Best New Restaurants And Cafes In Kuala Lumpur – May 2023

OSTERIA EMILIA: KL's Newest Italian Restaurant

Looking for a taste of Milan right here in Mont Kiara? Look no further than Osteria Emilia, the newest Italian restaurant to hit the scene. Led by KL-born chef Kim, the menu boasts all the classic Italian dishes you know and love, from pasta to pizza. Don't miss the saffron risotto with braised beef cheeks or the Italian Salumi Plank, both sure to transport your taste buds straight to Italy. With stunning wine buttresses and leafy street views, this spot is not to be missed.

Osteria Emilia, Ground Floor (GF, 163 Retail Park, 19, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, +603 6211 0060, Website

SEED BY WHITEGRASS: Unique French-Japanese Dishes

The Five @ KPD has a new addition with Seed by Whitegrass, an offshoot of Singapore's Michelin-starred restaurant Whitegrass, now helmed by chef de cuisine Joshua Ho. Enjoy modern French-Japanese dishes prepared in an open kitchen using locally sourced ingredients. Savor a 5-course or 8-course menu, featuring dishes like sawara with fennel tapenade and wasabi dressing, and duck with forest mushrooms and sauce bigarade. Indulge in a delicious culinary experience at Seed by Whitegrass and be transported to a gastronomic wonderland.

Seed by Whitegrass, L1-04, Block E, The Five, Kompleks Pejabat Damansara, Jalan Dungun, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, +6017 811 3136, Website

LING LONG: Bold Chinese Flavors With French Techniques

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds at Ling Long, the modern Chinese eatery that perfectly blends rich and bold Chinese flavors with French techniques. Step into the earth-toned interior and let head chef Lucas Lam take you on a culinary adventure. Don't miss the signature dish of ceviche prawns with tangy marinade and fu yu. Sit at the bar to see the kitchen in action or opt for a more intimate dining experience at a table. Ling Long promises an unforgettable dining experience.

Ling Long, L2-04, Block E, The Five, Kompleks Pejabat Damansara, Jalan Dungun, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, +6016-307 5134, Website

LAGULA BY THE HUNGRY TAPIR: Plant-Based Bakery And Breakfast Bar

LaGula By The Hungry Tapir, the new plant-based bakery and breakfast bar, has opened its doors just a stone's throw away from the vegan hotspot, The Hungry Tapir. The bright and tropical-themed eatery is situated on the ground floor of Four Points by Sheraton Chinatown. The menu features an array of plant-based treats, including sourdough croissants, breakfast platters, macarons, and cakes. Indulge in a guilt-free breakfast while basking in the charming pink-hued ambiance of LaGula.

LaGula by The Hungry Tapir, G-02, Ground Floor, Four Points Hotel by Sheraton, 2, Jalan Balai Polis, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, +6012 291 1147, Instagram Page

ALMOST HUMAN CLUB: Relaxing Space And Strong Coffee

Almost Human Club, located in KL Eco City Mall, promises to offer a tranquil space for you to relax and recharge with a cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of juice. Don't miss out on their must-try dishes, including the delicious tiger prawn spaghetti and hearty breakfast plate. Come and indulge in the comfortable ambiance of Almost Human Club and take a break from the frenetic pace of life.

Almost Human Club, Lot G-20 KL Eco City Mall, Jalan Bangsar, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

XIAO BY CRUSTZ: Desserts, Coffee, And More!

Xiao by Crustz has relocated to a new and bigger location in Kuala Lumpur, offering a wide range of sweet and savory pastries, signature cakes, ice cream, coffee, and tea. The interior is both chic and traditional, with live plants and Tatami-style seating adding a touch of natural charm. The food is the real star of the show, with every menu item carefully crafted with quality ingredients and perfectly balanced flavors. If you're looking for luscious and loveable sweet sensations, Xiao by Crustz is the place to be!

Xiao by Crustz, 9, Jalan Sena 3/13A, Seksyen 3, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, +6011 5637 8702, Website

TAKEEN: Luxurious Japanese Fine Dining

Step into TAKEEN, a luxurious Japanese fine dining restaurant that serves an immersive dining experience that transports you to a serene bamboo-infused atmosphere. Be treated to a unique omakase experience featuring Kappo and sushi-style dishes curated by the international award-winning Chef Thomas Chan. Indulge in impeccably prepared dishes using seasonal Japanese ingredients that are sure to please the most discerning palates. Don't forget to pair your meal with an extensive selection of premium sake and wine for a truly elevated experience.

TAKEEN, Lot 5-G, Lorong 4/137c, Bedford Business Park, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, +6018 220 0352, Website

LILIAN’S CAKE HOUSE: Retro Cake House

Step back in time to the 1950s at Lilian’s Cake House, where black-and-white checkered floors and retro orange, green, and red accents create a trademark diner atmosphere. The cafe offers customisable whole cakes that are adorned with vintage letterings and heavy on the frills and piping. Despite their generously slathered frosting, the cakes are surprisingly light, made with fluffy chiffon cake layers and topped with ultra-light dairy whipping cream. And, the best part? Lilian’s Cake House welcomes pets, making it the perfect spot to relax, snap an Instagram-worthy pic, and indulge in sweet treats with your furry friend.

Lilian’s Cake House, S-B5-01, 4, Jalan Kiara 1, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, +6017 856 5205, Website

SLOW WOOD COFFEE: Nature-Infused Coffee Experience

Escape the city's chaos and unwind at Slow Wood Coffee, a cozy café in Mont Kiara. The rustic-industrial design creates a serene atmosphere surrounded by lush greenery. Marvel at the authentic feel provided by the seven pillars made from Terengganu-sourced merbau hardwood tree trunks. You can indulge in a variety of signature coffees that will tantalize your taste buds. If you're looking for a nature-infused coffee experience, look no further than Slow Wood Coffee.

Slow Wood Coffee, B5-03A, 4, Jalan Kiara 1, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Instagram Page

NAPA THAI: Bold Thai Flavors

Napa Thai at Sri Hartamas offers an unmissable authentic Thai dining experience, featuring classics like soft shell crab curry and seafood omelette, alongside lesser-known dishes like pan-fried squid eggs and ant egg salad with crispy acacia. Indulge in their Thai desserts, with Kanom Bueng being a must-try. The restaurant’s traditional and elegant decor will transport you straight to Thailand, making it the perfect spot for a casual meal or special occasion.

Napa Thai, 27 & 29, Jalan Sri Hartamas 7, Taman Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, +6017 655 6170, Instagram Page

FUKUNIKU: Japanese Comfort Food

Craving for some delicious Japanese comfort food? Head on over to Fukuniku in Bangsar South! They serve up some seriously scrumptious rice bowls with juicy handmade pork patties, baked to perfection and topped with a variety of tasty toppings. Want a little zest? Try the refreshing yuzu or tangy umeboshi. Feeling adventurous? Go for the punchy wasabi-zuke. But if you want to taste the best of the best, go for their signature bowl topped with a raw egg, grated radish, and their housemade sauce. It's a bowlful of pure joy!

Fukuniku, Unit G01, South Link, Jalan Kerinchi Kiri 2, Bangsar South, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, +6011 5423 2219, Facebook Page

SAMO’S KITCHEN: Flavors Of The Middle East, Turkey And North Africa

This unique culinary adventure fuses the flavors of the Middle East, Turkey, and North Africa. With a warm and welcoming atmosphere, you can indulge in a range of delectable dishes, including nutty salads, crispy falafel platters, and hearty vegetable tagines. Sip on refreshing grapefruit honey fizzy coolers and minty ayran beverages to quench your thirst. Samo's Kitchen promises to satisfy your cravings for a comforting home-cooked meal while taking you on a delightful culinary journey.

Samo’s Kitchen, 2-3 & 2-5, Block B, Level 2 MAHSA Avenue Jalan Universiti, Off, Jalan Ilmu, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, +6013 269 1233

JWALA: North Indian Cuisine In Bukit Damansara

While Malaysians are blessed with a selection of South Indian cuisine, there is a vacuum of upscale North Indian cuisine, which is why Jwala provides a great focus on tandoor-style cuisine expressed by North Indian flavors and produce. Using custom made tandoors fit for the finest degree of charcoal grilling, Jwala is not just a dining destination, it is a theater where fiery performances are staged, bringing drama and delight to your plate and palate.

Jwala, E-2-01, Level 2, Block E, The Five, Kompleks Pejabat Damansara, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, +601 2947 9100, Website

SHIKOMI COFFEE: New Taiwanese Cafe In Subang Jaya

This rustic Taiwanese-inspired charm serves beautiful butter cake and silky creme caramel coupled which is best paired with their hawthorn lemonade. You can also fuel up with their affordable quality cups of coffee and simple Japanese and Taiwanese breakfast pastries and sweets for a quick pick-me-up!

Shikomi Coffee, 5, Jalan SS 18/6, Ss18, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia, +603 5612 3180

COTTA KL: Ricotta Cheese Specialist In Kuala Lumpur

Think Ricotta, think Cotta. Offering varieties of Ricotta toast, this cafe serves hearty open-faced sandwiches with fine coffee for a delicious dairy delight in KL. The Classic — fresh ricotta atop sourdough with flowery Spanish honey and walnuts — is what purists would go for while those who fancy a bit of hot action could opt for the Chuck Mooris, a pulled beef ricotta toast.

Cotta KL, L6-1A, Verve Shops, 8, Jalan Kiara 5, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, +6011 2321 2125

BOIBOI: Upscale Kopitiam In Kuala Lumpur

This bungalow beautifully transformed into a restaurant is your newest go-to for some good ol’ Kopitiam favorites. From authentic nasi lemak to flavourful Sarawak laksa and classic half-boiled egg and toast combo, you can be sure to find your local comfort meals here. We can’t think of a better place to spend our weekends!

BoiBoi, 14 Jalan Inai, off, Jln Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, +6017 278 6383

MANO AT THE FIVE: Latin American Cuisine In Bukit Damansara

Mano is a place with good food, that is laid back but not messy, that can fill the niche for Latin American cuisine that hasn’t been exploited in Malaysia properly. Having built a kitchen focused on sharing, drinking with friends and having a good time, MANO is meant to be as much of a neighborhood restaurant as a special occasion one.

Mano At The Five, E-1-03, The Five, Kompleks Pejabat Damansara, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, +6017 277 6266, Website