New Restaurants, Cafés And Bars in KL: January 2017

As a calm and collected chef Meg helms the open kitchen, two flaming woodfired ovens warm up the new pizzeria in APW. Decked in floor-to-ceiling wine shelves, this small two-storey space straddles class with laidback vibes for an indulgent night out, minus the steep prices. Bring your friends and swoon over the good pizzas and swigs of wine. The classic Margherita (from RM19) is great to start with, relying on the classic flavours of rich mozzarella and their house blend tomato sauce to deliver. Next, go gourmet with the Spicy Calabrian Pizza (from RM26), which offers a burst of flavour with spicy, saltish nduja sausage. In between slices, be sure to order a drink — wines are available either by glass, karafe or bottle. Then behold, the perfect finale: Umbrian Black Truffle Pizza (from RM32), a clever combination of mixed mushrooms, black truffle paste and tallegio cheese. While it is an exquisite experience that we recommend, the supremely rich flavours can be overwhelming — order only if you adore cheese and truffle!
Avg price per person: RM50
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Melanie Yu

At first glance, the eye-catching murals at Kouzu will immediately have you know that the establishment breathes fun, quirky Japanese vibes. Expect the same from the menu, which displays a flair for contemporary Japas (Japanese tapas). Tasty dishes are aplenty, like the Pan Seared Foie Gras and Tuna (RM28) and a Crispy Unagi Roll (RM22), but our favourite has got to be the Creamy Baked Oyster (RM19 for five). Baked in their shells chock-full of piquant masago (capelin roe), these are incredibly easy to love. Also order the Stone Grilled Sirloin (RM27), painstakingly served on a stone wrapped in foil to retain its moist, juicy texture. From the grill, don't miss out on the fresh, plump Rock Lobster (RM12 per stick) and the Sirloin (RM12 per stick) — we can't get enough of these. The neighbourhood bar is great for both food and drinks, but even better for how affordable it is to have them. Make it your next spot to kick back with friends or talk business with a partner over beers, sakes or whiskies.
Avg price per person: RM40
Photo by Burppler Nicholas Ng

Buncit Bao-Bar, One Half and Every Sundae come together for Damansara Uptown's latest locale to eat, drink and hang with a friend (plus it looks like a poster taken out of Hypebeast). The combination of buns, brews and ice cream is random, for sure, but it works. When night falls, follow the red light into Random Food Store and order a bun — it's handmade, steamed-to-order and elevated by premium ingredients. The Wagyu (RM19) features the most tender beef strips, caramelised onions and a hit of wasabi to kick things up a notch. For something easier on the pocket but still delicious, order the juicy Star Fruit Smoked Paprika Chicken Bao (RM9), laced with coriander and salsa verde. Though scrumptious, the baos are not the most filling mains, so get the golden Pan-Fried Kambing Gyozas (RM15) to share. A single communal table fits into the space — bring a friend, or get yourself a nice, central seat to meet new ones.
Avg price per person: RM30

The newest dinner destination to hit Starling Mall, here's where you should bring the gang for dinner and drinks next. A night at Bonfire begins with the Pan de Casa (RM8), house-baked bread savoured with a sweet-salty dried fruit butter. It is a suited start to a meat-heavy meal at this restaurant that prides themselves on all things smoked, charred and grilled in their custom-made made wood and charcoal fire oven. Feast on the Big Bonfire Platter (from RM120) that allows you to choose between two or three meats — the more, the merrier (or meatier), so get three! Our favourites are the wagyu skirt steak, whole red snapper and the rack of lamb. All three bear a smoky finish, well-complemented by the whisky-based cocktail Guns & Rosemary (RM30). The helpful menu here pairs each dish off with house-recommended cocktails or wines, so take heed when ordering. Finally, get a side of Potato Dauphinoise with Parmesan and Truffle Essence (RM18), just because the thinly sliced potatoes in creamy sauce is absolutely luscious!
Avg price per person: RM70

Located within new residential mall Pearl Shopping Gallery, this new restaurant is a great place to ease skeptical diners into modern Korean cuisine. Powerplant's forte is in Korean tapas, known as anju or booze snacks, best for munching between meals or to snack on with a drink after dinner. The Mandu Roulette (RM19) is a really fun choice — five identical fried meat dumplings and amongst them, a special one significantly spicer than the rest. The good thing is, even if you miss out on the prized morsel, the regular dumplings served with a trio of sauces are delicious. Further down the menu, spot a Galbi Quesadilla (RM26) that is perfect to wrap things up. The dish of gochujang pork, onions, bacon and melted cheese between warm tortilla is good to share between two. If you drop by during lunch hours, the Korean Rice + Pork Galbi set (RM17) is a simple meal, sufficient to satisfy.
Avg price per person: RM25
Photo by Burppler Rueann Dass

The bright and cheerful vibes are hard to resist at this cafe. Decked out in light wood furniture and white walls, it boasts a peaceful air that makes you want to step in for a breather. To top it off, it is also part-florist, with both fresh and artificial flowers. For now, come by for an afternoon of coffee and charming cakes, as hot meals will be introduced soon. Tastemaker Junior especially enjoyed the adorable and tasty Chamomile Honey Cake (RM16) — everything is edible from the bee to the honeycomb made of white chocolate. Coffees are made with beans from KL-based roaster, Kato-san. From the array of cute post cards you can write on (they'll even post it for you!) to stamps, stickers and envelopes you can buy, it is clear that the two sisters behind this space just want to make people happy. Before leaving, you can either put together a small bouquet yourself, or request for a bespoke one to be made for someone special!
Avg price per person: RM25

A funky neon-lit rabbit calls out to passers-by, luring them into Dessert Bar for a titillating afternoon treat. This aptly named cafe leaves it to their sweets to impress, and what they lack in variety, they make up for in quality. The daily fix here is a Grand Yuzu (RM23). Don't let its nothing-special appearance and stiff price dissuade you, because this dessert delivers value. On top, a silky layer of Belgian chocolate mousse gives way to refreshing yuzu cremeux while beneath, salted caramel hazelnuts and almond flakes await to surprise with a crunch. Coupled with a cup of coffee, the combination is a fine choice for an afternoon out with mum. If you're here with friends for the post-dinner cravings, double up and get the Lime Curd (RM12) — skillfully moulded meringue and tangy lime curd encased in a buttery tart.
Avg price per person: RM25

This modern space is a nice balance of whimsy and class — think hand-painted murals on concrete walls and bird cage light fixtures. Unusual for a Chinese restaurant, the tables are a nice mix of white table-clothed round tables, wooden rectangular tables for small groups, and a large communal table for casual group dining. The walls also sport lush foliage that bring leafy, lush garden vibes into the chic restaurant setting. The food is wholesome, comforting and approachable. You must have the Signature Taiwanese-style Braised Dong Po Pork Belly (RM38) that comes perfectly wobbly in all its layered glory, complete with steamed mantous to mop up all that gravy. Aside from reliable a la carte mains, also give their MSG-free steamboat sets a try. The Imperial Chicken (RM78) is a safe, tasty bet, and the wide range of ingredients (you can choose from over 80!) are bound to satisfy. This could be the spot for your next celebration with family or a group of friends!
Avg price per person: RM40
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh

Nestled in a quiet area of Empire Shopping Gallery, Japanese-inflected Sora Cafe is a sanctuary for shoppers who needs a place to rest and rejuvenate. Whether you're alone or with a friend, come enjoy delicious drinks while soaking in the Zen ambience. Soaring to the top of our list is their Uji Matcha Latte (RM12). Kyoto-sourced uji matcha powder is mixed in a tea bowl with a bamboo whisk, which is said to help enhance texture and flavour, and that translates to that creamy, bittersweet balance in every sip. This is also one of rare cafes currently serving roasted green tea drinks — take this opportunity to try their Houjicha Latte (RM12). It has a mellower flavour as compared to matcha, but the aromatic finish that comes from the roasting process adds an interesting dimension to the drink. If you're in a mood to #treatyourself, their Matcha Adzuki Mousse dessert, topped with heaps of matcha mousse, should hit the spot.
Avg price per person: RM15
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh

At the new DC Mall's Tigerlily, the fare is 'pawsitively' Thai, affordable and served in a flash — all the things a work lunch should be. The pretty, pastel-coloured venue fills up between 11.30am to 2pm, but if you can snag a seat for you and your colleague, order the value-for-money individual plates. Popular Thai noodle dish khao soi gets a revamp in the tasty Thai Red Curry Mee with Chicken (RM9.90), stacked with a bundle of crispy noodles for extra crunch. But most come for their fulfilling rice dishes, from a warming Tom Yam Seafood Claypot with Rice (RM16.90) to the Thai Basil Minced Chicken Rice (RM9.90) for meaty comfort. All rice meals are served with Thai fried egg (likened to a crispy omelette), pineapple salad and crispy crackers. Priced at a super affordable RM4.60, the Thai Iced Tea is definitely the way to end a meal here! Unless of course, you're up for a dessert first — have the Mango Sticky Rice (RM9.90).
Avg price per person: RM25