New Restaurants, Cafés And Bars in KL: May 2016

The charming setup at Bangsar's Dr.Inc café is succeeded by Coley in the night, an experimental cocktail bar that takes inspiration (for both its name and drinks) from famed mixologist Ada Coleman. Let the dreamy drinks and relaxed vibes here put you and your date in the right mood. With the opening promo that lasts all May, refreshing happy hour cocktails like the Gin & Coconut (RM36) and Whisky Barley (RM36) go for only RM20 each. Other signature cocktails include the Hanky Panky (RM46) — gin, red vermouth and Fernet Branca, and a dangerously delicious Blood Blossom (RM40) with earl grey infused gin, blood orange jam and burlesque bitters.
Avg Price: RM40

Pioneer café The Red Beanbag's crowd-pleasing brunch menu recently saw the addition of new, innovative gems — perfect for a weekend brunch with the girls. Be delighted by the terrarium-inspired Smokey Robinson (RM25) — a smoky jar of pea and mint panna cotta with beetroot cured salmon, poached egg and a side of housemade sourdough bread. Then, have your smartphones ready for an equally photogenic Who Zoo Yuzu (RM22), which sees a stack of light, fluffy pancakes paired with refreshing yuzu, crisp basil leaves, mandarin orange segments and strawberry white chocolate ice cream. The girls' day out gets better with a potent glass of tangy Sangria (RM23)!
Avg Price: RM35

New restaurant Coquo KL's menu is the brainchild of famed chef Toni Valero Ruiz and partnering sommelier, Gustavo Arriaga. Wow your date with a unique dining experience here. For starters, savour the delicious Basque County Cecina with Grated Manchego Cheese (RM22) or, from the seas of Pulau Ketam, the intriguing Razor Clams with Pedro Ximenez Sherry (RM21). From the selection of mains, don't miss out on the frontrunner — Ibérico Tartare (RM41), which features fresh pork with a golden mango 'yolk' and smoky charcoal mayonnaise. Make it a meal to remember by finishing off with the pleasant heat of a Chili Padi Chocolate Ice Cream (RM17).
Avg Price: RM60

Drop in at Tomorrow People with a few friends to enjoy local breakfasts with a twist, made fresh in the open kitchen. The Ghetto Egg Toast (RM9) deserves a mention. Combining kicap manis (sweet soy sauce) and soft-boiled eggs on a slab of kaya grilled toast, it's sweet, salty and delicious. On the sweeter side of things, find a delectable Toast Manis (RM6.90) — thick, crisp toast with a side of homemade pandan buttercream and gula melaka pastry cream. For something heartier, get the Crispy Lava Egg Pasta (RM10.90) that plates chili oil-tossed spaghetti with a fried onsen egg and cilantro. The reasonable prices and attentive service here will have you feeling right at home!
Avg Price: RM20

Take your colleagues out for a wallet-friendly bakso meal in Bangsar. Formerly ROC, Bakso Monster takes over the lot along Jalan Telawi 5 with a sign that claims: 'The Fattest Bakso In Town'. Bakso being the only meal on the menu, your choices come in the forms of noodle and soup (RM9.90 each). We recommend you go for the rich, soothing Sup Tulang (beef bone broth) and pair it with a serving of slippery smooth Hor Fun. Also get a side of the Kerupuk Pangsit (RM3) — crispy wanton skin for snacking. While the beef ball is indeed monstrous in size, the portion of noodles can be a little underwhelming so perhaps fill the tummy up with a yummy Monster Tea Tarik (RM5.50).
Avg Price: RM15

The first of its kind in Malaysia, Shitamachi Tendon Akimitsu is helmed by chefs trained under the tutelage of Tanahira Akimitsu, a renowned head chef at an Asakusa-based tempura house. Bring a friend for some quiet, quality time with amazing Japanese food. Between the two of you, share the Chef's Special (RM64), a first class bowl packed with deep fried conger eel, prawns, squid, oysters, whiting fish, a mix of vegetables resting on grains of soy sauce-streaked rice. If you prefer individual bowls, the Kakiage Don (RM32) will hit the spot with its combination of prawns, scallops, whitebait and vegetables.
Avg Price: RM35

Fifth Palate's new dinner menu launching this 13th May is certainly 'nacho' regular Mexican fare. Start with the heat of the Mexican Grilled Corn (RM6 per piece), charred with a layer of spicy marinade. Also challenge the meat lover in you to a surprisingly scrumptious Vegan Taco (RM6 per piece) — we are guessing you won't miss the meat but in case you do, the Chipotle BBQ Pork Ribs (RM58) is a ridiculously delicious rack served atop a bed of skinny fries. The new menu also includes a guacomole-y Mexican Chicken Waffles (RM38) and addictive Nachos De Carnitas (RM22). With its spacious interior, ever helpful staff and craft beers on offer, this spot hits the mark for occasions with big groups. Pro Tip: The otherwise lunch spot only opens for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays.
Avg Price: RM60

USJ finally gets its own haven for Balinese cuisine in Da Men Mall. Like its sister restaurants, Bali & Spice is suited for communal dining and particularly for those looking to feast. Dig into a Balinese Fried Squid Salad (RM21), a tangy snack to get your appetite going for the monstrous portion of Kambing Bakar (RM35). Most dishes here have a distinctive hint of spiciness and the best cure would be a smooth Kopi Apokat (RM15), blended avocado and gula melaka that comes with a shot of espresso on the side.
Avg Price: RM45

Serving up plates inspired by both European and Australian influences, this new cafe in Publika will win the hearts of all brunch enthusiasts. Sunny mornings get better with their gorgeous Rösti (RM18), complemented by a 63 degree egg, mushrooms and baby spinach, while rainy days call for a Leek Pie (RM18) — puff pastry blanketing a bowl of rich leek soup. Healthy eating comes with a novel touch, as The Garden In A Jar (RM18) would prove with pomegranate, quinoa and rocket salad spilling out of a glass jar.
Avg Price: RM25

Expect an explosion of flavours at Go Noodle House, famed for their lavish use of fragrant coriander and mi xian — the thicker, bouncier cousin of vermicelli. There's nothing over RM15 here so gather the colleagues for an affordable lunch. Order the Superior Soup Mi Xian with Bursting Meatballs (RM10.40), adorned with five whopping pork meatballs that reveals on first bite more meat and broth within. Those who enjoy their meat a little fattier can go for a Superior Soup Mi Xian with Pork Belly Slice (RM12.50). It's essential you share the Fried Fu Chuk (RM6.60) for the extra crisp in your meal.
Avg Price: RM15

If the way to someone's heart is through their stomach, then head here for irresistible deep fried pork on your next dinner date. Go all out with the Chicken Katsu + Hire Katsu + Rosu Katsu Zen (RM36), a platter of breaded pork and chicken cutlets deep-fried till crisp golden on the outside and juicy inside. Another great combination is the Hire Katsu + Ebi Furai Zen (RM36), which pairs breaded pork loin cutlet with prawns. All Zens (sets) come with refillable rice, cabbage and tonjiru (pork miso soup). Have fun with the do-it-yourself sesame sauce for dipping. Grind sesame seeds with the provided pestle and mortar, then add sweet sauce to finish.
Avg Price: RM40

From a humble food truck to its second restaurant in Dataran Sunway, Thyme Out promises gourmet Mexican food served street-style — quick and affordable! Grab lunch here with friends after class and start with the cheesy Classic Nachos to share (RM10). Then, roll your sleeves up for a fantastic, filling Lamb Burrito (RM16). If you're just looking for a light bite, go for the Beef Taco (RM6) but remember to always opt for the trusty, crunchy corn shell!
Avg Price: RM20