Looking for the best new restaurants to explore in May? You won’t have to search far. Amidst a plethora of new events, from concerts to brand launches, and a constant influx of open markets, the heart of the city is bustling with thriving scenes. With dozens of new restaurants opening their doors every month, here are some to check out.
10 New Eateries in Kl and PJ to Look Out for in May 2024
The Eighth Cafe, Old Klang Road
Nestled under the warm glow of a picturesque skylight, The Eighth Cafe on Old Klang Road offers a serene café ambience, crafting velvety tiramisu lattes and coffee matcha lattes perfect for a tranquil morning retreat. Start your ordinary morning with a touch of classic curry chicken toast breakfast, where tender chunks of chicken are smothered in aromatic curry spices atop perfectly charred bread. Along with that, treat yourself to the luxurious indulgence of affogato, a harmonious mix of rich espresso poured over smooth, velvety gelato, creating a symphony of textures from the best of both worlds—sweet and savoury.
Address: Old Klang Road, 33A, Jalan Kubis, Taman Goodwood, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 41200
Opening hours: 10 am to 8 pm (opens daily)
Mossarium Cafe, Sungai Buloh
What could be more amusing for nature and coffee lovers than envisioning a space that seamlessly harmonises with the natural world? Making dreams come true, Mossarium Cafe has curated a Green Plant Cafe concept where aficionados of philodendrons and platyceriums can enjoy the best quality of coffee beans and speciality coffees handcrafted by their in-house barista while rejuvenating the gust of leafy freshness. Recently, it was shifted from a mall to a new space in Sungai Buloh, to create a more refreshing hideaway to relax and unwind while enjoying pastry.
Address: 27-2, Light Grey Sungai Buloh, Kampong Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10 am to 6 pm (Saturday and Sunday only)
Official operating hours are soon to be announced soon.
Hora Feliz Kitchen & Bar, Damansara
Blending the vibrancy of Latin America’s maize-based meals into Asian curries, the newly opened Hora Feliz in Damansara Perdana offers unique choices of cuisines that incorporate bold seasonings from various regions, with victuals like Shoyu Beef Tacos, featuring tender beef imbued with Thai mango slaw and chipotle mayo, all wrapped in corn tortillas. Pair it with the duck croquettes, boasting a crispy exterior and creamy interior, complemented by a spicy lao gan ma aioli. Fun fact: “Hora Feliz” actually translates to “happy hour” in Spanish, so don’t miss out on their refreshing citrusy cocktails like Salud—a meld of Codigo Roso tequila with orange bitters and agave syrup—or Southern Memories—a toast to white rum suffused with orange curaçao.
Address: G-13, Heritage Retalil at Empire Damansara, Jalan PJU 8/8A,Damansara Perdana, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia 47820
Opening hours: 5 pm to 10.30 pm (closed on Mondays)
Betawi, TTDI
As you may know, good food speaks for itself, but at Betawi, those spicy Indonesian flavours will make you stop talking and start eating. Serving you the Satay Maranggi—rich heritage dishes from West Java, Indonesia—and the flavour-packed Tahu Telur—a delightful fusion of soft tofu, crispy egg, and a burst of sweet and spicy peanut goodness in one mouthwatering bite. Forget the usual boring broth with Soto Betawi, which infuses a symphony of spices that dances on your palate, perfectly complementing the juicy beef, fluffy potatoes, and fresh veggies. With Betawi in town, each plate and bowl tells a story of careful selection, sourced from markets and hidden dens.
Address: 31, Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad 3, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 6:30 to 10:30 pm (closed on Mondays)
Nareo Donut, PJ
Infusing the essence of Sutherland Street into Petaling Jaya, Nareo Donut presents its unique assortments of raised and fresh-filled doughnuts, crafted for effortless decadence. These delicate, cloud-like delights come in at least eight flavours, adorned with luscious glazes, tantalising toppings, and velvety fillings. Some of their top picks include Boston Cream, Mandarin Yuzu, Coconut Kaya, Tiramisu, Strawberry White Chocolate, Hazelnut, Cookies & Cream, and Matcha Cheesecake. With Nareo baking up to 300 delectable doughnuts daily, early arrival is recommended. Don’t forget to also try their flat whites with quality beans from Curate Coffee Roasters.
Address: 37 G, Jalan 20/14, Taman Paramount, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: 9 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)
Aegean Blue, New Ocean World
Taking centre stage with hospitality and inviting service that makes every guest feel at home, the newly opened Aegean Blue is embracing an upscale Greek-style restaurant that serves Greece signatures like Moussaka, a comfort dish with gloating layers of tender potatoes, eggplant, flavorful minced beef and melted kefalotyri cheese. As a bonus, they also serve a sumptuous three-course set lunch menu consisting of a starter, a main course, and a dessert, along with a refreshing juice to complement your meal, only for RM45. Opt for grilled seabass or grilled chicken breast as your main dish, paired with your choice of soup of the day or a fresh salad. Conclude your feast with a decadent chocolate pancake accompanied by Greek yoghurt, serving everything you need to know about Greek food.
Address: L3-12A, Level 3, New Ocean World Fine Food City, 15, Jalan 19/1, Seksyen 19, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: 11 am to 10 pm (opens daily)
Barra, KL
Barra, the latest addition to Petaling Street, introduces Barcelona-born chef Ignasi Prat’s innovative take on a modern tapas experience in the heart of Chinatown. Their menu showcases a fusion of contemporary Spanish cuisine, reflecting the global influences of the 21st century. Not to be missed is the combination of Jerusalem artichokes paired with ajo blanco and delicate jamón iberico chips. If you are looking for something more festive, then try out their finest codfish, delicately pan-seared with Spanish olive oil and expertly baked to achieve a flawlessly crispy exterior and moist, tender flesh. Placed atop a bed of confit potatoes and spinach permeated with plump raisins, onions, and pine nuts—a Bacalao dish that harmonises the contrasting textures of the fish skin with the vibrant flavours of its accompaniments.
Address: 158, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 500000
Opening hours: 12 pm to 10.30 pm (closed on Mondays)
Saka-no-ue Cafe, Lalaport
This newly opened Kakigori shop in Lalaport is straight out of Japan, serving multiple layers of toppings on a shaved ice combo. Featuring a wide range of Kakigoris, each crafted with adorable themes like panda-topped varieties and cat marshmallow characters, generously layered atop heaps of flavorful shaved ice, adorned with a variety of fruit toppings too. Among their viral Kakigoris are the Strawberry Ice Cake, Anko Cream and Panda, Sake Cream and Cherry Blossom, and Tiramisu Kakigoris, all flaunting a right balance of cloud-like appearance and melt-in-mouth texture. With every spoonful, experience a refreshing burst of fruity, creamy, and milky zests that will envelop you in a heaping bowl of joy.
Address: Lot No. G-74, Ground Floor, Mitsui Shopping Park Lalaport, No. 2, Jln Hang Tuah, City Centre, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11 am to 8 pm (closed on Mondays)
Sushi Azabu, KLCC
Relocating from Isetan Lot 10, Sushi Azabu now welcomes you to its new haven at KLCC. Being a distinguished Michelin-starred brand with four other branches worldwide, Sushi Azabu is dedicated to providing unparalleled hospitality while embodying the finest 14-course and 17-course Omakase. Sleeked into the charcoal-themed setting, they now showboating an intimate atmosphere revolving around an open kitchen. As you step into their world, be prepared to be captivated by the mesmerising craftsmanship of their traditionally trained chefs. Azabu invites you to savour the concept of “Shun” (旬) and celebrate the peak of each finely crafted sake where each pour tells a tale of “Omotenashi,” getting you to savour not just the flavours, but the artistry of service.
Address: Ground Floor, Park Side, Petronas Twin Tower, Lot G48, Isetan, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12 pm to 3 pm, 6 pm to 10:30 pm (opens daily)
Mitsumori Kuala Lumpur
Stellar moments are made when you’re served with fresh and high-quality ingredients. Mitsumori is hosting Tempura lovers, Soba fans, Japanese cuisine connoisseurs, and foodies alike with their core mission of presenting the best soba noodles crafted from premium buckwheat flour sourced from Hokkaido. Along with their few foundations on creating light-crisp Ebi Tempura with the right temperature and perfectly concentrated batter, each offering carefully replicates the authentic taste of Japan. Witness these skilled chefs’ commitment to preparing homemade tofu and carefully selected koji from Oimatsu Sendai Nagata Jozo with their open kitchen seats at the counter when you dine with Mitsumori.
Address: Level 4, Lot 10, Shopping Centre, 50, Jln Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang, 50520 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11 am to 11 pm (closed on Tuesday and Wednesday)