The recipient of the Most Innovative Concept Award at the Tatler Dining Awards 2022, Small Shifting Space changes its menu as often as the the innovative minds in the kitchen would allow. Chef Francis Klassen and his team take on classic dishes like the Sunday Roast and congee, and give them a modern twist. And there's something about tasting these inventive plates within its tiny rustic interior of steel and marble slabs; the place may be humble but it's certainly big on character. 

Small Shifting Space | 141, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur | +6017 440 5591 | Wednesday, 5pm-10pm; Thursday & Friday, 5pm-12am; Saturday, 12pm-12am; Sunday, 12pm-10pm

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Back Alley Pasta has been going viral for its innovative pasta dishes that incorporate Asian flavours. The wait list to dine at this humble eatery (only 20 seats) is known to be months long. And if you manage to get a table, be sure to order Chef Jay's Signature Gnocchi with Yuzu Brisket with Miso Bechamel Sauce.

Back Alley Pasta | No. 8, Jalan 1/67b, Off Jalan Mengkudu, 55000 Kuala Lumpur | +6014 758 5780 | Tuesday-Sunday, 5:30pm-10pm

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Shhhbuuuleee's head chef takes flavours from East Asia and morphs them into clever small plates that bring a fresh perspective to traditional taste. Take the red glutinous rice dish that was created to evoke the taste of nasi goreng but using sakura ebi and salt-cured fish. Located at the top floor of REXKL, it also specialises in sake and shochu, making it the perfect spot to wind down at sunset.

Shhhbuuuleee | 80, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur | +6012 612 0786 | Wednesday-Sunday, 5pm-12am

See also: Where & What To Eat: 7 Places To Explore In Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur

Calling all ricotta fans! This little eatery above a sundry shop is a hidden gem in Bukit Damansara; there's no signage on the outside to indicate its presence at all. When you do find it, you will be rewarded with its sourdough toast masterpieces, such as the Chuck Mooris Pulled Beef Ricotta Toast that has become one of its most, if not the most, popular items on the menu.

Cotta | 49M, Jalan Medan Setia 1, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur | +6011 2321 2125 | Monday-Sunday, 9am-4pm

See also: Where & What to Eat: 7 Yakitori Spots You Have to Try

Yet another hidden gem in Bukit Damansara, BAC is an intimate restaurant-bar suited for date nights. Its cocktail menu boasts unexpected combinations but they are sure to please the palate. The DTF cocktail made with toasted rice and miso fat-washed Mackintosh whiskey, seaweed and a wakame kombucha is a must-have.

For a bite, the XXX Wagyu Udon entices with a medium-rare wagyu on top a bed of chewy udon and drenched in the most appetising sauce. 

BAC | 73­-1, Jln Setia Bakti, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur | +6010 287 0731 | Tuesday-Sunday, 6pm-12am

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