BAR.KAR.KL
When it comes to new openings, there’s never a shortage in Kuala Lumpur. These new openings include a fusion restaurant that combines cuisines in a modern way to a cosy couple-owned wine bar serving up mellow wines with a twist.
Then there’s also the culinary treasures of Kerala’s coastal regions. A sleek and stylish sky dining restaurant thus provides the perfect setting for a night out with panoramic views of the city. Here’s our roundup of seven new openings you need to add to your list.
Mellow Wine Bar
Grilled Barracuda | Mellow Wine KL
Tucked away in the lively heartbeat of KL is Mellow Wine, a boutique wine bar and culinary haven. Boasting an impressive collection of globally sourced natural wines, this restaurant invites wine enthusiasts to embark on a distinctive tasting journey. Yet, Mellow Wine KL is more than just a place for wine aficionados.
Setting itself apart, Mellow Wine KL offers gourmet food selections, featuring a thoughtfully curated array of small dishes. Each dish is artfully crafted to complement the nuanced notes of the wines, enhancing the gastronomic adventure for its patrons.
From the very first bite, the Crisp Eggplant stir-fried in fish-fragrant sauce is magical. Its perfectly crispy exterior gave way to a delicate and melt-in-your-mouth texture, as the eggplant soaked up all the savoury flavors of the sauce. And the Mushroom Risotto is a true delight for the senses, each spoonful bursting with earthy richness, complemented by the tangy grana padano cheese and the luxurious truffle pate.
Address: L1-06A, Seventeen Mall, Jalan 17/38, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
BAR.KAR
Claypot Rice with Char Siew Wagyu Beef Cheeks and Foie Gras | BARKAR
With charcoal open-flame cuisine and time-honoured cooking methods taking centre stage, BAR.KAR KL is the viral culinary gem to grace the city’s culinary scene, adding a fiery spark in the heart of the city. Stepping into this culinary haven through a curved stone cave entrance, patrons are guided by a tunnel of wall-to-wall mangrove firewood stacks, illuminated by a skylight that bathes the space in natural light, leading to a hidden door cleverly camouflaged by full-height mirrors.
BAR.KAR KL reimagines traditional communal cooking with a modern twist inspired by Southeast Asian flavours, creating a sensory experience that fosters togetherness. Noteworthy signature dishes include the collaborative Egg and Toast, featuring chicken bak kwa infused with buah kulim (jungle garlic) and topped with a perfectly cooked Nappier egg, accompanied by a thick cut of butter and Eat and Cook’s renowned Century Egg Kaya. Another highlight is the BAR.KAR Claypot Rice, a celebrated creation with “Beras Salleh” heirloom rice from Borneo, aromatic soy sauce, and chicken fat, complemented by grilled aged seafood.
Address: SUITES G-06, GROUND FLOOR, G Tower, 199, Jln Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, 50400 Kuala Lumpur.
Coast by Kayra
Coast by Kayra
Coast by Kayra‘s mouthwatering menu highlights the ultimate dining experience, featuring an enticing sea-to-plate concept. By combining the finest seafood and locally sourced ingredients from Malaysia with traditional recipes and cooking methods from the picturesque coastal regions of Kerala in Southwestern India, we bring you a fusion of flavours that will delight your taste buds.
Indulge in an innovative twist on street food fare, featuring delectable treats such as Mini Apam with Tiger Prawns, and Dahi Puri Shooters bursting with succulent crab meat and topped off with a shot of crab rasam. Coastal Spiced Oysters and Gunpowder Scallops bring unique flavours.
Seafood signatures take the stage here with dishes like the Lobster Ulartiyath, a charcoal-grilled whole green lobster with dry tomato shallot masala and lobster bisque. Portuguese-inspired Seafood Moilee, Masala Freshwater Prawns and Alleppey Prawn Mango Curry showcase Kerala’s vibrant backwaters.
Address: Lot G03-G05, Ground Floor, Starhill Gallery, 181, Jln Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Alva KL
Australian Lamb Short Ribs | Alva KL
Enhance your dining experience at Alva KL, located on the 99th floor of Ascott Star KLCC providing a view of the iconic KL skyline. This modern venue impresses not, only with its atmosphere, but with its creative fusion cuisine. Whether you choose to dine indoors or relax at the outdoor bar indulge in fusion dishes while enjoying the cityscape views.
Here, the menu boasts a diverse array of dishes including tempting options, such as Seared U.S Scallops, Australian Lamb Short Ribs and Atlantic Cod cooked in fragrant lotus leaf. With a focus on grilling and using only fresh ingredients, Alva KL promises a truly exceptional and sensorial dining experience.
Address: Level 99, Ascott Star KLCC, 1, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, Kampung Baru, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Annabell, KL
Annabell KL
Discover your go-to spot for a laid-back drink at Annabell, the latest sensation in the city. This dynamic venue blends a chic dining lounge with a vibrant music hub, offering the ultimate setting for joyful celebrations.
At the heart of Annabell lies its dazzling bar, adorned with a towering pillar showcasing 199 cloches, each holding rare and exceptional spirits. What’s more? Delight in the freshest crustaceans paired with imaginative contemporary cuisine. As the night unfolds, the atmosphere comes alive with the pulse of live bands and DJs, providing the perfect ambience to savour meticulously crafted signature cocktails.
Address: Level 11, TSLAW Tower, 39, Jalan Kamuning, Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Niku29
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Niku 29, the latest addition to the Curate group’s lineup, is a true gem with its sleek and modern design. The interior, featuring polished concrete walls and soft sage green tiles and wallpaper, creates a serene ambience.
The menu offers a delectable array of meats, including beef, pork, chicken, lamb, and seafood, all complemented by a variety of sauces and seasonings to elevate the flavours. Niku 29 shines with its specialities: halal-certified Wagyu beef from Japan and premium Black Angus from Australia. Diners can opt for thoughtfully curated set menus or choose from the a-la-carte options.
Among the standout dishes is the exquisitely presented Beef Yukke, reminiscent of beef tartare, topped with truffle caviar and a golden orange Kenkori egg yolk. Another highlight is the Zabuton Sukiyaki, celebrated for its tender and juicy texture. To balance off the rich meats, the menu also features vegetable side dishes like Assorted Kimchi and Watercress Namul. The Japanese-style Beef Curry Rice is also notable for its rich, deep flavours.
To conclude the meal, the Custard Cream Pudding is an absolute must-try. Its smooth and creamy surface hides a layer of syrupy burnt caramel, offering a delightful contrast of bitterness and sweetness that perfectly rounds off the dining experience.
Address: Level 1, Menara Hap Seng, 3, Jalan P. Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur.
Akâr Dining
Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as Akar makes its grand return! Located at its familiar address but boasting a refreshed facade inspired by nature, the restaurant celebrates Chef Aidan Low’s Malaysian roots and his training in Japan and France. The newly introduced menu, Mekar (“bloom” in Malay), showcases local produce like finger limes, lobsters, and oysters—their quality is on par with imported ingredients. Dishes such as the Crab Claypot and Passionfruit Curd with Oboro Kombu are new creations, merging Malaysian ingredients with Japanese techniques.
Standout dishes in the Opening Trio include X-Dairy Cow, featuring beetroot, caviar, and a beef fat emulsion; Prawn Pais, served with a tempoyak tapai hot sauce; and Breadfruit, a creative fusion of salted duck egg jam and duck floss, presented in a squid ink fried bun.
What could be more fulfilling than savouring the exquisite flavours of Aged Duck paired with rice cake, mulberry, and herbs? It’s a dish rich in flavour and satisfaction. Also, the delightful combination of Slipper Lobster & Pumpkin featuring Sabah slipper lobster served with a crustacean jus infused with rose oil is a unique take on the ingredients. Accompanying this dish is a pumpkin espuma, alongside pumpkin onion cucur, complemented by fried local white prawns.
You definitely won’t want to miss the Sweet Ending at Akar 2.0. This delightful assortment includes Kuih Bahulu, Onde Kueh filled with aponging, and Kuih Sarang Semut accompanied by jackfruit. Pair these treats with their in-house mulberry leaf tea for the perfect conclusion to your dining experience.
Address: 109, Jln Aminuddin Baki, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
