Food + Drink

#BUROEats: 13 New cafes and restaurants to visit in the Klang Valley in December 2023

Good food, good mood

04.12.2023

By Natalie Khoo

Featured images: Fritz, @conniesimplelife/Instagram, @yvonnesoo/Instagram
#BUROEats: 13 New cafes and restaurants to visit in the Klang Valley in December 2023

Just like that, we’ve arrived at the last month of 2023. After a year full of exciting new F&B openings, expect no less this month as we cap off the year with more entries to the Klang Valley’s dining scene. From a highly anticipated cafe at The Exchange TRX to a stunning rooftop destination in the heart of KL and an omakase restaurant all the way in Klang, here’s where to eat in the city this December. 

 

1. Cafe Kitsune 

In conjunction with the opening of French-Japanese lifestyle brand Maison Kitsune at the latest leisure hub in the city, The Exchange TRX, the brand has launched its cafe counterpart dubbed Cafe Kitsune. It is the café’s 28th outlet globally and the fourth in Southeast Asia, after Bangkok, Singapore, and Manila. Neutral and earthy tones define the cafe’s exterior facade and interior walls in a herringbone pattern, with gold accents adding a touch of elegance to the space. Expect an array of French pastries and Japanese sandwiches on the menu, such as matcha croissant and egg sando, alongside freshly brewed coffee and crafted beverages. 

 

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Address: Lot G.77.0, Ground Floor, The Exchange TRX, Persiaran TRX, Tun Razak Exchange, 55188 Kuala Lumpur

Opening hours: 10am to 10pm daily

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READ MORE: 14 New and first-in-Malaysia stores to visit at The Exchange TRX

 

2. Alva KL

Nestled on the 57th floor of Ascott Star KLCC, Alva KL is the latest sky dining and grill to grace the city. The outdoor restaurant serves modern fusion food with a side of panoramic vistas of the iconic KLCC Twin Towers and new TRX Tower—offering a romantic ambiance that’s perfect for dates or even ladies’ night and special occasions. Aside from the food, Alva also houses a stone age-themed bar offering artisanal cocktails. 

 

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Address: Level 99, Ascott Star KLCC, 1, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, Kampung Baru, 50450 Kuala Lumpur

Opening hours: 12pm – 3.30pm (lunch) | 5pm – 1am (dinner)

Contact: 010-3030099

Facebook | Instagram | Reservation

 

3. Sera by Aposto

 

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Brought to you by the same team behind Aposto in TTDI, Sera offers a more refined lounge and private dining experience focusing on modern Italian cuisine. Located just one floor above its sister restaurant, the intimate space caters to an evening crowd, as one can tell from its name—inspired by the Italian word buonasera, which means ‘good evening’. Helmed by chef-patron Chu Wei Sin, the menu consists of four- and six-course tasting menus, in addition to a special Mortlach whisky pairing menu. Patrons can also enjoy a variety of bar snacks to accompany the extensive wine and spirits list. 

 

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Address: 38-1, Lorong Rahim Kajai 14, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur

Opening hours: 5pm – 12am, Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Monday)

Contact: 010-282 2690

Facebook | Instagram | Reservation

 

4. Fritz 

 

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Brasserie Fritz, which was previously located in WOLO Kuala Lumpur, has now rebranded to Fritz since last September. Set in Troika Sky Dining (taking up the space that used to be Cantaloupe), the fine casual dining restaurant features a beautiful new space boasting imposing views of the city’s skyline. In terms of the menu, expect brasserie-style dishes and once-a-month Sunday lunches, along with a decent selection of wines. 

 

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Address: Level 23A Tower B, The Troika, 19, Persiaran KLCC, 50450 Kuala Lumpur

Opening hours: 5pm – 12am daily

Contact: 03-2162 0886

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Reservations

 

5. Dai Jin Omakase Dining

 

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Omakase enthusiasts have a new spot to check out in Klang by the name of Dai Jin, set in a mindfully designed space. Drawing inspiration from the culture and cuisine of the Song Dynasty, this sanctuary is reminiscent of a traditional tea house with its lush botanical landscaping, courtyards and communal areas. The kitchen is led by a Taiwanese masterchef, serving seasonal kaiseki-style lunch and dinner menus that weave in classical Chinese inflections from the 1200s along with contemporary French and Japanese influences from the 21st century. 

 

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Address: Lot 140679, Jalan Jasmin 3, Bandar Botanik, 41200 Klang, Selangor

Opening hours: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm –  10pm 

Contact: 011-5328 8678

Website | Facebook | Instagram 

 

6. Vermut Restaurant and Bar

 

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Fans of Spanish fare, look no further than Vermut Restaurant and Bar for your next meal in the Changkat area. This new tapas-style joint offers a laid-back, no-frills atmosphere to unwind and have a fiesta with sharing plates and sangrias. Think jamon, croquettes, paella, sandwiches and the like, paired with fun cocktails, imported beers and sparkling tipples. 

 

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Address: 17, Jln Mesui, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur

Opening hours: 5pm – 12am, Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Monday)

Contact: 010-450 9280

Instagram | Reservations

 

7. Fari and Ali’s Kitchen

 

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After starting a home bakery and expanding it into a cafe, the Iranian co-founders behind Fari and Ali have unveiled their all-new kitchen in November. Situated in Damansara Heights, the Persian bakery and deli is still in its soft launch stage and currently serves an assortment of baked goods, with a full menu on its way. Don’t miss the fan-favourite cream puffs, best paired with a cup of their Persian tea. With its bright blue entrance and homey furnishings, Fari and Ali’s Kitchen promises a warm and delightful tea-time experience. 

Address: 65G, Jalan Medan Setia 1, Bukit Damansara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur

Opening hours: 8am – 5pm (Tuesdays to Fridays) | 8.30am – 5.30pm (weekends)

Contact: 011-2340 9838 

Website | Facebook | Instagram 

 

8. Ora Dining

 

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Inviting diners to “embrace the now”, Ora is a new modern European restaurant that opened its doors in the TTDI neighbourhood. The menu specialises in comfort food such as Italian handmade pasta and grilled meats, as well as starters and desserts that blend tradition with innovation while keeping the local palate in mind. 

Address: 29, Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 7, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur

Opening hours: 4pm – 12am (Tuesdays & Wednesdays) | 12pm – 12am (Thursdays to Sundays)

Contact: 03-7731 5545

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9. Gai by Darren Chin

Fresh from winning the Service Award and joining the Michelin Selected list at the recent Michelin Guide ceremony, Gai by Darren Chin welcomes a second outlet at M Resort & Hotel Kuala Lumpur this month. The new location will offer the same Lanna-style cuisine with authentic Thai recipes in a comfortable, modern setting adorned with elegant Thai decor. 

Address: M Resort Hotel, Level 1, No 1, Jalan Damansara, Bukit Kiara, 6000 Kuala Lumpur

Opening hours: 12pm – 11pm (Tuesdays to Sundays)

Website | Facebook | Instagram 

 

10. Bref by Darren Chin & Monsieur Darren

 

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Chef Darren Chin and his team are set to have a busy few months ahead as they opened not one or two, but three new branches on the same day! Besides Gai, Bref and Monsieur Darren round up the trio of openings—both sharing the same space in the annexe of M Resort Hotel. Bref incorporates French cooking techniques and Malaysian soul into its modern cuisine, whilst Monsieur Darren offers Parisian-inspired patisserie crafted by pastry chef Hazel Chan and her team. 

 

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Address: M Resort Hotel, Level 1, No 1, Jalan Damansara, Bukit Kiara, 6000 Kuala Lumpur

Opening hours: 12pm – 11pm (Tuesdays to Sundays)

Website | Facebook | Instagram 

 

11. Valentina Cucina E Bar

Yet another addition to the Klang Valley’s growing list of Italian restaurants is the Cinnamon Group’s Valentina Cucina E Bar, which focuses on Southern Italian offerings. Based in Bukit Jalil, the rooftop dining space features abstract neon lights and stylish furniture that exude a modern ambiance for an elevated casual meal. Helmed by Head Chef Michele Staurenghi, who was born and bred in Italy, the restaurant offers a tantalising array of starters, pastas, pizzas, and desserts. There is also a rotating three-course lunch menu targeted at the business crowd, complemented by a respectable wine menu. 

 

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Address: Level R, Hyatt Place, Persiaran Jalil 1, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur

Opening hours: 12pm – 10.30pm daily

Contact: 012 679 3860

Website | Facebook | Instagram 

 

12. Chim by Chef Noom 

 

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If you can’t get enough of Thai cuisine, stay tuned as Chim will be welcoming guests starting this December. Led by Michelin-starred Chef Noom of Bangkok fame, the Thai restaurant is set to emulate the rich tapestry of Thai cuisine with refined modern twists. The dining experience promises to be a gastronomic journey that reflects the celebrated chef’s passion and precision, made more memorable by Chim’s opulent interior decor.  

 

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Address: L2-03, TSLAW Tower, 39, Jalan Kamuning, Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur

Opening hours: 6pm – 10pm daily

Website | Facebook | Instagram 

 

13. The Glasshopper

Should you find yourself wandering to Putrajaya, make a stop at this picturesque glasshouse cafe located near the Putrajaya Botanical Garden. Surrounded by lush greenery, this charming new hideout spans two floors with indoor and outdoor areas that offer a serene escape from city sights and sounds. The menu is Muslim-friendly and includes pastries and brunch classics, as well as coffee, tea and other beverages. 

 

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Address: Presint 1, 62000 Putrajaya

Opening hours: 8.30am – 8pm (Tuesdays to Sundays)

Contact: 019-286 7790

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