The capital of Malaysia, a melting pot of cultures, and a metropolis of high-rise buildings, Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant cosmopolitan city. KL feels different at every corner, but what holds it together is the aroma of food. From the rich coconut milk curries of Nyonya cuisine to the fiery curries of Penang, prepare your taste buds for a burst of flavors. It has a varied dining scene; fine dining establishments, rooftop cocktail bars, bustling hawker centers, cafes in the colonial era, and so much more. Amongst a cornucopia of choices, here are the best restaurants in KL with their specialties.
14 Best-Rated Places to Eat in KL
1. Marini’s on 57
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Tucked on the 57th floor of Petronas Tower 3, next to Suria KLCC, Marini’s on 57 is a sophisticated and elegant dining establishment. It is an Italian rooftop venue offering floor-to-ceiling 360-degree views of the city. The chic and aesthetic ambiance, impeccable service and premium champagnes make it a perfect night spot. Relish the delicious Caesar salad, Sausage Platter, Paccheri All’ Astice, Ocean Trout and much more. Do not miss out on the delectable Tiramisu and Panna Cotta with walnuts.
Location: Petronas, Level 57, Menara 3, Persiaran KLCC, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Average Price for Two: 250 – 600 RM
Opening Hours: 5:00 pm – 2:00 am
2. Aras Revolving Restaurant
A new alternative to Atmosphere 360 restaurant in Kuala Lumpur, Aras offers diners a breathtaking panoramic view of the Kuala Lumpur cityscape as the restaurant slowly rotates. Dig into a mouth-watering array of local and international dishes, arranged in a buffet style. From fresh seafood to succulent meats, the lavish menu captures the essence of Malaysia’s rich culinary heritage. With these signature dishes, attentive staff and beautiful views, you can plan a romantic date night here.
Location: Kuala Lumpur Tower, 2 Jalan Punchak, Off, Jalan P. Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Average Price for Two: 300 – 500 RM
Opening Hours: 12:00 – 10:00 pm
3. Rojak Dan Cendol Din
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Rojak Dan Cendol Din is a popular food truck and affordable restaurant in KL. If you have planned a Kuala Lumpur one day itinerary and want to quickly take a bite at a local eatery, then pull a stool at this restaurant. Try a spicy plate of several varieties of Rojak, including Rojak Biasa, Rojak Sotong and Rojak Mee. Their cendol is another crowd-pleaser. It’s a refreshing shaved ice dessert with green cendol jelly noodles made from rice flour and pandan leaves. Expect a bustling atmosphere during lunch.
Location: Opposite BHP Petrol Station, Pinggir Zaaba, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
Average Price for Two: 30-50 RM
Opening Hours: Opens around 5:00 pm and operates until late evening
4. Bijab Bar & Restaurant
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Another award-winning restaurant in Kuala Lumpur, Bijab Bar & Restaurant is a 17-year-old establishment. It has a modern, intimate, and unique interior. Bijan elevates classic Malaysian dishes with fresh, local ingredients and innovative presentations. Their signature dish is the nasi lemak with wagyu beef rendang, but everything on the menu is said to be delicious and beautifully presented. Guests can arrange private settings for weddings or corporate meetings.
Location: No.3, Jalan Ceylon, Bukit Ceylon, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Average Price for Two: 200-400 RM
Opening Hours: 4:30 – 11:00 pm
5. Ember
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A blend of Chinese and Malay cuisine, Ember is the best restaurant in KL. The chef boldly presents its flavors through the most sustainable way of cooking. Get ready to devour unexpected flavor combinations and presentations that are both beautiful and delicious. It has a decent interior with marble floors and grey walls. With the open kitchen, guests witness live stations and culinary artistry firsthand, adding to the dining experience. Plus, there is a protein-rich menu at this Michelin-star place.
Location: 20 Jalan Wan Kadir 1, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, 60000, Malaysia
Average Price for Two: 400-600 RM
Opening Hours: 6:00 – 11:30 pm
6. Cilantro Restaurant & Wine Bar
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Imbuing depths of flavor into dishes, Cilantro is a haven for those seeking a sophisticated and refined dining experience that bridges French and Japanese culinary traditions. For a touch of excitement, Cilantro occasionally features a pop-up kitchen concept. This allows aspiring chefs to showcase their talents and diners to experience innovative culinary creations. Overall, Cilantro delivers a fine dining experience that is both luxurious and delightful.
Location: Micasa All Suite Hotel, 368B, Micasa All Suite Hotel, Jln Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Average Price for Two: 250-400 RM
Opening Hours: 06:00 – 11:00 pm
7. Thirty8 Restaurant, Bar & Lounge
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An eponymous restaurant named after its location on the 38th floor of the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, Thirty8 Restaurant, Bar & Lounge features a spacious and graceful ambiance. Savour mouth-watering food prepared at the dedicated show kitchen, assuring complete transparency of ingredients and process. While you skim through Western, Chinese and Japanese cuisines, the stylish seating arrangements offer uninterrupted views of the city. Get to the bar to choose from the premium choices of wine.
Location: Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, 12, Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Average Price for Two: 300-500 RM, 118 RM per person for buffet
Opening Hours: 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
8. Tamarind Springs
Image Credit: TamarindSprings.KL
Hemmed in by lush jungle, Tamarind Springs offers you a natural getaway in the middle of urban chaos. It has a truly unique setting, dotted with stone-carved statues, traditional décor, wooden seats and large paintings evoking all senses with pleasure. No wonder, this combination of nature-inspired location, warm hospitality and good food has led it to win several accolades.
Location: Jalan 1 Ampang, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur 68000 Malaysia
Average Price for Two: 400 – 600 RM
Opening Hours: Lunch: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm; Dinner: 6:00 – 11:00 pm; Brunch: 11:30 am – 3:30 pm
9. Marble 8 on 56
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Specializing in dry-aged meat and prime cuts of superior quality, Marble 8 is a luxurious steakhouse. It overlooks the breathtaking skyline of the city, including the Twin Towers. The menu is grand including the best quality ingredients offering deep flavours and luscious texture. The steaks are processed for dry-age for a period of 21-60 days in a temperature-controlled room. It is a bit pricier, but once you sit and savor, it’s all worthwhile.
Location: 56F, Menara 3 Petronas, Persiaran KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, 50088, Malaysia
Average Price for Two: 700-1000 RM
Opening Hours: 6:30 – 11:30 pm
10. Troika Sky Dining
A concoction of wonderful places to eat in Kuala Lumpur, Troika Sky Dining is a lavish complex sitting atop the famous Norman Foster building “The Troika”. It is made up of Fuego, Strato, Mr Chew’s Chino Latino Bar and Fritz. Each place offers a unique vibe, sleek decor and vibrant atmosphere. For eg, Fuego is a South American casual restaurant known for its tapas, grills, and cocktails, while Troika is famous for formal gatherings. Since the view is so clear and wonderful, you can plan your next list of things to do in Kuala Lumpur right from your table.
Location: 19, Persiaran KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Average Price for Two: Fuego (200-400 RM)
Opening Hours: 5:00 pm – late night (varies as per the restaurant)
11. Nobu KL
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A Japanese restaurant, holding 56 franchises worldwide, Nobu is one of the best restaurants in Kuala Lumpur. Known for its extraordinary service and polite staff members, Nobu offers an unforgettable dining experience. It meticulously blends and plays with Asian and American flavours. The menu features Nobu’s signature dishes like the black cod miso and yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño, alongside new creations by Chef Philip Leong.
Location: L4A-05, Level 4A, Shoppes at Four Seasons Place, 145, Jln Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Average Price for Two: 500-800 RM
Opening Hours: 11:45 am – 2:00 pm; 6:00 – 10:30 pm
12. Jalan Alor Food Street
Looking for a fun and casual place to dine after sunset? Jalan Alor Food Street is located in the Bukit Bintang area, one of the best places to visit in Malaysia for budget travelers. This is the famous and busiest street, stretching for half a kilometer and home to 200 food stalls. Whether you are hunting local favorites, such as satay and char kway teow, or searching for exotic food like Thai curries, this food street serves you all. While there are some restaurants lining the street, the true heart of Jalan Alor lies in its food stalls. Here, you can find delicious and budget-friendly meals.
Location: Jln Alor, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Average Price for Two: 50-100 RM
Opening Hours: 11:00 am – 2:30 pm, 5:00 – 8:30 pm
13. Dewakan
The highest-awarded Michelin restaurant in Malaysia, Dewakan serves a wonderful interior, sophisticated backdrop and exceptional menu. The name comes from Malay, meaning ‘God’ and ‘food’. They use high-quality seasonal ingredients and traditional techniques to create a truly heavenly dining experience. Expect to find dishes featuring fresh seafood, fragrant spices, and unique local ingredients. Also, the menu changes seasonally.
Location: Level 48, Skyviews, Naza Tower, Platinum Park, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Average Price for Two: 800-1200 RM
Opening Hours: 6:00 – 11:30 pm
14. Prime KL
Love meat? Visit Prime KL, the award-winning steak restaurant serving halal-certified meat. Located in Le Méridien, this eatery runs under the guidance of expert Chef Antoine Rodriguez. Prepared from fine-quality imported beef, the tender meat practically melts in your mouth. They specialize in dry-aged Australian and Japanese beef with cuts like Miyazaki Wagyu and Saga-Gyu on the menu. Besides the exquisite menu, the restaurant has a classic wine collection.
Location: 2 Jalan Stesen Sentral, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, KL 50470, Malaysia
Average Price for Two: 400-600 RM
Opening Hours: Lunch: 12:00 pm – 02:30 pm; Dinner: 06:30 pm – 10:30 pm
FAQs
1. Which part of Malaysia has the best food?
Some of the best cities in Malaysia that offer delicious food are Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, and Penang.
2. What restaurant was voted best in Malaysia?
Dewakan is the first ever two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Malaysia.
3. Which is the best Kula Lumpur restaurant with a view?
Several rooftop restaurants offer stunning cityscapes, like Marini’s on 57or Troika Sky Dining.
4. Where can I find a good selection of street food in Kuala Lumpur?
Jalan Alor Food Street, Petaling Street Market and Hutong Food Court are must-visit night markets with a variety of affordable local and international options.
5. Where can I find halal restaurants in Kuala Lumpur?
Samba Brazilian Steakhouse, D’Tandoor and SukaSucre Bistro offer halal-certified food.
Conclusion
Kuala Lumpur restaurants boast a vibrant gastronomical scene to suit every palate and budget. Explore these culinary gems and immerse in the rich culture and diversity of this city.
