Fritz Sunday Lunch Seabass Wellington

Stephen’s Top Five Yum List Picks for 2024

Stephen Top Five Yum List Picks for 2024

Over the past two years as a contributing writer for The Yum List, I’ve had the privilege of visiting and experiencing a vast and diverse range of food, beverage and hospitality venues. It has been a wonderful experience to work alongside incredibly talented photographers and videographers, to capture the essence of each establishment and to share the infectious passion of the chefs and restaurateurs who make Kuala Lumpur’s food scene so vibrant and renowned for its quality and diversity. Narrowing down a year’s worth of extraordinary experiences to just five favourites is a daunting task. However, here, in no particular order, are my top five picks from an incredible year with The Yum List.

Stephen Reid’s Top Five 2024

Fritz – French Brasserie KL, Troika Sky Dining

Fritz was a personal favourite of mine for many years before I visited with The Yum List to write about their monthly Sunday Brunch. From the moment you arrive, you are enveloped in the warmth of familiar, friendly service, a hallmark of the Troika Sky Dining experience. The elegant ambience, enhanced by stunning city views, sets the stage for Chef Chris Bauer’s creative elevated Brasserie style menu; whether you’re in the mood for a classic Steak au Poivre or a Gourmet Burger, the quality and preparation of the food is always fantastic and surprisingly good value. 

Fritz Sunday Lunch
Fritz – Troika Sky Dining – Stephen’s Top Five

Potager KL – French Fine Dining Restaurant – Bamboo Hills Kuala Lumpur

Potager in Bamboo Hills KL offers an exquisite French fine-dining experience in a stunning, nature-inspired setting. Chef Masashi Horiuchi’s meticulous approach shines through in his menu, which changes twice a year and highlights exceptional local ingredients with both French and Japanese influences. The serene ambience, impressive wine selection curated by Group Sommelier Dennis Chong, and the dedicated, passionate staff all contribute to a truly luxurious and memorable meal that feels both indulgent and rejuvenating.

Potager KL Bamboo Hills Stephen's top five
Potager – Bamboo Hills

Upper House KL – Rooftop Bar & Restaurant Chinatown KL

Upper House KL offers a fresh take on Chinatown dining with stunning rooftop views of the Merdeka 118 tower. This new venture from the KARLS group delivers a casual yet stylish experience, featuring a pork-free menu inspired by Petaling Street market favourites, reimagined with modern flair. With its unbeatable views, delicious food, and vibrant atmosphere, Upper House KL is a new must-visit for a memorable night out. Their festive season collaboration with Möet & Chandon was truly unforgettable, and a little bird tells me that more fantastic collaborations will be coming in the next few months. 

Butter Fish
Upper House KL – Stephen’s Top Five

Barat Mediterranean – Vegan Restaurant, Bangsar

Barat is a must-visit for anyone seeking healthy, nutritionally balanced vegan food in a welcoming neighbourhood setting. The menu, designed with a focus on both nutrition and flavour, showcases the best of plant-based cuisine. Standouts include the incredibly flavourful chickpea salad with its amazing dressing and the beautifully balanced quinoa salad. Whether you’re a committed vegan or simply looking to explore delicious plant-based options, Barat delivers a memorable dining experience that’s good for you and the planet.

Stephen's top five
Barat Vegan Restaurant Bansgasr

La Pané – Pizza Restuarant

I’d be hard-pressed to count how many pizza restaurants I’ve written about in the past year, but La Pané in Taman Melawati lives up to its “Always 8 Great Pizzas” promise. Building on his family’s culinary legacy, Chef Justin Wong crafts delicious sourdough pizzas topped with fresh, high-quality ingredients, including homemade ricotta. From classic to creative, each pizza is a winner. The stylish, modern space, community focus, and commitment to quality make La Pané a must-try for any pizza lover. Their “Lapan” pizza, a cheese lover’s dream, features an incredible eight different kinds of cheese, undoubtedly the cheesiest pizza I’ve ever had.

Sourdough base Ooni Oven Stephen's top five
La Pané Pizza Melawati – Stephen’s Top Five

Have you been to any restaurants on Stephen’s top five list? Let us know what you think we should visit in 2025 in the comment box below, and stay up-to-date on the latest happenings in KL’s food and beverage scene with The Yum List on Instagram and The Yum List on Facebook.

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