Top 20 restaurants in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur may be infamous for its chaotic traffic and relentless heat, but its food scene is definitely heating up and becoming a major highlight.

Craving masala thosai for breakfast, dim sum at lunchtime, sticky date pudding with homemade vanilla ice cream for tea, and finishing with coq au vin or beef rendang for dinner?

Here’s our curated selection of the best dining spots.

1. Cilantro

Cilantro is arguably the finest fine-dining venue in Kuala Lumpur. Chef Takashi Kimura presents elegant modern French cuisine with a distinct Japanese flair.

Imagine a grain-fed lamb rack with houba miso and unagi, complemented by foie gras.

Classic French dishes are reimagined with a modern touch, like steak tartare topped with a quail’s egg and delicate parmesan crisps.

Cilantro Restaurant & Wine Bar, MiCasa All Suite Hotel, 368-B, Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur; +60 3 2179 8000

2. Shanghai

While Kuala Lumpur is known for its Cantonese cuisine, Shanghai serves up exquisite and refined Shanghainese specialties.

The star dish here is the braised pork belly, slow-cooked in a rich savory sauce, perfect for pairing with rice to soak up all the flavor.

Another must-try is the siew long bao, delicate steamed dumplings filled with hot broth and tender minced pork.

The dessert menu features highlights like the Shanghai layer cake and sticky glutinous rice balls.

Shanghai Restaurant, 183, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur; +60 3 2715 9000

3. Bijan

Bijan is situated in the heart of KL, atop the vibrant Changkat Bukit Bintang strip.

One of the few upscale Malay restaurants in the city, and undoubtedly one of the most charming as well.

Enjoy dining outdoors surrounded by greenery while savoring traditional Malay dishes like rendang and ayam percik (barbecued chicken).

The restaurant also boasts a well-curated wine list.

Bijan is a popular spot, so it’s a good idea to make reservations in advance.

Bijan Bar and Restaurant, No 3 Jalan Ceylon, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, + 60 3 2031 3575

4. Enak

Enak is another high-end Malay restaurant, located in the prestigious Starhill Gallery.

Guests can savor traditional Malay dishes, many of which are based on age-old family recipes passed down through the generations of owner Sherena Razaly’s family.

While the presentation is contemporary, the flavors remain authentically traditional in dishes like sambal tumis udang (fried chili prawns) and ayam goreng lengkuas (fried chicken with blue ginger).

Enak Restaurant, LG2, Feast Floor, Starhill Gallery, 181 Jalan Bukit Bintang; +60 3 2141 8973

5. Oriental Pavilion

Located in a suburban shopping mall, it also hosts wedding banquets on certain nights.

Despite its unassuming location, Oriental Pavilion – a mid-range Cantonese restaurant – offers delicious food that keeps the place busy, particularly on weekends.

Regulars flock here for the dim sum and outstanding roasted meats, particularly the char siew (barbecued pork) and siew yoke (roast pork) with irresistible, crispy crackling.

Oriental Pavilion, P1-04, Level 1 Podium, Jaya 33, No.3, Jalan Semangat, Seksyen 13, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan; +60 3 7956 9288

6. Fukuya

With beautifully manicured gardens, minimalist decor, and exceptional Japanese cuisine, Fukuya offers a tranquil, Zen-inspired retreat.

It’s a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur’s city center. Fukuya also offers several semi-private rooms with views of the gardens, making it a top choice for private dinners and corporate events.

Chef Takao Ando specializes in exquisite, artfully presented multi-course kaiseki meals.

Fukuya, No 9 Jalan Delima, 55100 Kuala Lumpur +60 3 2144 1022 / 1077

7. My Elephant

At My Elephant, Thai soups, hearty curries, and refreshing salads top the must-try list.

This laid-back Thai restaurant originally began as a neighborhood spot in PJ, but has since grown to include a more upscale location in Sri Hartamas.

Despite the expansion, the pork-free menu has remained unchanged, and the quality of the food continues to impress.

Popular dishes include the duck curry, featuring succulent roasted duck topped with lychees, grapes, or pineapple. While there is no wine list, patrons can bring their own bottle, and beer is readily available.

My Elephant Thai Restaurant, Section 17, Sri Hartamas Aman Suria, USJ 9 Ampang; +60 1022 01283

8. Devi’s Corner

A favorite for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Devi’s is the go-to destination for authentic local Indian dishes.

With several branches across the city, including a highly popular location in Bangsar, we particularly favor the Taman Tun outlet for its consistently fresh and flavorful offerings.

The extensive menu features everything from fluffy roti canai and masala dosai to mee goreng, tandoori chicken, and a counter filled with platters of fried vegetables, curries, and rendang, all served buffet-style.

Open until the early hours, it’s the perfect spot for a late-night meal when cravings strike.

Devi’s Corner, Cnr Jln Telawi 1 & Jln Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur 59100; +60 12 267 6714

9. Sri Nirwana Maju Banana Leaf

Lunchtime here can get hectic, so be prepared to wait if you’re running late.

This is the spot to head to if you're craving an authentic banana leaf meal — a platter of rice, vegetables, and your choice of dishes served on a banana leaf, with pickles, pappadums, and various curry sauces on the side.

Don't miss the fried chicken and the remarkably light battered squid rings — both are incredibly addictive.

Sri Nirwana Maju Restaurant, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur, +60 3 2287 8445

10. Bistro a Table

Scallop cannelloni paired with Indonesian black nut tapenade.

Bistro a Table takes the classic French bistro concept and reimagines it with modern flair, offering elegant furnishings and a sophisticated menu curated by former food stylist and private chef Isadora Chai.

The restaurant has built a loyal clientele, attracting a well-heeled crowd.

The menu evolves daily, but many signature dishes, like the cannelloni of scallops with Indonesian black nut tapenade, are always available.

Bistro a Table, 6 Jalan 17/54 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor; +60 3793 12831

11. Wong Kee

If you’re at this classic local coffeeshop, you’re here for one reason only: Robert Wong’s mouthwatering siew yoke (roast pork).

Wong personally roasts the pork in recycled oil drums behind the shop, meticulously hand-scraping the skin to achieve the perfect crispiness.

The outcome is extraordinary: tender, flavorful meat layered with succulent fat and golden, crunchy crackling that elevates a simple plate of meat and rice to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Wong Kee, 30, Jalan Nyonya, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur; +60 3 2145 2512

12. Sambal Hijau

Tucked away in Kampung Penchala, Sambal Hijau offers an array of traditional Malay dishes, including the delectable ikan bakar – freshly grilled fish paired with sambal and a squeeze of lime.

The food is served fresh and ready by 11:30 a.m., so arriving early ensures you get the best selection.

Classic Malay dishes include aromatic beef rendang, flavorful chicken curry, and more adventurous options like pan-fried paru (beef lungs).

Sambal Hijau, Lot 2990, Jalan Sungai Penchala, Kampung Sungai Penchala, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur; +60 3 7731 2045

13. Kim Lian Kee

A well-known fixture on Petaling Street, Kim Lian Kee is famous for its Hokkien mee – thick wheat noodles stir-fried with seafood and pork in a savory, dark sauce.

Kim Lian Kee operates two locations: the modern, air-conditioned three-story restaurant offering a broad menu, including butter prawns and chee cheong fun (steamed rice rolls), and the original humble stall across the street, where rustic wooden stools and tables give it an old-school charm.

The old stall is where the noodles are cooked over charcoal, giving them a distinct smoky wok hei that adds an extra layer of flavor.

Kim Lian Kee, 92, Jalan Hang Lekir, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur; +60 3 2032 4984

14. Erawan

For those who appreciate fine Thai dining, Erawan is a hidden gem.

The restaurant offers a menu that stands apart from typical Thai fast food, serving sophisticated dishes that are hard to find outside of Thailand.

To guarantee a personalized experience, diners who make reservations can select their meals in advance from a comprehensive menu on the restaurant’s website.

In contrast, guests who don’t make reservations are offered a more limited menu selection.

Erawan, Lot L1-17 & L1-18, First Floor DC Mall, Plaza DC, Damansara City, 6, Jalan Damanlela, 50490 Kuala Lumpur; +60 3 2788 4180 / 4181

15. Dancing Fish

The star attraction at Dancing Fish is the aptly named 'dancing fish' — whole, fresh fish deep-fried to create the illusion of a fish jumping out of the water.

Accompanied by sambal teresi and soy sauce, it’s a beloved dish from Indonesia.

The menu features a great selection of Malaysian and Indonesian dishes, including delicious satay and kerabu (salad).

Aside from the food, Dancing Fish’s welcoming service and comfortable air-conditioned ambiance have garnered it a dedicated and affluent clientele.

Dancing Fish, Lot T120, 121 & 122 285, 3rd Floor, Bangsar Shopping Centre, Jalan Maarof, Bukit Bandaraya, 59000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur; +60 3 2095 6663

16. Ben’s General Food Store

Ben’s offers a laid-back menu featuring crispy thin pizzas, classic bistro dishes like roast chicken, and a tempting variety of ready-made salads.

Reservations are not accepted, and most tables are shared with others, so be prepared to dine with strangers.

However, its lively atmosphere has resonated well with the city’s diners.

Homemade desserts include a delicious sticky date pudding served with vanilla ice cream.

Ben has two locations in the city, with the latest addition being in Publika.

LG13 (AL), Lower Ground, No. 699, Glomac Damansara, Jalan Damansara, 60000 Kuala Lumpur; +60 3 7733 6044

17. Frangipani

Frangipani has established itself as a lasting favorite, a notable achievement in the bustling Changkat Bukit Bintang area.

Chef-owner Chris Bauer presents a contemporary French menu with refined dishes like black “rice” risotto, grilled freshwater prawns, baby squid, and oysters.

Newcomers will be wowed by the beautiful courtyard surrounding an elegant black pool.

The Frangipani Langkawi Resort & Spa, Jalan Pantai Tengah, 07100 Langkawi Kedah, +60 3 4952 0000

18. Lafite

Lafite is a renowned fine dining destination in discerning Kuala Lumpur.

Since its debut in 1985, Lafite has attracted the city's elite and has consistently been recognized as one of Kuala Lumpur's finest restaurants.

Chef John Nash took over as head chef last year, bringing a modern European flair with dishes like the signature Wagyu beef millefeuille.

Lafite, 11 Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur; +60 3 2074 3900

19. Tamarind Springs By Samadhi

Located within Ampang’s serene forest reserve, just a 15-minute drive from the city, Tamarind Springs offers an exquisite menu of traditional Indochinese dishes.

The renowned restaurant is led by Thai chef Somjuhan Wandee, who is dedicated to using only the finest and freshest ingredients, both locally sourced and imported, in her authentic recipes.

Menu highlights include the Vietnamese-style pan-fried pesto with snakehead fish roe crisp, Phnom Penh's wagyu beef lok lak with a tangy lime and black pepper sauce, and Laotian deep-fried perch drizzled in Tamarind Spring’s signature spicy sauce.

Tamarind Springs, Jalan 1, Taman Tun Abdul Razak, 68000 Ampang, Selangor; +60 3 4256 9300

20. THIRTY8

Situated on the 38th floor of the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, THIRTY8 offers stunning views of the Petronas Towers and sweeping panoramas of the city skyline.

Executive Sous Chef Stefan Beck leads the kitchen, curating a diverse menu that blends Western, Chinese, and Japanese culinary influences.

The Australian Wagyu steak and the Szechuan chicken are particularly recommended for their exceptional flavors.

THIRTY8, 12 Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 50450; +60 3 2074 3900