Embark on a gastronomic odyssey as you usher in January 2024, offering an exclusive selection of the 17 best restaurants in KL and PJ. Now, traverse the realms of culinary excellence and indulge in an unparalleled journey of taste.
Here are 17 Best New Restaurants in KL and PJ to Dive Into This January 2024
Amazonas
Perched atop The Exchange, TRX, Amazonas is the newest addition to the Kenny Hills Hospitality Group and offers a fusion of Latin American flavours in a rooftop setting. The restaurant and bar venture presents a culinary experience centred around open-fire cooking, accompanied by lively cocktails and late-night DJ fiestas. Amazonas does not only capture the essence of the vibrant Latin American culture and tropical ambience but also provides a luxurious dining atmosphere. Experience the culinary excellence of Amazonas through signature dishes such as charcoal-fried steaks and guacamole.
Address: PL09 & L04.03, Park Level, The Exchange TRX, Persiaran TRX, Tun Razak Exchange, 55188 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11 am – 10.30 pm daily
Book here.
Warung Eropa
Another new spot at The Exchange, TRX, Warung Eropa is a renowned Indonesian restaurant that promises to satisfy the cravings of Balinese cuisine enthusiasts. Delight in their signature dishes like Bebek Goreng, Rawon Malam, Sop Buntut, and fried chicken paired with unique condiments and house-made sambal merah. Alongside a culinary delight, you can also immerse yourself in the flavours of Indonesia within the authentic and elegant setting of Warung Eropa.
Address: 106, Lingkaran TRX, Imbi, 55188 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm daily
Meriah
Meriah translates to “lively” in Malay. The restaurant offers a vibrant dining experience with a focus on bursting flavours, including spiced curries, charcoal-grilled chicken, and short rib rendang. The culinary journey spans from Southern Thailand to the Indonesian Archipelago. Notable dishes include Nasi Bebek, featuring spiced fried duck with gulai telur itik, and Roasted Duck Massaman Curry with a medley of meat, potatoes, cashews, and shallots. The restaurant aims to create a tranquil oasis in the bustling The Exchange TRX mall, offering exceptional service and a soothing ambience.
Address: L1.03, Level 1, The Exchange TRX, Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 10 am – 10 pm daily
Kopi Kubo
Kopi Kubo KL is one of Ampang’s latest cafes, bringing the charm of a tranquil treehouse-inspired retreat to the city. As the first Malaysian branch of a Filipino-born brand known for numerous coastal coffee outposts, this two-level glass-fronted cafe offers a rustic and relaxed atmosphere. Specialising in Filipino-cultivated coffee beans, particularly the smooth and lightly bitter Yerba Mate Coffee, the cafe is an escape from the cosmopolitan clamour. With its wooden elements, ceiling-to-floor windows, and lush green surroundings, Kopi Kubo provides a picturesque and calming setting and makes it an ideal spot for coffee enthusiasts to unwind and savour a warm cup with loved ones.
Address: 34 Jalan Belakang Risda, Jalan Ampang Kiri, 55000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 9 am – 11.30 pm daily
Barkar KL
Barkar KL combines the words “bar” and the Malay term “bakar” in both name and concept. The restaurant aims to revive communal cooking through both dishes and interior design. The theatrical and immersive journey starts as you enter the dining room via a tunnel-like entrance filled with mangrove wood, creating the illusion of an endless space. The bar counter encircling the open kitchen recreates the warmth of gathering around a fire, showcasing lesser-known cuts of meat and locally-sourced seafood. Barkar KL’s menu boasts direct and robust flavours fusing Southeast Asian and Malaysian influences, featuring standout dishes like the Egg and Toast with chicken bak kwa, century egg kaya, and sous vide egg, as well as the lamb spare ribs inspired by a traditional Chinese dish. The addition of a skate wing, marinated in buah keluak adds a delightful twist to the culinary experience.
Address: G-06, G Tower, 199, Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 6 pm – 11 pm daily
Book here.
NIKU29
In the heart of Kuala Lumpur, NIKU29 finds its place within Menara Hap Seng 3, introducing Wagyu from Japan and premium black Angus from Australia to the city centre. The interior is thoughtfully adorned with a fusion of oak timber, Japanese-inspired wallpaper and traditional paper lamps, crafting a modern and chic ambience. Offering diverse seating arrangements, NIKU29 caters to various preferences by featuring deep-seated booths for privacy and comfort, along with four private dining rooms boasting glistening terrazzo top counters for those seeking a more intimate dining experience. Ideal for both weekday lunches and special occasions, NIKU29 takes pride in sourcing the finest premium, imported Halal-certified beef from Japan and Australia. Renowned for their exceptional tenderness and buttery texture, their premium cuts encompass marbled selections like ribeye, sirloin, and fillet.
Address: Unit 1-02, 1/F, Menara Hap Seng 3, Jalan P. Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 12 pm – 3 pm, 6 pm – 10:30 pm (closed on Sunday)
Book here.
Sera by Aposto
Inspired by the Italian greeting “Buona sera,” Sera aims to cultivate a warm and relaxing atmosphere for its patrons, inheriting the commitment to excellent food and hospitable service from its sister establishment, Aposto. This exclusive setting accommodates up to 12 guests, providing an intimate space to savour the rich taste profiles of Mortlach 12-year-old, Mortlach 16-year-old, and Mortlach 20-year-old whiskies, perfectly complemented by a meticulously crafted menu that pays homage to traditional Italian dishes. It also features highlights such as Dry Aged Duck Breast paired with a sauce infused with Mortlach 12-Year-Old, enhancing the umami flavours in the duck breast that seamlessly blends Italian culinary traditions with contemporary techniques.
Address: 38A, Lorong Rahim Kajai 14, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 3 pm – 12 am (closed on Monday)
Book here.
Chim by Chef Noom
Chim by Chef Noom, the latest venture by acclaimed chef Thaninthorn Noom Chantrawan, unveils a curated journey of contemporary Thai cuisine. Boasting six Michelin star awards, Chef Noom’s newest concept promises to captivate gourmands in Kuala Lumpur. Anchored in his passion for traditional Thai cuisine, Chim by Chef Noom seamlessly blends tradition with contemporary techniques and locally sourced high-quality produce. The Thai food in the 4 Regions set serves as an enticing introduction, guiding diners through a culinary tour of Thailand with a captivating mix of flavours. Housed in a vintage wooden structure surrounded by lush greenery, the restaurant itself provides a charming and inviting setting for this gastronomic experience.
Address: L2-03, TSLAW Tower, 39, Jalan Kamuning, Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Book here.
Roberto’s
Roberto’s Osteria expands its presence with a second outlet at Tropicana Gardens Mall, introducing an upscale yet casual Tuscan dining experience to Italian cuisine enthusiasts in Kota Damansara. Designed for sharing, the restaurant is an ideal gathering spot for friends and family, offering authentic Tuscan and Emilian dishes seldom found in Malaysia. Emphasising Italian hospitality, Roberto’s aims to make every visit memorable, fostering a sense of connection akin to shared meals in Italy. The focal point of their menu is the pizza, prepared in the traditional way using the signature Alfa Forni wood and gas-fired pizza oven imported from Italy. Alongside showcasing handmade pastas, soups, cold-cut platters, paninis, and burgers, the spacious and stylish restaurant features an indoor dining area, lounge, and a bar serving drinks and cocktails.
Address: Lot CC39, Concourse Level, Tropicana Gardens Mall, Persiaran Surian, Tropicana Indah, 47810 Petaling Jaya
Opening Hours: 11 am – 12 am (Sunday to Thursday) | 11 am – 1:30 am (Friday to Saturday)
Book here.
Chloe.co
Originated in Ipoh, Chloe.co has expanded its presence with a second outlet in SS2, Petaling Jaya, offering a haven for pastry and dessert enthusiasts. Recognisable by its dark wooden storefront and revolving door, the bakery cafe boasts an extensive menu featuring signature croissants, strudels, cakes, and brunch classics, as well as pasta and Western dishes. With over 80 tempting options, the SS2 outpost presents a delightful array of pastries including their acclaimed peach strudel, kaya butter croissants, matcha strawberry eclairs, hojicha bombolini, and more. Chloe.co in SS2 combines a laid-back atmosphere with great eats, ensuring a delightful experience for patrons seeking a blend of sweet and savoury delights.
Address: 151, Jalan SS 2/24, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm (closed on Wednesdays)
Liang’s Dining
Liang’s Dining, an addition to Mont Kiara’s dining scene by the group behind CC by Mel and Zen by Mel, brings a contemporary twist to Chinese cuisine under Chef Liang’s guidance. He crafts dishes that blend fine culinary techniques with unique flavours, offering snacks like dumpling-fried mantou and grilled dumplings, alongside mains like dry-aged duck breast and beer-caramelised pork belly. This modern Chinese restaurant introduces sophistication and a vibrant and floral aesthetic to traditional cuisine in a cafe-style setting. The menu features shared appetisers with delights such as fresh crab in its shell with rich crab sauce, crispy fried mantou, and grilled dumplings filled with a blend of chicken meat and liver. Additional highlights include pork fritters with cubed yam on a ‘bird’s nest’ and savoury garum rice infused with the depth of chicken bones and kombu oil.
Address: 163 Retail Park, Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11 am – 10 pm
Yakiniku Tenshin
Nestled in Avenue K, Yakiniku Tenshin emerges as the go-to spot for yakiniku enthusiasts in the city centre, offering an a la carte buffet experience focused on halal-certified top-grade Japanese A5 Miyazaki wagyu beef. As a sizzling sensation, the restaurant not only grills thick, fatty beef cuts but also presents a diverse menu that features wagyu croissants, sandos, noodles, and seafood delights like Hotate Teppanyaki, Snow Crab Nabe, and Oyster Sashimi. The culinary journey extends with wagyu wonders such as Wagyu Sirloin Nigiri, Wagyu Croissants, Wagyu Sando, Hamburg Steak, and more, all meticulously seared for a mouthwatering experience. Pescatarians can indulge in a pork-free bounty of seafood delicacies while patrons can complement their meal with an unlimited supply of sake, beer, and house speciality cocktails, ensuring a universal delight for all food lovers with the added assurance of halal certification for the wagyu beef.
Address: L3-14C, Level 3, Avenue K, 156, Jalan Ampang, Kampung Baru, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10:30 am – 10:30 pm daily
Book here.
Annabell KL
Annabell KL emerges as the latest hotspot in the KL city centre, positioned on the 11th floor of TSLaw Tower. This distinctive dining lounge and live music house boast a towering floor-to-ceiling bar adorned with 199 cloches, showcasing rare and exceptional spirits and creating an ideal setting for social media enthusiasts and night owls alike. The opulent space is further enhanced with lavish seats and wall panels featuring depictions of flora and fauna, providing a picturesque backdrop for photos. Annabell offers a diverse menu of pork-free fusion dishes complemented by live music performances and DJ beats, extending the vibrant atmosphere late into the night. Conveniently located between Bukit Bintang and Tun Razak Exchange, Annabell ensures an enchanting experience for patrons, featuring live seafood, creative contemporary cuisine and handcrafted signature cocktails.
Address: Level 11, TSLAW Tower, 39, Jalan Kamuning, Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 5 pm – late
The Ottoman KL
Discover the flavours of Balkan cuisine at The Ottoman KL in Menara Ken TTDI. The restaurant’s charming interiors reflect the region’s history with photo frames and colourful carpets, promising an elevated dining experience filled with excitement. This new restaurant in Taman Tun Dr Ismail offers rustic, hearty, and comforting dishes including highlights like Popara (bread porridge), Jagnjeca Corba (lamb soup), Trahana (sourdough with slow-cooked chicken), Muckalica (meat stew with textured tomato sauce and egg), and Tavce Gravce (Macedonian-style baked beans).
Address: Unit 1-7, Menara Ken TTDI, 37, Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11 am – 3 pm, 5 pm – 10 pm (Monday to Friday) | 8.30 am – 3 pm, 5 pm – 10 pm (Saturday to Sunday)
Book here.
Che Restaurant
Explore the vibrant dining scene in Ampang at the enticing new spot, Che Restaurant, adorned with mid-century modern interiors that exude character and charm. This restaurant not only specialises in Sundanese cuisine but also features a diverse Western menu, offering pizzas and pasta to cater to varied preferences. The eclectic menu includes the Indonesian-inspired Kambing Bakar Cairo, a sizzling slab of lamb served with flavorful meaty soup, herbed rice, sambal, and pickles, making for a hearty and fulfilling dining experience amid the lush ambience of houseplants and homemade bird cages.
Address: No 322C, Jalan Ampang Kiri, Kampung Berembang, 55000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 11 am – 11 pm daily
KENJI Japanese Restaurant
KENJI Japanese Restaurant, a testament to his culinary prowess, offering a diverse array of seating options, and accommodating various preferences. Private rooms afford an intimate and comfortable setting, while chef’s tables provide an ornate dining experience for those seeking a touch of culinary artistry. The omakase menu showcases Kenji’s culinary finesse, featuring appetizers like the delicate Fish Cake with Wasabi, a premium Sashimi Selection highlighting Japan Miyagi Bluefin Tuna Ootoro, Salmon, Kagoshima Yellowtail Aburi, and Miyagi Mackerel Marinated in Vinegar. For the grilled section, patrons can indulge in choices such as Sendai Wagyu Steak, USA Beef Tongue Steak, Miyagi Silver Salmon Steak, and Kinka Mackerel Kouji Grill. The Donburi options include Kagoshima Unagi Donburi and Bluefin Tuna Negitoro Donburi with Sanriku Salmon Roe. Complementing these curated menus, the restaurant also caters to individual preferences with an enticing à la carte selection.
Address: 132, Jalan Kasah, Medan Damansara, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 5:30 pm – 10 pm (closed on Sunday and Monday)
Book here.
Coast By Kayra
Kayra is a renowned Kerala cuisine restaurant which has earned a coveted spot on the Michelin Guide with its first establishment. The culinary journey extends with the introduction of Coast by Kayra, a restaurant immersing guests in the flavours of the spice-rich Malabar coast in South India. Building on the success of Kayra, Coast by Kayra remains dedicated to elevating traditional Keralan cuisine, aiming to secure its place on dinner tables globally. As part of Kerala Food Sdn Bhd’s ongoing mission, Coast by Kayra strives to reshape the perceptions of South Indian food in Malaysia beyond curry and banana leaf, marking a significant chapter for the company. Emphasising on a sea-to-plate dining, the menu showcases the synergy of fresh seafood and local Malaysian ingredients with authentic recipes from the Southwestern Indian coastal regions of Kerala, allowing them to offer more delicacies such as lobster, whole fish, crab and seafood.
Address: Lot G03-G05, Ground Floor, Starhill Gallery, 181, Jln Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11:30 am – 11 pm daily
Book here.