Cover Mellow Wine KL pairs sharing plates with wines in a modern setting (Photo: Mellow Wine KL)

The latest need-to-know eateries to visit on your next food adventure

The local food and beverage landscape is brimming with flavours and innovation. Rich in heritage and tradition, Malaysia's generational icons and other national culinary landmarks find themselves alongside other new eateries and watering holes that keep our scene fresh. 

Each month, we scour the streets for the best and most interesting additions to our local industry and add them to this monthly guide, which you can come back to for updates and alerts on all the new restaurants, cafés, and bars you should venture to with your fellow foodies. 

Here are all the eateries you need to have on your radar this January.

Read more: 10 new restaurants and cafés in Malaysia to visit in December 2023

Niku29

Translating into meat in Japanese, Niku29 focuses on just that, bringing Wagyu from Japan and premium black Angus from Australia to the heart of KL. With both curated set menus and a la carte options available, there is something for everyone here.

Niku 29

Address: Unit 1-02, 1/F, Menara Hap Seng 3, Jalan P. Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur. +6019 257 2033‬

Sera by Aposto

Located just above modern Italian eatery Aposto, Sera by Aposto is home to a selection of private dining rooms and offers curated set menus paired with an impressive selection of wine

Sera by Aposto 

Address: 38A, Lorong Rahim Kajai 14, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur. +6010 282 2690

Read more: Where and what to eat: 8 places to explore in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur

Barkar KL

Brought to you by the minds behind Eat and Cook, Barkar KL combines “bar” and “bakar” in both name and concept. Expect local favourites touched with a lick of the flame, as well as comfort food in an impressive setting.

Barkar KL 

Address: G-06, G Tower, 199, Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur. +6011 2277 3131

Mellow Wine KL

Boutique wine bar and dining room Mellow Wine KL offers a diverse selection of natural wines and small plates to complement the drinks. 

Mellow Wine KL

Address: L1-06A, Seventeen Mall, Jalan 17/38, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya. +6016 260 1701

See also: 5 ethnic Sarawakian dishes you should know, according to chef and supper club host Karen Yap

Chim by Chef Noom

Chim by Chef Noom is a new concept by celebrated chef Thaninthorn “Noom” Chantrawan, offering a curated journey of modern Thai fare. 

Chim by Chef Noom

Address: L2-03, TSLAW Tower, 39, Jalan Kamuning, Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur. +6013 375 5181

Unusual Marketplace

With a seafood market-inspired interior, Unusual Marketplace transports diners to Japan with a menu that runs the gamut when it comes to seafood. Try the stone-milled Japanese rice porridge with smoked fish sauce for a nourishing treat. 

Unusual Marketplace

Address: G/F, The Club@ Empire Residence, Jalan PJU 8/1, Damansara Perdana, 47820 Petaling Jaya. Instagram / @theunusualmarketplace

Gentle Giants

Intimate wine bar and bottle shop Gentle Giants is housed in The Zhongshan Building and boasts a selection of snacks to complement its pours. 

Gentle Giants

Address: The Zhongshan Building, 80B, Jalan Rotan, Kampung Attap, 50460 Kuala Lumpur. Instagram / @gentlegiants.bar

FLNT Melaka

FLNT Melaka blends the best of Japanese techniques and Peruvian flavours, bringing Nikke cuisine to Melaka. Try the signature Ceviche de Pulpo, which sees octopus doused in tiger’s milk, white corn, and fresh wasabi stem. 

FLNT Melaka

Address: 1-Altitude Melaka, 44/F, Jalan Melaka Raya 23, Hatten City, 75000 Melaka. +6019 349 1788

Alva KL

From seared scallops and Tuscan chargrilled chicken to flame-grilled Australian Wagyu, Alva KL offers grilled classics with a panoramic view of the city skyline. 

Alva KL

Address: 99/F, Ascott Star KLCC, 1, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, Kampung Baru, 50450 Kuala Lumpur. +6010 303 0099

Roberto’s

Roberto’s has just opened at Tropicana Gardens Mall, serving Tuscan and Emilian Italian fare. The comforting menu is designed to be shared between friends or family. 

Roberto’s

Address: Lot CC39, Concourse Level, Tropicana Gardens Mall, Persiaran Surian, Tropicana Indah, 47810 Petaling Jaya. +6017 980 4829

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