In the mood to explore the city’s latest eateries? Head over to these new cafes and restaurants in KL and Selangor in March 2023.
Start 2023 right with a brand new list of the latest must-visit cafes and restaurants in KL the next time you visit from Singapore. Here, we bring you the best of the best that you need on your radar for the new year. From the newest brunch spots to the restaurants worth splurging at this month, it’s guaranteed to be another exciting year filled with the most delicious cuisines and decadent treats. Be sure to bookmark our guide as we update monthly with the ins and outs of the dining scene in KL and Selangor.
Best new restaurants in KL and Selangor to explore in March 2023:
Sushi Mew
If you’re familiar with Sushi Mew, there’s a chance you’ve seen the establishment in Singapore or Hong Kong, but it’s finally open its doors at The Westin KL. Intending to explore limitless possibilities of various flavours and elements, the restaurant invites every food enthusiast to indulge in its curated menus. Available for lunch and dinner, you can explore two lunch – KA (RM188) and the Shu (RM268) – sets and three dinner – Kun (RM388), Yu (RM488) and Mew (RM800 onwards) set menus. We tried the Yu menu, which comes with Zensai, Seasonal Sashimi, Seasonal Hot Dish, seven pieces of Nigiri, soup and seasonal dessert. Ala-carte dishes are available too. The beauty of discovering each dishes with an element of surprise is what makes our visit to Sushi Mew so special. Our highlight of the night was the Hokkaido Scallop, Mini Rice Bowl and Sea Brim Fish with spicy sauce and radish. In the dessert section, we love the harmonious flavours of the Oolong Tea and Lychee with White Chocolate as a way to end our gastronomical journey. Trust that no experience is the same and that you’ll want to return for more.
Address: The Westin Kuala Lumpur, 199, Bukit Bintang St, Bukit Bintang Kuala Lumpur, 55100 Wilayah Persekutuan, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Operating hours: 12 PM – 3 PM (lunch) | 6 PM – 8.30 PM (dinner)
Contact: +6010-3031133
Sushi Mew is accessible from the side entrance next to Ferria KL at The Westin Kuala Lumpur. Head over to the website for more.
Jwala
Another addition to The Five is Bukit Damansara’s latest Jwala, which translates as flame in Sanskrit. The upscale establishment offers an elevated version of the tandoor, where you can indulge in wholesome Northern Indian delicacies with a contemporary touch. However, Jwala is not just a dining destination; it promises fiery drama and performances to your experience with every visit. On the menu, you will find char-grilled delights such as Paneer Khurchan (stir-fried cottage cheese with bell pepper and onion seeds), Chicken Fondue (malai kebab, marinated with cream cheese and cardamom), Dudhiya (masala-filled cottage cheese with pickle spices) and more. Highlights include their speciality Qureshi’s Awadh Biryani with a choice of chicken, prawns, lamb or vegetables, chicken pineapple stew and artisanal bread.
Address: E-2-01, Level 2, Block E, The Five, Kompleks Pejabat Damansara, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Operating hours: 6 PM – 11 PM (closed on Monday)
Make a reservation here. Head over to the website for more info.
Savour by Gest
If you’re in TTDI, head to Glo Damansara and explore appetising bites from Savour by Gest. Helmed by Head Chef Jeremy Theseira and his team, the restaurant’s inviting ambience and extensive menu offer a feast like no other with Western-meets-Asian flavours. Diners can look forward to mouth-watering dishes like Hotate Ceviche, Har Bisque, Cilantro-Crusted Lamb Rack, Fried Crab Cakes, Soft-Shell Crab Pasta and more. If you’re in the mood for meat, order their signature Grilled Beef with Sea Cucumber.
Address: Ground Floor, Glo Damansara, Jalan Damansara, 60000 Kuala Lumpur.
Operating hours: 11 AM – 10 PM
Make a reservation here.
Smokehouse BBQ & Grill
Calling all BBQ lovers – there’s a new spot in USJ Heights to explore. Introducing Smokehouse BBQ & Grill, this latest barbecue joint offers the finest American-style BBQ filled with appetising smoked meats. Head over on a warm sunny day and enjoy a hearty meal in its al fresco garden setting. If you’re there early, from 3 PM, you can indulge in a plethora of bites comprising pastas, burgers, salads and desserts. From 5 PM onwards, diners can order their delicious selection of tender smoked and grilled meats, like beef brisket, lamb chops, baby pork ribs and beyond. For a bit of everything, go ahead and order the Meat Platter, which consists of their speciality meats of cajun chicken, ribs, brisket and more.
Address: 12, Jalan USJ Heights 1/1C, Taman USJ Heights, 47610 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: 3 PM – 12 AM (closed on Monday)
February 2023:
EMP KL (pork-free and Muslim-friendly)
Located in the heart of KL, The Westin introduces its latest addition to the dining list: EMP KL. Serving authentic Chinese cuisine, the restaurant emphasises on full-bodied flavours and appetising dishes for every food enthusiast to feast. On the menu, you can find signature dishes such as the crispy London duck, golden crispy garlic chicken, crispy king prawns with wasabi mayo, claypot giant river prawns chee cheong fun, Canton-style steamed bamboo fish in lotus leaves, and the tea-smoked beef short ribs. For those who prefer lighter bites, dim-sums are available daily from 10 am – 3 pm. Be sure to try the Threesome Dim Sum, which includes cod fish with crab meat dumpling, squid ink dumpling, homemade fish dumpling and minced chicken with chives dumpling.
Address: 1st Floor, The Westin Kuala Lumpur 199, Jalan Bukit Bintang 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 11 am – 3 pm & 6 pm – 10 pm (Monday – Friday) | 10 am – 3 pm & 6 pm – 10 pm (Weekend and on public holidays)
Contact: +6010-303-0011
Boi Boi
Can’t get enough of your Kopitiam favourites? Head over to Boi Boi, one of the best new restaurants to pop up in KL in 2023. Nestled off Jalan Imbi in the heart of Bukit Bintang, the restaurant is beautifully adorned with a raw yet utterly natural feel. Choose to dine indoors or by the alfresco area. Here, you can find an array of comfort meals such as the classic half-boiled egg and toast combo, nasi lemak, Sarawak laksa, bakso soup and beyond.
Address: 14 Jalan Inai, off, Jln Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 10 am – 10 pm (closed on Wednesdays)
Wagyu Kappo Yoshida
Wagyu lovers, you’re in for a treat. Located in the Naza Tower, Wagyu Kappo Yoshida serves an irresistible omakase menu filled with high-grade wagyu meats from Japan, along with other authentic seasonal dishes. Indulge in delicious bites such as beef chirashizushi with caviar, steak sandwich, charcoal grilled gyutan, truffle & burrata gratin and beyond. Diners will also have a choice to pick between sukiyaki and spicy beef curry. In the dessert department, get ready to have a heavenly bite of their truffle ice cream topped with pineapple and marshmallows with matcha green tea.
Discover the menu here.
Address: 10, Persiaran KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 6 pm – 10.30 pm (Monday – Saturday)
Make a reservation on WhatsApp here.
Mano Restaurant
In the mood for Latin American cuisine? Plan a date night at Mano Restaurant. Helmed by Chef Sergio, the restaurant introduces wholesome sharing plates like tuna tacos, barramundi, birria, and more. Although relatively new, we can say it’s worth the visit if you crave something different from your usual go-to spots.
Address: Block E, The Five, Kompleks Pejabat Damansara, E-1-03, 49, Jalan Dungun, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 5 pm – 11 pm (Monday – Thursday) | 5 pm – 12 am (Friday – Saturday) | 5 pm – 11 pm (Sunday)
Make a reservation on WhatsApp here.
January 2023:
Pizza Duo
Located in Bamboo Hills, Pizza Duo is among the latest few eateries to join the hip dining destination in KL. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Mark and Aina, the joint specialises in Neapolitan-inspired pizzas. Surrounded by lush greenery and a serene atmosphere, Pizza Duo is where you can indulge in the most delicious and fluffiest pizzas in town. What sets their pies apart from others is how light and soft their crusts are. Fun fact: It takes 72 hours to prep the dough, which makes sense why every bite easily transports us to food heaven. The menu consists of mouth-watering appetisers and 16 types of pizzas, from the classics to the Asian-fusion twists. Our favourite? The Spicy Pep and The OD. Don’t forget to order their mozzarella cheese sticks too.
Pizza Duo is located inside Tap Room KL. For reservations, make a booking here.
Address: Bamboo Hills, Off Lebuhraya Duta – Ulu Kelang, Taman Bamboo, 51200 Kuala Lumpur.
Operation hours: 11 AM – 1AM (Sunday to Thursday) | 11 AM – 2 AM (Friday & Saturday)
Duwa
Whether you’re visiting Melawati or are living in the neighbourhood, add Duwa to your wishlist soon. To spot the cafe, keep a lookout for the signature blue-and-white striped roof above the entrance. Specialising in buttery pastries and artisanal sourdough pizzas, Duwa also offers hearty mains, such as grilled cheeses and toasts. From 12 PM onwards, you can order their pizzas consisting of five delicious flavours: Margherita pizza, cheese pizza, chicken or beef pepperoni pizza, ‘Bianca’ pizza and beef bacon pizza. Ideal for sharing, order the bruschetta or truffle fries to go with your heavenly slices. In the drinks section, coffees and teas are available.
Address: No 7-0, Jalan 3/4c, Desa Melawati, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operation hours: 8.30 AM – 8 PM (Monday to Saturday)
Olea
Situated in one of the most iconic spots in KL, The Row KL is including another restaurant in its extensive dining list. Sleek and minimal, the restaurant offers a sense of calm with its rustic-meets-industrial design. Specialising in Mediterranean flavours, Olea introduces classic signatures such as crispy-fried feta with figs and za’atar and Melitzanosalata (Greek eggplant dip) to the menu. Other highlights include slow-roasted chicken, char-grilled octopus tentacles and mouth-watering lamb chops. As for desserts, we suggest trying their pistachio gelato.
Address: Ground Floor of No, 32, Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operation hours: 12 PM – 10.30 PM (closed on Tuesdays)
Limone
Adding to our ‘Best new cafes in KL’ list in 2023 is Limone. Taking inspiration from the beauty of an Italian garden, Limone is a European-inspired cafe located in Plaza Zurich, Bukit Damansara. Splashed in vivid yellow tones with earthy green touches, the cafe offers a lovely setting for that perfect Instagram-worthy shot, thanks to its lush greenery and beautiful lemon tree as the eatery’s centrepiece. Baked with love by co-founder/head chef Tee Jiunn Hoong, the menu offers artisanal french desserts ranging from petit gateau cakes to appetising pastries. Highlights include the signature Tokyo Garden (yuzu tart), Daisy Cake (lychee raspberry cake) and Fromage Frais (cheesecake with fresh berries). Remember to order their aromatic brews on the side to go with their heavenly treats. For mains, the cafe also serves delicious brunch favourites and hot foods, like smoked salmon eggs benedict, chicken percik poke bowl and a spicy Aglio olio pasta.
Address: Lot G01-03, Plaza Zúrich, Bukit Damansara
Operation hours: 9 AM – 6 PM (closed on Mondays)
Ra Ra Coffee
For those who are craving a coffee fix in Bandar Utama, head to Ra Ra Coffee. Upon entering, the cafe offers a relaxed atmosphere with ample natural light peeping through the window walls. Thanks to its spacious outdoor and indoor seating areas, you will have plenty of space with your loved ones to enjoy a slow afternoon while unwinding with a good cuppa. Their signature dishes include the salmon blu blu burger, crispy chicken burger and waffle chicken sandwich. On the side, order the truffle fries and mentai fries. Brews such as classic lattes, cappuccinos and flat whites are available. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, try their trio latte (matcha, chocolate and espresso with milk) and vit-c espresso (orange and espresso with milk).
Address: 1-1, BU4 Oasis, Jalan Changkat Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operation hours: 11 AM – 10 PM (closed on Mondays)
RasaNya Steamboat
Steamboat lovers, here’s a new spot to add to your list if you’re in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. Unlike your go-to places, RasaNya Steamboat combines Peranakan cuisine with Malay touches. As you enter, be ready to be mesmerised by the Peranakan-inspired decor decked in breathtaking contrasting tones filled with prints galore. On the menu of this best new restaurant in KL for 2023, diners can pick between nine signature soups, from ox bone pot to sedap-Nya laksa. To complement your flavourful soups, a steamboat meal wouldn’t be complete without a wide selection of seafood and premium meats. You can enjoy meats like Japanese Miyazaki A5, Australian lamb, kampung chicken and beyond. Apart from that, we suggest ordering the Kak Nya Lima Kawan Platter comprising the restaurant’s homemade squid ink balls, fish balls, prawn balls, cuttlefish balls and chicken balls. For more information, explore the menu here.
Make a reservation here.
Address: Level 8, Lot 8.105.00, Pavillion Elite, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Bukit Bintang, KL
Operation hours: 11 AM – 10 PM
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Hero image credit: Unsplash/Rizky Subagja; featured image credit: Instagram/@wearepizzaduo
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answer: There are four One Star restaurants in Malaysia: Dewakan (KL), DC by Darren Chin (KL), Auntie Gaik Lean's Old School Eatery (Penang) and Restaurant Au Jardin (Penang).
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Amalina Anuar
Senior Writer
Amalina seeks joy in writing the ins and outs of the fashion, dining and beauty world. When she’s not stalking for her next handbag purchase, you can find her binge-watching the latest tv series, testing out beauty products or singing her heart out at concerts. As a part-time spin instructor, she uses music as a quick escape, which explains why she’s always bopping her head to a good tune, no matter where she is. Amalina is a fashion journalism graduate from the Academy of Art University, San Francisco and has always loved exploring big cities.
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