The biggest question when it comes to heading out is always, “What are we eating?”—at least for most of us. The dining scene in KL and PJ is constantly thriving, and there’s always somewhere new to check out. With so many options it can be hard to choose, especially when you’re craving something different every time. We’ve narrowed down a list of restaurants for every mood—from casual spots, to somewhere fancy for special occasions, to places with unique spins on international flavours. Keep on reading to see our picks that are worth savouring.
Restaurants in KL and PJ to Try in February 2025
Esca
If you’re not quite ready for ultra-luxe fine dining yet, you can dip your toes over at Esca. Spearheaded by Chef Chong Yu Cheng—whose restaurant Terra Dining made it to the 2025 MICHELIN Guide Malaysia—the joint is a spin-off that aims to attract diners from all walks of life. With the combination of its central location and options on the menu (which features ingredients and flavours from all around the world), we’d say that they’ve hit the nail on the head with their goals. But what’s a must-have? you ask? Our Managing Editor PohNee Chin attended its opening and sang high praises for the grilled octopus paired with Balinese sambal matah.
Address: 135G, Jalan Petaling, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 5 pm to 11 pm, Tuesday to Thursday | 5 pm to 12 am, Friday to Sunday. Closed on Monday
Brasa
While they may not necessarily be a new name in town, Brasa is turning a new page this year. Welcoming a new menu with the highly-acclaimed Chef Lenin Busquet, the contemporary Mediterranean restaurant and wine bar continues to boast its prowess in charcoal grilling while offering bold new updates. As per usual, the restaurant features the freshest local produce married with premium imported ingredients to serve up some of the most decadent dishes you will ever have in town.
Address: 50 Jalan Medan Setia 2, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 5 pm to 10.30 pm, daily
K Kuala Lumpur
Here’s the checklist for K Kuala Lumpur. One, you have to have about three hours to savour the menu; two, You absolutely have to love raw and meticulously prepared Japanese cuisine; and three, you’re a fan of Southeast Asian flavours. If these sound right up your alley, then be sure to book a spot at the latest restaurant to arrive at Ilham Tower. For RM800 per person, you can get a tasting menu of over 15 courses, as well as a front-row seat to a prep theatre that is set against the iconic Kuala Lumpur skyline—perfect for any momentous occasion.
Address: Level 37, Ilham Tower, Jalan Binjai, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 7 pm to 11 pm, daily
Cove Malaysia
Newly opened, and already raking in the positive reviews. From its beautifully curated space to the Korean-leaning menu, Cove Malaysia is quickly becoming the spot for locals to satisfy their cravings. Featuring a simple menu of six dishes, we have our eyes and tastebuds set on the Kimchi Arancini as well as the Bibim Korean Pasta. A little heads up, though: Plan your outing here accordingly, because word on the street is that diners will queue up for a seat at the fusion restaurant.
Address: 2-G, Jalan Anggerik Aranda BG 31/BG, Kota Kemuning, 40460 Shah Alam, Selangor
Operating Hours: 9 am to 6 pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Kitchen closes from 3 pm to 4 pm
Ren Ren Noodle
There’s nothing more soothing than a hearty bowl of noodles. Over at Ren Ren Noodle, you will be greeted with ramen-style noodles with the option to select your own protein. For us, the homemade chilli paste is the key attraction here—which means you can adjust the flavour to your spice tolerance! To complement your dining experience, the restaurant offers mouth-watering sides to keep you slurping all the way through, from spicy braised beef to dry-aged crispy duck leg.
Address: L1-02, Seventeen Mall, Jalan 17/38, Seksyen 17, Petaling Jaya, 46400 Selangor
Operating Hours: 10 am to 9.30 pm, daily. Kitchen closes from 3.30 pm to 6 pm
Kyoto Katsu
Next, we have Kyoto Katsu, located in the dining district at Suria KLCC. If you can appreciate the audible symphony of a crispy crunch, then this is the joint to visit. Crispy chicken, seafood, and beef await here, all flavoured with authentic flavours and crafted with Japanese traditions. Can’t choose just one? Don’t worry, they have two mixed options for the indecisive. Between the refillable Japanese rice, the tangy katsu dip, and the comforting tonjiru soup, the spot renders itself the quintessential specialty katsu restaurant that simply can’t be missed.
Address: Lot 418, Level 4, Suria KLCC, Persiaran Petronas, 50088 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 10 am to 10 pm, daily
Restaurants in KL and PJ to Look Out for in January 2025
Stefania
Italian food hits every time, and Stefania brings the heart of Rome to Kuala Lumpur. The executive chef is a third-generation pro, so you know you’re in for an authentic experience. The menu is a love letter to Roman cuisine, with everything from classic pasta and pizzas to Italian-style grilled meats. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, their tiramisu and cannoli are a must-try. For wine lovers, the restaurant has an impressive list of wines from different regions of Italy to choose from. It’s a great place for date nights and family gatherings.
Address: Unit 1.02, G floor, NAZA Tower, Platinum Park, Kuala Lumpur, 50088 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 12 pm to 10:30 pm, daily
Sol
Sol is a fiery Latin rooftop restaurant and bar you need to check out for your next night out. They’re dishing out bold Latin flavours, with standout dishes like asado (mix of grilled meats), claypot seafood paella, and a six-hour slow-cooked pulled lamb shoulder. The place is huge–6,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, and the design is next level. Think sleek interiors, a dramatic wave-like ceiling, stunning cascading chandeliers, and a gorgeous backlit circular bar right at the centre. Located on Level 40 of The Met Corporate Towers, you’ll get unbeatable panoramic views of the city while sipping on Latin-inspired cocktails.
Address: A-40-01, Menara The Met, 20, Jalan Dutamas 2, Kompleks Kerajaan, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 12 pm to 2 am Monday to Friday | 3 pm to 2 am Saturday and Sunday
Mesa on 51
Perched high on the 51st floor of the Permata Sapura Tower, Mesa on 51 is where the city’s dining and nightlife scene truly comes alive. With views of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline, this place serves up top-notch Spanish cuisine that’s as unforgettable as the view. There’s classic tapas, melt-in-your-mouth sushi, and paella that’s made for sharing. Carnivores will be in heaven with juicy meats cooked to perfection in a charcoal oven. And when the sun sets, the Nikkei Lounge area turns into a cyberpunk-inspired space bathed in pink fluorescent lights. Pair that with one of their signature cocktails, and you’ve got yourself a perfect night out.
Address: Level 51, Permata Sapura Tower, Lot 91, Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 5 pm to 2 am Monday to Wednesday | 5 pm to 3 am Thursday to Saturday
Torito
Discover Kuala Lumpur’s first Peruvian Japanese restaurant at Torito, led by Lima-born chef Ivan Casusol Rossi, who harnesses 22 years of professional experience in Latin American cooking. If you’re not familiar with Nikkei cuisine, it combines Japanese techniques for seafood with the bold flavours of Peruvian cuisine. Their raw bar has a fine selection of seafood from salmon, oysters, tuna belly, and hamachi that you can’t miss out on. Peruvian cuisine is also known for its grilled meats and salsas, order the Wagyu sirloin and it’ll complete your meal. And it’s not just the food that stands out. The restaurant’s striking design, featuring bold motifs by local artist Miriam Omar, captures the vibrant energy of Peruvian culture.
Address: Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur, Level 53, Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 12 pm to 4:30 pm, 6 pm to 10 pm, daily
Nikaku
A gem for omakase lovers, Nikaku offers a fresh approach to the omakase experience by seamlessly blending Japanese traditions with local Malaysian flavours. The menu features local seafood from Penang, Malacca, and Sabah—from tiger groupers and tiger prawns to golden pomfret and mud crab—alongside imports like tuna otoro and engawa. Nikaku tells a story through its ingredients, and you’ve got two menu options to explore: The Nikaku Tasting Course, which takes you through an 11-dish adventure, and the Malaya-Mae Omakase which celebrates local flavours with a Japanese touch. Did we mention that Nikaku is Muslim-friendly too?
Address: 4th floor Isetan, lot10 Shopping Centre, 50, Jln Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 12 pm to 3 pm, 6 pm to 10 pm, daily
Boys Don’t Fry
Nothing like a good ol’ plate of fish and chippies. Moist, flaky fish wrapped in a light, crispy batter, served with thick-cut chips, mushy peas, and tangy tartar sauce—yum. At Boys Don’t Fry they do it right and is a crowd favourite for their signature British fish and chips. Don’t forget to get the house-made pickles and refreshing lemonade to round out the experience.
Address: Wisma Cosway, 88, Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 11 am to 3 pm, Thursday to Saturday
Goldbar KL
Walking into Goldbar feels like stepping into a modern goldmine. The design is sleek with brass fixtures, metallic accents, and warm golden lighting that creates a welcoming atmosphere. It’s not just a place to dine—it’s a full-on indulgence.
The menu is a blend of fusion flavours; the Foie Gras Mini Croissants are the perfect bite to start your meal. One of the highlights of this place is the world-renowned Hanwoo steak (halal-certified), which is a must-order for your main course. It’s further complemented with silky pumpkin purée and zesty chimichurri. Make it even better by getting one of their signature cocktails for the full experience. If cocktails aren’t your thing, they have an extensive beverage list for everyone.
Address: G3, Star Residences Two, 1, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, Kampung Baru, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 12 pm to 1 am, daily
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