Mala beef ramen at Kaiju (Photo: @kaijucompany/Instagram)
Cover Mala beef ramen at Kaiju (Photo: @kaijucompany/Instagram)

The creative enclave is home to a slew of hip eateries, cafes and bars

Dubbing itself a creative industrial space, APW is short for A Place Where. The space it occupies was first established as a commercial printing factory way back in 1952. When printing jobs dwindled, second-generation owner Ee Soon Wei set about to revitalise the space by populating it with shops and F&B outlets driven by young local entrepreneurs. 

Before long, it became popular spot with the young and trendy urban crowd. From tacos and natural wines to creamy cheesecakes and tantalising tapas, APW is a veritable foodie destination, not just for its food but also for its Insta-worthy surroundings. 

See more: The ultimate guide to bubbly brunch in the Klang Valley

Here is a list of all the dining and drinking options, in alphabetical order, at your disposal at APW.

1. Bask

Get your fill of basque cheesecakes and matcha at Bask from the same the team behind The Tokyo Restaurant. Each slice of cheesecake is a slice of heaven with its burnt exterior and delightfully creamy inside, making it the perfect treat on a sunny day.

Bask | +6012-678 2360 | @bask.malaysia on Instagram | Tuesday-Sunday, 11 am-9 pm

2. Breakfast Thieves

A pioneer in the Malaysian brunch scene, Breakfast Thieves brings a slice of Australian café culture to Bangsar with its hearty brunches and comforting cuppas. It is a great spot to kick off a weekend morning, especially with its Breakfast Chain platter, Viking's Brekkie, and Granny's French Affair.

Breakfast Thieves | +603 2201 8829 | @breakfastthieveskl on Instagram | Tuesday-Sunday, 9 am-5 pm

See also: 8 places for a good breakfast in Bangsar

3. Flat Earth Tacos and Soul Byrd

If you're looking for soulful Latin American and Southern cuisine, look no further than Flat Earth Tacos and Soul Byrd. Flat Earth Tacos specialises in, what else but, tacos but there are other delights on the menu such as taquitos and quesadillas.

Soul Byrd is a go-to for classic and crispy southern fried chicken. For those who love both tacos and fried chicken (and a little bit of heat), go for the Nashville hot chicken taco.

Flat Earth Tacos and Soul Byrd | +6010 216 7931 | @flat.earth.tacos on Instagram | Tuesday-Wednesday, 5pm-10pm; Thursday-Saturday, 12pm-3 pm & 6pm-10 pm; Sunday, 11:30 am-9 pm

4. Grano

Comfort food is at the heart of Grano Pasta + Wine where freshly made pastas take the spotlight. Sample lesser known pasta shapes like reginette and casarecce, paired with perfectly emulsified sauces. Try its pancetta carbonara casarecce, braised beef ragu reginette, and ravioli de manzo al porcini funghi.

Grano | +603-2201 3613 | @grano_apw on Instagram | Tuesday-Sunday, 12pm-3 pm, 5:30pm-10:30 pm

See also: Where to get your pasta fix in the Klang Valley

5. Hokie Pokie

For the perfect post-dinner treat, make a stop at the Hokie Pokie ice cream stand. Hokie Pokie serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic ice cream flavours. Aside from the classic vanilla and chocolate, it also offers more unique flavours such as cream cheese, peaches and sour cream, and coconut and gin.

Hokie Pokie | @itshokiepokie on Instagram | Wednesday-Friday, 5:30pm-10:30 pm; Saturday-Sunday, 12:30pm-10:30 pm

6. Jus Resto Bar

From the people behind Atelier Binchotan and Wholly Spirits, Jus Resto Bar is a laidback—and tasty—hangout. Expect exquisitely grilled grub, expertly selected wines, and well-crafted cocktails that go superbly with your food.

Don't miss the Lebanese-inspired chicken wings, mini pork burger, grilled Iberico pork ribs, and kaya toast foie gras. For cocktails, citrus fans should go for its lemon and longan-centric Xiao Long Nü, while the more adventurous should give the Shokugeki, made with peanut butter-washed whisky, and the Klepon-hi pandan-infused vermouth, a try.

Jus Resto Bar | +6014 963 3638 | @jus_apw on Instagram | Wednesday-Friday, 6 pm-12 am; Saturday, 12 pm-12 am; Sunday, 12pm-11 pm

See also: Malaysian flavours shine in these 10 cocktails

7. Kaiju

Combining Thai and Japanese flavours is the bright and vibrant Kaiju, named after the Japanese media genre that features large monsters. Each dish here is a treat for the eyes and bellies as its vibrant colours are matched with punchy flavours and textures. Its setting is also an adventure for the senses as it is decked out in bright colours and fun decor. We suggest the Salmon Fai Don, mala beef ramen and Chiang Mai grilled chicken rice. 

Kaiju | +6010 278 6648 | @kaijucompany on Instagram | Tuesday-Sunday, 11:30 am-10pm

8. Olivia Deli

Olivia Deli will transport you to the coasts of Southern Europe, where flavours of the sea thrive. A relatively newcomer to APW, Olivia Deli quickly became a favourite among tapas and Mediterranean fare fans in the city with its flavourful and soulful dishes and homemade sangria. 

Want something off menu? Don't be afraid to ask its chef who will be more than happy to accommodate wherever possible.

Olivia Deli | +6012 911 2537 | @oliviadeli.bangsar on Instagram | Tuesday-Sunday, 11:30 am-11 pm

See also: 9 spots for your paella fix

9. Proof Pizza

Despite being named Proof Pizza, there is more than just pizza on the menu. A crowd favourite, Proof Pizza shares a space with Grano and tosses up some of the most reliable pies in the city. We love the Umbrian black truffle pizza, Foccacia di Recco al 7 Formaggi, and Carné. Non-pizza highlights include the Burrata and Momotaro salad, pomodoro arancini, and calamari fritti.

Proof Pizza | +603 2201 3613 | @proofpizza_apw on Instagram | Tuesday-Sunday, 12pm-3 pm & 5:30pm-10:30 pm

10. Pulp

A major player in the Klang Valley's flourishing coffee landscape is Pulp, which has some of the best brews in town. Take your pick among filter coffee, cold brew, a classic latte, and more. Besides coffee, its menu comprises breakfast staples, pastas, and craft beers. 

Food-wise, the country fried chicken and avocado toast are good options. 

Pulp | +603 2201 3650 | @pulpbyppp on Instagram | Monday-Sunday, 7:30 am-10 pm; closed every first Wednesday of the month

See also: 7 coffee trucks and stands to visit in the Klang Valley

11. Unwined

Part of the growing natural wine movement in the Klang Valley, Unwined is led by Tung Wei Hsiao. Its selection changes frequently, so those who aren't sure of which bottles to pick can grab one of its box sets to sample some of the best of the season. Its relaxed environment is a great place to unwind with a refreshing glass of natural wine.

Unwined | +6010 786 6711 | @unwinedkl on Instagram | Tuesday-Sunday, 3pm-11 pm

12. Waig by Chipta11a

Waig by Chipta 11a has perfected the art of sushi and small plates with its creative cuisine that fuses Malaysian and Japanese flavours. Plates here are elegantly crafted, which is a nice bonus considering it is essentially a casual dining spot. 

Waig by Chipta 11a | +6011 3992 7269 | @waigbychipta11a on Instagram | Wednesday-Saturday, 12pm-2:30pm & 6pm-10pm; Sunday and Tuesday, 6pm-10pm; closed on Monday

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