Posted by We live in a city that’s laden with new places to eat and hang out. So much so that sometimes, it can be difficult to choose from. From fusion Southeast Asian dishes to boutique chocolate cafes, we’re pretty lucky to have it all. Baffled at the thought of choosing a new place to visit? We’ve listed five worthy-mentions and must-tries. Enjoy!
Isabel
Where: 21 Jalan Mesui, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12 PM to 12 AM (Tuesdays to Saturdays); 12 PM to 7 PM (Sundays)
Phone Number: 03 2110 6366
Email: enquiry@isabel.com.my
Isabel, dubbed the little sister to one of Kuala Lumpur’s popular bistros, Alexis is set to make an impression through her charming ambiance and menu. Located at what was once Palate Palette on Jalan Mesui, Isabel is hard to miss. Besides the location, the overall layout (both interior and shop front) is fresh, mod, and not forgetting, Instagram-worthy. Think corners with soft natural lighting, marble counters, prominent white colour palette, wooden furnishings, and statement accents. It’s pretty much a sleek tropical-esque set up.
Here, the fare mainly covers Southeast Asian flavours but with a twist. The twist comes from incorporating perennial favourites done with finesse, for example the ulam platter with an exceptional sambal belacan buah machang and house-made ciku ice cream (Malaysian), clams cooked with garlic and kemangi leaves (Indonesian), and Khanom Chin (Thailand). Don’t give the bar a miss when you’re there too, word has it they mix pretty mean cocktails.
Bocosan Izakaya
Where: Unit G-2A and Ground Floor, Vertical Podium, Avenue 3, Bangsar South City, No. 8, Jalan Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur (next to Botanica & Co.)
Opening hours: 11.30 AM to 3 PM; 5.30 PM to 10 PM (closed on Sundays)
Phone Number: 03 2242 2316
Email: hello@bocosan.com
Izakaya typically means a type of informal or casual gastropub in Japan. Taking a leaf from that Japanese concept, Bocosan introduces a sleek yet inviting dining experience. The aesthetics of this place is up to the minute, a cross between Scandinavian and Japanese style. Spacious, perfectly lit with streams of natural light, and well-decorated with neutral tones and orchid blossoms, we’re certain this restaurant’s going to be a constant crowd-puller.
Just like its ambiance, the dishes speak volumes too. Pretty in a plate, comes the rice bowls, sashimi platters, salads, and more. Must-tries? The truffle chawanmushi along with the bone-in short rib ramen and saba no shioyaki, hands down.
Photo source: @dewbangsar
Dew
Where: 7 Jalan Telawi 2, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11 AM to 7 PM (Tuesdays to Fridays); 11 AM to 8 PM (Saturdays and Sundays); Mondays (closed)
Phone Number: +603 2280 0868
Email: hello@dewbangsar.com
Dew just opened its doors this month and it’s already getting the attention it deserves. They describe themselves as a ‘pâtisserie, florist and sometime speakeasy’ – which is clever and just what the ever-so-popular Telawi strip needs. With lush desserts like their Kopiko Tart, made with Nescafé coffee mousse, ganache, and nibs including buttery tarts filled with zesty and irresistible fillings, this place is a dessert lover’s dream! Unpretentious, premium, and lovely – save your cheat days for this one we say.
Photo source: @jaotimkl
Jao Tim
Where: 61, Jalan Sultan City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11 AM to 7 PM (Tuesdays to Thursdays);11 AM to 9 PM (Fridays to Sundays); Mondays (closed)
Phone number: +6012 217 2730 or +6017 782 3202
Located along Petaling Street, Jao Tim – which means ‘hotel in Cantonese’ is based on the top floor of a shop lot which lived through the pre-war colonial era. The history of the place, being a hotel in its past life is kept alive through its interior. Most of its original interior is preserved and adds to the character of the place. Classic brick walls, colonial-style windows or commonly known as double hung windows, and old wooden stairs gives it a certain je ne sais quo. Even the music that fills the air sets the scene (played through a vinyl set!) – who can say no to old-school jazz and swing tunes by the likes of Sonny Dunham & His Orchestra or Hank Mobley.
The cafe serves up a small but great menu featuring favourites like sandwiches, quiches, and pies. Their grilled cheese sandwich gets a special mention though; its cheesy, gooey goodness comes from a mix of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese between toasted sourdough bread served with a side of salad. Lastly, try their coffee-based drinks for a little pick-me-up.
Related: Weekend Treat: Must-Try Desserts in KL
Nayuta Chocolatasia
Where: ISETAN The Japan Store Ground Floor, LOT 10 Shopping Center, 50 Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11 AM to 9 PM
Photo Number: +603 2141 7777
Email: info@nayuta.com.my
Fancy an educational yet delectable afternoon learning about chocolates and its origins? Pop by this chocolate boutique-cafe.What’s so special about Nayuta Chocolatasia is that the cacao beans sourced for its products are from prominent Asian regions like Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam and made in Malaysia with Japanese influences.
From chocolate tablets and exquisite bonbons, you’re in for a treat. Pick from bitter dark chocolate to smooth and silky milk chocolate to satisfy your palate. If the original chocolate taste isn’t up your alley, you can opt for flavours like mango, cashew, or coconut. There are also Japanese flavours like sakura, yuzu, and matcha to try too. The cafe serves a light and soft rolled chocolate cake that’s perfect with a cup of latte or more chocolate – creamy, iced chocolate!