Craving for some fancy nights in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia? Here’s where the trendy (and hungry) dine in this fine city, mostly in company of the Petronas Twin Towers for a view.
Read also: The best restaurants in Kuala Lumpur according to locals.
#1 Fukuya Authentic Japanese Cuisine
Fukuya is a bungalow-type setting amidst lush greenery that gives the place a resort-like feel, with arguably the best (and very expensive) Japanese food in all of Kuala Lumpur. Chef Takao Ando is a master of creating Malaysian-influenced dishes like chili padi maki — and it’s amazing.
Try this: The Kaiseki multi-course menu which is made from fresh seasonal ingredients, note that it’s really fresh, flown in twice a week from Japan.
Address: 9 Jalan Delima, 55100
Phone:+60 3-2144 1022
#2 Tamarind Hill
Step atop a hill (don’t worry, there are only about 50 steps leading the way… or do worry), Tamarind Hill is spectacular even from the outside. Small flames line the antique stairs to a colonial house, which by the way, is a concept by Samadhi Retreats. Expect some excellent Thai food at Tamarind Hill.
Try this: The Stir Fried Chicken with Pineapple and Cashew Nuts, a comfort dish that satisfies at any time, or at least between 12pm to 3pm, and 6pm to 10.30pm.
Address: 19, Jalan Sultan IsmailAddress
Telephone: 
+603-2148-3200
#3 Bijan Bar & Restaurant
You don’t find plenty of fine-dining for Malay cuisine (surprisingly, given that it is Malaysia) but even so, Bijan really takes the cake with this one. Soft dim lighting, a modern design, classic P Ramlee tunes playing in the background; it’s all part of why Bijan has become such a popular spot for hosting special occasions. That and a taste of traditional kampung dishes.
Try this: Bijan is known particularly for its desserts. Love durian? You’ll love the chocolate durian cake just as much.
Address: 3-5, Seri Bukit Ceylon, 8 Lorong Ceylon Off, Jalan Raja Chulan, Bukit Ceylon
Telephone: +60 3-2031 3575
#4 Cantaloupe @ Troika Sky Dining
Troika Sky Dining is made up of a few different parts, Cantaloupe being the dining area for fusion cuisine, the Italian bistro Strato, Claret Wine Bar and the tequila haven Fuego. On the 23rd floor, Cantaloupe is floor-to-ceiling glass windows that invite in the view of the Twin Towers. The kitchen is helmed by Chef Christian Bauer, from the former dining establishment Frangipani in Changkat.
Try this: The lamb tartare, a juicy portion of lamb and smoky duck, as well as the Wagyu sirlion. You won’t have trouble finding something to order from its French, Italian, Greek and Spanish-infused menu.
Address: Tower B, The Troika, 19 Persiaran KLCC
Telephone: +60 3-2162 0886
#5 Lai Po Heen Chinese Restaurant
It’s like stepping into a modern oriental palace where the food is always on the table. Asian artifacts decorate the space and chandeliers hang from the ceilings. The open kitchen gives you views of the chefs at work who are proud (and should be) of their cooking skills and put on quite a show with their flaming woks.
Try this: Crepe Durian Pancakes (aren’t you just hungry thinking about it?) and Black Pepper Beef Tenderloin — tender, juicy and full of flavour.
Address: Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Telephone: +60 (3) 2179 8885
#6 Marble 8 Steakhouse
This steak haven has the finest cuts of Wagyu and Angus beef, served in huge portions so you might want to share (or not). Inside is a comfortable dining area fitted with leather sofas and a massive tree in the middle. Upstairs is a cigar lounge area that’s nice to relax in, especially since you’ll need to sit back for a minute after that heavy meal.
Try this: the Bistecca Fiorentina Marble 8-Style; a 1.2kg dry-aged Black Angus T-bone steak served with a pinch or rosemary and a side of roasted vegetables.
Address: 163, Jalan Binjai, Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Telephone: +603 2386 6030
#7 Enak KL
Another top contender for fine-dining Malay cuisine is Enak; where food taste remarkably home-cooked, with just the right amount of spiciness and inviting feel. The restaurant is located in Starhill Shopping Gallery (where shopping for designer bags is a must) so you also enjoy a few post-dinner drinks and live jazz music at the lounge outside.
Try this: The rendang padang; beef cooked in creamy coconut milk curry and the sambal tunis udang’ slightly sweet prawns cooked with dry red chilli. Sounds a little too spicy for your liking? A quick word to the wait staff and you’ll be able to tone it down to your preference.
Address: LG2, Feast Floor, Starhill Gallery, 181 Jalan Bukit Bintang
Telephone: +603 2141 8973
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Photo credits: Main, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.
