Molina
1. Molina
Rising Star: Guillaume Depoortere, Molina
Guillaume Depoortere paves his own path in a sea of culinary trends, leading the team at Molina which has risen the ranks to gain its place among Kuala Lumpur’s most celebrated restaurants in just the short period of time it has been open.
K 圭
2. K 圭
Best New Restaurant: K 圭
K 圭 is one of the most exciting openings in KL this year, adding to ILHAM Tower’s collection of eateries and bars. Hidemichi Seki’s cuisine shows restraint and nuance, rooted in the traditions of kaiseki, using locally foraged ingredients. Guests discover a wealth of produce grown in our tropical terroir, each showcasing their character to its full potential with Seki’s gentle touch.
Merdeka Grill
3. Merdeka Grill
Best Design: Merdeka Grill
Merdeka Grill offers a striking counterpoint within Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur's design narrative. Set on the upper floors of Merdeka 118, the second-tallest building in the world and the tallest in Southeast Asia, the restaurant anchors GA Group's architectural approach with dark ribbed walls and slabs of silver travertine. Where the hotel's residential floors lean into traditional kampung house warmth, the grill introduces theatricality through its open kitchen and bold material palette, imbuing the space with a modern edge while maintaining a connection to Malaysia's cultural context.
Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
4. Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
Best Pastry Chef: Holger Deh, Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
Holger Deh, executive pastry chef of Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, stuns with his technical skills as well as innovation in the world of pastry through textures, tastes, and forms. He brings with him decades of experiences across the globe, and at the hotel has gained recognition for his signature mille feuille, served tableside.
Akar
5. Akar
Best Innovation: Akar
Akar represents a return to home, a journey chef-owner Aidan Low personally chose despite opportunities to work abroad, pulled by a profound feeling that Malaysia had untold stories he could uncover and convey through his food. This can be seen through Akar’s seasonal menu, which weaves childhood memories with culinary traditions, showcasing our local biodiversity with innovative culinary techniques that challenge the convention of fine dining.
Table & Apron
6. Table & Apron
Best Service: Table & Apron
Table & Apron has boasted top-notch hospitality since 2014, and paired with its honest cooking, the neighbourhood restaurant is always a hit. Having recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, the eatery has stood the test of time due to its comforting fare and impeccable service—staff often have friendly competitions to remember customer names or when they last visited to build a lasting relationship.
Restaurant au Jardin
7. Restaurant au Jardin
Restaurant of the Year: Restaurant au Jardin
This award recognises the highest ranking restaurant, as voted on by our panel of industry leaders and tastemakers. While Restaurant au Jardin has been the recipient of this Tatler award for countless years, it is only fair that Su Kim Hock and his team are recognised for their commitment and heart. The cuisine produced at the hands of the establishment’s talented team is revered across the globe, and Su is magnanimous when it comes to supporting industry peers and homegrown talent.
