#BUROEats: 7 New cafes and restaurants in KL to visit for April 2021
Dining out
1. %Arabica Malaysia, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
If you miss Japan and its abundance of cafes, your closest bet is probably %Arabica, which, thankfully, has finally opened its doors at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. Expect queue up for it, though we hear the wait could take an average of 40 minutes. Some of you might wonder, "Why is %Arabica so popular?" The answer is a package deal. You get speciality coffee, a strong brand identity from its minimalistic style and design, and consistency. Case in point (besides the quality of the coffee): Every %Arabica store in the world uses Slayer espresso machines, which are manufactured by the parent company, Asiamix Holdings. Here's a fun fact: the unmistakable % logo actually represents a coffee cherry branch.
Address: Lot 3.08.02 /E3.08.02, Level 3, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Bintang 55100
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm
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2. Three Plates Full, SS15
Having opened towards the tail end of March, Three Plates Full is indeed the new kid on the block, and it shows plenty of promise in the local dining scene. The restaurant has an unassuming exterior but step within, and the three levels (though one is currently still a work in progress) offer a cosy retreat. The interior takes on an industrial direction but softens it with rattan chairs, wooden surfaces and marble tables. That level of attention to detail shines through in the menu as well. It's so extensive that perhaps you'll need to go back for all three meals in a day: Brunch, lunch and dinner. Some of the must-try items on the menu include Devesa beef striploin, fried chicken (mmm!) and tater tots.
Address: 57, Jalan SS 15/4e, SS 15, Subang Jaya 47500
Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (closed on Mondays)
Contact: +603 5613 3315
Email: [email protected]
3. Butty Boy Cooks, Petaling Jaya
Nippori Bistro has a new neighbour, and similarly, there's a dash of Western influences in its otherwise modern Thai menu. While the cafe's name might not suggest it, Butty Boy Cooks (and he can really cook) will have your Bangkok cravings satisfied: from an authentic and hearty bowl of Mama's Boy Seafood Noodle Soup with Udang Galah to classic Pandan Chicken to the flavourful Pha Phed Seafood (Stir-Fried Red Curry). Housed within a glasshouse (pun unintended) with an industrial style and touches of greenery, Butty Boy Cooks makes for great pictures too. Coffee and desserts are also available if you're looking for a spot to chill versus having a main meal. The Original Cheesy Mouse Bait, a.k.a The Butty Boy's Cheesecake, is particularly cute!
Address: Lot 9, B.Land, Lot 2, Jalan 51a/225, 46100 Petaling Jaya
Opening hours: 11am - 8pm
Contact: +6011 5406 6649
4. Iron Tongue, Segambut
Some of you might instantly be reminded by a heavy metal band of the same name, but judging by the Scandinavian-like interior, it was most likely not the inspiration. The photo spot to look out for is the black spiral staircase with floor-to-ceiling windows in its background. Located near a neighbourhood in Segambut, Iron Tongue offers a humble escape complemented by its array of comfort food and drinks. Coffee is especially a highlight here, seeing as one of the co-founders worked behind espresso machines for a couple of years.
Address: Unit 1-1, First Floor, Suria @ North Kiara, No.10, Jalan Seri Bintang, Segambut, 52100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 9am - 6.30pm (closed on Mondays)
Contact: +6032721 4309
5. Wolf and Turtle Coffee Company, Taman Tunku
Bukit Tunku (also fondly known as The Stories of Taman Tunku) welcomes a new coffee spot with the opening of Wolf and Turtle Coffee Company's latest outlet. The no-frills coffee shop is located next to CIMB and takes pride in satisfying their customers with the caffeine fix they're looking for—they use their signature La Marzocco coffee machine and gets their beans freshly roasted every week. And that includes cyclists too, as they cater a spot for the bikes. Drinks aside, there are cakes by Lets.Eat.Cakes to enjoy alongside too.
Address: Taman Tunku, Bukit Tunku, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm
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6. Honest Butcher by Chef Nickt, Sungai Buloh
If you're looking for some of the finest cuts of beef (or premium seafood) from around the world, look no further than the Honest Butcher. While you can order these in packs to cook for yourself at home, you can now also dine-in at Chef Nickt's (the Honest Butcher himself) 20-seater restaurant. Operating by reservations only—and with a maximum of two tables per day— the Honest Butcher by Chef Nickt candidly calls themselves a Japanese speakeasy steakhouse. From A5 Japan Wagyu Tri-Tip Katsu Sando to A5 Wagyu Don to a stunning beef Tomahawk steak, you won't be disappointed by the selection and the taste. While you're there, be sure to check out the showroom to buy some packs home. We hear Chef Nickt is always happy to share some knowledge.
Address: 4, Jalan TSB 5, Taman Industri Sungai Buloh, 47000 Sungai Buloh*
*By reservations only
Opening hours:
Tuesday - Sunday: 10am - 7pm
Sunday: 11am - 4pm
Contact: +6012 628 6804
7. Twel21ve, Damansara Kim
Twel21ve describes themselves as 'Asian comfort dining' with the quirky tagline 'count the memories, not the calories'. Now in its soft launch, the menu features several classic favourites for Malaysians. From pork-free dim sum to pizzas to grilled meats, the variety is appealing but are subject to change. For now, we see it as there's really something for everyone in the family or group of friends. Another key element of the restaurant is its gorgeous interior with wild, colourful murals, warm lighting and jade-green tiles. This restaurant is a must-visit, for sure.
Address: 12, Jalan SS 20/10, Damansara Kim, 47400 Petaling Jaya
Opening hours: 12pm - 10pm (closed on Mondays)
Contact: +6017 812 1262
