New Restaurants, Cafés And Bars in KL: April 2016

At this half-lot coffeestand, barista Aaron Chee strips the café experience down to a quick takeaway — the ideal solution for battling post-lunch sluggishness at the office. There is neither Wi-Fi nor a spacious seating area, but Baristar makes it count with every cup of incredibly affordable coffee. From black coffee (RM5) and milk coffee (RM7) to their signature Coffee Cubes (RM9) and Black Tonic (RM9), the latter quenches with espresso over ice and tonic water, there is likely to be something here for every coffee lover. Those who prefer a fun drink can go for the soothing Taro Latte or Green Tea Latte (RM5 each).
Avg Price: RM5

Take your date to brunch in Sitka's gorgeously lit café. Famed for innovative dishes that push culinary boundaries, Sitka's revamped menu sees new brunch and dessert selections. You won't go wrong with the mood-lifting Breakfast Brioche (RM23) that combines a lamb patty with intriguing duck jam and a runny fried duck egg. Also a comforting choice is the Chilli Beef Porridge (RM25) with Scottish oats, minced beef and an irresistible 64-degree egg. Finish on a sweet note with the beautifully concocted White Chocolate Cream (RM24) sprinkled with milk crumbs and Thai basil oil.
Avg Price: RM50

Jaya One's directory gets upgraded with this new café that tempts with creative sandwiches and savoury waffles — perfect for grabbing a quick bite with a friend in between classes, or during lunch. In true Malaysian style, have a spicy start with the Lemak Sandwich (RM14), which features savoury chicken waffles and sambal ikan bilis with sourdough bread to emulate the flavours of nasi lemak. The Chicken Waffles (RM16), a marriage of waffle batter and chicken from the Lemak Sandwich also stars in its own dish as a fun, hearty brunch. To wash down the morning eats, have the well-infused Soy Chai (RM15), sweetened with a touch of honey.
Avg Price: RM25

Yet another favourite from Ipoh, Da Men's new Lim Ko Pi is where you'll want to bring your family for traditional kopitiam delights in a comfortable air-conditioned setting. Begin your day with a steaming Black Sesame 'O' Pao (RM4) served in a classic bamboo steamer. There's also a good variety of Toast (from RM3) and Half-boiled Egg (RM3.50) staples with wholemeal bread options. Have those with the bittersweet must-have, Kopi Xi (RM5) in the morning. For a heartier option, order the tasty household favourite, Fermented Bean Pork Rice (RM29).
Avg Price: RM25

A quick lunch is redefined here at Teikoku Sushi with the array of nigiri and maki sushi displayed wondrously in the chiller. It's affordable too, with prices starting from RM1.10! Choices range from the quintessential Mentai Tamago (RM1.70) and Salmon (RM1.90) picks to Tempura Ebi (RM2.10) and Grilled Abalone (RM2.20). Go for the Maki (from RM1.10) if you're looking for something more filling. There are limited seats in the back but the experience is best enjoyed takeout-style. Do note that they charge for soy sauce (RM0.70) and wasabi (RM1).
Avg Price: RM10

This tea-centric cafe from small town Ipoh takes to the city in Damansara Uptown. Its bright, playful interior calls out to mothers looking for a lighthearted tea break with the kids. Let little ones snack on a plate of Donut Chips (RM18), a sweet-toothed's version of potato chips served with dill, sriracha and maple dip. Meanwhile, mummies can sip on a cup of their aromatic tea — there are over 150 premium teas on offer! Favourites include the Earl Grey Lavender (RM16) and Boulder Blues (RM16). The latter blends roasty Japanese sencha with Chinese tea.
Avg Price: RM35

Visit New York-inspired Bowery Petit in TTDI for breakfast with the family and have a taste of their new Spring menu. The sight of a colour-streaked Rainbow Bagel (RM10.80) with sweet funfetti cream cheese will delight the kids while adults can rest assured that it tastes as pretty as it looks. Then, eat like a true New Yorker with your choice of savoury Bowery Bagels toasted to perfection and don't miss the Breakfast (RM24.80) which meshes cheesy scrambled eggs, chicken bacon and truffle mayo. If bagels don't tempt you, the thin-crust Breakfast Pizza (RM22.80) topped with beef pepperoni and eggs surely will. Also take home a loaf of Chocolate Babka (RM9.80) for tea!
Avg Price: RM35

Taking a cue from their 15-year-old predecessor Mum's Place, Little Mums serves authentic, homecooked nyonya food in their cosy Damansara Uptown restaurant. Whether for lunch with the colleagues or dinner with family, come in groups of four to five to best experience Little Mums' cooking. Start with a popular Soft Shell Crab with Butter Cheese Sauce (from RM30.60), deep fried and generously slathered with creamy sauce. Then, dig into the Deep-fried Black Pomfret with Sambal Petai (RM8 per 100g) and be sure to save those dollops of spicy sambal to go with rice. Don't forget to also order a plate of simple and delicious Sweet Potato Leaves Fried With Lime Juice, Chilipadi Paste & Dried Shrimps (RM15) to complete your homey meal!
Avg Price: RM45

Previously an order-only pâtisserie, Xiao by Crustz has now expanded to a walk-in establishment in Happy Mansion. Xiao has an indulgent offering of desserts, including the exquisite La Vie En Rose (RM16) that features fragrant flavours of rose chantilly cream and raspberry jam in choux pastry. The use of aromatic ingredients continue in the Earl Grey (RM15) that stars light earl grey bavarian cream contrasted by a chocolate ganache — a lavishly perfect dessert for enthusiasts of the tea. An ideal quiet place for teatime with the girls in Happy Mansion, head straight for the booth seats that give you plenty of privacy and natural light at the same time. Avg Price: RM30

The Insider in Bangsar might just be your next spot for cocktails after dinner. Enjoy the sunkissed hues of a Sunset @ Bangsar (RM32), their spinoff of the popular Sunset at The Beach drink with a potent mix of rum, vodka, gin, triple sec and pineapple juice. For those who prefer their cocktails on the milder side, the Watermelon Splash (RM35) is a fun, fruity choice to send your hot day into a cooler one. The Insider is a splendid spot for your late night girl talks with those fancy gold-rimmed birdcages hanging overhead. Pro-tip: The music can get a little loud so just let the staff know as they're constantly looking to make your night right!
Avg Price: RM60

A venture by the same people behind Pavilion's Michelangelo, Bru Cafe opens in Faber Towers to the delight of the office building's tenants. The menu here is a spread of Italian dishes from pastas and risottos to traditional cannolis. Lunch hour calls for a satisfying Linguine Vongole (RM16.90) tossed with fresh clams and olive oil or a richer Fettucine Salmon (RM25.90) in dill cream sauce. Looking for a quick bite? Get the Chef Special Sandwich (RM18.90), roasted chicken and mozzarella in a warm toasted pizza bread. To finish, leave your palate with the sweeter notes of a custard-filled Italian Cannoli (from RM5) or perhaps, a Long Black (RM9.90) to fuel you back to work.
Avg Price: RM30

Come to Melt'On with your friends for a relaxed weekend hangout over alcoholic ice cream. Sit by the window on the comfy cushioned seats and enjoy luxurious alchohol-laced ice cream flavours like Margarita, Gin & Lemon Cheesecake, Daiquiri Lime or the must-have Bailey's Oreo (RM9 per scoop, RM8 for non-alcoholic flavours). For an additional RM4, get a soft, fluffy waffle to accompany your ice cream. If you're feeling hungry, Melt'On also has an All Day Breakfast Combo (RM18) that comes with a savoury waffle sandwich of the day and a coffee. Finish with an icy fresh glass of Mango and Passionfruit Granita's (RM8)!
Avg Price: RM20