Cover One of the new restaurants, or in this case bakery, is Kotsu Kotsu (Photo: Kotsu Kotsu)

With a mixture of exciting new openings and highly anticipated expansions into the city, here's a round up of some new restaurants to try this month

The month of December brings the festive season and Christmas preparations, but also a slew of newly opened dining venues. Each month, we put together a list of recently opened spots, compiling new restaurants, cafés, and bars into a handy guide you can refer to when in search of the next must-visit eatery.

This month brings a Samgyetang restaurant in TRX, a new smash burger joint in APW, a soon-to-open bar helmed by two industry forces, and so much more. Here are the eateries and drinking spots to check out before the year comes to an end. 

Read more: What was served at Tatler Ball 2025? Inside the Nusantara themed menu curated by The St Regis Kuala Lumpur

Hot Buns Co.

Tatler Asia
Above From the people behind Patties & Dough comes Hot Buns Co. (Photo: Hot Buns Co.)

You heard it here first, there’s a new diner in APW! From the people behind Patties & Dough comes Hot Buns Co. But there’s more than just burgers—expect breakfast, patties, oysters, short ribs, and more. 

See also: Guests you meet at an Asian dinner party—and how to deal with them

Modu

Tatler Asia
Above The various Samgyetang at Modu, TRX (Photo: Modu)

Find Samgyetang (Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup) here in all of its various forms, from Perilla Seed Samgyetang to Black Sesame Samgyetang and Black Chicken Samgyetang.

Alta

Tatler Asia
Above Momotaro tomato, a new dish at Alta (Photo: Alta)

Alta Pizza has rebranded its offerings into a new concept, rooted in Sitka’s ethos. Expect hearty food, timeless offerings, and honest cooking when you visit. 

Kotsu Kotsu

Tatler Asia
Above Kotsu Kotsu’s 10-layer fruit cake (Photo: Kotsu Kotsu)

Kotsu Kotsu is known for its Japanese-style cakes, including soft roll cakes in flavours like red bean, roasted soybean, and matcha. A signature creation is the 10-layer fruit cake with layers of fruit-filled cream. 

Firewood KLCC

Tatler Asia
Above Firewood is known for its steaks and well-executed proteins (Photo: Firewood KLCC)

Having made its debut in Penang, Firewood has landed in the heart of KL at the iconic KLCC. The KL-based steakhouse is led by chef Qaia Yew. 

Bar None

Tatler Asia
Above Raz Ng and Arsenio Mariano Jr (Photo: Bar None)

Bar None is rooted in the concept of day-drinking, helmed by Raz Ng, previously of Sugarhall in Singapore and industry veteran Arsenio Mariano Jr., known to friends as Ash. Here, modern classic cocktails are at the heart of the concept, accommodating a maximum of 40 guests in the earthy space fitted with art from local talents. 

Kohaku Omakase

Tatler Asia
Above Sushi at Kohaku Omakase (Photo: Kohaku Omakase)

Located in Pavilion Hotel, Kohaku Omakase’s Japanese chef brings with him over 35 years of experience, rooted in the spirit of omotenashi, a concept that encompasses sincere and meticulous attention to detail. 

Muro

Tatler Asia
Above New nightlife spot Muro (Photo: Muro)

Brought to you by The Marini’s Group is Muro, a new luxury nightclub at The Starhill, Kuala Lumpur. With a stellar line up of international DJs and premium acoustics, make Muro your last spot on your night out. 

Apricot by Peaches & Cream

Tatler Asia
Above Desserts steal the show at Apricot by Peaches & Cream (Photo: Apricot by Peaches & Cream)

From the team behind Peaches & Cream comes Apricot, boasting European comfort fare, keeping to the brand’s original ethos. While Peaches & Cream is known for their dessert trolley, here you can find a Dessert Tree, allowing guests to pick their selections from a display before the dessert is finished table side. 

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Topics

Katelyn Tan
Dining and Travel Editor, Malaysia & Indonesia, Tatler Malaysia
Tatler Asia

About

Katelyn is the dining and travel editor of Malaysia and Indonesia. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she offers readers an inside look at the movers and shakers in Asia’s growing food and beverage industry.