Malaysia, particularly Kuala Lumpur, has been long celebrated as a paradise for food lovers. From the traditional hawker stalls on busy street corners to exquisite, fine dining establishments, the city is a melting pot of cultures, each offering a plethora of unique culinary experiences. If you are a local or a traveler with an adventurous palate, this city will never cease to amaze you with its diverse food scenes.
Now, if you’re wondering where to embark on your gastronomic journey, you’re in the right place! We have curated a list of the Top 15 Must-Try Restaurants in Kuala Lumpur for 2023. This selection covers a variety of cuisines and dining experiences, ensuring that there’s something to suit every preference. Whether you’re a fan of local delicacies, international dishes, or fusion cuisines, these establishments are here to tantalize your taste buds.
Why is Kuala Lumpur a Hub for Diverse Cuisines?
The city of Kuala Lumpur is truly a melting pot of cultures, each contributing to the diverse and vibrant culinary scene. Influences from Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Thai cuisines, to name a few, make KL a foodie’s paradise. The food of KL combines sweet, sour, rich, savory, and spicy flavors in a manner that is unlike any other cuisine. Whether it’s a spicy plate of Nasi Lemak from a roadside stall, aromatic Chinese Dim Sum in a bustling restaurant or a comforting bowl of Indian curry, each dish is a reflection of the city’s multicultural heritage.
What Kinds of Unique Cuisine Can You Expect in Kuala Lumpur?
In Kuala Lumpur, you can expect an array of unique cuisines which includes:
- Traditional Malaysian Cuisine
Experience local flavors with dishes like Nasi Lemak (coconut milk rice served with anchovies, peanuts, boiled egg, and spicy sambal), Roti Canai (a type of Indian-influenced flatbread), and Bak Kut Teh (a pork rib dish cooked in broth).
- Asian Cuisine
The city also hosts a multitude of other Asian cuisines. You can find authentic Korean BBQ houses, Japanese sushi bars, and various Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian eateries scattered around.
- Arab Cuisine
For those who enjoy Middle Eastern flavors, Kuala Lumpur boasts many Arabic restaurants where you can enjoy dishes like Hummus, Kebabs, Shawarma, and Falafel.
- Western Cuisine
From Italian pizza and pasta places to American steakhouses, Kuala Lumpur serves a range of Western cuisines to cater to all tastes. You can find everything from gourmet burgers to French fine dining establishments.
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15 Must-Try Restaurants in Kuala Lumpur 2023
1. Atmosphere 360, KL Tower
Atmosphere 360 is positioned atop KL Tower. It offers a great view of Kuala Lumpur and creates a romantic and thrilling ambiance. It also provides a variety of cuisines such as mouth-watering lunch and supper, high tea, and buffet meals, as well as delightful drinks and à la carte selections. You will have a unique time with your families, relatives, partners, and friends here!
Operating Hours: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Monday – Sunday)
Address: TH02, Menara Kuala Lumpur, 2, Jalan Puncak, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Phone No: 03-2020 2020
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Atmosphere360
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/1025416238/atmosphere-360-kl-tower/
2. Seoul Garden
Seoul Garden is a leading Halal-certified Korean brand that serves customers delicious grills, steamboats, and other dishes. It also serves traditional Korean soups like Ginseng and Kimchi! As implied by the name, it is the ideal place for you to experience or refresh your memories of Korea.
Operating Hours: 11:30 am – 10:30 pm (Daily)
Address: LG 345, Lower Ground Floor, Highstreet, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Lebuh Bandar Utama, 47800, Selangor
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SG1Utama
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seoulgardenmalaysia/
REFER INFO ON WEBSITEu003cbru003e3. DC Restaurant
The DC Restaurant was created by Darren Chin and the restaurant focuses on French fine dining. It offers a variety of services on each floor to give guests a unique dining experience. You can order a refreshing drink on the ground floor at “LE COMPTOIR.” Furthermore, there are two dining rooms for you to choose from: “LA SALLE” and “SALON.” At the same time, the second floor is a nice spot to lounge once you’ve finished eating!
Operating Hours:
6:00 pm -11:30 pm (Tuesday – Sunday)
Closed on Mondays
Address: 44, Persiaran Zaaba, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarrenChinRestaurant
WEBSITE INFO4. Oriental Pavilion
Oriental Pavilion is one of the best-known Chinese restaurants and has a wide variety of foods to choose from that draws many people on weekends and during the week. They’re known for their dim sum and roasted meats. Here, you may test the most authentic Chinese cuisine. It is suitable for a family gathering!
Operating Hours:
11:00 am – 3:00 pm, 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Monday – Friday)
10:00 am – 3:00 pm, 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Saturday & Sunday)
Address: P1-04, Level 1, Podium, PJ33, 3, Jalan Professor Khoo Kay Kim, Seksyen 13, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orientalpavilion
View website5. Skillet At 163
Skillet at 163 provides a broad choice of tasty and reasonably priced contemporary European meals. This restaurant offers three distinct menus, each with several dishes such as Fisherman’s Tart, Prosperity Abalone Rice Bowl, and more. They are skilled at putting a unique spin on classic food by preparing creative yet memorable fine-dining meals. Its casual interior will provide a pleasant dining experience with individualized service to you.
Operating Hours:
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Tuesday – Sunday)
Closed on Mondays
Address: Unit 1, Ground Floor, Cormar Suites, 10, Jalan Perak, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skilletat163/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skilletat163
View website6. Table & Apron
Table & Apron is a good place for you to relieve stress as you can listen to music while having food. Besides that, it provides a casual eatery with an attached bakery that has built its reputation on dishes such as fried chicken coated in a light batter, herbaceous ulam rice with brackish crabmeat, and fall-off-the-bone sticky pork ribs. Moreover, the staff will ask you if you have any allergies when the menu does not state the allergens, assuring your health and safety as you dine.
Operating Hours:
5:30 pm – 10:30 pm (Monday – Friday)
11:30 am – 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm – 10:30pm (Saturday & Sunday)
Address: 23, Jalan SS 20/11, Damansara Kim, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tableandapron
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tableandapron/
7. Hing Kee Bakuteh
Hing Kee Bakuteh garnered fame even before its Michelin recognition. Unlike Klang’s version, the soup here is clear, not dark, and has a subtle herbal flavor. The dry variant also scores high on taste. The restaurant delivers value for money with generous portions of pork meat for a reasonable price. Parking can be challenging, hence an early visit, preferably before the peak time at 6 pm.
Operating Hours:
10:30 am – 12:30 am (Wednesday – Monday)
Closed on Tuesdays
Address: LOT 3541-A JALAN KEPONG BT 7, 52000 Kuala Lumpur
Phone No: 03-2179 8885
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hinkeebakuteh/
8. Bombay Palace
Bombay Palace is an international award-winning Indian restaurant serving authentic North Indian food in an exquisite setting. It is ideal for a romantic date or to celebrate memorable occasions. Most importantly, it is suitable for vegetarians! Hurry and ask your buddies to come here for a gathering! It is worth a try.
Operating Hours: 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm, 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm (Daily)
Address: Life Centre, 20, Jln Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bombaypalacekl/
9. Lim Fried Chicken @ SS2
Lim Fried Chicken Restaurant (LFC) serves a taste that we love and it is self-explanatory how tasty it is by seeing that there are many outlets in Malaysia. Its fried chicken is crunchy yet juicy, making it irresistible with each bite. LFC not only sells fried chicken but other dishes as well like Chee Cheong Fun, Sambal Sotong, Curry Mutton, and Nasi Lemak so you can choose other dishes to try along with the fried chicken.
Operating Hours:
10:30 am – 9:00 pm (Tuesday – Sunday)
Closed on Mondays
Address: 46, Jalan SS 2/24, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LimFriedChicken/
10. Pampas Steakhouse Old Malaya
Pampas Steakhouse is a great place to meet up with friends and family over superb steaks. Pampas has a variety of places to sit, including an al-fresco dining space outside, a chic bar with a view of the KL Tower, and even private suites on the top floor for special events. Both are famous Instagrammable spots. Also, they provide a wide variety of food such as appetisers, pasta, burgers, fish, meats and more. The steaks here are attractively priced at only RM108 for a 250gm sirloin!
Operating Hours: 5:00 pm – 11:30 pm (Daily)
Address: 66, Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur, 52200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pampasoldmalaya
11. New Kai Seng Seafood Restaurant
Calling all seafood lovers! You definitely should try the signatures of New Kai Seng Seafood Restaurant – “clay pot coconut cream crab” and the “superior lala soup.” The creamy coconut aroma will awaken your senses, while the crab will fill your tummy. It is worth as it serves authentic Chinese cuisine and costs an affordable price.
Operating Hours:
4:00 pm – 12:30 pm (Friday – Wednesday)
Closed on Thursday
Address: Jalan Kenanga, 50, Jalan Merlimau, Pudu, 55200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063686424174
12. Wildflowers
Wildflowers is a restaurant that specializes in contemporary Asian food, beverages, and coffee. It strives to provide an awesome dining experience for its consumers by pairing the cuisine and beverages accordingly. Aside from that, the interior design is rich in greenery and may be utilized as a photographic backdrop to entertain the customers. The meals that are prepared look appetizing and stimulate the consumers’ appetites too!
Operating Hours:
5:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Tuesday-Thursday)
3:00 pm – 1:00 am(Friday & Saturday)
3:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Sunday)
Closed on Mondays
Address: 153, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildflowers.kl
View website13. Tamarind Hill
Tamarind Restaurant remains a popular restaurant in Kuala Lumpur, a part of the Tamarind Restaurant Group. Its location, design, interior, and ambiance provide a unique dining experience to all who visit the restaurant for a bite to eat. You get an opportunity to have a taste of the best Thai cuisine made by Chef Wanthana here! It is an ideal choice for those who are craving Thai cuisines.
Operating Hours:
12:00 pm-3:00 pm, 6:00 pm -10:00 pm (Monday to Saturday)
Closed on Sundays
Address: 19, Jln Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TamarindHill.KL
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamarindhill.kl/
14. Lai Po Heen Restaurant
Lai Po Heen Restaurant is located at the Kuala Lumpur Culture Oriental Hotel. The Peking Duck is a must-order dish there as it is commonly recommended and ordered by customers. You can choose how the duck is done for the second course. Either chopped, with egg noodles, or fried with rice. Also, their services are superb, and it is worth the price.
Operating Hours:
12:00 pm – 2:30 pm, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Monday – Friday)
10:30 am – 2:30 pm, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Saturday & Sunday)
Address: Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaiPoHeen
View website15. Fukuya Authentic Japanese Restaurant
Are you looking for Japanese cuisine? Fukuya is an excellent choice! It serves classic set meals, including tempura, sushi, grilled eel, beef teriyaki, chicken katsu, and other dishes. All sets include appetizers, steamed egg custard, miso soup, rice, and dessert to round out your meal. You may taste authentic Japanese cuisine here!
Operating Hours: 11:45 am – 2:45 pm, 5:45 pm – 10:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 9, Jalan Delima, Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fukuya.kl
View websiteDisclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.com.my. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy
