New Restaurants, Cafes and Bars in Kuala Lumpur: February 2019

For laidback Italian dinners over pastas, wines and delicious sharing plates, swing by this new kid along Jalan Kemuja. The menu is compact – the chef tells us it’s so he can easily change things up – but current must-haves include the fresh-flavoured Spinach and Chestnut Gnocchi (RM38), and the savoury and generously portioned Lamb Ragu Pappardelle (RM48). Lunch here, however, sees a 360-degree turn with just one main dish on offer — the chef’s signature Khao Soi (Thai curry egg noodles, RM25) that’s great for quick, solo lunches.

Healthy’s got a new name in Mont Kiara. Rocket Kitchen serves up satisfying and affordable bowls, perfect for filling up after a morning workout. Go with the signature pasta-based Spicy Chicken (RM16.90) with sauteed mushrooms, grilled vegetables and a fiery chilli sauce – eat with caution! Otherwise, customise your own bowls with their standout toppings such as the crispy chickpeas, flank steak and the yoghurt-based beetroot tzatziki dressing.

Fans of noodles and rice bowls, this newbie at SS2’s The Hub might just be your latest go-to spot! Expect Chinese dishes done with a Japanese twist, such as the Ru Lou + Calrose Rice (RM16.90) and SAKE + Noodles + Clams (RM18.90) – traditional hand-pulled mian xian noodles in sake-infused soup. On drinks, the RGC (RM5.90) — a brew of goji berries, red date and chrysanthemum — is soothing and pairs exceptionally well with the warm, soupy noodles.

If you've already had a taste of this cafe's yummy offerings in Penang, you'll be excited for their latest outpost in Bangsar. The community is loving the sandwiches, like a Avocado Smash (RM24.50), which Burppler Rachel Ang raved about. They open as early as 8am, so bookmark this place for your next breakfast date with the gals.
Photo by Burppler irene ho

From Japan to Indonesia and now Malaysia, Ramen Seirock-Ya is one of the few ramen joints that offer tori paitan — creamy, chicken-based broth. You’ll find the standard Miso, Shoyu and Shio variants on the menu, but the must-try is their Extreme broth. Get the Toripaitan Extreme Egg (RM19.40) for a rich, umami-packed bowl of noodles topped with a tender chicken slice and a perfectly-cooked egg. P.s The restaurant is presently in their soft opening stages, so they only allow a handful of walk-ins at a time. This visit comes with a wait, but it's worth it!

This new little nook along Jalan Ampang is great for a quick meal and a cuppa before that morning meeting. The kitchen may be tiny, but it doesn't stop them from making hot food in-house with a small but trusty oven. Grab the sweet-savoury Mariah Berry (RM16) – Cajun chicken paired with cranberry jam and a delicious, spicy mustard sauce. If you’re here just for coffee and light bites, get the smooth Flat White (RM10, brewed with Common Man Coffee Roasters beans) along with a buttery viennoiserie of the day, like a Pain Au Raisin (RM6).
Photo by Burppler Calie Tang

There's nothing boring about this trendy restaurant along Jalan Mesui that offers fun dinners over Japanese tapas, Korean barbecue and drinks! The BBQ menu see great value, with meat platters priced from RM68. Get Combo B for the winning combination of caramelised lamb char siew, chicken, squid and wagyu striploin, good to feed a group of three. Wash dinner down with a cocktail – the Sake Yuzu (RM26) is a citrusy hit for a hot day.

Plan your next catch-up sesh with friends at this hip tea bar that has popped up in Zhongshan Building. From the team that brought you Piu Piu Piu, this minimal spot riffs on quality teas. The milk teas are fantastic, whether it's the smoky Japanese Iribancha (RM8) or the smoother Aged Tie Luo Han (RM8). Whichever you go for, get it with the Homemade Molasses Jelly (RM2) for sweet bites between sips. For something more decadent to share, the rich Houjicha Pudding (RM10) is bittersweet perfection.