Rhea Dining KL: All-day Bistro & Casual Dining Damsansara
Words: Stephen Reid
Photos: Matt Wehner
In Damansara Heights’ commercial hub, Menara Milenium is a corporate powerhouse with a stunning Art Deco lobby—its elegant patterns, polished stone, and metallic accents offer a striking contrast to the city’s buzz. The Yum List recently visited Rhea Dining here, having first explored Social Room KL, a stylish cocktail bar from the acclaimed KARLS Group, behind Michelin-starred Beta KL, Skillet, and Upper House.
Now, the KARLS Group expands its presence in Menara Milenium with Rhea Dining. This all-day bistro has just set up shop on the tower’s ground floor, directly opposite its cocktail-shaking sibling. Stepping into Rhea Dining, we’re met with a warmly inviting, elegant, and relaxed vibe. Chic herringbone floors, comfortable seating, and soft lighting create an inviting ambience. Thoughtful touches, like the lush greenery in a statement vase and the subtly lit, textured glass above the countertop at the back wall, where experienced baristas tend a gleaming coffee machine in a space where harsh outside light is filtered through wooden shutters, all add to the understated style. It feels like the perfect spot for anything from a casual brunch or lunch to a coffee between meetings, or something a little more special.
Rhea Dining Menu
Coffee & Pastries
Rhea offers a tempting selection of freshly baked pastries alongside Supernormal coffee – a familiar name to those who frequent the KARLS Group’s Chinatown coffee shop beneath Upper House – from 7:30 am each morning. These are conveniently available for takeaway on a charming cardboard tray, a perfect grab-and-go option for the office crowd heading to the multinational corporations housed above. For those with a little more time, the same delightful coffee and pastries can be savoured in-house before Rhea’s brunch menu kicks in at 11:30 am (9 am on weekends).
Alex Cheah, a co-founder of the KARLS Group, shared their excitement about the arrival of their new pastry chef, Daniel. With years of experience honing his skills at two of Kuala Lumpur’s premier bakeries, and most recently in a teaching role, Daniel clearly impressed during his interview. The pastries he prepared were, in Alex’s words, “fabulous,” and the entire team was thrilled when he decided to join Rhea. A tempting array of his creations is available, each priced individually, and definitely worth a look.
From Rhea’s ‘Coffee Club’ menu, I kicked things off with an Americano (RM 11), wanting to experience the pure quality of their beans and roast. It was genuinely impressive—warm, well-rounded, and completely lacking any bitterness or harsh acidity. It made me seriously consider a change in my coffee source for home (good news: their beans are available to buy!). Monica, meanwhile, opted for a classic Flat White (RM 13).
While matcha isn’t usually my go-to, Rhea Dining’s Matcha (RM 15) was surprisingly enjoyable. The finely ground tea powder yielded a pleasant, earthy and slightly grassy flavour, balanced by a subtle sweetness and creamy warmth from the milk, making it a genuinely comforting and energising alternative to the usual hot beverages. While we’re not into sweet drinks, there is also a whole assortment of vibrantly flavoured matchas to choose from.
Rhea’s Signature Coffee (RM 19) features golden caramel, rich dairy ice cream, and excellent Supernormal coffee for those seeking a caffeine and sugar rush. Our videographer thought it was terrific and said it tasted just like a non-alcoholic Baileys liqueur!
Drinks Menu
Here at The Yum List, while we appreciate a good boozy brunch now and then, we also keep an eye out for health-conscious options, so Rhea’s drinks menu was a pleasant discovery. Beyond the standard coffee and tea selections, we were particularly impressed by the dedicated “Cold Pressed Juice Club,” featuring intriguing combinations like Green Apple, Cucumber, and Celery, as well as Orange, Ginger, Turmeric, Carrot, and Lemon. The “Smoothies” section also offered appealingly nutritious choices, such as Oat, Banana, Chia Seed, and Milk, alongside vibrant fruit blends. This thoughtful array of healthy, alcohol-free beverages makes Rhea a welcome spot for those seeking a refreshing and guilt-free drink.
Moving on to the “Cold Pressed Juice Club,” we tried the Health Hulk (RM 16), a refreshing blend of green apple, cucumber, celery, and mint. While these juices aren’t made to order – they’re freshly pressed and bottled in-house – this does mean quicker service during busy times (and thankfully, no noisy juicing machines interrupting the ambience). We found the balance in the Health Hulk spot on, with the cucumber and mint holding their own against the apple, which can sometimes dominate.
Our second pick was the curiously named Red Captain (RM 16), featuring beetroot, green apple, and celery. As fellow beetroot enthusiasts, Monica and I are usually drawn to it on any juice menu (though we know its earthy notes aren’t for everyone). While we enjoyed this blend, we felt a slight nudge that more of the beetroot would have been perfect for our palates. However, we understand the desire to strike a balance that appeals to a broader range of tastes, where the apple’s sweetness likely plays a more prominent role for many.
Rhea Dining Brunch Menu
You might recall an Australian millionaire property developer who went viral a while back with some rather interesting advice for those millennials finding it tough to buy a first home, suggesting they skip the avocado toast and instead save their cash. While that suggestion from a multi-millionaire felt a tad out of touch, we’re here to tell you that skipping Rhea’s Smashed Avocado (RM 38) would be a genuine culinary loss, no matter your generation. This wasn’t just any avocado toast; it was on another plane entirely. Forget the usual smashed avo on sourdough – imagine a generous, vibrant layer of perfectly ripe, freshly mashed avocado artfully arranged on a super-flakey, compressed croissant, crowned with two perfectly wobbly four-minute eggs boasting that glorious, runny yolk. Then came the addictive chilli oil drizzle, a zingy salsa, and a delicate scattering of pea shoots. Honestly? Even if indulging in this regularly meant a slight delay on a future down payment on your first home, one might just argue it was a truly delicious trade-off. I can’t remember ever having better, and I’ve been dreaming about it all week.
The Corn & Duck Croquettes (RM 38) arrived as three perfectly golden orbs, nestled invitingly on a striking, smooth orange sauce. Breaking through the crisp exterior revealed a savoury filling where the richness of the duck mingled beautifully with pops of sweetness from fresh corn – an element Monica particularly enjoyed. For me, the star was the vibrant Vizcaina sauce beneath; built on a base of slow-cooked sweet peppers and onions in the Basque tradition, this rendition offered a deep, savoury foundation offset brilliantly by a tangy, piquant edge and a wonderfully bold hit of garlic. Its bright acidity and underlying sweetness provided the perfect counterpoint, beautifully cutting through and balancing the croquette’s richness. Complemented further by a bright tomato and mustard chutney, pickled red onion and the subtle umami of bonito flakes, this was a cleverly constructed and deeply satisfying bite.
Rhea’s Scotch Egg (RM 38) elevates the humble British pub snack to a new level; this is a truly satisfying dish. Forget the simple sausage meat and breadcrumb coating; here, minced chicken infused with the distinctly local Budu (anchovy sauce) embraces a hard-boiled egg, the breaded exterior giving way to a flavourful interior. It’s combined with anchovies, mushrooms, fried shallots, and a bright squeeze of lime, all resting on a crisp Winged Bean salad tossed in a creamy dressing—perfect for a light yet satisfying lunch for one, or a delicious addition to a larger meal.
Our next dish, the Octopus & Yam (RM 48), though featured on the evening menu, was one we were keen to sample, and the accommodating staff kindly obliged. Adorable baby octopuses, perfectly glazed and cooked to a delightful firmness without any rubberiness, were nestled amongst fried onions, dried shrimp, and chilli, all resting on a smooth yam pudding. Crowned with delicate prawn crackers and crispy deep-fried curry leaves, it was an elegant starter. While I personally found it a touch sweet for my taste, I was assured it is already proving very popular with customers.
As someone who always seeks out Pommes Anna on a menu – that classic French dish of thinly sliced potatoes, patiently layered and cooked in stock or clarified butter – its labour-intensive preparation sadly means it doesn’t grace menus as frequently as I would prefer. Rhea Dining’s Truffle Pave (RM 36) offers a clever and delicious twist on this favourite. Embracing the “pavé” presentation (French for cobblestone, referring to the neat rectangular shapes), they’ve taken thinly sliced potatoes through the slow-cooking process of a Pommes Anna, then cut them into these signature rectangles before deep-frying them to a perfect golden crisp. The result is an incredibly satisfying texture, enhanced by the rich aroma of truffle butter, a generous dusting of freshly grated Parmesan, a swirl of sesame aioli, and intriguing little dots of wasabi for a subtle kick.
Before we moved on to the main courses, we tucked into the Big Ben Duck & Waffle (RM 58). Nodding to a certain famous London eatery, this hearty dish, featuring duck confit, mustard-maple syrup, and a sunny-side-up egg, felt like a satisfying main or brunch option for one. A succulent, plump duck leg confit (slow-cooked to perfection in its own fat) sat atop a crisp waffle, generously drizzled with a mustard maple syrup that offered a lovely hint of spice to cut through the duck’s richness and the syrup’s sweetness. Chef Fred, whose impressive culinary skills were evident in the delicious dishes we had already sampled, mentioned it’s already a firm favourite on the menu. Our videographer even gave a thumbs-up to the waffle’s sturdy structure, noting how it held up perfectly against the weighty duck leg, ensuring both elements maintained their distinct texture.
Mains
The first of the two main courses we sampled was the Smoked Duck & Mushroom (RM 48), a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for a solo lunch. Thin slices of perfectly tender, juicy duck, glazed with a savoury Duck XO sauce, topped house-made tagliatelle tossed in a creamy Parmesan and mushroom sauce. Impressively, considering Rhea isn’t solely an Italian restaurant (where fresh pasta is a given), all their pasta is made in-house and cooked beautifully al dente, just as I like it, with the rich sauce clinging to each strand.
Although technically on the evening menu (after 6 pm), the team kindly allowed us to try the Chocolate Braised Angus Brisket (RM 89). Served alongside a wonderfully smooth Pommes Purée, the slow-cooked brisket boasted a dark, almost black chocolate glaze, hinting at the intense richness within. Grilled kailan (Chinese broccoli), offered on the side, provided a welcome fresh counterpoint to the brisket’s deep flavours. While undeniably delicious, I personally found it quite rich, suggesting it might be best enjoyed shared amongst friends as part of a larger meal.
Desserts
The first of our desserts, the Signature Black Forest (RM34), took me on a nostalgic trip – it seemed no 70s dinner party was complete without a Black Forest gateau making an appearance! While this wasn’t your traditional multi-layered sponge, it was more like a seriously upgraded brownie, and any initial reservations melted away with the first bite. All the classic elements were there: a deeply delicious hazelnut chocolate cremeux, light chantilly cream, and a vibrant cherry compote that, when spooned over, provided a welcome tartness to balance the sweetness and richness. Adorned with delicate miniature pansy flowers and crisp candied nuts, this is one dessert you won’t want to share – politely suggest your companions order their own!
For those with a serious sweet tooth, and perhaps those wanting to boost their Instagram likes, the Pain Perdu (RM 38) – or French Toast – is a visual masterpiece and a treat for the taste buds. Imagine a generous slab of brioche, artfully piled with crunchy granola, a vibrant mixed berry compote, a caramelised banana brûlée, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a dollop of peanut butter mousse. Decorated with fresh fruit, delicate sprigs of dill, and crunchy almonds and walnuts, this dessert is practically begging to be photographed. A picture of this creation is likely to garner plenty of attention on social media. Unlike the intensely satisfying Black Forest, this sweeter option might be best shared, but its stunning presentation and delicious banana and crème brûlée-like flavours make it a memorable finale.
Review
Rhea Dining is a welcome addition to KL’s culinary scene, offering a stylish and relaxed all-day experience. From expertly crafted Supernormal coffee and delectable pastries perfect for a morning grab-and-go, to a thoughtfully curated menu of vibrant brunch dishes with inventive twists – that incredible Smashed Avocado on croissant and the indulgent Big Ben Duck & Waffle were definite highlights – and satisfying mains, Rhea manages to blend familiar comforts with exciting new flavours. With its elegant ambience and genuinely delicious offerings, Rhea Dining is a spot that caters effortlessly to both the weekday corporate crowd and those seeking a more leisurely weekend indulgence.
Reasons to visit Rhea Dining KL: stylish, all-day vibe, perfect for a quick coffee, relaxed brunch, or satisfying meal in an elegant yet welcoming setting; must try the Unforgettable Smashed Avocado,
Rhea Dining KL
Level 1, Menara Milenium
8 Jalan Damanlela, Bukit Damansara
50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Link to Rhea Dining KL on Google Maps
+6 011-6260 6610 @rhea.dining
Rhea Dining KL Hours
Monday to Friday: 7.30 am – 10 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9 am – 10 pm
Brunch Menu
Weekdays: 11.30 am to 3.00 pm
Weekends & PH: 9.00 am to 3.00 pm
Evening Menu
Daily: 6.00 pm to 10.00 pm
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