KL City's Best: Fine Dining

On occasions that you're looking to splurge on your special someone, take them to Nobu on the 56th level of Petronas Tower. Innovative Japanese eats and an impressive view of KL city are but a few things worth a mention here. Go for their Five-Course Omakase, which will set you back RM285 per person for a fancy treat. Omakase, meaning 'to entrust' in Japanese, allows the chef to design your meal as he sees fit and here, it is done exceptionally well. Think along the lines of white fish in lemon yuzu sauce and a medium rare grilled beef tenderloin or wagyu beef with ginger miso — all part of the cold and hot dishes which are followed aptly by a course of decadent dessert.
Avg Price: RM300
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Nikholas A.

Though Indian cuisine may be less popular among its other fine dining counterparts, Delhi Royale commands a crowd at lunch hour for its attractive buffet line. Priced from RM51.15 per person, the buffet offers delish picks from colourful biryani rice to rich butter chicken and a variety of chaat (starters). If you arrive at this classy restaurant for a date, it will do you good to select from their a la carte menu. The Tandoori Broccoli (RM25.54), voted one of their best dishes, is highly recommended for sensational tandoor-grilled broccoli glazed in cashew masala. After the spice-heavy meal, indulge in a novel and refreshing Masala Martini (RM26.50) or the tamer Masala Coke (RM10) — both are specialties here.
Avg Price: RM60
Photo by Burppler Rueann Dass

A stalwart of fine Cantonese cuisine, Lai Po Heen overlooking the KLCC gardens is one of the city's most exquisite spots for dim sum. This restaurant in Mandarin Oriental will delight your family on celebratory weekends! From the more conventional list, you must have Steamed Siew Mai (RM33) that's temptingly topped with a whole crystal-like prawn, whereas the Deep Fried Prawn and Lobster Flower Rolls (RM33) will be a special treat — delicately shaped and crisply delicious. The signature here is surprisingly local but absolutely worth ordering — the LPH D24 Pancakes (RM43) is an indulgent dessert that serves thin crepes stuffed with fresh, fragrant durian and whipped cream.
Avg Price: RM175
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Kate Munyi

Dine at Fuego with friends over South American flavours and all things smoked, grilled and flamed. At the top of that list is the Smoked Quail Eggs (RM25) for a simple start to your dinner. Before the meat galore begins, dip vegetable crisps into The Fuego Guacamole (RM20) — the freshly diced avocado dish is prepared by the restaurant's skillful guacamole chefs. Then share the star, a rare French Beef Flank (RM125) that's rubbed with peaty whiskey salt, yuzu and black pepper sauce. The hearty meat main is good for two so make sure not to over order as their smoky cocktails await — think Whiskey Sour with Smoked Bourbon (RM36) and Margarita with charcoal-grilled lemon (RM40).
Avg Price: RM130
Photo by Burppler Amayzing

Experience Thai-mless cuisine at this elegant establishment, whether you're trying to impress the date or a potential business partner! On weekdays, Tamarind Hill offers an Executive Lunch Set at RM47 for three courses, starting with the delicious Thai Fish Cake and Spring Rolls duo, tantalising mains like Basil Seafood and Thai Omelette with rice or Shrimp Paste Fried Rice and a whopping quad dessert plate — Mango Sticky Rice, Coconut Jelly, Taro Rice Ball and fruits to boot. Here, day turns into night for dim lights and hanging lanterns that are perfect for a date. Order both the Tamarind Platter (RM50) — four daily appetisers — and the Shellfish Curry (RM53) for a fun yet warming dinner.
Avg Price: RM80
Photo by Burppler Joanne Cheah

Located in Intermark Hotel along Jalan Tun Razak, Hanare is a great stop for mid-day udon with a colleague or a friend. The restaurant is quiet and boasts a Japanese authenticity, especially in its menu. The Inaniwa Tsuke Udon (RM40) has a much thinner make than regular udon, but you'll find new enjoyment in the light, cold noodles dipped in the side of clear, soothing chicken soup. The small portion can be underwhelming so perhaps opt instead for the full-fledged lunch set. For RM110, the sumptuous Hiru Kaiseki lunch course includes appetisers, fresh-cut sashimi, chawan mushi, tempura, udon and dessert to finish.
Avg Price: RM90
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Sok Chien Lim

Helmed by Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef James Won, Enfin has a reputation to cook for and will scarcely disappoint. Though the dinner degustation menu is handsomely tempting, we say go easy on your wallet and savour Enfin's a la carte French dishes instead. Attempt the classic Bouef Bourgoignon with Roasted Roots (RM48), easy to love with its tender meat and bold flavours. There is also a modern take on risotto, the Roast Chicken and Salted Duck Egg Risotto (RM45) that results in a creamy and delightful main. With these fine picks, select a bottle of the sommelier's choice wines (from RM106 a bottle) to complete the French meal. Save this upscale venue for special days, whether it's with the partner or a close friend.
Avg Price: RM250
Photo by Burppler JiongHui Lim

A frontrunner in KL's fine dining scene, Troika's Cantaloupe now opens in the day to cater to the vicinity's business luncheons. If time is a concern at lunch hour, The Express Gourmet is made with you in mind. For RM120, this menu serves eight refined courses of the restaurant's famed European-French cuisine within 45 minutes. Expect the likes of a light venus clam soup, prawn terrine with a tinge of saffron and refreshing berry granita with mint soda. This promising menu is only available this August on weekdays from 12pm to 2pm — a bright time to dine with the city's view.
Avg Price: RM300
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Melanie Yu

If you enjoy watching your food cooked before your eyes, Da On located in Pavilion is for you. The enclave for fine Korean cuisine specialises in tableside barbecue and premium meats to go with it, so you're in for a sizzling sideshow! We recommend the slightly pricier Modum Gui (RM228 for two pax) as it offers an assortment worth its money, made up of charbroiled black Angus beef from ribs to sirloin, and top-notch seafood selections. With that extravagance in line, keep it simple with white rice to finish. Where there is meat, there should also be drinks! The Korean fermented rice wine drink called Shik Hae (RM12) will warm you up against the chilly mall air-conditioning.
Avg Price: RM100
Photo by Burppler Foodroll_

While claimed to be a semi-casual spot, Strato does not fall short when it comes to its skyline view and enticing Italian food. Pizzas and pastas are elevated with premium ingredients, like in the Burrata Mozzarella Pizza with cream pesto (RM50) and a thoroughly satisfying Lobster Linguine (RM85) in rich tomato sauce. While here, also take the opportunity to try the well-executed Potato Gnocchi with Beef Porcini Ragu (RM55). On the dessert end of the menu, the Vanilla Dome with White Chocolate Crumble and Brandy Sponge (RM25) is favoured for its sweet balance between fragrant vanilla and bitter brandy. There is something about pizza slices, strings of pasta and sweet offerings that spell girls' night out so consider your next venue sorted!
Avg Price: RM90
Photo by Burppler Anna Wong

Known to be an affable Japanese fine dining venue for top grade sashimi, we were pleasantly surprised to find accessibly-priced set lunches on Ten's menu. Make this your next lunch locale with a foodie friend and order the Ume Bento Box (RM55). Serving a dream team of sashimi, grilled fish, teriyaki chicken in bite-sized portions, the bento sufficiently satisfies. However, if you're feeling generous, there's much reason to up the budget for the Teppan Lunch Course (RM150). The glorious set features the chef's special seasonal appetiser box, a grilled prawn entree and a luscious wagyu beef steak (100g) or teppan fish (seasonal) next to garlic rice, dessert and a drink.
Avg Price: RM90
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Melanie Yu