Kuala Lumpur

Eat and meet

Cafes

Haven

Go organic

12, Jalan Ampang Hilir, Ampang
T: (03) 4252 3100

Haven has a strong claim to be KL's healthiest eatery (organic, free range, that sort of thing). Fortunately, the (all day) breakfasts, salads, and more substantial meals, are generally tasty as well as healthy. The potato wedges are particularly good. Not surprisingly, the juices are freshly ... read more
The Antipodean

Oversized breakfasts

20 Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar
T: (03) 2282 0411

While Marmalade had Aussie/Californian style cafe market to itself until recently, it has recently been joined by at least one new rival: The Antipodean. Mobbed from the moment it opened, pleasing customers with the quality of its coffee, the oversized Western breakfasts (with real bacon and ... read more
Marmalade

An excellent western style cafe

Bangsar: Lot 18, First Floor, Bangsar Village II, Jalan Telawi
T: (03) 2282 8301

Just five years ago, the city had few really great Western-style cafes, but now it has a plenty of excellent choices, of which Marmalade is one. If anywhere in KL can claim to have a burgeoning cafe culture it is Bangsar, particularly the area centred on Jalan Telawi and on the upper floor of ... read more
Espressamente Illy

A proper Italian coffee

Lot F12 & F13A, First Floor, Bangsar Village 1
T: (03) 2287 7078

Aussie-style cafe culture is very much the vogue in Bangsar, but for purists, nothing can match the excellence of a proper Italian coffee. Bangsar village has one of KL's two branches of Espressamente Illy, purveyors of the best espresso this side of Milan, as well as a good range of snacks and ... read more
Peter Hoe Cafe

Far from the madding crowd

Peter Hoe Beyond, Second Floor, Lee Rubber Building, 145 Jalan Tun HS Lee, Chinatown
T: (03) 2026 9788

As far from the madding crowd as you can get in Chinatown, this is one of the city's best kept secrets. The cafe serves up light-ish food, such as quiches, pies and salads. The selection may be on the small side, but the portions are generous. Staff can be charming or snotty, depending one side of ... read more
Yut Kee

Independent and characterful

35 Jalan Dang Wangi, Dang Wangi
T: (03) 2698 8108

One of the few remaining independent cafes (and probably living on borrowed time) is the characterful Yut Kee. In the business since 1928, Yut Kee is still run by the same family that kicked things off all those years ago and the menu has barely changed since. Apart from coffee which you could ... read more
Sek Yuen

This eatery is all about the food

313 & 315 Jalan Pudu, Pudu
T: (03) 9222 9457

A rather tough nut to crack for first time travellers to Kuala Lumpur, Sek Yuen is a venerable cafe in Pudu which has no menu, and little spoken English. Forget the decor, this eatery is all about the food, which has kept it popular for half a century. While the language and lack of menu are a bit ... read more
Coffee Club Express

An oasis of calm

Kinokuinya, Level Four, Suria KLCC, Jalan Ampang, KLCC
T: (03) 2164 8133

Tucked away in Kinokuniya bookshop, this place offers, an oasis of calm, in one of KL's busiest malls. This outlet of Coffee Club Express serves up decent European-style coffee and light snacks, in comfortable surroundings. The coffee may not be the best in town, but it's not bad at all. Not ... read more
Old Town White Coffee

Local and sweet

61 Jalan Alor, off Changkat Bukit Bintang
T: (03) 2141 8876

If you're looking for a local franchise chain for your caffeine, Old Town White Coffee is a good starting point. The "white coffee" refers to style of roasting which originated in Ipoh, which makes for a less bitter brew. Old Town's decor can seem a bit contrived, particularly as traditional ... read more
Alexis

KL's queen of desserts

29 Jalan Telawi 3
T: (03) 2284 2880

People with a sweet tooth will find much to tickle their fancy, but none rival KL's queen of desserts, Alexis. Its intimate, stylish Bangsar branch, serves a selection of decent thin-crust pizzas and Asian favourites, such as mee siam (Thai style fried noodles), and has a commendable wine list, ... read more
Plan B

Extremely popular

Ground Floor, Bangsar Village 1, 1 Jalan Telawi, Bangsar
T: (03) 2287 2630

Apart from being disappointingly halal, Plan B is a welcome, and already extremely popular, addition to the local cafe scene. It's part of the BIG Group launched in 2011 by Benjamin Yong, a man with a seeming Midas touch when it comes to food. When it opened, Plan B focused on breakfasts, light ... read more
Coliseum Cafe

Fabulously art deco

98 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Little India
T: (03) 2692 6270

The streets of Kuala Lumpur were once littered with traditional Chinese-run cafes and while many have closed down, the fabulously art deco Coliseum Cafe lives on. Coliseum has been serving food and drink for more than 90 years and while the mostly Western-style food may not hit any great heights, ... read more

Chinese

Din Tai Fung

Tremendous dumplings

Lot 01.05, Level 6, Pavilion KL, 168, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang
T: (03) 2148 8292

A good and popular chain with an outlet in Pavilion is Din Tai Fung, which specialises in Taiwanese cuisine. The steamed meat dumplings are delicious, as are many of the more unusual dishes, such as the noodles mixed with sesame and peanut, and pumpkin with salted duck eggs. Din Tai Fung has ... read more
Wong Ah Wah

Fabulous chicken wings

1-9 Jalan Alor, off Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang
T: (03) 2144 2463

It might not look much from the outside, but this is arguably Jalan Alor's best eatery, serving up tasty Chinese food, with a Malaysian twist. Worth the visit for its chicken wings alone, it is does superb seafood dishes, like chilli prawns and black pepper crab. The English menu and a willingness ... read more
Grand Imperial

Try the dim sum

3F East Wing, Bangsar Shopping Centre, 285 Jalan Maarof, Bukit Bandaraya
T: (03) 2283 1118

Grand Imperial turns out some of the best Hong Kong style Cantonese food in KL. It's particularly well known for the excellent dim sum (Chinese appetisers, normally served in threes). You can try a range of steamed, baked or deep fried taste explosions. Grand Imperial is also known for steam boat ... read more
Li Yen

Excellent but expensive

The Ritz-Carlton, 168 Jalan Imbi, Bukit Bintang
T: (03) 2782 9033

When it comes to the most refined Chinese food in KL, the best place to look is in the city's five star hotels. One of the finest options is Li Yen in the Ritz Carlton. It is renowned for its service, its sumptuous decor and cassic Cantonese cuisine, including top notch dim sum. Stand-out ... read more
Wan Fo Yuan

Great vegetarian fare

8 Jalan Panggong, off Jalan Sultan, Chinatown
T: (03) 2078 0952

Not surprisingly, several Buddhist vegetarian restaurants are to be found in Chinatown, the best of the bunch being Wan Fo Yuan. This place has a door-stopper size picture menu, most with an English description of the dish. Portions are large, so if you want to sample a a selection of different ... read more
Kedai Kopi Lai Foong

Try the Penang style char kuay teow

140 Jalan HS Tun Lee (junction with Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock), Chinatown

Oddly enough, Chinatown is not the best place to find Malaysian Chinese food, but a few old style coffee shops do survive. Kedai Kopi Lai Foong, near to Sze Wa Taoist temple, is well worth popping into if you are in the neighbourhood. The restaurant feels a little like a mini food market as there ... read more
Restoran Zhing Kong

Cheap and good

92 Jalan Hang Kasturi, off Jalan Sultan, Chinatown

Open to the street, Restoran Zhing Kong is well worth popping into if you are in the neighbourhood. One of the few proper Chinese coffee shops left in central KL, the decor does not seem to have changed for decades. Or some of the customers for that matter. During the day, you order food from the ... read more
Dragon-i

Pleasant surroundings

Lot 13, level 1, Pavilion KL, 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang
T: (03) 2143 7688

Part of a local chain of restaurants, Dragon-i serves up Chinese food in pleasant surroundings. Dragon-i has two main specialities, Shanghainese la mian (pulled noodles), which you can see prepared in the open kitchen area, and xiao long bao (steamed dumplings). But the menu it is filled with ... read more

Fine dining

Cuisine Gourmet by Nathalie

Fine dining at sane prices

Menara Taipan, Jalan Puncak, off Jalan P Ramlee, KLCC
T: (03) 2072 4452

Forget the flash hotel restaurants, if you want fine dining at sane prices, this should be your first port of call. French chef Nathalie Arbefeuille has taken the KL fine dining scene by storm over the last few years, with her mix of classic Franco-Italian cuisine and more innovative ... read more
Sage

Bargain fine dining

The Gardens Residences, Sixth floor, The Gardens, Mid Valley, Lingkaran Syed Putra
T: (03) 2268 1328

The word "bargain" is rarely spoken in the same breath as "fine dining", but there is no other way to describe the pricing at Sage. The weekday three course set lunch costs just 100 ringgit, for some of KL's very best food. Dishes like chicken consomme with black truffle and foie gras terrine; and ... read more
Lafite

One of KL's most renowned eateries

Shangri-La Hotel, Jalan Sultan Ismail, KLCC
T: (03) 2074 3900

Lafite has been one of KL's most renowned eateries for years, but tends to get a fresh direction with every new head chef. The latest incarnation is European, rather than classic French, although dishes like poached lobster with foie gras, cherry tomato confit and white truffle foam, would not ... read more
Cilantro Restaurant & Wine Bar

Near faultless

MiCasa All Suite Hotel, 368-B, Jalan Tun Razak, Ampang
T: (03) 2179 8082

It may seem obscene to spend more on one meal, than many KL residents spend in a month on food, but eye-watering pricing is the name of the game when it comes to fine dining. Many restaurants soften the blow by having set menus, which compared to what a similar meal would cost in say New York or ... read more

Food courts

Food courts in KL

Every mall has one

Twenty years ago KL had barely one large shopping centre, now the city is awash with them. Food is a very important draw at these temples to consumerism, split into two distinct types, stand-alone restaurants, and food courts. Every shopping centre has at least one food court, some of the larger ... read more

Gastropub

Jarrod and Rawlins

Great for a non-halal breakfast

AmpWalk Mall, Lot 08B, Ground floor, 218 Jalan Ampang, Ampang
T: (03) 2166 0708

Jarrod and Rawlins is part of a small chain of gastropubs, extremely popular with expats and middle class Indian and Chinese Malaysians. If you are looking for a proper non-halal fried breakfast, with real bacon and pork sausages, then these outlets take a lot of beating. Other highlights include ... read more
Albion KL

Some of the best gastropub fare in KL

31 Jalan Berangan, off Jalan Nagasari, Bukit Bintang
T: (03) 2141 9282

A relatively new kid on the block, Albion KL has quickly built up a reputation for some of the best gastropub fare in town. Named after the ancient name for Britain, the menu would not be out of place in London, where the two owners (one British, one Malaysian) learnt their trade. Albion KL serves ... read more
Twentyone Kitchen and Bar

Fusion and non-fused too!

20-1 Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang
T: (03) 2142 0021

Twenty One turns out sophisticated fare, predominantly modern European with the odd Asian twist. Wild mushroom risotto (slow cooked Italian rice), with oyster mushroom tempura, is just one of the imaginative offerings. But the menu has simpler non-fusion fare too, such as the steak sandwich. As an ... read more
The Magnificent Fish and Chips Bar

Pricey British staples

28 Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang
T: (03) 2142 7021

In the midst of the Changkat Bukit Bintang strip, The Magnificent Fish and Chip Bar, lives up to its name, serving Britain's best known fast food, in a pub setting. It has nine different choices of battered fish, including classics like cod, and more unusual options such as parrot fish. The ... read more

Indian

Bombay Palace

Sumptuous

215 Jalan Tun Razak, KLCC
T: (03) 2145 4241

North Indian eateries tend to be rather more upmarket than their southern counterparts, with prices to match. The Indian dining experience does not get much more sumptuous (or over the top) than at Bombay Palace, set in colonial bungalow on the edge of KLCC. It's on the pricey side, especially if ... read more
Nagasari Curry House

Curry + beer

Jalan Nagasari, Bukit Bintang

Many of KL's Indian eateries are also alcohol free. Not so the tasty Nagasari Curry House, so if you like a beer with your curry, head here. Nagasari is a bit unusual in other ways too. Although it looks like a Mamak shop, and opens nearly as long hours, its menu is a mix of south and north Indian ... read more
Devi's Corner

KL's best banana leaf curry

14 Jalan Telawi 4, Bangsar
T: (03) 2282 7591

Bangsar is also home to a branch of Devi's Corner, which apart from the usual Mamak offerings downstairs, serves probably KL's best banana leaf curry upstairs. If there is one local food experience which should be tried at least once by every visitor to KL, it is the banana leak curry. At its most ... read more
Indian Kitchen

A solid performer

Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar
T: (03) 2284 0522

A very solid performer, producing good North Indian food at decent prices. Indian Kitchen is one of the handful of reliably good North Indian restaurants in Bangsar Baru (New Bangsar), serving up favourites such as tandoori chicken (marinated in yoghurt and spices, and then cooked in a clay oven); ... read more
Nasi Kandar Pelita

Popular and affordable

149 Jalan Ampang
T: (03) 2162 5532

A short walk from KLCC LRT and Suria Mall you'll find the conveniently located Mamak stall, Nasi Kandar Pelita. Named after nasi kandar, originally a Penang favourite of steamed rice served with a selection of dishes, but now mostly associated with Malaysian Indian Muslims (Mamaks). Other popular ... read more
Restoran SK Corner

A good introduction to Mamak fare

46 Jalan Rembia, off Tengkat Tong Shin, Bukit Bintang

A good introduction to Mamak (Muslim Indian) fare in Bukit Bintang. Now in it's third and largest incarnation in the area over the last five years, it finally looks to have found a long-term home. Part of a small local chain, SK Corner offers all the classics, including roti canai (fluffy flat ... read more
Sri Nirwana Maju

Try the deep fried bitter gourd

43 Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar
T: (03) 2287 8445

Sri Nirwana is believed by many to do the best banana leaf in KL, and is certainly not far behind Devi's, when it comes to its basic selection. The deep fried bitter gourd is worth the trip to this Bangsar outlet almost by itself. Popular extras, like the ikan goreng (fried fish coated in spices), ... read more
Vishalatchi Food and Catering

Specialising in food from Tamil Nadu

18 Jalan Scott, off Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields
T: (03) 2274 4755

One of two similar (and similarly named) Indian joints which specialise in food from the Chettinad area of Tamil Nadu state. Chettinad cuisine tends to be relatively meaty and fishy, but Vishalatchi does have vegetarain options too. It's a convenient place to get a filling banana leaf curry meal ... read more

Malay & Nyonya

Bijan

Hard to beat

3 Jalan Ceylon, off Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang
T: (03) 2031 3575

In terms of quality and authenticity, as well as a pleasant setting, Bijan (Malay for sesame) is hard to beat. It serves up most of the Malay classics, including otak otak (steamed seafood mousse wrapped in a green leaf), rendang (slow cooked dry meat curry), and ayam percik (chargrilled marinated ... read more
Enak KL

Get acquainted with Malay cooking

LG2, Feast Floor, Starhill Gallery, 188 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang
T: (03) 2141 8973

Set in the very fancy Starhill Gallery, Enak KL is a good place to get acquainted with Malay cooking. The menu includes a good selection of Malay classics, with some Indonesian ones thrown in for good measure. Recommended dishes include the sup ekor (oxtail soup), sambal tumis udang (prawns in a ... read more
Old China Cafe

Nyonya hit

11 Jalan Balai Polis, off Jalan Petaling
T: (03) 2072 5915

Nyonya cuisine was born out of the union of Chinese men and Malay women, who together formed the Peranakan culture. The two main centres of Nyonya cooking are Penang, where Thai influences also feature, and Melaka, where Portuguese and Indonesian cuisines form part of the mix. The Old China ... read more
Songket

Good food, keen pricing

29 Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, KLCC
T: (03) 2161 3331

Songket combines combines well-cooked food and generally keen pricing, in a pleasant bungalow setting. A good way to start your meal is with the selection of appetisers, which includes popiah goreng (fried spring rolls) and cucur udang (deep fried battered prawns). Other recommended dishes include ... read more
Makan Kitchen

Fancy Malay

Doubletree by Hilton, The Intermark, 348 Jalan Tun Razak, Ampang
T: (03) 2172 7272

Malay food varies hugely from region to region, in part due to the influences from other cuisines, such as Thai and Javanese. Makan Kitchen not only tries to show off this regional variety, it also showcases some of Malaysia's non-Malay cuisines, including Indian, Chinese, Nyonya (Malay-Chinese), ... read more
Pappa Rich

Good value for money

2 Jalan Telawi 4, Bangsar
T: (03) 2282 5008

The local chain, Pappa Rich, is a welcome addition to the KL dining scene, providing Malaysian comfort food in pleasant surroundings. Malaysia does not have a national cuisine as such; rather it is home to several culinary traditions, principally Malay, Chinese and Indian. Having said that, plenty ... read more

Middle Eastern

Al-Amar

A great place for a pit stop

Ground Floor, Fahrenheit 88, 179 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang
T: (03) 2141 3814

Just across the road from Tarbush is Al-Amar Express, which if you can ignore its fish bowl like qualities, is a great place for a pit stop. The large range of hot and cold meze, and excellent Lebanese bread sandwiches, mostly priced in the 10-15 ringgit mark, all make for high quality, decent ... read more
Sahara Tent

One of the best kept culinary secrets in KL

41&43 Jalan Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang
T: (03) 2144 8310

Sahara Tent is one of the best kept culinary secrets in KL -- except that is among the thousands of Arabic tourists who flock there every year. The food, which is described as Arabian, is not only reliably good, but also the best value Middle Eastern cuisine in town. As well as a good range of ... read more
Naab

Iranian fare

130 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang
T: (03) 2143 3949

Apart from the big names in Middle Eastern cuisine, KL also has some rather quirkier culinary treats. One such place is Naab, which specialises in Iranian fare. While most of the dishes would not look out of place on a Lebanese menu, such as the various kebabs, dolma (vine leaves stuffed with herby ... read more
Bosphorus

Turkish in KL

Lot 33, Level 6, Pavilion KL, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang
T: (03) 2142 4000

Moving on from Lebanon, but not from the Pavilion, is KL's only Turkish restaurant, Bosphorus. Though strictly speaking not part of the Middle East, Turkish cuisine shares many of the same dishes. What makes Bosphorus special though, is the offerings which are more particular to Turkey, including ... read more

Other Asian cuisine

Tarbush

he epicentre of Middle Eastern food in KL

138 Jalan Bukit Bintang
T: (03) 2142 8558

Bukit Bintang is the epicentre of Middle Eastern food in Kuala Lumpur and if you're after Lebanese food, Tarbush is a great starting point. Tarbush is part of a small local chain but don't let that put you off. The sharing plates of meze (mostly vegetarian appetisers), served with warm flat bread, ... read more
Rama V Fine Thai Cuisine

The best all-round Thai experience in KL

5, Jalan U-Thant, off Jalan Tun Razak, Ampang
T: (03) 2143 2663

Rama V is probably the best all-round Thai experience in KL, mixing comfort, tasty food, and decent value for money (except alcohol). Apart from the well-executed standards, there are also a number of more unusual dishes, such chor ladda (chicken and peanut dumplings) and Yam Hua Plee (banana ... read more
Sao Nam

Best Vietnamese in KL

25 Tengkat Tong Shin, Bukit Bintang
T: (03) 2144 1225

Sao Nam, the city's best Vietnamese restaurant by a mile, of being in an inconvenient location. Goi dud u bo kho (young papaya dried beef salad), banh xeo (crispy chicken and prawn pancake), pho bo (beef noodle soup), and vit sot me (duck in tamarind sauce), are all superb. The menu also lists ... read more
Restoran Thai Somtam Seafood

Authentic Thai

8 Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang
T: (03) 2145 8458

For the most authentic Thai food in town, it's hard to beat Restoran Thai Somtam Seafood. Forget the stained/torn table cloths, and the wobbly tables, and concentrate on the food. The green curries are wonderfully spicy and flavoursome, while the som tam (spicy papaya salad), and pad Thai (sour ... read more
Ogawa Japanese Restaurant

Fresh and cosy

A-OG-03 Plaza Mont Kiara 2, Jalan Kiara
T: (03) 6201 0221

Set up like a traditional Japanese izakaya (a humble, inviting Japanese eatery), Ogawa Restaurant is a small and casual but great choice for Japanese fare in Kuala Lumpur. Along with a range of fresh sushi and sashimi (the salmon was fresh, fresh, fresh at 38 ringgit), Ogawa offers some more ... read more
Samira by Asian Terrace

Delicious food, poor location

Lot 268, Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan, off Jalan Ipoh
T: (012) 921 3880

Everything about Samira is right -- romantic setting, attentive service, classy decor, fair pricing, and last but not least, delicious food -- apart from its location. What sets Samira apart from many of its rivals, is that the food has not been altered too much for local tastes. This is proper ... read more
Fukuharu

Better value Japanese

Terrace@Hock Choon, 241-B Lorong Nibong, off Jalan Ampang, Ampang
T: (017) 209 8477

One of the better value Japanese restaurants in KL, although certainly not cheap, is Fukuharu. Particularly recommended are the super fresh sashimi, and sushi, such as the tamago mentai (cod fish roe on an omelette) and aburi moriawase (seared fish). Fukuhara has a number of set meals in the ... read more
Kampachi

Solid Japanese

Lot 09.00, Level 6, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang
T: (03) 2148 9608

Somewhat less scarily priced than many of KL's Japanese offerings, Kampachi is widely considered to be Malaysia's best chain of quality Japanese food. The two conveniently placed KL outlets (one in Equatorial, the other in Pavilion), are both reliably good places to find authentic cuisine. It is ... read more
Gonbei San

Go for the weekend buffet

Relish Floor, Starhill Gallery, 181 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang
T: (03) 2782 3801

Compared to the rest of their menu, the weekend buffet lunch at Gonbei San, is a steal at 80 ringgit. In fact, its amongst the best deals in town given the quality and freshness of the sushi and sashimi on offer. And that's where the bargains end at Gonbei San. The Kobe beef teriyaki weighs in ... read more
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

Noodle stop

Tokyo Street, Level 6, Pavilion KL, 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang
T: (03) 2143-8878

One of the city's few dedicated Japanese noodle restaurants, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka is the big draw, with long queues around lunch and dinner time. Its speciality, as the name suggests, is ramen (wheat noodle soup), done in four ways: shio (pork broth), miso (soybean paste mixed with pork broth), ... read more

Vegetarian

Blue Boy

Solid vege options

Blue Boy Mansion, off Jalan Tong Shin, Bukit Bintang

At first glance, Blue Boy looks like any other Chinese coffee shop, but rather unusually, it is wholly vegetarian. As well as the lunch-time "mixed rice" section, it's a great spot to try Chinese and Nyonya dishes which are usually off-limits. The curry mee (thick curry noodle soup), asam laksa ... read more
Annalakshmi

A unique dining experience

Temple of Fine Arts, 114-116 Jalan Berhala, Brickfields
T: (03) 2272 3799

Annalakshmi offers a different dining experience to anywhere else in KL – the only place which allows you to choose how much you want to pay for your food. Apart from breads, which are ordered from the waiting staff, the rest of the food is served as a buffet. As many of the dishes, which change ... read more
RAW Coffee Kuala Lumpur

The only western-style vegetarian cafe in KL

Wisma Equity Building, 150 Jalan Ampang, (opposite KLCC), KLCC
T: (019) 313 8978

The only western-style vegetarian cafe in Kuala Lumpur is RAW Coffee, which serves up a small selection of salads and sandwiches. The cafe is owned by Artisan Roast, purveyor of some of the city's finest coffee. So you can rest assured that you can get a quality caffeine fix to go with your ... read more
Bakti Woodlands

Reliable and affordable Indian vegetarian food

55 Lebuh Ampang, Chinatown
T: (03) 2034 2399

For reliable and affordable Indian vegetarian cuisine in centrak KL, Bakti Woodlands is a good option. This popular eatery does a range of good value thalis thalis (a selection of dishes normally served on a round stainless steel plate), from various regions of India. A la carte choices include ... read more
Dharma Realm Guan Yin Sagely Monastery Canteen

Chinese vegetarian cooking

Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre

One of the most convenient places to try Chinese vegetarian cooking, is the canteen at the rear of the Guan Yin Buddhist monastery and temple. As well as the buffet section, with 20-30 choices, other stalls offer noodle dishes to order, fresh fruit and dim sum. The food is not only very tasty, but ... read more
Saravana Bhavan

Wholly vegetarian

52 Jalan Maarof, Bangsar
T: (03) 2287 1228

You will always be able to find dishes free of meat and fish at Indian restaurants, even Mamak shops (see Indian section) but the city also has a number of wholly vegetarian options too. Saravana Bhavan, which has convenient outlets in Bangsar, Brickfields and Little India, turns out some of the ... read more

Western

Las Carretas

Sombreros await

Lot B-0-7 Semantan Avenue, 10 Jalan Semantan, Damansara Heights
T: (03) 2093 0380

Suffering a taco and margarita craving? Las Carretas serves up a range of traditional Mexican fare in a lively, colourful and casual atmosphere. Apart from the usual quesadillas and chimichangas, which are well executed here, Las Carretas offers some surprises like an original South American lamb ... read more
Suzi's Corner

For steak connoisseurs on a tight budget

Lorong Ulu Kuantan, by junction of Jalan Ampang and Jalan Lingkaran Tengah 2, Ampang
T: (03) 4256 6720

For steak connoisseurs on a tight budget, then Suzi's Corner is the place to go. Set on the edge of the embassy district, this place is a triumph of substance over style. Forget the plastic furniture, neon lighting, and traffic noise, steaks of this quality, for under 30 ringgit, are worth ... read more
Prime

An expensive treat for meat-lovers

Level 5, Le Meridien, 2 Jalan Stesen Sentral, Brickfields
T: (03) 2263 7555

At least somewhere like Prime, considered by many to be the city's top destination for steaks sets out clearly what you are getting for your money. While the name suggests Prime is all about steaks, it also has lamb, fish and seafood options. The menu reads like a wine list, with age and styles ... read more
Jake's

For the steak lover

Lot 11, Lower Ground Floor, Starhill Gallery, 181 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang
T: (03) 2148 1398

For those with less deep pockets, then Jake's is regarded as the KL's most reliable purveyor of reasonably priced steaks. The decor, a sort of wild west theme, is somewhat cheesy, but the steaks, which start off at under 70 ringgit, are cooked exactly as ordered. The beef, all imported from ... read more
The Daily Grind

Will burger you senseless

Lot 8, Lower Ground Floor, Bangsar Village, Jalan Telawi 1, Bangsar
T: (03) 2287 6708

Although plenty of eateries in KL serve decent burgers, this is one of the few eateries to give pride of place to that most American of food exports. Promising to "burger you senseless", Daily Grind has a wide range of burgers to choose from, including two vegetarian options, although the classic ... read more
Frangipani

High end dining at high end prices

25 Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang
T: (03) 2144 3001

Located in a beautiful art deco building in Bukit Bintang, Frangipani delivers high end dining at high end prices. Named after a frangipani which unfortunately no longer stands out front, the restaurant pulls off the fusion trick, marrying European and Asian cuisines, to make an end result which is ... read more
El Cerdo

An unashamed porky meat-lovers paradise

43 & 45 Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang
T: (03) 2145 0511

No risk of hitting the halal wall at El Cerdo, an unashamed porky meat-lovers paradise. Although named after the Spanish for pig, this place is run by an Austrian, and turns out dishes from all over Europe. Thuringer tostbratwurst (sausage with pickled cabbage and mashed potato), may sit uneasily ... read more
Pinchos

A deservedly popular tapas bar

18 Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang
T: (03) 2145 8482

Pinchos is a deservedly popular tapas bar at the top (western end) of Changkat Bukit Bintang. The food is tasty, well-priced and authentic. Top picks include the patatas bravas (potatoes with spicy tomato sauce), gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns), pan tumaca con jamon (Serrano ham on tomato smeared ... read more
Bar Italia

Simple, well-executed Italian food

29 Jalan Berangan, off Jalan Nagasari, Bukit Bintang
T: (03) 2144 4499

While neither serve pork, Bar Italia gives Neroteca a run for its money when it comes to simple, well-executed Italian food. Rather than using cheap substitutes, it concentrates on dishes which can be made with authentic ingredients. Stand-out offerings include the sharing platter of wild game ... read more
El Meson

Non halal tapas

61–63 Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar
T: (03) 2282 8290

New chico (Spanish kid) on the Bangsar block, El Meson, is non-halal, and all the better for it. Quite apart from having a great range of authentic tapas, cold cuts, and main meals, El Meson is the unlikely home to one of KL's best fried breakfasts, with real bacon and pork sausages. Unlikely, ... read more
Sassorosso

One of KL's most romantic places to dine

9 Lorong Yap Kwan Seng, off Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, KLCC
T: (03) 2166 6428

Set in a bungalow in a secluded part of KLCC, Sassorosso is one of KL's most romantic places to dine. A favourite amongst expats and well-heeled locals alike, this is a great place for a treat Italian meal while visiting KL. Although by no means cheap, Sassorosso is not outrageously priced, so ... read more
La Bodega

KL tapas

Lot 06.00, Level 3, Pavilion KL, 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang
T: (03) 2148 8018

Kuala Lumpur isn't the first place that springs to mind when you think tapas, but if a tapas crave hits, don't fret, La Bodega will help. While it is relatively easy to get good Spanish food in Kuala Lumpur, the most prominent local chain, La Bodega, lets itself down by being pork-free. Spanish ... read more
Tatto

Great spot, less great location

19 Jalan Damai, off Jalan Tun Razak, Ampang
T: (03) 2166 5212

For rustic Italian fare, in an intimate setting, Tatto is a great choice, albeit not in a very covenient location. Dishes like lamb shank with soft polenta (cornmeal), roast sea bass with grilled vegetables, and pumpkin ravioli with duck breast, are great examples of less being more. The pizza is ... read more
Delucca

A solid choice for pizza and pasta

Jalan Mesui, off Jalan Nagasari, Bukit Bintang
T: (03) 2144 6545

One of the newest additions to Bukit Bintang's Italian dining scene, Delucca has quickly built up a good name for itself. It may not have quite the authenticity of Neroteca, or the charm of Bar Italia, but it is still a solid choice for pizza and pasta. The pizzas tend towards the "gourmet" rather ... read more
Nerovivo

Undeniably pleasant

3A Jalan Ceylon, off Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang
T: (03) 2070 3120

If Neroteca is for the connoisseur of proper Italian food, its sister restaurant round the corner, Nerovivo, tends towards style over substance. It is an undeniably pleasant setting -- one of KL's very best spots for a romantic date. And the food is generally decent too, especially the pizzas. But ... read more
Neroteca

Arguably KL's most authentic Italian restaurant

Ground Floor, Somerset Serviced Apartments, 8 Lorong Ceylon, Bukit Bintang
T: (03) 2070 0530

Arguably KL's most authentic Italian restaurant, Neroteca sits at the western periphery of Bukit Bintang. As well as the city's best selection of salamis, hams and cheeses in the city; the well-executed pasta dishes, like tagliatelle (long flat pasta) with creamy mushroom sauce, and trenette alla ... read more