#BUROEats: 12 New Restaurants, Cafés & Bars Around KL & PJ to Check Out in March 2025
March munchies
The BURO guide to the must-know new restaurants, cafés, and bars around KL and PJ this March 2025, from Bukit Bintang to Damansara Uptown.
A new month has rolled around before our very eyes! Don’t ask us how it has happened this quickly because we don’t know either. Yet, amidst all the drama and changes that this year has brought so far, we can remain certain that our local dining scene will always deliver with new establishments to check out each month. In this edition of #BUROEats, we bring you from Ampang all the way to SS3 to scope out the new restaurants, cafés and bars that we think are worthy of your radar this March 2025 for breakfast, lunch, iftar, or supper! Happy eating!
Pssst! On top of all the fresh additions, fan favourites Brasserie Leon, Universal Bakehouse, 103 Coffee, and Piccoli Lotti have all introduced new outlets this past month—click on their names to find out where you can find them.
圭 K
View this post on Instagram
There isn’t a place quite like 圭 K here in Kuala Lumpur. Take it from us. From our sole visit to the eatery, its potential to be a disruptive name on the local dining scene—and that it has become. Chef Hidemichi Seki allows for his inquisitive and adventurous nature to take over the menu, where Chinese and Japanese roots sing through locally-sourced ingredients. He has spent years honing in on the restaurant’s identity, which has resulted in a menu that balances restraint and sophistication exceptionally well.
There are 15 courses on the menu, each detailing a dish made with incredible precision, true to the kaiseki nature of dining. As for what goes on the plates, well, it depends on what’s available on the day. One thing you can expect is for the lighter flavours setting the stage at the beginning of the meal, making way for the heavier, more robust bites towards the latter half.
Address: Level 37, Ilham Tower, 8, Jalan Binjai, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 7pm to 11pm (Wednesday to Sunday)
Contact: +6012 409 2114
MINISTRY OF CRAB
View this post on Instagram
Another major new restaurant in KL to check out this March 2025 is the Ministry of Crab at Tuah 1895. This arrival marks the first Malaysian outpost of the globally-renowned Sri Lanka-based restaurant. If you’re one with a penchant for crustaceans and claws, take notes! The menu here is driven by the seafood-forward cuisine of the island nation, prepared with Japanese precision in a nod to chef Dharshan Munidasa’s Sri Lankan-Japanese heritage.
Prepare to get down and dirty with shells as its menu will dish out some of the largest mud crabs we’ve seen. Highlights include the crab liver pate, garlic chilli giant freshwater prawns, and black pepper-dashi crabs. Pro tip: don’t wear white because we foresee some splashing and stains happening if you’re not careful enough with the shells!
Address: GF-03 M-02, TUAH 1895, 2, Jalan Hang Tuah, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 5.30pm to 10.30pm (Sunday to Thursday) | 5.30pm to 11.30pm (Friday to Saturday)
Contact: +6017 773 3680
CHARR
View this post on Instagram
Charr Dining arrives as the latest wood-fire barbecue restaurant to grace the city centre’s dining scene, founded by the trio of chefs Leong Chee Mun and Wah Yin Xing alongside Kenneth Ngai. Located at The Manor, KLCC, the moody yet cosy restaurant pushes bold flavours and smoky aromas to the forefront. It will come as no surprise that you’ll find an array of fiery globally-inspired dishes on the menu that have all been kissed by the roaring flames before being served.
Standout starters include burnt onion with smoked stracciatella and chimichurri as well as white corn with fermented jalapeños. For the meat lovers, the pad kra pao chicken wings and lamb tacos will call your name. Other signature dishes not to be missed are the fish of the day with Singapore laksa sauce, Pommes Anna, beef tongue on naan, and grilled Spanish octopus.
Address: 47-3A, The Manor, 3, Persiaran Stonor, City Centre, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 6pm to 11pm (Wednesday to Sunday)
Contact: +6017 894 5447
Reservations | Instagram | Facebook
SOCIAL ROOM
View this post on Instagram
Conversations and cocktails have found a new home at Social Room in the heart of KL. Get your coffee fix from its resident café Supernormal during the day and stay for its signature cocktails after sundown. The bar is stocked with all your favourite pours and mixers to make sure your thirst is quenched. Currently in its soft opening phase, the space is set to be a reliable hangout for post-work catch-ups, weekend nights out, and carefree evenings.
Address: Level 1, Menara Milenium, 8, Jalan Damanlela, Bukit Damansara, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 5pm to 10pm (Monday to Saturday – soft opening hours)
IPPUDO | MAISEN
View this post on Instagram
Ippudo Malaysia and Maisen Malaysia have made history with the opening of the world’s first-ever Ippudo | Maisen concept store at The Gardens Mall. While Ippudo is known for its heart-warming tonkotsu ramen, Maisen has made a name for itself in the realm of crispy, juicy tonkatsu. Together, they’re a force to be reckoned with when it comes to Japanese comfort food. The menu details dishes such as the Ippudo Kuro special, Maisen’s Katsumabushi tenderloin rice bowl, and the Shiromaru special ramen. If you happen to be strolling through The Gardens Mall or Mid Valley Megamall this weekend, a stop at Ippudo | Maisen will be well worth it.
Address: Lot-T217 & 218, 3rd Floor, The Gardens Mall, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Mid Valley City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10.30am to 10pm (daily)
Contact: +603 2201 6238 | WhatsApp +6012 975 6238
Instagram (Maisen Malaysia) | Instagram (Ippudo Malaysia)
Warabimochi Kamakura
View this post on Instagram
Your warabimochi prayers have just been answered! Gone are the days of having to wait until your next trip to Kyoto or Tokyo for a taste of this delightful, quintessentially Japanese treat because Warabimochi Kamakura has just arrived in Malaysia! Currently operating as a pop-up at APW Bangsar (until 21 April 2025), the brand is ready to open not one, but two storefronts in KL—one in Mid Valley Megamall (opening on 14 March 2025) and another in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur (opening on 29 March 2025). On the menu, you’ll find its signature range of warabimochi creations, including seasonal specials and other exclusive items. Don’t sleep on its selection of drinks too!
Address: 29, Jalan Riong, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur | Soon: Mid Valley Megamall & Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12pm to 10pm (Tuesday to Sunday)
NO.27 PETALING STREET
View this post on Instagram
No.27 Petaling Street offers what the crowded, traffic-ridden roads in the area can’t: space and relaxation. Pop by for an iced tea to cool down from the midday sun or tuck into its menu filled with comfort food—the choice is yours! The signature dish here is undoubtedly the eatery’s take on Singapore’s famous Katong laksa, brimming with shrimp, cockles and other garnishes that swim in a creamy, spicy broth.
Address: 1st Floor, No. 27, Jalan Hang Lekir, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11am to 10pm (Monday to Saturday)
Contact: +603 2022 2767
MOTO
View this post on Instagram
A new Japanese-European restaurant has landed in the Setia Alam neighbourhood and it goes by the name of Moto. With Chef William leading the pass, you can expect your plates to be brimming with flavour and passion. Dishes here are a nod to European classics, given a subtle yet impactful Japanese twist. For example, the French bouillabaisse here is made with the bones of the sashimi-grade fish from Moto’s sister Japanese restaurants and filled with fresh seasonal fish, shellfish, and sourdough baguette slices. Other must-try dishes include the French escargot, grilled ribeye, and pesto tagliatelle.
Address: Lot 2 & 3, Ground Floor, Jalan Setia Nusantara U13/17 Seksyen U13/17, Setia Alam, 40179 Shah Alam
Opening hours: 12pm to 3pm, 5.30 pm to 1am (Wednesday to Monday)
Contact: +6014 343 4091
YAFA
View this post on Instagram
Treat yourself to some Palestinian bites at Yafa in the Taman Tun Dr. Ismail neighbourhood. Owner Zara is on a mission to preserve the flavours and dishes that are cornerstones of the Palestinian culture in honour of her father-in-law who was born in Yafa, Palestine in 1945. Tuck into a heartwarming bowl of lamb, cauliflower, and chickpea stew, some steaming maqluba, or a refreshing fattush salad while you’re here.
Address: 7, Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 7, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 6pm to 10pm (Tuesday to Sunday)
Contact: +6017-346 0067
RAWTEE
View this post on Instagram
Rawtee pops up in Bukit Bintang as the answer to your Italian sandwich cravings. This Muslim-friendly spot serves freshly-assembled and hearty sandwiches. Whether you’re team mortadella, cured beef, or even tuna, there is something on the menu for you. For those who enjoy some basil-powered flavours, its Agnello Pesto, made with lamb leg, pesto cream, and mozzarella cheese, will hit the spot.
Address: 33, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 8am to 8pm (Monday to Friday) | 11am to 9pm (Saturday to Sunday)
NOOKOUT
View this post on Instagram
For a quick dose of caffeine, head to Taman U Thant’s Nookout. Located within Scrut Auto, this charming corner coffee shop churns out reliable cuppas that will surely hit the spot. The vibe here is fuss-free, ultra casual, and all about getting the brew right, so you’ll definitely be leaving with your coffee fix sorted. If you’re looking for something that isn’t just an iced black or a hot latte, give its Butterscotch Bliss a try—especially perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
Address: 232, Lorong Nibong, Off Jalan Ampang, Taman U Thant, 55000 Ampang
Opening hours: 10am to 9pm (Monday to Thursday) | 10am to 12am (Friday to Saturday)
SUPER MATCHA
View this post on Instagram
South Korea’s leading organic matcha brand has finally landed on Malaysian shores. Setting up shop at The Exchange TRX, Super Matcha is set to bring you your caffeine fix in the form of foamy and silky cups of green goodness. Whether you’re in for a quick grab-and-go situation or want to linger a little longer, its space is ready for matcha lovers all over. Its menu goes beyond your run-of-the-mill matcha latte, offering creative cups such as the Super Bori Crush and Oat Cream Matcha Latte. Dessert lovers will gravitate towards the dessert offerings on the menu, including bingsu and soft serves.
Address: GS.01.0, Ground level, The Exchange TRX, 55188 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10am to 10pm (daily)
For more BURO food and drink content, click here.
| SHARE THE STORY | |
| Explore More |
