10 Places For Group Gatherings In KL

Located in Jaya One, this Peruvian-inspired restaurant is one of the few in KL that fires up a live charcoal rotisserie to prepare Pollo a la Brasa (Peruvian roast chicken). A piñata greets you at the entrance, followed by walls painted in bright, cheery colours. Inside, the restaurant has diner sofa booths that make nifty group lunch tables, great for celebrations with the colleagues! To share, get the El Jefe "The Boss" (RM60.90), a whole roast chicken with a green salad and two large sides. Straddling juicy flesh and beautifully browned skin, the chicken is delicious on its own, but that's no reason to miss out on their Aji (Peruvian pepper) sauces. Available in mild and hot versions, we recommend the latter that's creamy with a zesty zing. Otherwise, go for the BBQ Peruano that is also good in its classic rights. On sides, there is South American Elote (grilled corn) upped with an extra drizzle of mild aji sauce, or the Salchipapas, a Peruvian street snack of deep-fried sausages and fries.
Avg price per person: RM25
Recommended for: 4-6 pax
Photo by Burppler Rueann D

Thanks to their menu of hearty sharing plates, Table & Apron is a consistent favourite for group dinners. The homely location and warm waitstaff are simply more reasons you should plan your next gathering here. While waiting for your party to show up, start with a plate of Sourdough Bread (from RM6). Baked in-house and served with butter and sea salt, this will keep hungry folks happy. House-brined and coated in buckwheat flour before deep-frying for an incredibly crispy finish, the Fried Chicken (from RM23) is a winner for dinner. Make your way for the Charred Eggplant (RM19) next. The dish of miso-marinated eggplant that comes with green onion puree and bonito flakes will blow you away with a distinctively Japanese-inspired umami flavour. Lastly, the Ulam Herbed Crab Rice (RM36) reminiscent of local nasi kerabu, as well as the miso butter-fragrant Mushroom Orrecchiette (RM31) will make perfect carbo companions to the meal.
Avg price per person: RM35
Recommended for: 6-8 pax

Blessed with Old Malaya's colonial good looks, Manja boasts ritzy nighttime vibes that are perfect for after-dinner affairs with the gang. The menu inspires with inventive dishes, from a Blue Claw Lobster Slider (RM46) to the Bayam & Escargot dip (RM38) — both good to share as luxe supper snacks. For those who arrive in time to grab dinner, there is the Gunda Gunda (RM62), a rice bowl medley of seafood, greens and nuts. 'Manja' means 'pamper' in Malay, and their stellar desserts will do just that! Local favourites get a facelift here, like the Kopi Peng & Kahlua (RM29) ice-cream churned with organic milk, cane sugar and pistachios. Alternatively, try the hot-and-cold combo in an Old Malaya Tea Time (RM32), featuring rastali banana fritters with teh tarik ice cream. If it's a breezy evening, have your desserts out in the patio for a good view of the city skyline. Sweet!
Avg price per person: RM80
Recommended for: 4-6 pax
Photo by Burppler Sarah Voon

Replete with a woodfired oven and a varied wine list, Enorme ticks all the right boxes of a good pizza place. What sets it apart, however, is the spacious, atmospheric setting. The smart casual Italian restaurant certainly makes a choice venue for occasions — just be sure to call ahead for a table. Topping the pie chart is their Carbonara (from RM40) pizza that features heavy cream, crisp streaky bacon, mushrooms and a single egg yolk in its centre. The bad news is you'll have to share it with the group, but the good news is there is an option to get it Enorme-sized — that means extra large! The Prosciutto Di Parma (from RM43) is a good contrast to have alongside the Carbonara, as its rocket salad and parma ham toppings give it a refreshing edge. The kitchen also doles out an excellent vegetarian Truffle Lasagne (RM40) layering grilled aubergine, zucchini, mushrooms and chopped black truffle between pasta and bechamel sauce.
Avg price per person: RM30
Recommended for 4-10 pax
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Calie Tang

Tuck into fresh seafood flavoured with precision at this restaurant deep within the older parts of Kayu Ara. The outdoor space is sprawling with red-clothed round tables, all the better to fit you and a group of friends on a busy weekend. Come for the Special La La Soup (clams in superior soup, RM18), the shellfish is often cited for juicy flesh while the soup is redolent of spicy ginger. Try also the Stir-Fried Green Dragon With Cuttlefish (RM15). The seasonally available vegetable resembles leek, and its sweet aftertaste pairs well with the savoury dried rolls of cuttlefish. When you're done with those, get your hands dirty with the Chilli Crabs (from RM40), doused in a finger-licking sauce that's best mopped up with some Deep-Fried Mantou (RM10 for six). We can't think of anything better to go with the messy seafood feast than cold beer, so order a round (from RM8 a bottle)!
Avg price per person: RM25
Recommended for: 8-12 pax
Photo by Burppler Nicholas Wong

This little known restaurant along the outdoor strip of Glo Damansara is a gem for Nyonya eats. The quaint decor is set against large wooden tables, best suited for dinners with friends and family alike. The traditionally Peranakan dish of Ayam Buah Keluak (from RM33) is what to come for; the Tranquerah is one of the only places in town to offer this formidable delicacy. Cooked in a light, appetising gravy resembling asam pedas, the tender chunks of chicken come in second to its co-star buah keluak that boasts earthy flavours. Pro tip: Use a teaspoon to scoop out the crumbly flesh (or get the helpful staff to show you how). Also recommended are their rich lemak dishes, such as a Pucuk Paku Lemak (RM23). A bulk of the menu are dishes steeped in copious amounts of gravy, so prepare to lay on the rice! Cap dinner off with a hot House Black with Butter (RM8), an extra luscious way to enjoy their special blend of beans from Melaka.
Avg price per person: RM25
Recommended for 4-8 pax

Located in the low-key Da Men Mall, Bali & Spice sports enough greenery and quiet to offer a relaxing respite to city crawlers. Head down here for a long, laidback lunch with a few friends. Balinese cuisine tends to run heavy on meats, and you can expect to have the pick of the litter here. In fact, their bestseller is a Balinese Trio (RM49) made up of grilled chicken wings, meat skewers and deep-fried squid. Look out for the spot-on side sauces of sambal matah (shallots and lemongrass relish) and sambal terasi (spicy sambal). Tastemaker Alyssia also vouches for the Iga Mepanggang (RM45), beef ribs charbroiled with coconut and palm sugar, which she loves for the charred edges. The bountiful platter comes with a side of rice, sambal sauces as well as a tamarind peanut sauce. For a sweet ending, try the Pisang Bakar (RM13) that sees the age-old combination of caramelised bananas with vanilla ice cream.
Avg price per person: RM40
Recommended for 6-10 pax
Photo by Burppler Alex Leong

When it comes to group dining, dim sum is a no-brainer and here's a spot that isn't just good for groups — it's great for kids too! Swing by Fahrenheit 88's Grand Harbour at brunchtime, when it's early enough for dim sum and late enough to sneak in an order from their supreme lunch menu. There are plenty of classics, from the golden Steamed Custard Bun (RM7.80) to crystal-like Har Gao (RM9.80), but it is the more creatively crafted morsels that keep customers coming back for more. Our favourite is the Crispy Shrimp With Red Rice Roll (RM10.50), a piquant, red-coloured reincarnation of the Hong Kong-style cha leung (you tiao wrapped in rice rolls). The kids will be in for a treat with the Steamed Piggy Bun (RM8.80). Coddling lotus paste within, these are as delicious as they are cute. The Crispy Durian Puff (RM10.80) is another masterpiece of swan-like pastry filled with durian flesh — great for fans of the fruit. Dim sum aside, order the Shrimp Roe & Wanton Noodles (RM14.80), a prized rendition of the prawn roe noodle dish.
Avg price per person: RM25
Recommended for 6-10 pax
Photo by Burppler Chloe Cheh

Having relocated to a smaller indoor space from their open-air Taman Cempaka location, Nong & Jimmy has lost the hype of their old days. But for intimate family dinners, the veteran Thai barbecue restaurant, now set in more comfortable environment, is definitely still a star. First-timers will want to start with seafood fresh off the charcoal grill. The BBQ Crab (from RM55) sees its sweet flesh imbibed with a delicate, smoky flavour. This is also true for the toothsome morsels in a plate of BBQ Cockles (RM15). An order of their Red Seafood Tomyam (RM25) is non-negotiable, particularly to ladle over the Thai Style Seafood Fried Rice (from RM8) that it goes so well with. Finally, it's a must to end the experience with the famous Mini Yao Char Guai (from RM4) served with a super tasty pandan kaya — order these from the stand at the front of house.
Avg price per person: RM25
Recommended for: 8-10 pax
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Sok Chien

Set within prime dining destination Pavilion, this upmarket restaurant is worth visiting for a classier setup to enjoy local classics. You can either dine centrestage in an island section of the mall or huddle up in the restaurant where seats come with more privacy. Grandmama's most coveted recipe is a Dry Fried Sang Har Egg Noodles (RM42). Crispy egg noodles and succulent freshwater prawns are immersed in creamy egg gravy with prawn roe, and the result is tantalising. Otherwise, order tai chow-style to ease group dining! The Seafood Curry Hot Pot (RM62) is warming in its own way. Done Nyonya-style, the heat is a tad mellower to allow for its creamy, aromatic gravy to shine. The generous portion of prawns, squid and fish in this pot also makes it a perfect dish for sharing. Get this along with the Deep Fried Spice Chicken (RM29), a triple star dish of flavour-packed boneless bites.
Avg price per person: RM30
Recommended for 4-12 pax
Photo by Burppler Hannah Chia