Best New Restaurants in KL 2023
KL’s 2023 was a non-stop line-up of new restaurant openings, from hidden gems to bustling bistros. While we sadly waved farewell to many kitchens, others quickly jumped in to take their place. Kuala Lumpur has much to offer, from plant-powered havens to sizzling carnivore-pleasing grills. How many of these Best New Restaurants in KL, 2023, have you tried? (Click on the title links for more contacts, menus, prices, addresses and more.)
Best New Restaurants in KL 2023
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 Gai @ M Resort: Darren Chin’s signature omelette is a decadent treat, a must-try that will have you bragging to your friends. The Pomelo salad is a revelation, the epitome of fresh and delicate flavours. The Tom Yum soup is so good it’ll ruin your taste for any other Tom Yum. The Red Rubies dessert is as stunning to the eyes as to the palate. Pair the spicy curries with Sake for a truly elevated experience, as recommended by the master himself.
Bref @ M Resort
Reasons to visit Mellow Wine & Dining Room – Natural Wine Bar in PJ: If you’re looking for reasons to visit Mellow, look no further than the Crisp Eggplant! It’s phenomenal; just try it and thank me later. Monica and I also loved the Milkfish, an elegant, mouthwatering and beautiful plate of food. We were delighted to learn that it is also the dish Chef Larry is most proud of on his menu. And rightly so. Not to mention the solid selection of natural wines and the chance to try them before committing to a full bottle.
Reasons to visit Paloma by Ascaro Padel & Social Club KL: fun social sports concept unique to KL; casual alfresco dining with generous portions and healthy, nutritious options for breakfast, lunch and dinner; great social and sports environment; good cocktails at affordable prices; good space for larger groups and events which can be customised to taste.
Reasons to visit Terra Dining, TTDI: innovative menu making Malaysian produce shine; exceptional service; attractive intimate setting; a complete dining and wining experience; fave courses were the tilapia, flatbread and duck breast.
Reasons to visit Ora Dining: fresh ingredients; creative European fusion flavours; modern spins on classic favourites; handmade pasta; extensive wine list; cosy and chic environment.
Reasons to visit Beast by The BIG Group: gorgeous and comfortable setting; sticky date pudding; we love the prawn cocktail, especially the budu mayo; beetroot & raspberry salad; amaebi & bresaola toast; great steak expertly prepared; value-for-money wine by the bottle.
Reasons to visit KUKI Japanese Vegan Restaurant: It’s elegant dining that leaves you full, happy and appreciative of the effort put into every element. There is a strong commitment but also a great deal of joy behind every dish, and the high standards and brilliant experimentation make this an excellent location to introduce newcomers to the flavourful possibilities of veganism. Everything is exceptional, and it’s well worth taking a little stroll down that garden path.
Reasons to visit Pyro Damansara Kim: interesting menu with well-balanced vegetarian and protein options; clever use of quality ingredients; an exciting and engaging experience in a subtle-but-stylish set-up with a front-row seat to the action; great for date nights and small groups; friendly and attentive service, with a warm welcome and the personal touch from the head chef; VIP rooms for 4 or 6 pax (can be combined into 1 for 10).
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.
Reasons to visit Caffe Sprouts: Try the Kabocha Gnocchi, a simple rustic dish that is incredibly moreish and flavourful. The surprise star for me was the Grilled Cabbage with anchovy sambal; who knew the humble cabbage could taste so incredible? It pairs very well with the lamb. As for those sweet highland potatoes, the gorgonzola ranch sauce is absolutely divine.
Reasons to visit MeatMore: Stunning SoHo-concept space in the heart of KL, with comfortable seating and great ambience; excellent cocktail menu and enthusiastic bar staff; incredible meat-forward menu with premium-grade international cuts; side dishes that would be the main attraction in many other restaurants; extensive wine and spirit menu.
Reasons to visit Savor Restaurant: fabulous, wholesome and delicious plant-based menu; a variety of western and local flavours; caffeine and alcohol-free; a pleasantly cheerful setting.
Reasons to visit Florentine La Bisteccheria: Authentic Italian menu throughout, from antipasti to carpaccio and pasta; high-quality beef options with a wide selection of steaks, cuts, sauces and sides; relaxed environment with a continental feel.
Bombay Talkies Vegan & Vegetarian
Reasons to visit Bombay Talkies: it’s new to the scene, but it knows what it’s doing. The food is impressive, and not simply because the menu is so extensive. There is a palpable knowledge and love for Indian culture that emanates from the kitchen and staff and makes the experience of visiting an enjoyable and incredibly satisfying one. Be sure to try the Paalak Chaat with some Bathura on the table as well. And if you find the menu and all of its many tempting choices too overwhelming, just begin at the beginning and keep coming back until you’ve worked your way through.
Reasons to visit Les Bouchons KL: the gorgeous setting; excellent service team; any of the items we sampled would make for a fantastic meal, but the Lobster Mac & Cheese is a must-order; thoughtful and exclusive wine list; set menu lunches during the week – RM68 for two courses and RM88 for three!
Reasons to visit Peaches and Cream KL: convenient location in Ampwalk with plentiful parking; we’re delighted to have this level of dining with an excellent wine and cocktail list elevating the experience; the prettiest of settings; great ambience for brunch or afternoon tea with the girls, a value-for-money family lunch, or romantic date night; and don’t forget that fabulous dessert trolley.
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 MAZI Greek Taverna KL: one of only a few restaurants serving Greek food in Kuala Lumpur; dedication to authentic, quality ingredients; compact but very well-chosen wine list; lovely green outlook; looking forward to Greek mokka pot coffee and ouzo in upcoming menus.
Reasons to visit Le Mirch: fantastic rooftop views; great cocktails; delicious Indian recipes presented beautifully; must try the Chaat Trolly; excellent location to bring guests; convenient location in the city centre with parking in the shopping mall, an easy walk from KLCC and the KLCC LRT station just downstairs.
Reasons to visit Trattoria Dacristian: simplicity of the food, generous portions, it is impossible to leave hungry. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, too, so all are welcome as part of this Italian “Famiglia”.
Reasons to visit Olea Kuala Lumpur: it’s rare to find Greek & Mediterranean food in KL; lovely fresh ingredient-driven dishes; a calm, pleasant space; well-chosen wine list; quality food that is both nutritious and delicious.
Reasons to visit Bean Brothers Espresso Bar: great coffee, cool location, an easy walk across the road from Pavilion.
Reasons to visit Ling Long KL: Every dish on Ling Long’s menu shows exceptional innovation; the rounds of amuse bouche alone justify you booking a table. The plates we were talking about many days later included the Uni, Duo of Foie Gras, Aged Duck and the Bird’s Nest Dessert.
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.
Reasons to visit Seed by Whitegrass: an omakase experience like no other in KL; exceptional service; choice of a five-course or eight-course menu; in excellent culinary company with their neighbours in Block E at The Five.
Reasons to visit Osteria Emilia: high-quality, authentic Italian cuisine and exclusive wine list; wide variety of dishes for sharing, grazing, and devouring; wood-fired pizzas and (soon-to-be) fresh handmade pasta; light and airy space in the heart of Mont Kiara.
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 visit Et Cetera Restaurant: Whether it’s a relaxed dinner date, a leisurely brunch with family and friends, or anything in between, the casual ambience and East-West fusion menu make Et Cetera an ideal choice. Grilled Oyster Mushrooms should be on every order!
Reasons to visit Seeds Origin at Plaza 33: Fresh and healthy meals made with wholesome, pesticide-free, and hormone-free ingredients; a variety of delicious breakfast options; a light and vibrant setting.
Reasons to visit Meathical: lobster degustation menu; a comprehensive ala carte menu featuring European staples at affordable prices, especially in the heart of KL; extensive, approachable wine list; personalisation options for private dinners and parties available; a great place to wind down after a long day at work, especially at its al fresco area where it’s never too hot in the evenings and you get to see life slowly pass you by.
Reasons to visit Solh Restaurant & Bar: beautiful alfresco space in Ampang; suitable for large groups and gatherings; outstanding Mediterranean and Maghrebi cuisine designed for sharing; creative craft cocktails, craft beer, and natural wine selection.
Taverna by The Tokyo Restaurant
Reasons to visit Taverna by The Tokyo Restaurant: A vibrant setting, welcoming staff, a well-chosen wine list including many natural wines, and mouth-watering food. Not to mention, desserts that will have you smiling.
Reasons to visit Fire and Slice KL: incredible handmade pizza with fresh, local and sustainable ingredients; unique and creative flavour combinations with generous toppings; great energy and a warm welcome from the chefs/owners.
Reasons to visit Kintsugi KL: beautifully designed interior, premium ingredients and a world-class experience.
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 Tap Room KL: Spacious and comfortable venue in a beautiful environment; genuine Malaysian-made craft beer; authentic, wood-fired Neapolitan pizza with classic and creative ingredients; generous portions and a good selection of tapas and sharing plates.
Reasons to visit Dodoo Kitchen: a chance to experience a different night out in the heart of KL’s food and drink scene. Step off the bustling Jalan Tun H.S. Lee and into a world of casual fine dining done right. The kitchen cares about offering the best in every dish, and this is impressively achieved – try the corn, risotto and dry-aged duck if you don’t believe me. The wine pairings are a great innovation at a great price. Find someone special, and have a lovely night out.
Reasons to visit Muska KL: Innovative Indian-inspired cuisine with unique dishes you’ll struggle to find elsewhere in KL; traditional and homemade recipes with modern and Western twists; generous portions, beautifully presented; excellent service; a comfortable spot for a laid-back meal, coffee, or cold beer.
Reasons to visit Good News Pizza KL: attractive, relaxed setting; selection of craft beer and wine to go with your meal; Mon’s top pick is the Quattro Formaggi pizza with a glass of rose wine, I enjoyed the pasta, and Rich loved the meatballs.
Newly Revamped or Located KL Kitchens
Revamped Southern Rock Seafood
Reasons to visit the Newly Revampted Southern Rock Seafood in Jalan Kemuja: the revamp looks fab!; try a variety of fresh oysters from around the world side-by-side for comparison; friendly service; creative and refreshing cocktails; massive seafood paella lunch with sangria on Sundays; go visit their stall at Tiffin at the Yard, too!
Reasons to visit Fritz: Elaborate cocktail menu with creative tweaks to classic recipes; excellent and friendly service; Anchovies on Toast is one of the best starters in the city; a rich, indulgent and well-balanced food menu with meat and seafood options; theatrical flambée dishes; a beautifully renovated restaurant for a luxe sky dining experience in KLCC.
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 Nadodi Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur: beautiful, stylish and sophisticated setting; incredibly delicious contemporary cuisine; fantastic service; must try the cocktail pairing; we love the semi-private booth by the window with a view of both KLCC park and the kitchen.
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 L’Atelier by Cilantro Restaurant & Wine Bar: classic French recipes executed exceptionally well; value-for-money wine-by-the-bottle list; an opportunity to try Cilantro minus the grand price tag.
Reasons to visit Corks Out Wine Bar TTDI: I’ll be back for those delicious little Pork Gyoza dumplings, and next time, I’m not sharing! As for the La Fauna De Lavina Tempranillo-Merlot 2021, I liked it so much that I bought a whole case to take home.
Reasons to visit alt Club KL: If you want a quirky but not over-the-top dining experience that explores how Malaysian flavours translate to a tapas-style soiree, but in a relaxed atmosphere where you can just while away the day with some really good bread, then alt Club KL is a good stop. Here you can reimagine and thoroughly savour what Malaysian flavours can be like in a setting that is unorthodoxly playful. Plus, they have a nice terrace that overlooks the city where you can grin like the Cheshire Cat looking out towards Changkat as the mala oil sinks in.
Reasons to visit Quin Restaurant at The Five KL: their new outdoor dining area embraces the greenery and light that abounds at The Five, with great space for larger groups or a more intimate gathering around some excellent food and wine. Don’t forget to pre-order the duck – it’s a superstar on a menu of many wonderful options, done so well by a professional and award-winning kitchen team.
I’m sure we’ve missed many – our tummies only have so much capacity. Kindly share what you think are the best new restaurants in KL 2023 in the comment box below.
Stay up-to-date on the latest happenings in KL’s food and beverage scene here and here.
Spoilt for choice, so many! I wouldn’t know where to start.
Cool places to eat there 😀