New Restaurants, Cafés And Bars in KL: March 2016

With well-thought out plates that surpass regular pub grub, cleverly concocted cocktails and a rooftop view of the city, Bangsar Village 2’s newest tenant gives Bangsar folks a reason to rejoice! The quaint Man Tau Sliders (RM8) are available in four variations, but it is the Indonesian-style beef and curried lobster you should opt for. Then, share the insanely tasty bowl of Crispy Whitebait (RM22) topped with onsen egg, potato foam and truffle oil. Also save space for a creamy yet light Spaghetti Carbonara (RM36). While ladies will be delighted by the fragrant Dynasty (RM35) — Tanqueray No.10 gin with grapefruit juice and jasmine tea served in a teapot — men can kick back with Mantra’s trusty beer selections to the in-house DJ's tunes. Find your way to the stylish bar via the centre court lift to the rooftop.
Avg Price: RM60

The Midnight Baker is the epitome of a neighbourhood bakery that calls its residents, young and old alike, for their staple morning pick-me-ups. Parents, here’s a spot to grab coffee while your little ones keep themselves busy with books and toys available at the kid’s corner. A must-try here is the rich Chocolate Brownie (RM7) that is warmed upon order, just the right complement to the barista’s choice Piccolo (RM9). If you prefer to begin your mornings on a savoury note, try the Bacon Quiche (RM11), a trove of mushrooms, bacon bits and custard set in buttery puff pastry. You will find The Midnight Baker in Seni Mont Kiara, where parking space is ample and absolutely free.
Avg Price: RM15

Yet another bar on Jalan Telawi 3, The X sets itself apart from the rest with the temptation of tantalising grilled skewers to go with your evening drink. Opt for the outdoor seats with your friends for an enjoyable view of the busy Bangsar street. Whether you’re starving or just hungry for a bite, be sure to share the Yakitori Combo (RM20) that comes with a mix of juicy, seasoned goodies — chicken teriyaki, chicken wings, beef striploin, quail eggs and okra. Happy hour starts early at 5pm till 9.45pm so go all out on beer (from RM11) and wine (from 16) but for beer buffs, the real deal happens after 9.45pm when Carlsberg goes for RM55 for three pints and Kronenbourg, RM75 for three pints.
Avg Price: RM40

Hailing from Bangkok, the popular Greyhound Cafe makes it first appearance in Malaysia. Start with its signature dish — Complicated Noodles (RM18), a dish that allows you to assemble your own mix of flat noodle sheets, marinated minced chicken, lettuce, coriander and chili sauce to your taste. Expect stirring flavours with their Salmon Sashimi in Spicy Hot Sauces (RM22), tasty Greyhound Famous Fried Chicken Wings (RM18) and the spicy Spaghetti with Thai Anchovy (RM24). This trendy restaurant is just the spot for a classy yet affordable night!
Avg Price: RM35

Just when we thought the Korean bingsu trend was slowing down, Beans n Beans opens along on Jalan SS21/1A to join the ranks of dessert spots in Damansara Uptown. Unlike most bingsu cafes, Beans n Beans refrains from using plain ice and prides themselves on their milk-based shaved ice. Try the bestseller, Choco Bingsu (RM17.80), a chocolate milk base topped generously with chocolate brownies, banana and chocolate ice cream. The Cheese Bingsu (RM17.80) features a unique combination of vanilla ice cream, almond flakes and cheese powder. If you’re not a fan of shaved ice, Beans n Beans also has an extensive list of beverages to cool you off in the midst of this heatwave. Better yet, come by after dinner for a chilly nightcap!
Avg Price: RM20

Having newly opened in Plaza Mont Kiara amidst a line of eateries, 3 Idiots Cafe caters to the throngs of working individuals in this vicinity with their affordable lunch deals under RM13. Definitely try the Beefy Noodle Soup (RM10.90) for the tasty broth and the even tastier, tender beef slices. Pro tip: Ask for a smaller portion of flat noodles for a better soup to noodle ratio. Another hearty option is the Lemongrass Chicken with Rice (RM10.90), a frill-free dish that is bound to fuel you through the rest of the work day. Expect quick and attentive service here, despite the disclaimer in their namesake.
Avg Price: RM10

Relive the different eras of mixology at Petaling Street's new PS150, a sultry bar that takes its decor inspiration from iconic cocktail decades. The drinks follow suit too, albeit with an Asian Twist. Start off with the winning Lychee No.3 (RM39), chief bartender Angel Ng’s take on lychee martini with bunga kantan (ginger flower), then sip on the sharp, tangy sweetness of either the Assamboi Margarita (RM39) or the zesty Southside of The East (RM39). Pro tip: Standing space is aplenty but make sure to call ahead for a table. Be on time so your table is not released!
Avg price: RM80

Having recently settled in next to its sister Ganga Café, Barat Vegetarian Restaurant’s classy decor makes for the perfect date night. Don’t miss out on the degustation menu, A Mediterranean Vegetarian Culinary Experience, which offers over 13 courses for only RM88. The tasting menu eases you in with starters like a quenching watermelon gazpacho and a spiced roasted pumpkin soup. The grilled sweet peppers with cheese stuffing will spur your hunger for more tapas — four more, in fact! -— along with mains like the full-flavoured curried couscous and a nutty pistachio carbonara. The experience culminates with their sweet dessert trio of homemade ice cream or sorbet, brownies and peach in brandy.
Price: RM88

A flight of stairs leads up to a Zen-like sanctuary, furnished to swoon minimalists at heart. The span of desserts here, however, is anything but minimal. Foo Foo's thoughtful menu speaks innovation and passion, with house-made ice cream leading the line of plated desserts. You won’t get red velvet here, but, you will find many interesting marriages of flavours like the Almond Brioche with Spicy Chocolate Gelato (RM27) and Masala-Spiced, Red Wine Poached Pear with Rose Petal Ice Cream (RM29). You can also get individual scoops of their ice cream at RM9.
Avg price: RM30

Offering modern interpretations of familiar Malaysian dishes, Li at Damansara Jaya makes up for their bare, white-walled interiors by packing the punch in their launch menu. Escape work for lunch here with the colleagues, starting with the Pork Toast (RM9), a reinvention of the Hainanese staple with minced pork stuffed in a slice of deep fried golden sourdough. For mains, dig into the chicken rice-inspired House Rice Bowl (RM16.90) with tender chicken thigh and a runny egg, or spin your fork through the pickled chilies and tagliatelle of the Pasta with Slow Cooked Pork (RM16.90). Then let the Lychee (RM15.50) dessert take your taste buds on a journey with brittle meringue, tart lime granita and sweet lychees with a dash of coconut milk.
Avg price: RM25

Taking over Feast digs is NOM, a new locale for fusion Malaysian food. Expect plenty East meets West eats like the Fettucine with Ayam Percik (RM22.50) and NOM Nasi Lemak Goreng (RM18.50), a scrumptious fried version of fragrant nasi lemak. You can also customise a Personal Pizza (from RM18.50) — choose between NOM’s Signature or whole wheat dough, as well as your preferred crust type — thin or crusty. To finish, treat yourself to the S’Mores Pizza (RM24), baked to crisp perfection and topped with pillowy marshmallows and chocolate hazelnut praline. Need we say NOM?
Avg price: RM25