Best Cafes in KL

This stylishly black cafe along Jalan Galloway is no.1 on our 2016 Hot 100 list and for good reason. Opening their doors at 8.30am daily, VCR cooks up breakfasts that come close to the city's best. Come for this and bring your partner — you both deserve a treat for getting out of bed that early. The savoury Potato Waffle (RM25) is easy to love, with a bed of scrumptious sautéed mushrooms, 63-degree eggs, spinach and dill on a warm, chewy potato-based waffle. Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, you must not miss out on trying the French Toast (RM19). This ingenious creation incorporates housemade espresso ice cream, raspberry compote, cookie crumble and mocha sauce on a soft, fluffy brioche. The combination comes together beautifully for a burst of flavours, textures and fluffy French toast dreams. The coffee here is potent, and worth ordering especially in the early-morning hours. With bellies filled, take your drink outdoors for fun in the sun with the cafe's many resident cats.
Avg price per person: RM40
Photo by Burppler Jinni Cheah

2016 was the year for barista Keith Koay who earned both his Malaysian Barista Champion title and (half) a cafe to call his own. Having previously shared a space with BRATS, One Half has now relocated to reside in Random Food Store at Damansara Uptown. Come and chill with a friend in this sleek space over excellent drinks and more. Coffee is made to award-winning standards, like their Filter Coffee (from RM14) that puts Artisan Roastery beans to good use. For a fuller finish, sip on the Latte (RM10) that gives a robust aftertaste with a lingering sweetness. There are also refreshing concoctions: artisanal 16-Hours Steeped Tea (RM16) and an interesting Chrysanthemum Lemonade (RM11), which juggles floral fragrance with a tangy flavour. For refreshments, cakes come from the famed Jaslyn Cakes and homebakers Little Tee, so check out the counter for what's available and order one, or two.

These past months saw many Singaporean establishments make their foray into KL, and the cream of the cafe crop is surely Common Man Coffee Roasters. Nailing cafe aesthetics in their spacious lot in TTDI's Plaza VADS, here's an uplifting locale for dates and special occasions. You will find it difficult to not smile at the sight of servers dressed in their sunny, tropical-themed uniforms. In the day, expect impressive brunches — try the Common Man Full Breakfast (RM39) for variety, or the Sautéed Kale & Egg White Scramble (RM29) for eat-clean points. Come evenings, the stream of afternoon light gives way to relaxed sunset vibes. Order a drink, the crispy, cinnamon-dusted KL Churros (RM19) and kick back until time beckons you home. Those who have an interest in the art of brewing cuppas can look to the café's training academy. Now in its initial launch stage, the learning centre located in the back will soon offer full-fledged courses for aficionados.
Avg price per person: RM45
Photo by Burppler F P Yap

There's not much left to be desired at neighbourhood cafe Whisk, where decadent cakes are freshly baked and coffee comes in many forms — all of them good. While waiting for your kid to finish school or making a run for groceries, withdraw to this hole-in-the-wall cafe in Subang Jaya's Empire Shopping Gallery for a respite. The layer cakes are resplendent and if the Red Velvet (RM11) or Carrot Cake (RM11) is available, a slice will be heaven to your steaming hot cup of Long Black (RM7). Running a one-man-show behind the counter, the barista does justice to their Oriole Coffee beans. This is also one of the cafes that first introduced the concept of Cold Brews (from RM10) to us, with both bottled black and white options ready in the mini-fridge. The black is refreshing, characteristic of fruity notes whereas the white balances the strong coffee with the sweetness of milk. Grab one of these for the road!
Avg price per person: RM20
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Venus Lee

Located on the first floor of Nexus Bangsar South, Thirdwave has always had a place in our hearts for its well thought-out brunch dishes and delicious desserts. The venue has a zen air to it, and walks the fine line between formal and casual, which makes it a perfect place to nail your next business brunch. A fan-favourite here is the Green Shakshuka (RM28) that sees baked eggs in warm spinach curry, uplifted by the aroma of kaffir lime, lemongrass and chili butter. For those who like their brunch to pack a punch, the Szechuanese-inspired Mala Chicken (RM25) hits the mark. Drizzled with a spicy peppercorn peanut sauce, the deep-fried chicken strips are set atop chestnut and walnut puree that helps soften the blow of tongue-numbing flavours. The cafe also makes their own ice cream, best enjoyed in the Dark Chocolate & Rose sandwiched between crunchy sables (RM10). For drinks, order the organic Matcha Latte (RM12). No one does it quite like them — smooth, bittersweet and served in a quaint Japanese cup.
Avg price per person: RM45
Photo by Burppler Jasmine Wong

Pulp is the material used to make paper; it is also the fruit of coffee plants. This is the inspiration behind Pulp cafe, the standalone coffeeshop set within grounds of former printing factory Art Printing Works. A lovable story aside, the cafe by the team behind Singapore's Chye Seng Huat Hardware also boasts a designated cupping room for coffee devotees. Bring a friend or a date for after-dinner drinks — the cafe bustles as warm lightbulbs hanging outdoors provide a cosy ambience. Order the killer Iced Mint Chocolate (RM15), a rare rendition of the drink that effectively captures the essence of fresh mint and chocolate without tasting artificial. If coffee doesn't keep you up at night, a small, warm cup of Charm (espresso and chocolate, RM13) will be a bittersweet nightcap. Keen to impart their coffee knowledge, the team has placed sample shots of black coffee (either blends or single-origins, as detailed on a placard) at the tasting counter by the entrance.
Avg price per person: RM25
Photo by Burppler Justine Hui Hui

Perched atop Publika's outdoor shoplots, The Red Beanbag is home to Malaysia's barista represent, two-time winner of Malaysian Barista's Championship, Jason Loo. While a great cuppa is guaranteed, this cafe has a notable menu of tasty Australian-inspired brunch plates to offer. Here, reach for the Skyscraper (RM17) that stacks fluffy pancakes with chocolate drizzle and fresh fruits — the ability to make something simple so delicious completely wins us over everytime. Another menu-topper is The Atlantic (RM22), French toast that meets the embrace of in-house smoked salmon, salmon pearls and poached eggs. Spend brunchtime here with a close friend, or even make it a girls' day out at the sun-filled cafe that recently introduced a Sangria (RM23) for afternoon tipples. Having been around for over five years now, this pioneering name gets quite a consistent stream of customers so be here early at 11am for a good table — the ones near the balcony overlooking Publika's park.
Avg price per person: RM35
Photo by Burppler Ryan Squarepad

What was initially a space for coffee workshops has now evolved into a calm cafe and an oasis for those yearning time alone. Cream is a project by roasters The Roast Things, so expect quality coffee prepared by baristas Milo and Theng. For a mid-day java fix, the Filter Coffee (RM18) comes in a sampling duo of hot and iced — a juxtaposition that reveals to drinkers a deeper understanding of how temperature affects the taste of your coffee. Going beyond norms to serve each cup with a printed card stating bean profiles and tasting notes, Cream's heart for the trade is apparent. Breads make up the bulk of the food menu here, so count on the soft, pillowy buns of a sandwich or a hot dog for lunch. Our pick is the relish-topped Chicken Hotdog (RM15) that features sourdough bun and potato chips. Parking can be a hassle so perhaps, wait out the peak lunch hours to catch a break.
Avg price per person: RM25
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh

In an area known for blocks of office buildings, Three Little Birds injects a little zen into the mornings of those working nearby. Drop by this cafe surrounded by greenery and water features for a morning pick-me-up. Located next door to Artisan's roastery where they source their beans, the coffee here is sure to hit the spot. However, we often get swayed by the more unique drinks on the menu and if you're the type to enjoy a little adventure, we suggest you do the same. First up is the Dark + Dulcey Milk Chocolate (RM13), a decadent drink that melds dark Varlhona chocolate with sweet white chocolate for a comforting treat. For something more refreshing, try the Fresh Red (RM12), a short glass of apple juice and tea. With a steady supply of croissants made in-house, Tommy Le Baker sandwiches and Awesome Canteen bentos, you won't go hungry here. On weekends, a special Nutella Bao (RM19) graces the menu, making this secluded spot worth the drive.
Avg price per person: RM25
Photo by Burppler Rae S

Decked in a soft palette of white and brown, comfort wafts through this cafe, along with tasty options for coffee, pasta and cake. With the latter freshly made from behind the kitchen glass, order a Conchiglie Bolognese (RM18). The shell pasta is chock-full of tasty minced beef, topped with grated parmesan for a faultless finish. Then there is the Tagliatelle Carbonara (RM18), classic carbonara executed well enough to keep you going at the creamy plate. Pasta portions, albeit small, are just right for a work lunch that doesn't leave you feeling listless. Tea and coffee are available to supplement meals. We recommend a cup of Long Black (RM10), brewed by barista Jun Lim, to awaken senses or a Taiwan Dong Ding Oolong tea to soothe them. If the day allows a longer lunch away from the office, Little People has a very enchanting Raspberry Tea Cake (RM12). The mildly sweet pink buttercream perfumes of raspberry scents and meets a nutty sponge cake for a light, dainty dessert. Make this a work retreat with a colleague to get your spirits up on a challenging day.
Avg price per person: RM30
Photo by Burppler Jessica Lau

A quiet abode set in a far corner in Empire Damansara, this longtime cafe melds restorative vibes with a menu of solacing sweets for daytime comforts. Visit Sevencups in the company of a good book and give yourself space and time to unwind. Purveyors of serious coffee, an order of Regular White (RM11) here offers a smooth, warming swig that's perfect for a rainy day. It is also incredibly therapeutic to watch it rain from the cafe's narrow windowpanes. If the sun's out instead, choose from two handcrafted ice cream sandwiches — Chocolate, Chocolate & More Chocolate (RM12) or Vanilla Cornflakes (RM10.90) — to combat the heat. Two chunky cookies coddling a thick scoop of ice cream in between, this messy but yummy eat brings us right back to the carefree days of our childhood.
Avg price per person: RM20
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Tracey Wong

The second cafe to come from the people behind Owl's, New Chapter measures up to the standards of its predecessor, also located in Bukit Jalil. Despite serving similar fare in the same area, there is no shortage of crowds for both establishments so we recommend you visit this bigger space. The casual, fun environment is good for groups; bring the gang! Share the Instagram-famous David (RM18) or Rebecca (RM18), or both — these waffles are made to please the eyes and satisfy the tastebuds. David is rich, with peanut butter, bananas and chocolate, whereas the more feminine Rebecca delights with fresh fruits and a winning earl grey ice cream. For drinks, a specialty Rose Latte (RM12) is the focus and like most things they have to offer, it is gorgeous. The cafe also recently introduced a Japanese-inflected dinner menu of trendy omurice (omelette rice) and dons (rice bowls) so in case you're not ready for the gathering to end, stay for dinner. Pro tip: Drive straight towards Calvary Convention Centre for the free parking.
Avg price per person: RM25
Photo by Burppler YiHui Gan