Do you know that in KL alone, an average of RM1381 was spent on restaurant services in 2022, about 18% of a household’s monthly consumption expenditure?
This is an increase of about 2.2% from 2019! Of course, such an increase could be attributed to the pandemic lockdown.
However, as the lockdown is no more, people are ready to jalan-jalan cari makan in KL again!
Whether you like steak or are a vegetarian, KL’s dynamic food scene has something for everyone.
We understand that picking the best restaurant in KL can be difficult, especially with many options. Hence, we’ve made a list of the best restaurants in KL just for you.
So, call up your friends or get ready with your family and head to the best restaurant in KL.
Table of Contents
12 Best Restaurants in KL You Must Visit
Whether you’re a local foodie or a globetrotter with a flair for the exotic, KL’s food culture will tantalise your taste buds with delicacies as diverse as its population.
Even if you are local, you might not know much about the best restaurants in KL. Thus, be prepared to fire up your palate with these 12 best restaurants in KL.
1. 1919 Restaurant KL (Kampung Baru)
Chinese Cuisine | RM10 – RM150 | Non-Halal
1919 Restaurant KL, located in the historic Kampung Baru district, is one of the best Chinese restaurants in KL for those looking for a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
The restaurant expertly blends traditional Chinese food with modern cooking techniques, providing diners with an intriguing and unique gastronomic adventure.
You can enjoy your dishes in a soothing, serene atmosphere courtesy of the traditional, elegant Chinese décor.
Our Recommended Dishes
Peking Duck: The Peking Duck is prepared using a special recipe passed down through generations. It is often served with pancakes, scallions, and a savoury sauce.
Dim Sum: With an assortment of options, each piece is meticulously prepared and exquisitely presented. The shrimp dumplings and pork buns are especially noteworthy.
| Address | 15A, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, Kampung Baru, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur |
| Operating Hours |
Weekdays: 11:50 AM – 3:00 PM; 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM Weekends: 11:50 AM – 3:00 PM; 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM |
2. Betel Leaf (KLCC)
Indian Cuisine | RM23 – RM93 | Halal
Situated in the city centre of Kuala Lumpur, Betel Leaf is a must-see for the best Indian restaurant in KL. This hidden gem serves a delectable selection of South and North Indian meals and some local favourites.
It’s arguably the best restaurant in KL to serve Chettinad food, a culinary tradition from Tamil Nadu’s Chettinad region known for its aromatic spices and distinct flavours.
For every exceptional dish, there must always be high-quality ingredients. Therefore, Betel Leaf takes pride in using only the freshest ingredients to produce a flavorful and authentic eating experience.
Its palatable dishes, made with the utmost care and the freshest ingredients, have earned itself the reputation of the best Indian restaurant in KL.
Our Recommended Dishes
Chettinad Chicken: A spicy and flavorful chicken curry made with roasted spices and coconut.
Chettinad Fish Curry: A tangy and spicy fish curry made with tamarind and a blend of Chettinad spices.
| Address | 77A, Leboh Ampang, City Centre, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur |
| Operating Hours | Weekdays & Weekends: 11:00 AM –11:00 PM |
3. Chef Dato’ Ismail Restaurant (Bukit Aman)
Malay Cuisine | RM18 – RM70 | Halal
As one of the best halal restaurants in KL, Chef Dato’ Ismail Restaurant in Bukit Aman specialises in traditional Malay food.
It is overseen by renowned Chef Dato’ Ismail, who is well-known for his commitment to preserving the originality of Malay cuisine. The restaurant features a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with an environment meant to showcase Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage.
Traditional artefacts and paintings surround the walls, creating a cosy and homey ambience that welcomes guests to relax and enjoy their meals.
If you are a foreigner looking for authentic Malay dishes, this is the best restaurant in KL.
Our Recommended Dishes
Nasi Lemak: There is no need to say much about this national staple dish. But if you’re unfamiliar, It consists of fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk, served with sambal (spicy chilli paste), anchovies, peanuts, boiled egg, and cucumber.
Rendang: A meat dish slow-cooked in coconut milk with aromatic such as lemongrass, garlic, turmeric, galangal, and chillies.
| Address | 5-2 Cascade Parking Bukit Aman, 1, Jalan Tanglin, 50480 Kuala Lumpur |
| Operating Hours |
Weekdays: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM Weekends: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM |
4. Vin’s Restaurant (TTDI)
European Cuisine | RM29 – RM138 | Non-Halal
Even in Malaysia, you can find the best restaurant in KL with European cuisine. Vin’s Restaurant (TTDI) has earned a reputation as one of the best European fusion restaurants in KL.
This upmarket dining institution is known for its unique menu. You can find some of the most palatable and unique dishes on the menu that combine the best European flavours with a modern twist.
The restaurant’s stylish décor, ambient lighting, and high-end furniture present a beautiful modern atmosphere. If anything, this is the perfect spot for your best dinner in KL.
Our Recommended Dishes
Duck Confit: A classic French dish that is slow-cooked to perfection. It’s best consumed with creamy mashed potatoes as a side and a refreshing orange sauce.
Seared Scallops: The scallops are cooked to perfection, with a golden crust on the outside and a soft, succulent texture inside.
| Address | 6, Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 1, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur |
| Operating Hours | Weekdays & Weekends: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
5. Table & Apron (Damansara Kim)
Modern Malaysia | RM13 – RM75 | Halal
Table & Apron in Damansara Kim is a hidden treasure in the KL dining scene; some even go as far as to say that it’s the best restaurant in KL with modern Malaysian food!
The restaurant adheres to the principle of using local foods to produce familiar and unexpected dishes. The atmosphere is laid-back and casual, with a basic décor that allows the food to take centre stage.
Our Recommended Dishes
Fried Chicken: The fried chicken is marinated with a blend of local spices, then fried to crispy perfection and served with a side of homemade chilli sauce.
Charred Eggplant: The charred eggplant is cooked until soft and smoky and then topped with a tangy dressing and a sprinkle of nuts and seeds for added crunch.
| Address | 23, Jalan SS 20/11, Damansara Kim, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor |
| Operating Hours |
Monday: Closed Tuesday – Friday: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM Weekends: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM; 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM |
6. Fatt Hei Len (Cheras)
Cantonese Cuisine | RM10 – RM200 | Non-Halal
Fatt Hei Len is a notable Cantonese restaurant in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, and one of the best Chinese restaurants in KL.
It has a reputation for serving modestly priced dishes with accuracy and powerful flavours. The restaurant provides a comfortable dining area, with warm lighting and traditional Chinese design that contributes to the cosy and intimate feel.
Our Recommended Dishes
Char Siu (BBQ Pork): The pork is marinated in a blend of honey, soy sauce, and spices, then roasted until it is tender and caramelised and served with a side of their special sauce.
Salt and Pepper Squid: This dish features crispy, golden squid seasoned with salt and pepper and then perfectly fried.
| Address | 8, Jalan 30a/119, Taman Taynton View, 56000 Cheras, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur |
| Operating Hours | Weekdays & Weekends: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM; 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM |
7. Brickfields Char Kuey Teow (Brickfields)
Chinese Cuisine | RM6 – RM10 | Non-Halal
When people talk about the best restaurant in KL, the most common images are bougie décor with exotic food whose names sometimes are too hard to pronounce.
Such is not the case.
Brickfields Char Kuey Teow is a hidden gem in the bustling Brickfields district, serving as one of the best Chinese restaurants in KL. This small café has become a favourite haunt for residents and travellers alike, seeking the flavour of authentic Chinese street cuisine.
It specialises in the renowned dish of Char Kuey Teow. The restaurant’s atmosphere is casual and no-frills, making it an excellent setting for a quick and tasty dinner.
Our Recommended Dishes
Char Kuey Teow: Flat rice noodles, prawns, bloody cockles, Chinese sausage, eggs, bean sprouts, and chives, all tossed together in a wok with a unique soy sauce mixture.
Penang Prawn Mee: Its Penang Prawn Mee is also one of the best in KL. It consists of egg noodles and rice vermicelli served in a rich and flavorful prawn-based broth, topped with prawns, hard-boiled eggs, and bean sprouts.
| Address | Sports toto, 19, Jalan Tun Sambanthan 4, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur |
| Operating Hours |
Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
8. Amber Chinese Muslim Restaurant (Bangsar South)
Chinese Muslim Cuisine | RM10 – RM109 | Halal
Amber Chinese Muslim Restaurant is a one-of-a-kind dining business in Kuala Lumpur’s Bangsar South neighbourhood. It is one of the best halal restaurants in KL because it specialises in Chinese food prepared in compliance with Islamic dietary regulations.
The restaurant has a modern and inviting ambience, perfect for family gatherings, business meetings, or casual meals.
The menu includes a variety of cuisines ranging from traditional Chinese favourites to new fusion dishes, all made with the highest quality halal ingredients and care.
Our Recommended Dishes
Sweet and Sour Fish: Made with deep-fried fish fillets coated in a tangy sweet and sour sauce, garnished with colourful bell peppers and pineapple slices.
Lamb Stew with Chinese Herbs: A comforting and nourishing dish made with tender pieces of lamb slow-cooked with various Chinese herbs and spices.
| Address | Unit 14, Level 1, Nexus, 7, Jalan Kerinchi, Bangsar South, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur |
| Operating Hours | Weekdays & Weekends: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
9. TG’s Bistro (Bukit Bintang)
North and South Indian Cuisine | RM10 – RM20 | Halal
TG’s Bistro in Bukit Bintang is a good alternative for those in Kuala Lumpur looking for Indian cuisine.
The restaurant serves various North and South Indian meals, making it ideal for individuals who appreciate both culinary styles. It is one of the best Indian restaurants in KL due to its combination of North and South Indian cuisine.
The bistro’s design is modest yet elegant, giving customers a comfortable place to enjoy their meal. The menu is vast, including items suitable for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
The polite employees and timely service will make your dining experience here more enjoyable.
Our Recommended Dishes
Paneer Butter Masala: Soft paneer cubes cooked in rich, creamy tomato gravy.
Chicken Biryani: A fragrant rice dish cooked with marinated chicken and aromatic spices.
| Address | 8, Tengkat Tong Shin, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur |
| Operating Hours | Weekdays & Weekends: Open 24 hours |
10. Blue Boy Vegetarian Food Court (Bukit Bintang)
Vegetarian Cuisine | RM7 – RM10 | Non-Halal
No, we haven’t forgotten about it. Although having a vegetarian option in the city’s centre is difficult or sometimes pricier, it’s not impossible.
Blue Boy Vegetarian Food Court Bukit Bintang is a refuge for vegetarians and those looking for a nutritious, plant-based lunch. Although it is not legally certified as halal, it is entirely vegetarian, making it an excellent choice for individuals who eschew meat and animal products.
This food court is one of Kuala Lumpur’s oldest vegetarian eateries and is frequently regarded as the best restaurant in KL for vegetarians. It is home to several food vendors, each serving various local and international vegetarian dishes created from fresh, healthful ingredients.
Our Recommended Dishes
Vegetarian Char Kway Teow: A plant-based version of a stir-fried noodle dish made with flat rice noodles, bean sprouts, vegetables, and soy-based protein, all stir-fried in a flavorful sauce.
Vegetarian Laksa: Made with a rich and spicy coconut milk-based broth filled with noodles, tofu, and an assortment of fresh vegetables.
| Address | Lorong Pudu 4, Jln Tong Shin, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur |
| Operating Hours | Weekdays & Weekends: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
11. Samad Al Iraqi Restaurant (Jalan Pinang)
Iraqi Cuisine | RM15 – RM100 | Halal
Samad Al Iraqi Restaurant is a hidden gem that serves authentic Iraqi food. For Iraqi dishes, this is your best restaurant in KL.
The interior is adorned with traditional Iraqi artefacts and ornamentation, providing a welcoming and friendly feeling. The menu includes a wide range of conventional Iraqi meals cooked with care and attention to detail, using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Our Recommended Dishes
Lamb Mandi: Made with succulent, slow-cooked lamb, served over a bed of fragrant, saffron-infused basmati rice and garnished with fried nuts and raisins.
Falafel: Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices, served with tahini sauce and fresh vegetables.
| Address | G-3, Menara Prestige, 1, Jalan Pinang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur |
| Operating Hours | Weekdays & Weekends: 11:30 AM – 11:45 PM |
12. Li Restaurant (Damansara Jaya)
Chinese Cuisine | RM10 – RM65 | Non-Halal
Li Restaurant in Damansara Jaya is a foodie’s paradise for those looking for the best Chinese restaurant in KL.
While not halal-certified, Li Restaurant serves various non-halal Chinese specialities that will delight your palette.
The restaurant enjoys its home-cooked style cuisine created using fresh and high-quality ingredients. This restaurant’s cosy and casual atmosphere is ideal for gatherings with friends and family.
Simply the best restaurant in KL with homey dishes made with authentic recipes.
Our Recommended Dishes
Braised Pork Belly: Slow-cooked pork belly in a savoury sauce made of soy and star anise, served with steamed rice.
Stir-Fried Prawns: Succulent prawns stir-fried with a medley of fresh vegetables and a flavorful sauce.
| Address | 47, Jalan SS 22/23, Ss 22, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor |
| Operating Hours |
Monday: Closed Tuesday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM; 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
Conclusion
Kuala Lumpur boasts a diverse array of culinary options. Whether you are in the mood for Chinese, Japanese, or other cuisine, a top-rated restaurant is always waiting for you in KL.
Therefore, it’s effortless to find the best restaurant in KL just for you, as there is almost everything for everyone.
