Best Cafes in Kuala Lumpur 2023
The cafe scene in KL has grown tremendously in the past decade. We’re ever so grateful to have so many choices to get a quality cup of coffee in a never-ending supply of chic settings. Good food, kicks and good vibes. Here’s our list of the best cafes we visited in Kuala Lumpur in 2023.
Best Cafes in Kuala Lumpur 2023
Reasons to visit Red Beanbag Menara Mudajaya: families will adore this place with its mezzanine floor dedicated to children, inclusive of a play area and nursing room; café hoppers will find it equally enjoyable with its plentiful natural light and appealing setting; excellent coffee; the food is fresh, wholesome, delicious and simply yet attractively plated; must try the PB & J Pancakes, Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich, RBB Beef Burger and the Kantan Fizz.
Reasons to visit Du.Jour Dining & Cafe: Varied and regularly updated menu with traditional favourites, featuring homemade recipes and local ingredients, as well as classic signature dishes; generous portions, beautifully presented; friendly service; great ambience; excellent homemade pastry and bakery items.
Reasons to visit NOTA Cafe Restaurant in Kota Kemuning: what a find outside the city! Our Yum List trio were unanimously impressed by the decor and vibes of the place, which feel authentically relaxing and do a great job of showcasing the beautiful work of local artist Silo Ceramics. Mon cheered at the quality of the coffee, Rich annihilated the Rotisserie chicken dish, and Matt would happily turn vegetarian if Chef Jack made all of his meals from now on. Join the ever-growing crowd and enjoy this neighbourhood favourite.
Reason to have brunch at Gin Rik Sha in Damansara: another win for the KL brunch circuit with excellent coffees and juices, matched by delicious fresh food options. Every portion is a good size, and most dishes are fantastic for sharing with friends and family so that you can mix the flavours and sample more. The homemade elements add something special to the menu. Something great has started in Medan Damansara.
Reasons to visit Tapestry KL: this is a place that has established itself as a friendly and high-quality purveyor of modern food with local ingredients and a sense of its impact on the world. The bread and coffee are excellent, and it’s very impressive to find somewhere that actually offers so many vegetarian options without making it seem that you’re missing out on anything else. Tapestry KL is worth the visit.
Reasons to visit Dodoo X VCR Bakehouse: many options to quickly satisfy a craving for something sweet; innovative drink options (a drink like the Peach Oolong (RM15) off the ‘Something Special’ menu is worth a try); hip environment to refuel before heading back out to explore all that KL Chinatown has to offer.
Reasons to visit Seeds Origin KL: It’s salads in the city – hooray! If you’ve eaten your fill of pastries, fried food and menu items that might be rather devoid of plant ingredients, then this is a way to get back to healthy eating. It’s in a central location and ideal for the busy office crowd who want a rainbow on their plate. The chicken is especially notable, coming from such a happy place, and all of the menu items are fresh, healthy and affordable.
Reasons to visit Beirut Habibi: this is a place that manages to have both an upbeat and energetic vibe whilst also feeling completely relaxed and at ease. We noted how everyone in the open kitchen is just happily getting on with their jobs, and there seemed to be no stress in the air. The staff are reason alone to visit; they are a lovely group of committed people who enhance all of the incredibly delicious and fresh food with their excellent service. You really can’t go wrong with anything from the menu – only if you don’t order enough! Stay tuned for the September opening of a dinner menu, as well as their lovely upstairs space for cocktails and natural wines. We will see you there.
Reasons to visit Bean Brothers Espresso Bar: great coffee, cool location, an easy walk across the road from Pavilion.
Reasons to visit LaGula by The Hungry Tapir: incredibly attractive setting and incredibly delicious food; from coffee to cocktails, the drinks menu has any mood covered; must try the ‘Valmon’ and Cream Cheez Croissant, LaGula Big Brekkie and Wild Truffle Orzo.
Reasons to visit Bloom Restaurant + Bar: beautiful, green patio setting cooled by giant overhead fans; loads of plant-based options; fresh, tasty and reasonably priced food; don’t miss the yellow Thai curry and herbed nut roast.
Reason to visit Superluna: Superluna is a cafe that excels in providing quality coffees, flavourful food options and aesthetically pleasing presentations. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast, a vegetarian, or simply looking for a simple meal in a hip and welcoming atmosphere, Superluna is a destination worth visiting in Bangsar.
Reasons to try Superfine KL’s brunch menu in PJ: exceptional tacos, flavourful pasta, succulent hotcakes, tasty kombucha, excellent coffee, a lovely plant-lined patio, craft beer and a newly added selection of wine.
Reasons to visit Doux Doux by Chateau Dionne: exceptional soufflé and canelé (we dare say the best in Malaysia), a fine cup of coffee, friendly service, charming setting.
Reasons to visit Curio Dark: hidden location; unique dark surroundings; masterfully prepared specialty coffee; wide variety of filter coffee; excellent pies and cakes.
Reasons to visit Feeka at The Five: all-day breakfast, unique and classic dishes; just about everything made in-house from scratch; calming, friendly environment; good coffee; Mon loved the Yuzu Citron Kombucha and Coconut Yoghurt Granola Bowl; I was a big fan of the Housemade Almond Butter Toast and Corn and Kelp Soba.
Reasons to try The Bread Bar’s new dinner menu: friendly staff, chic interior, quality range of bread and pastries, scrumptious unique recipes that you won’t find anywhere else in the city, a luscious array of drinks and a very down-to-earth owner and chef.
Reasons to visit After One KL: The light-filled, green space that flows so naturally from one section to another feels like a unique experience for the heart of KL – modern, clean food with some good coffee as well. The plates burst with colour, which is always a great sign for those of us wanting to eat well in every sense of the word. Chef Denon and his team are working hard to establish a place to meet, eat and get a sense of retreat, which, after only a year of being open, they have achieved with impressive effect already.
What do you consider to be the best cafes in Kuala Lumpur for 2023? Leave us a comment below.
Find more cafes in Kuala Lumpur here and stay up-to-date on the latest happenings in KL’s food and beverage scene here and here.
excellent recommendation
Thanks, Ronny.