Kin Gyu
If you like beef, then Kin Gyu should be your next port of call. Boasting over 100 wagyu-based dishes, this is Japanese beef cuisine in all its bovine glory. There’s hot pot, sushi, sashimi, stews – every connotation of Japanese cuisine but with beef. Steaks are sold by weight and accompanied by a tasty selection of house-made salts from the familiar lemon herb, garlic and truffle to the exotic kelp, plum or shrimp. Look out for the golden bull’s head on the building to know where to go to.
First Floor, 8, Jalan 24/70A
Desa Sri Hartamas
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 - 6206 3515
Pizza Mansion
Pizza is one of the few dishes that everyone loves from the fast food versions with processed meat to the hole in the wall with unique toppings. Pizza Mansion is of the latter variety and a new entry at the foodie haunt that is Happy Mansion. There are only a limited number of dough balls made daily, and pizzas here come out of the wood-fired oven more than ready to be torn into. With a perfectly chewy crust and a choice of 10 toppings (including great vegetarian options), these are delicious. As is the mac & cheese (classic or truffle) in all its cheese stringy goodness.
BG3, Block B, Happy Mansion
Jalan 17/13
Seksyen 17
Petaling Jaya
Foya
This homely restaurant in Damansara Uptown fuses familiar local flavours with popular international cuisine. Their version of nasi lemak comes with buttermilk chicken while spaghetti gets a masak lemak (cooked with coconut milk) remake. Don’t forget to try their refreshing renditions of mojitos using local ingredients like calamansi lime, gula Melaka and pink ginger syrup.
71, Jalan SS 21/1
Damansara Utama
Petaling Jaya
Tel: 012 - 280 8056
Blackbyrd Kuala Lumpur
Perched on level 50 of the Naza Tower Platinum Park, Blackbyrd Kuala Lumpur certainly boasts an impressive view city view. Divided into the Dining area and the Lounge, Blackbyrd offers a menu filled with dishes from around the world, from Mexican quesadillas to Indonesian flavoured beef ribs. Prices are reasonable considering the locale and with a good list of wines and cocktails, it makes for an interesting new dinner venue in the city centre.
Level 50, Naza Tower
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 012 - 689 8576
Peko Peko
Peko Peko (Japanese for ‘famished’) is a cosy modern restaurant serving authentic Japanese dishes. The menu has a good selection of Japas (Japanese tapas) from grilled skewers to deep-fried treats (who can resist battered deep-fried chicken skin). The yakimono choices include wagyu beef, grilled duck and leek, chicken wings, prawn, mackerel and salmon. Ask the staff for saké recommendations.
1-2, Greens Terrace
Jalan Wan Kadir 3
Taman Tun Dr Ismail
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 013 - 627 8895
De.Wan 1958 BY Chef Wan
Chef Wan is one of the most famous culinary celebrities in the region and his latest project is a restaurant and event space in The Linc KL. The vibrant tropical interior provides the ideal backdrop for authentic Malay cuisine featuring recipes from the different states. Head here for rojak betik Terengganu, daging rendang Selangor, cucur udang, rendang udang galah Minangkabau and Chef Wan’s special kuzi curry with New Zealand lamb. The idea behind De.Wan 1958 is to redefine Malaysian cuisine and make it known internationally. Due to the nature of the space, you can dine here with a few friends or have a big party and it will be well catered for.
Lot 2 - 2, Level 2, The Linc KL
360, Jalan Tun Razak
Kuala Lumpur
Sushi Hara
Also at The Linc KL, Sushi Hara is an omakase restaurant headed by an experienced Japanese chef. Lunch starts at RM368 for lunch and RM488 for dinner, with a special lunch (Kaze) selection at RM188. Considering the average price for an omakase menu, this is a good option and introduction to this type of dining. Fresh fish and seafood are the focus and diners can either sit at the sushi island and watch the chef in action or opt for a private room.
2-12 & 2-13, Level 2, The Linc
360, Jalan Tun Razak
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 017 - 821 5556
