10 new restaurants, cafés, and bars in Malaysia to visit in February 2024

Institutional Kerala cuisine restaurant Kayra has branched into coastal fare with the opening of Coast by Kayra. Southwestern Indian cooking techniques and recipes spearhead the sea-to-table eatery with vibrant seafood signatures and contemporary takes on street food. Its menu encourages communal dining with an assortment of small plates and substantial dishes catering to all palates.

Lobster ulartiyathu, Allepey prawn mango curry, and dahi puri shooters with crab meat are just some of the offerings that elevate the cuisine of the Malabar coast. 

Coast by Kayra
Address: Lot G03-G05, G/F, Starhill Gallery, 181, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur. +6017-215 7264

Situated along the neighbourhood shop lots of Jalan Kasah, Kenji Japanese Restaurant provides authentic omakase and seafood sourced from Japanese waters. Headed by Kenji Takeda, the head of his family’s tuna processing company, the restaurant delivers only the freshest seafood. Its mainstay—Japanese Miyagi bluefin tuna otoro—is uniquely buttery and more mineral-forward than other varieties.

While focused on sashimi, its grill is put to good use with sendai wagyu steak and rice malt and sake infused Kinka mackerel on the menu. 

Kenji Japanese Restaurant
Address: 132, Jalan Kasah, Medan, 50490 Kuala Lumpur. +603-2011 0759

The culinary expansion of Maison Kitsuné, Café Kitsuné emulates the feel of intimate urban coffee bars within the bustle of The Exchange TRX. All things coffee are celebrated here, with a house blend reminiscent of chocolate and toasted hazelnuts. The café intertwines Japanese and French cuisines in a menu offering matcha-filled croissants, citron meringue tarts and chicken katsu sandos.

Staying true to the essence of Maison Kitsuné, you will also be able to find its signature fox-shaped shortbread. 

Café Kitsuné
Address: G/F, Plaza The Exchange TRX, Persiaran TRX, Imbi, 55188 Kuala Lumpur. +6012-541 8863

See also: Where to eat and drink in The Exchange TRX

Founded by the minds behind Phil’s Pizza and Siti Thai Food Stall, Murray’s Juice Bar is the teams’ newest venture. Nestled in Bukit Damansara, the smoothie and juice bar puts nutrition at the forefront of its operation. Its menu goes beyond conventional green juice and offers curated blends to tackle specific health needs, from hangover recovery to post-workout remedies.

Sandwiches, bagels, rice bowls, and other healthy treats can also be found at Murray’s Smoothies. 

Murray’s Smoothies
Address: Block A, Plaza Zurich, 12, Jalan Gelenggang, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur. Instagram / @murrayssmoothies

Pyro is an amalgamation of ancient cooking techniques and gastronomic innovation. Grilled over mangrove wood in place of conventional charcoal, each dish is imbued with a distinct aromatic char. The restaurant brings umami flavour profiles centerstage, with one of its most beloved accompaniments being homemade miso sauce.

Expect classic grilled fare from tomahawk steaks to whole spiced fish and refined small plates like chilli lime grilled prawns and cured yellowtail with caviar.

Pyro
Address: 4, Jalan SS 20/10, Damansara Kim, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor +6010-365 1353

Bespoke cocktails and vinyl curation come together at Louie’s. The latest addition to Plaza Batai’s enclave of late-night haunts, Louie’s is a sanctuary for audiophiles. Inventive mixology and playlists unscathed by KL’s Top 40-heavy nightlife can be found at this self-defined sound lounge. 

Louie’s
Address: Unit 8-4A, Plaza Batai, 8, Jalan Batai, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur. Instagram / @louiesbar_KL

Don't miss: 18 restaurants, cafés and bars to visit at The Five @ KPD

An extension of Leen’s Middle East Kitchen, Saj Bistronomy is rooted in authentic Syrian cuisine. The restaurant’s focus lies in simplicity, with its menu spotlighting exceptional produce. Chef Ameer Alzalek lends contemporary flair to traditional plates without confusing the identities of Leen’s and Saj Bistronomy.

The latter’s menu is notably devoid of smoked hummus and pide—Leens’ crowd favourites. Charred chilli hummus and the eponymous grilled flatbread, saj, can be found instead. 

Saj Bistronomy
Address: 130, Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur. +6011-1139 1503

Isetan has brought its dining concept—The Table—to KLCC along with its flagship outlet of The Oriental Park. The restaurant is helmed by Pan-Asian fusion that celebrates Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Malaysian cuisines. While Japanese flavours are at the core of The Table, The Oriental Park’s menu showcases accords from across Asia with Hanoi lemongrass, Bangkok chicken with grilled cabbage, and Wagyu kelapa curry. 

The Oriental Park, The Table at Isetan KLCC
Address: 201A-C, Jln Ampang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur. 

Recently opened within walking distance of The Exchange TRX, Annabell offers handcrafted cocktails and seafood-forward plates. Its interior is drenched in warmth from the bar’s ceiling-high display of rare bottled spirits. With live seafood tanks, its menu is equipped with giant freshwater prawn drizzled with yuzu aioli, Australian mussels swimming in chilli broth, and seared scallops.

Annabell is also home to exclusive cocktails featuring Clase Azul Tequila Plata and Martell Cordon Bleu.  

Annabell KL
Address: 11/F TSLAW Tower, 39, Jalan Kamuning, Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur. +6010-877 0888

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