“Good food, good mood”—Time to celebrate the extra day from the leap year by diving into some gastronomical adventures. Take your pick between the new dining concepts at the old grounds of Malaysia.
11 New Must-Try Eateries in KL & PJ this February 2024
Tipsy Flamingo
Stepping into the Tipsy Flamingo is like diving into a vibrant 1980s pool party, where Asian-Western fusion delights and signature cocktails take centre stage.
With its unique theme and the presence of an in-house flamingo mascot named Flo, the Tipsy Flamingo promises a fresh perspective on familiar favourites. Picture hand-built sandwiches, seafood towers, and a global twist on local classics, all set against the backdrop of a stunning sunset. Don’t forget to sip on signature cocktails that transport you straight into the scene of an 80s movie, completing your one-of-a-kind dining experience.
Address: 06.0-06E.0, The Exchange TRX, Dining Terrace, Tun Razak Exchange Unit L2T, 55188 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 12.00 pm–1.00 am daily (opens daily)
The Oriental Park
At The Oriental Park, feel like you’ve been whisked away into a world of Japanese luxury at ISETAN in Suria KLCC, where each outlet is like a carefully crafted story waiting to unfold. From meticulously designed floors to thoughtfully curated dining spots like The Table, they’ve mastered the art of bringing good Japanese living to Malaysia blending seamlessly with the Pan-Asian concept, honouring the flavours of Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Malaysian cuisines.
Set against the backdrop of spectacular park views, the menu boasts delights like Wagyu Kelapa Curry, where tender Japanese beef swims in a velvety coconut-infused curry, and Tohoku Miso Hummus, a delightful twist on a classic dip. With each dish, The Oriental Park weaves a tale of flavour and culture, inviting you to indulge in an unforgettable dining experience.
Address: GF, Isetan KLCC, 241, Petronas Twin Tower, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 11 am – 3 pm, 5:30 pm – 11 pm (opens daily)
Pyro
As its name suggests, Pyro welcomes you to its open-fire cooking with finesse while letting the flames ignite your senses. Led by a Malaysian chef with global expertise, Pyro presents a delightful fusion of East and West cuisines where every dish is crafted to perfection.
Fun fact: Pyro exclusively uses mangrove wood for its fires, lending a unique aroma and intensity to each dish. They are also a pork- and lard-free kitchen. Expect surprises at every turn, from oysters prepared in two ways to caviar-crowned appetizers. You can’t miss the flavorful skewers and the Seaside Dip & Cracker, which is a delightful blend of the land and sea. There’s always room for the dessert, and Pyro’s dessert selection beckons repeated visits just to indulge in their Grizzly, Tiramisu, Fruit Pavlova, and more nostalgic treats with a modern twist.
Address: 44, Jalan SS 20/10, Damansara Kim, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening Hours: 6 pm to 11 pm (closed on Wednesday)
Butter & Spice
Butter & Spice, a fresh addition to SS2’s culinary landscape, emerged just a week ago with a spacious layout and abundant natural light. A must-try is the Multigrain Pretzel, whose smaller size is belied by a crunchy exterior adorned with pumpkin and sunflower seeds, and The Redbean Mochi Cruffin—soft and buttery, oozing sweetness with each bite.
As for the main course, the Spicy Crab Fettuccine impresses with its tender soft-shell crab and a flavourful sauce. Conversely, the Japanese Curry Chicken Katsu boasts a crispy coating that reveals tender chicken underneath, accompanied by a rich curry sauce accompanied by potatoes and carrots, all served alongside a bed of rice and a perfectly cooked egg.
Address: 53, Jalan SS 2/30, SS 2, Petaling Jaya
Opening Hours: 8.30 am – 5.30 pm (closed on Monday)
RAYs
A new restaurant graces B.Land in Petaling Jaya, and it’s already making waves. RAYs have a menu that we liken to a flavour explosion.
Expect dishes like a cosy bowl of scallion oil noodles, fiery chilli gnocchi, hearty pulled beef toasties, and ebi katsu sando. The sweet treats are also not to be missed, like the honey butter French toast and buttermilk pancakes. The beverage selection exudes vibrant energy, offering options like the Fizzy Matcha infused with tonic and the Fresh Red cooler, which combines espresso with apple juice for a refreshing twist.
Address: Lot 8, B.LAND, 2, Jalan 51a/225, Seksyen 51a, 46100 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening Hours: 8.30 am – 5 pm
Pickle Dining
Introducing Pickle Dining, a cosy spot in the city where Chef Danial Thorlby works his magic with pickling and fermentation. The warm atmosphere, reminiscent of a Manhattan loft, is complemented by an open kitchen where a small team passionately preserves and ferments ingredients.
Located near Chinatown, Pickle’s tasting menu blends French techniques with global inspirations, featuring dishes like mangrove jack ceviche, Argentinean Angus beef tartare and more. At Pickle Dining, it’s not just about the food—it’s about the stories behind every dish. Taste the tradition and innovation in every bite, with each dish reflecting the chef’s culinary journey and childhood memories.
Address: 23, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur.
Opening Hours: 5 pm – 11 pm (Thursday and Monday) | 12 pm -11 pm (Friday to Sunday)
Monograph KL
Another rustic charm in Chinatown, Monograph, is a creation by the visionaries behind Niko Neko Matcha.s.Here, culinary tales unfold with a modern fusion of Mediterranean and Japanese flavours, weaving local and global ingredients into each dish.
From roasted Australian baby carrots to a comforting sweet potato soup, Monograph’s menu offers a delightful journey for the palate. Whether indulging in Sicilian-style spaghetti or Japanese beef curry, each dish is a testament to flavour and heart. For dessert, savour the caramel duck egg pudding and pistachio terrine, tantalizing treats that capture the essence of culinary artistry. Beyond the cuisine, Monograph houses Soberside, a zero-alcohol bar crafting thoughtful beverages like the Hyeball and Red Leaf.
Address: 181-A (First Floor), Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur.
Opening Hours: 10 am – 11 pm (closed on Monday)
S.A.J Bistronomy
At S.A.J. Bistronomy by Leen’s, Chef Ameer Alzalek introduces a fresh perspective on Middle Eastern cuisine, breaking away from conventional dishes. From Charred Chilli Hummus to Wagyu Freekah, each plate reflects meticulous craftsmanship and bold experimentation. The separate presentation of Sayadieh elevates the dining experience.
At the same time, the A.F.C.—fried kampung chicken is served with a sauce that just rocks spicy, sweet, and sour flavours promising a tantalising blend of flavours. Desserts like Olive Oil Ice Cream and Baklava Cheesecake add a sweet finale to the meal. As diners savour each bite, they’re reminded of Ameer’s journey encapsulated in the name “S.A.J.”—a testament to his Syrian roots, commitment to authenticity, and humble beginnings symbolised by a jar of hummus.
Address: 130, Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.
Opening Hours: 12 pm – 3 pm, 6 pm – 11 pm daily
Lotus Florist X VCR
Tucked just steps away from the renowned Lotus Family Restaurant is a new hidden gem: a quaint florist cafe—a joint venture between Lotus Group and VCR cafe. A vibrant display of flowers greets the whole cafe, each arrangement more captivating than the last. Beyond the blooms, the cafe beckons with promises of delightful treats and aromatic brews.
Begin your culinary journey with the Classic Chicken Sandwich, a harmonious blend of buttery sourdough, succulent chicken, creamy mayo, and slices of avocado—a delightful combination that leaves us longing for more. For those with a sweet tooth, try the Chocolate Tart, featuring layers of rich chocolate atop a delicate crumbly base.
Address: 5, Jalan Gasing, Pjs 6, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening Hours: 8 am – 9 pm daily
Giraffe Coffee
If you love cafe-hopping, head on over to Bandar Sunway to check out Giraffe Coffee, serving artisan coffee complete with hot food and pastries. With its interior decked out in figurines and portraits of giraffes, you can be sure you’re not in the wrong place. Expect beverages such as smooth nitro coffee and cold brews and tasty meals, but don’t miss out on their signature Chocolate Brownies served alongside their homemade coffee ice cream, made in-house using coffee beans from Brazil Cerrado and Colombia Supremo.
Here’s a fun fact: Giraffe Coffee began as a coffee subscription service prior to opening this spot.
Address: E1-2-11, Block E Level 2, Sunway GEO Avenue, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya 47500
Opening Hours: 8 am – 9 pm (closed on Sundays)
Kafe Seni
Brewing happiness into a cup, Kafe Seni is a place for you to revel in the daily dose of caffeine and delightful pastries like croissants, carrot cake, and cinnamon rolls. Nestled in a gracefully green space in Bangsar South, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy matcha slowly while pairing it with a slice of tangerine blossom cream cheesecake.
Address: G-3, Residensi Era Novum, Wilayah Persekutuan, Jalan Kerinchi Kiri 2, Bangsar South, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 8 am – 5 pm (closed on Mondays)