Best Places in Kuala Lumpur: Worth The Splurge

In case you haven't heard, Dewakan is the first Malaysian restaurant to make it to Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list this year. They've also moved to a spanking new location – find them on level 48 of the Naza Tower in KL. Expect a stunning fine-dining experience with over 10 courses in a special Tasting Menu (RM550) that changes with the seasons. You can anticipate a menu that strongly focuses on local produce like jackfruit, keluak, and tapai ubi (fermented potato). Opt to have wine pairing for an extra RM240.
Photo by Burppler Jason Wong

Do date nights right at this gorgeous French restaurant set on the 41st floor in Alila Hotel. Expect a breathtaking view, great wine and fantastic food. Build up an appetite with the complimentary bread and housemade kombu butter. Then, enjoy the main event — Whole Chicken (RM192) cooked in a salt crust dough. Keep the meal going with Salmon (RM61) and the josper-grilled Cauliflower (from RM22). For a sweet finish, order the Entier special, Dark Chocolate (RM40), a delicious souffle made with 70 percent single-origin Pahang chocolate.
Photo by Burppler Yap WenYi

Tickle your tastebuds at this stellar fine dining spot with familiar yet elevated Indian flavours. The food pays homage to the nomadic people of India with a menu designed to take you on a journey from Tamil Nadu to Kerala and Sri Lanka. Choose either the 9-Mile (from RM430) or the 11-Mile (from RM470) and be impressed with standouts like the Humble Broth (rasam, tomato salad, curry leaf gel) or the Silence Of Our Lamb (Semai chocolate, sous vide lamb loin, split gill and black garlic). A vegetarian menu is also available.
Photo by Burppler The RantingPanda

Treat your loved one to a meal at this sleek three-storey restaurant in TTDI. Before your meal, cosy up with a glass of wine on the ground floor – there's a stunning list of French regional biodynamic wines to choose from. Dinner is served on the first floor, and you can look forward to classic French food reimagined with Japanese flavours. There are three sets to choose from – Light (from RM348), Taste (from RM438) and Discovery (RM588) featuring top-quality ingredients like Japanese A5 wagyu, truffle and Hokkaido scallops. Pro tip: For a more down-to-earth French dining experience by the same chef, check out Bref by Darren Chin, also located in TTDI.
Photo by Burppler KF IP

For special occasions, look to this luxurious Japanese restaurant tucked in Naza Tower for an omakase experience you won't forget. Swing by for dinner and take your pick from the two omakase menus – Ume (from RM279) and Sakura (from RM579). The menu is decided based on what's in season, so prepare to be surprised! Each meal sees eight different plates, and you can look forward to sumptuous creations such as the ultimate hand roll made with uni topped with shaved white truffles to the delectable wagyu sandwich.
Photo by Burppler Amayzing .

This snazzy joint at The Hub is perfect for casual date nights over Italian-inspired dishes. Start with their Scallop Crudo (RM40) to share – raw scallops served with green apple and bottarga (cured fish roe), which Burppler Thokoh Makan praises for its freshness, flavours and presentation. Next, get the Smoked Guanciale Tajarin Pasta (RM45) with housemade pasta and the Lamb Loin (RM108) yielding lovely juice and tenderness. Finish with the refreshing and tart Balsamic & Berry Sorbet (RM34). Ps. If you feel like going all out, give the 7-Course Tasting Menu a shot (from RM229).
Photo by Burppler Thokoh Makan

Spice up your nights with exquisite Thai grub at this sexy restaurant in DC Mall. Food is fantastic and service is excellent, so rest assured you're going to have a great meal. Your orders should include the Pomelo Salad (RM58), Massaman Chicken Curry (RM58) and the Prawn with Erawan's Sauce (RM98). Get the Fried Rice (from RM38) to devour those dishes with. Note that dinner service is split into two sessions, 6.30pm and 8.30pm, so plan your night accordingly!
Photo by Burppler Ali K

After dinner, move your night over to this snazzy bar tucked inside Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Bar Trigona ranks at number 40 on Asia's Best Bars 2019 list, so trust your drinks are going to be good. First-timers should try the signature Nectar (from RM40) that sees a perfect blend of light rum, lime, jasmine and torch ginger cordial and Bianco vermouth. For something more intense, give Burppler Jesuis Enamourez's regular order a try — Bitters & Smoke (RM60) made with mezcal, ginseng and honeycomb. If that doesn't tickle your fancy, choose to go off-menu and leave your drink in the bartenders hands.
Burppler Jesuis Enamourez