Photo: Akâr Dining
Cover Photo: Akâr Dining
Photo: Akâr Dining

Spanning from the trendy enclaves of TTDI to the vibrant dining scenes of PJ, Hartamas, and Bukit Jalil, the Klang Valley is home to a rising generation of Malaysian restaurants that are proudly rewriting the rules

These contemporary Malaysian spots—selected for Tatler Best 2025—are not just serving food; they are serving identity, memory, and vision on a plate. With menus that pay homage to family roots and indigenous ingredients, these chefs are proof that local cuisine can be elevated without losing its soul. They challenge the notion that Malay food belongs only in hawker stalls, offering polished, progressive dining experiences that rival any international cuisine in refinement and storytelling. Some of these restaurants were also named in this year’s Tatler Best 20 and earned Best in Class honours, further cementing their role in shaping a future where Malaysian cuisine is celebrated, remembered, and continuously reimagined.

We have already rounded up the top Malaysian restaurants to check out if you are travelling outside of KL. But if you prefer to stay closer to home, now you can experience some of the finest Malaysian cuisine right here in the Klang Valley. Whether you are hosting international friends and want to showcase the flavours of Malaysia in style—or simply looking to treat your parents, partner, or grandparents to a meal they will not forget—these are the places that will absolutely wow them.

See also: Casual Malay restaurants that bring tradition to the table in Klang Valley

Akâr Dining

$ $ $ $   |   Taman Tun Dr. Ismail
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Photo 1 of 7 Photo: Akâr Dining
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Photo 7 of 7 Photo: Akâr Dining
Photo: Akâr Dining
Photo: Akâr Dining
Photo: Akâr Dining
Photo: Akâr Dining
Photo: Akâr Dining
Photo: Akâr Dining
Photo: Akâr Dining

Awards

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2025 Tatler Best 100 Restaurants Asia-Pacific

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2025 Tatler Best 20 Restaurants Malaysia

Awards icon

2024 Tatler Best 100 Restaurants Asia

Must Try

  • Crab Claypot Rice
  • Spiced Crab Broth

Akâr Dining is a celebration of the lushness of Malaysia’s ecosystem through local ingredients. Chef-proprietor Aidan Low uses his expertise and creativity to present memorable dishes that bring out the best of seasonal produce. Having undergone a recent renovation, the new space reflects the cuisine served with hand-cut terracotta tiled floors and crosshatch fabric. The signature Crab Claypot Rice features mud crabs from Sabah and blends the Malaysian Chinese staple with Low’s love of unagi rice bowls eaten with eel broth.


Akar

Address:  109, Jalan Aminuddin Baki, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Carbon

Kota Damansara
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Photo 1 of 7 Wings (Photo: Carbon)
Photo 2 of 7 Aged Duck 2 (Photo: Carbon)
Photo 3 of 7 Flaming Tomahawk (Photo: Carbon)
Photo 4 of 7 Hokkaido Scallop 2 (Photo: Carbon)
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Photo 7 of 7 Hokkaido Scallop 1 (Photo: Carbon)
Wings (Photo: Carbon)
Aged Duck 2 (Photo: Carbon)
Flaming Tomahawk (Photo: Carbon)
Hokkaido Scallop 2 (Photo: Carbon)
Photo: Carbon
Photo: Carbon
Hokkaido Scallop 1 (Photo: Carbon)

Must Try

  • Stuffed Wings
  • Smoked Hokkaido Scallops
  • Dry Aged Duck Breast

Fuelled by flames, the fare at Carbon spans cuisines and cooking techniques while upholding the timelessness of grilling. No stranger to evolution, Carbon constantly reinvents itself while shining a spotlight on seasonal produce and emerging culinary trends in thoughtfully developed dishes like its signature duck breast, aged using a meticulously researched process for over 20 days and its cured Hokkaido scallops smoked with juniper leaves from the restaurant’s own shrub and served on carrot vinaigrette puree alongside cubed apples and smoked tobiko. 


Carbon

Address:  7, Jalan Pekaka 8/1D, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Copaa KL

Sri Hartamas
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Photo 1 of 8 Pucuk paku (Photo: Copaa)
Photo 2 of 8 Golden Pomfret (Photo: Copaa)
Photo 3 of 8 Spread at Copaa (Photo: Copaa)
Photo 4 of 8 Squid (Photo: Copaa)
Photo 5 of 8 Photo: Copaa
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Photo 7 of 8 Wine cellar (Photo: Copaa)
Photo 8 of 8 Photo: Copaa
Pucuk paku (Photo: Copaa)
Golden Pomfret (Photo: Copaa)
Spread at Copaa (Photo: Copaa)
Squid (Photo: Copaa)
Photo: Copaa
Photo: Copaa
Wine cellar (Photo: Copaa)
Photo: Copaa

Copaa KL puts distinctly Malaysian twists on contemporary small plates, with the establishment’s menu playing host to dishes that place endemic ingredients in the spotlight. Here, dishes formatted for sharing take on the forms of pucuk paku salad finished with bunga kantan vinaigrette, golden pomfret complemented by a unique Shaoxing beurre blanc, and grilled squid with ulamchurri—a play on aromatic chimichurri using ulam raja. Its wine programme is equally impressive, complete with pours that pair perfectly with each plate. 


Copaa KL

Address:  38-1, Jalan 24/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur

Eat and Cook

Bukit Jalil
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Photo 1 of 4 Duck (Photo: Eat and Cook)
Photo 2 of 4 Teh Tarik (Photo: Eat and Cook)
Photo 3 of 4 Photo: Eat and Cook
Photo 4 of 4 Photo: Eat and Cook
Duck (Photo: Eat and Cook)
Teh Tarik (Photo: Eat and Cook)
Photo: Eat and Cook
Photo: Eat and Cook

Awards

Awards icon

2025 Tatler Best 20

Must Try

  • Roasted Aged Mountain Duck
  • Teh Tarik Ice Cream

Eat and Cook presents an innovative, experimental Malaysian tasting menu, inspired by the country’s rich cultural tapestry. The creative dishes often have a backstory and evoke nostalgia, using local ingredients in clever ways, presented to guests in the open kitchen. What stands out is the passion and sincere hospitality from the team who look to place Malaysian produce on the map, working closely with farmers and producers. While the menu constantly changes, portions are always generous and satisfying. On the current menu is a roasted aged mountain duck, complemented by fermented white mango jus, paired with asparagus spears, duck leg bak kwa, and golden century egg. 


Eat and Cook

Address:  H-6-1 Pusat Perdagangan Bandar Bukit Jalil, Persiaran Jalil 1, 57000 Kuala Lumpur

Fifty Tales

Sea Park
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Photo 1 of 6 Roasted Cornfed Chicken (Photo: Fifty Tales)
Photo 2 of 6 Kaya Muachee (Photo: Fifty Tales)
Photo 3 of 6 OG Style Noodle Bowl (Photo: Fifty Tales)
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Photo 6 of 6 Photo: Fifty Tales
Roasted Cornfed Chicken (Photo: Fifty Tales)
Kaya Muachee (Photo: Fifty Tales)
OG Style Noodle Bowl (Photo: Fifty Tales)
Photo: Fifty Tales
Photo: Fifty Tales
Photo: Fifty Tales

Awards

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2026 Tatler Best 20

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2025 Tatler Best Malaysia: Rising Star

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2025 Tatler Best 20

Must Try

  • OG Style Noodle
  • Roasted Corn Fed Chicken Leg
  • Kaya Muachee

Known for its handmade egg noodles, Fifty Tales boasts delicious, no-frills comfort food that is good for all occasions. Starting off as a Chinese noodle bar in Bandar Sri Damansara, the concept has grown into a Malaysian Chinese restaurant that hones in on the craft of noodle making and accompanying dishes. Since its inception, the OG Style Noodle has stayed on the lunch menu, which sees the signature noodles tossed with pork lard and soy sauce, paired with pork belly braised in beer and an egg marinated in Chinese wine. Other must-try dishes include the roasted corn-fed chicken leg as well as the handmade duck egg kaya muachee, served on a cashewnut tuile. 


Fifty Tales

Address:  19, Jalan 21/11b, Sea Park, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Table & Apron

$ $ $ $   |   Petaling Jaya
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Photo 1 of 8 Photo: Table & Apron
Photo 2 of 8 Buckwheat Fried Chicken (Photo: Table & Apron)
Photo 3 of 8 Tiramisu (Photo: Table & Apron)
Photo 4 of 8 Herb Rice with Smoked Mackerel (Photo: Table & Apron)
Photo 5 of 8 Pork Ribs in Pineapple Glaze & Tamarind Dip (Photo: Table & Apron)
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Photo 7 of 8 Charred Okra with Tamarind & Chili Dressing (Photo: Table & Apron)
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Photo: Table & Apron
Buckwheat Fried Chicken (Photo: Table & Apron)
Tiramisu (Photo: Table & Apron)
Herb Rice with Smoked Mackerel (Photo: Table & Apron)
Pork Ribs in Pineapple Glaze & Tamarind Dip (Photo: Table & Apron)
Photo: Table & Apron
Charred Okra with Tamarind & Chili Dressing (Photo: Table & Apron)
Photo: Table & Apron

Awards

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2026 Tatler Best Malaysia: Best Service

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2025 Tatler Best Malaysia: Best Service

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2025 Tatler Best 20

Must Try

  • Ulam herb rice with smoked mackerel
  • Buckwheat Fried Chicken
  • Tiramisu

Table & Apron has boasted top-notch hospitality since 2014, and paired with its honest cooking inspired by the joys of comfort food, the neighbourhood restaurant is always a hit. Fan favourites are always cooked to perfection—the Buckwheat Fried Chicken is the restaurant’s golden glory and has earned a well-deserved cult following. The Ulam Herb Rice with Smoked Mackerel takes inspiration from nasi ulam and lei cha, and the memorable dish is a testament to the restaurant’s ethos of simplicity and good intention. No matter how many times you have visited, the friendly team and consistent food that highlights local produce will keep you coming back for more. 


Table & Apron

Address:  23, Jalan SS 20/11, Damansara Kim, 47400 Petaling Jaya

Terra Dining

Taman Tun Dr. Ismail
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Photo 1 of 5 Aged Duck (Photo: Terra Dining)
Photo 2 of 5 Slipper Lobster Asam Laksa Bisque (Photo: Terra Dining)
Photo 3 of 5 Squid Laksa (Photo: Terra Dining)
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Aged Duck (Photo: Terra Dining)
Slipper Lobster Asam Laksa Bisque (Photo: Terra Dining)
Squid Laksa (Photo: Terra Dining)
Photo: Terra Dining
Photo: Terra Dining

Awards

Awards icon

2026 Tatler Best 20

Awards icon

2025 Tatler Best Malaysia: Best New Restaurant

Awards icon

2025 Tatler Best 20

Must Try

  • Slipper Lobster Asam Laksa Bisque
  • Aged Duck
  • Squid "Laksa"

With a terroir-driven focus, Terra Dining celebrates Malaysian food culture through a well-executed degustation menu that showcases both traditional recipes and modern techniques. Self-taught chef-owner Chong Yu Cheng showcases creative dishes like squid noodles confit with a “laksabayon”, a sabayon made from Terengganu white laksa flavours and housemade lemongrass vinegar. Another highlight on the menu is the grilled slipper lobster served with an asam laksa bisque. 


Terra Dining

Address:  91G, Jalan Aminuddin Baki, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur

Raisa Zulqaisar
Dining Writer, Tatler Malaysia
Tatler Asia
Raisa Zulqaisar

About

Raisa, our Dining Writer, grew up in a multicultural household where food was more than just a meal—it was a way of expressing love. With Malay, Chinese, and Indian heritage, she was constantly surrounded by diverse flavors, home-cooked feasts, and the joy of sharing meals with family.

Her passion for food deepened during her studies in the UK, where she experienced vastly different dining cultures. A firm believer in the power of food to tell stories, she loves traveling, experimenting with local dishes, and uncovering hidden gems to share with others.

When she’s not writing about food, she’s likely munching on chips, chocolates, or whatever snack is within reach.

Work

Raisa covers all things food and drink, from emerging dining trends to timeless culinary traditions. She enjoys spotlighting new talent, discovering innovative menus, and sharing the best of the local dining scene with the world.

Follow her on Instagram @raisazulqaisar