredients make it onto the table, and seasoning is kept to a bare minimum. Try the Mizuna citrus salad that combines vegetables, fruit and seeds in a tangy dressing. Ganmodoki, or tofu fritter, is loaded with root vegetables, seaweed, edamame and mushrooms.

Vantador

$$$Steakhouse

Vantador’s vintage yet modern interiors are drenched in soft lighting. Aussie and Spanish beef is either dry-aged for up to 30 days in unsalted butter, or vacuum-sealed and wet-aged in its own juices for 14 days. Steaks are precisely grilled over charcoal and wood to desired doneness, striking a fine balance between smoky and full-bodied, meaty flavours. Non-steak dishes are also available, together with meticulously prepared desserts.

Gai by Darren Chin (Taman Tun Dr Ismail)

$$Thai

Gai (Thai for chicken) delivers tasty northern Thai food to the people of KL. The restaurant embodies the spirit of family and dishes are best shared for a group. Don’t miss Papa Suwit's tom saeb oxtail stew; a spicy-sour broth that boasts intense flavour from a mix of vegetables and herbs. The signature free-range chicken is grilled with a secret family recipe that emits a pleasant, chargrilled aroma. There are several seafood options too, including the flower crab.

Potager

$$$$french, diner

A Fukuoka native, the chef worked in Europe for years before opening this place – an oasis set in lush greenery outside the city centre. At dinner, the tasting menus include five or nine courses, meticulously crafted with classic French techniques and using local ingredients. With an array of harmonious textures, the corn dish is inspired by the chef's visit to Cameron Highlands, encapsulating his culinary vision and childhood memories.

🕐 We-Su 18:00-22:00

Bidou

$$$French

Unlike Dewakan that focuses on innovation, chef Darren Teoh opened Bidou to revisit the nouvelle cuisine movement. The 3- or 4-course set menu offers a choice of dishes, which may include threadfin and scallop mousse baked en croûte, in a nod to the recipe of culinary pioneer, Paul Bocuse. The pastry crust is shaped like a fish and a tangy Choron sauce complements the juicy flesh. Also check out the wine list with over 30 by-the-glass choices.

Jie

$$$Innovative

This local chef of Chaozhou descent, whose career boasts stints in upmarket kitchens, strives to break culinary boundaries at Jie. Her two 10-course tasting menus feature creative Chinese fare that often involves Western techniques and painstaking preparation. Free-range chicken soup with almond milk is slow-cooked for hours to build up layers of flavours; serrano ham adds extra depth. Book at least two days ahead.

Tanglin (Bukit Damansara)

$Malaysian

Founded in 1948, the family-owned Tanglin is now run by the second generation and the two-storey establishment is well known for its nasi lemak. This delicious family recipe is paired with either sotong (squid), daging (meat) or ayam goreng (fried chicken). Its fragrant rice has the right mix of coconut milk and its sambal tumis, the right level of spiciness. Whether dining in or taking away, the queues are long. Generous portions and prices that make sense.

Frangipaani

$$indian

The softly lit interior, outfitted in warm wood and tan leather, sets a rustic mood, while the terrace is relaxing and cosy. Since 2019, the kitchen team has been delivering tasty traditional cuisine, tweaked to suit local tastebuds. Go for the vegetarian samosa chaat and the tandoori specialities. The raan dum biriyani, or whole lamb leg cooked in basmati rice, is great for sharing.

🕐 11:30-15:00,18:00-23:00

Ling Long

$$$$Innovative

Born into a Chinese family of chefs and formally trained in Gallic cuisine, the head chef strives to add a French spin to Chinese gourmet classics. The tasting menu embodies his culinary vision – crispy duck is aged for seven days making it juicy and tender; the must-try botan ebi dressed in fermented Chinese tofu sauce is marvellously ingenious. The chef occasionally pops out of the kitchen to serve the food himself and chat with diners.

Kazu

$$$sushi

Formerly a sushi-ya, Kazu is now divided into two separate rooms with counter seats: one for serving edomae sushi omakase menus, the other for beef lovers offering multi-course kappo sets starring Miyazaki Wagyu. The chefs at the helm of each kitchen have decades of experience and both excel in enhancing the natural flavours of seasonal ingredients from Japan. Views of the Zen garden add to the serene vibe.

Jwala

$$$Indian

Named after the Sanskrit word for fire, Jwala is famous for chargrilled dishes and artisanal bread from its custom-built tandoori oven. Try their tandoori tiger prawns, puff pastry naan and gluten-free roti. On the menu, familiar ingredients like chicken and lamb chops rub shoulders with less common items such as croissant, cottage cheese and hamachi collar. Vegetarian diners will also find a substantial veggie lineup.

Seed

$$$$Innovative

Splashes of earthy colours and cool neutrals adorn the inviting space and the seats at the wave-shaped counter command a fascinating view of the open kitchen. Just like at its sibling, Whitegrass, in Singapore, the Japanese chef crafts a European lineup from Japanese produce and seasonings. Seafood dishes stand out in particular with creative twists and light seasoning. Crusty and airy, their focaccia is unmissable, especially with creamy whipped butter.

Dancing Fish

$$indonesian, malaysian

On the third floor of a shopping mall, Dancing Fish specialises in classic Malay-Indo flavours with a distinct local identity. The nicely fried namesake fish dish boasts tender flesh in crunchy batter. It comes in numerous versions, with different toppings, sambal and savoury sauces. In addition, they serve classic varied cuisine rooted in local culture, including whole fish cooked over coals, barbecue chicken, ribs and beef.

🕐 Mo-Su 11:30-22:00

Kayra

$$Indian

As the culinary heart of southwest India, and productive capital of peppers and spices since ancient times, Kerala has had a profound influence on the dishes here. Kayra builds on Kerala’s venerable traditions, serving contemporary recipes with a rich mix of spices – central to the cuisine's identity – and modern aesthetics. Beef features prominently here. Prices are reasonable and the industrial interior with brick design gives a modern and simple impression.

Dominic

$$$French Contemporary

From the blue façade and a terrace reminiscent of pavement cafes, to the oversized painting celebrating joie de vivre, the restaurant formerly known as 2OX transports diners to a Parisian bistro with its relaxed, convivial vibe. Helmed by Chef Dominic, the kitchen creates modern, sophisticated dishes that are deeply rooted in the French traditions. Most ingredients are imported from Europe; the artisanal cheeses are especially worth trying.

Limapulo

$malaysian

The restaurant has a rustic edge with vintage canteen-style furniture that evokes waves of nostalgia across a dimly lit venue. Limapulo (which means fifty in Malay), is managed by a team of Malaysian chefs. It’s best to choose plates for sharing and be sure to order the popular Nyonya laksa – a standout dish indeed. The signature sate has a special sauce homemade from star fruits and pineapple. Some menu items are only available on certain days.

🕐 Mo-Sa 11:30-15:00, 18:00-22:00

Sushi Taka

$$$$Japanese

Since 2016, this upmarket sushi-ya in a prestigious hotel has been prized for their authentic sushi made with the freshest and most seasonal fish flown in from Japan. The Japanese chef is specific about every detail, including the sushi rice from a town in Niigata. To experience his culinary vision in full glory, opt for the omakase menu with 10 nigiri sushi, appetisers and sashimi. Oenophiles should check out the well-curated sake list.

The Brasserie

$$$French Contemporary

The chef draws on his experience working with some of the biggest names across Europe and Asia to create modern French cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian influences. All dishes are as pleasing to the eye as to the palate. "Pithivier de Louise" with layers of beef, foie gras and chicken mousse in buttery flaky pastry is perfect for two. Alongside à la carte and vegetarian options, they serve a five- to seven-course tasting menu for the full experience.

Entier

$$$French Contemporary

The airy, minimalist room atop a sky-scraping hotel tower commands breathtaking cityscapes and is the epitome of casual elegance. The Japanese chef honed his skills in prestigious European kitchens before taking the helm here. The deftly crafted French menu sports subtle Japanese twists. Order à la carte dishes or go for the Chef's Degustation menu for dinner. Though the menu changes quarterly, the must-try beef, dry-aged in house, is a firm fixture.

Hide

$$$$Innovative

The entrance to Hide is tucked away in a secluded corner among some paintings. The interior has a trendy feel, with its U-shaped marble counter overlooking the open kitchen. The young head chef once worked in the US, and his season-driven tasting menu embodies the multicultural influences in Malaysian cuisine. Local produce and seafood are prominently used in dishes such as lobster mapo with Sichuan pepper oil, and puff pastry with kaya mousse.

🕐 18:00-22:00; Mo off

Shu

$$$Innovative

Chef Wong named the restaurant after his mother and revisits his Chinese roots and childhood food memories. The single tasting menu is inspired by Chinese diaspora cooking while featuring a new take on familiar flavours with seasonal produce and modern European techniques. His version of drunken prawn is raw akaebi marinated in Shaoxing wine, drizzled in umami-laden Huadiao beurre blanc and topped with ikura and tender squid cubes for added layers of texture.

Skillet

$$$European Contemporary

Skillet sports a wine cellar and a lounge for drinks before or after your meal. The tasteful venue is adorned in striking dried flower arrangements depicting the seasons, just like the season-driven menu which showcases exquisite dishes underpinned by solid European techniques and sometimes stars local ingredients. Try dried longan bread and ramson-flavoured angel hair pasta. The set lunch menu is a bargain.

Sushi Masa

$$$$Sushi

Following the success of his Edomae-style sushi restaurant in Tokyo, acclaimed chef Masakazu Ishibashi brings his expertise to KL. His unique approach to sushi, founded on a 200-year-old tradition, is presented as a beautiful multi-course meal prepared by his apprentice, Chef Yoshi. The omakase menus showcase creative twists on traditional dishes. The nigiri is made with high quality produce sourced straight from Japan, while the Botan Ebi with egg yolk sauce and caviar is packed with umami.

Marini's on 57

$$$italian

At this iconic rooftop venue, diners enjoy superb sunsets and panoramic cityscapes through floor to ceiling windows. Besides the à la carte menu, there are several tasting menus that offer a knockout selection of Italian dishes, featuring innovative elements, choice cuts of imported beef and artisan pasta. The intriguing tiramisu, which comes in a tin of caviar, is made with coffee caviar (rather than fish eggs!).

🕐 Mo-Th 19:00-23:00; Fr,Sa 18:30-24:00

Bōl

$$$Asian Contemporary

Having cooked together since they were young, Singaporean chef-owner and hotel designer, Kian Liew, and partner, Patrick, opened their brainchild in 2022 and have already earned the support of many regulars. Only set menus are available, including one that is entirely seasonal and one for vegans. The focus is on Nyonya style cuisine with Singaporean and Malaysian twists, using a healthy mix of herbs and spices to create a succulent range of flavours.

Nadodi

$$$$Innovative

Check out the spice table at the entrance for a preview of what's to come. Cosy and private, booth seats by the window command sweeping city views. Start with one of the magical concoctions mixed by the mixologists, followed by creative "nomadic" cuisine based on Southern Indian and Sri Lankan fare. The dinner set menu with 10-plus courses features different taste profiles and traditional snacks, best enjoyed with the alcoholic drink pairings.

Yun House

$$$Cantonese

Set under high ceilings, this remarkable dining room with nice views is a great choice for both casual and formal gatherings. A specialist in Cantonese cuisine, the chef has lived in Southeast Asia for many years. His concise menu is pork free with a quality selection of seafood and dim sum. Don’t miss the daily Inspirational Soup or fresh prawns simmered with glass noodles. Wrap up your meal with a crispy red bean pancake. The signature duck must be ordered in advance.

Marble 8

$$$Steakhouse

It takes a few lift rides to get to Marble 8, but as soon as you set foot in the dining room, you know it’s all worthwhile. The stunning skyline with the Twin Towers in the foreground is the perfect backdrop for a sumptuous meal featuring top-quality halal-certified Wagyu and Angus beef straight from Australia. Premium cuts are dry- or wet-aged for at least 21 days for deep flavours and tender texture, and then grilled to perfection.

Sushi Ori

$$$$Sushi

Tucked away from the main street, Sushi Ori is famous locally for its sushi sets and omakase. The eponymous Japanese chef has lived in Malaysia for over 10 years and opened this traditional restaurant in 2019. Seasonal ingredients are delivered from Japan three times a week. The sushi rice comes from Akita and contains a secret mix of vinegar. With only limited seats at the counter, book well in advance for the personalised omakase experience. Private rooms are also available.

Café Café

$$$French

Founded by two local chefs who plied their trade in France, Café Café is tucked away in a quiet part of the city. The interior, dripping in contemporary Parisian chic and traditional French grandeur, is ideal for a romantic dinner. The à la carte and set menus include classic dishes such as foie gras, escargots and duck confit. The carefully crafted food is perfectly poised between knockout texture and spot-on seasoning. The leg of duck confit has a crispy, delicious skin and succulent meat.

Elegant Inn

$$Cantonese

Since 2008, Elegant Inn has been feeding gourmets Cantonese classics, especially Hong Kong-style favourites. Eat in the traditionally decorated wood-rich interior, or dine al fresco on the balcony. At lunchtime, exquisite dim sum takes centre stage, a highlight being the deep-fried taro pouch. The eight-treasure stuffed chicken wing with a filling of bouncy shrimps and mushrooms boasts crispy skin and layered flavours. The double-boiled soups are not to be missed!

Shanghai Restaurant

$$$Shanghainese

In business since 1999, the restaurant was updated in 2021 and now sports a bright, modern interior. The veteran chef traditionally crafts Shanghainese classics, and his xiao long bao is a must-try – soupy pork filling enrobed in paper-thin, meticulously pleated skin. Stir-fried flat glass noodles with shredded pork and preserved vegetable boasts remarkable wok hei, and the salted potherb mustard greens impart briny umami.

Bar Kar

$$$$Japanese

Two chefs, who previously worked in Penang, opened this restaurant in 2023 specialising in house-aged meats and seafood cooked over a wood-fired grill. Diners are greeted by an arched entrance and a striking corridor lined with logs for the fire. The 18-seat arc-shaped counter with a view of the open kitchen is the best place to sit. Signatures include oysters cooked on the spot in flaming chicken fat in a flambadou, boasting rich, smoky aromas.

Tenmasa

$$$Tempura

Watch the chefs work their magic from the 10-seater counter but be sure to book in advance. The omakase menus include dishes ranging from appetisers to tempura and seasonal specials made with top-notch Japanese produce. Seafood and vegetables are lightly battered on the spot and deep fried in a blend of sesame and rice bran oil for an ethereal, crisp crust. The signature dish comprises fresh, sweet uni from Hokkaido on a tempura shiso leaf.

Wagyu Kappo Yoshida

$$$Japanese

Based on Kappo cuisine, chef Yoshida's philosophy aims to establish a bond between the diner and the chef. Veteran chef Hattori dons the role of culinary host by tailoring this omakase beef experience at the counter for 12 guests in an intimate setting. This satisfying feast for beef lovers uses different parts of premium Wagyu from Japan in each dish. There are seafood sets for non-beef eaters. The lunch set and à la carte menus are great value.

Li Yen

$$$Cantonese

Embroidered wall panelling, a semi-circular velvet banquette, and mirrors in bronze frames prime diners for a luxury dining experience. On the menu, classic Cantonese takes centre stage – think dim sum, honey-glazed BBQ Iberico pork, and roast goose. Also check out the chef’s recommendations on the first page, often featuring one hero ingredient prepared in a myriad of ways. Most items are available in different portion sizes.

Teochew Lao Er

$$Teochew

In 1984, Lao Er started out as a street stall. In 2011, the third generation opened a restaurant and established itself as a household name in Pudu district. Teochew classics are given a slight tweak to cater to the local palate. The signature dish, meat marinated in spiced soy, is a great hit – try the assorted platter. Teochew congee with pomfret, mackerel, and traditional kueh are also popular.

Cilantro

$$$French Contemporary

One of the city's favourite formal dining spots, Cilantro impresses with meticulous French fare that showcases first-rate Japanese ingredients. The food ranges from classic French to adventurous Japanese-French fusion. In addition to à la carte choices, the Japanese chef proposes various set menus and prix-fixes. Try his signature cold capellini with sauces and accompaniments that change with the seasons. They are open for lunch on Fridays only.

Atelier Binchotan

$$$Barbecue

The owner couple opened this culinary hotspot in 2020, serving meat, seafood and vegetables cooked over a binchotan grill. There are just 17 seats around the open kitchen, so all diners can watch the magic unfold. The short menu changes often, but signatures such as kaya toast stay on – the crispy grilled brioche is topped with kaya jam and shaved foie gras terrine. With oily pink flesh and lightly charred edges, the shima-aji is another must-try.

Malai Thai Cuisine

$$Thai

Thai

🕐 Mo-Su 12:00-22:00

Passage Thru' India

$$Indian

Indian