Ever had the urge of wanting to enjoy a meal at a high-end, fine-dining restaurant but not sure if the service and food are as compatible with the standard of the restaurant? Well, fear not, as these restaurants don’t only provide top-notch services, but their food aligns well with its performance and even received Michelin stars! And you don’t even have to worry about the restaurant being in another country, as it’s located right here in Malaysia!
Last week, the Michelin Guide Kuala Lumpur and Penang held their 2025 awarding ceremony at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Kuala Lumpur, with a total of 143 remarkable establishments, 56 Bib Gourmand venues, and 80 Michelin-selected restaurants showcasing their diverse Malaysian flavours. Several restaurants also received the coveted Michelin star – some for the first time. Here are the 7 restaurants in Malaysia that were worthy enough to have received Michelin stars:
1. Au Jardin
This restaurant received 1 Michelin star and is the literal definition of ‘to not judge a book by its covers.’ In an extremely distressed warehouse, surrounded by metal panels, the restaurant’s interior is way different than the exterior, which is completed with a sleek and modern look. The menu in this eatery switches often, showcasing European cuisine with a subtle local twist, such as homemade sourdough with tomato butter, warm mushroom parfait, and fresh Penang oysters. This would be a perfect pick if you’re looking for international cuisine but with a slight hint of local flavours.
Opening Hours: 11:30am-2pm, 5:15pm-10pm (Closed on Monday and Tuesday)
Address: 125, Jalan Timah, 10150 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
2. Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery
Accented by wood furnishings and minimal decor for its interior, Auntie Gaik Lean’s restaurant received 1 Michelin star and serves authentic Nyonya cuisine. Many of the recipes in this eatery are made from scratch by Chef Gaik Lean, including her pie tee and her ‘gulai tumis’ that uses over eight ingredients in the curry paste, such as fresh saffron. Another fan favourite from the restaurant is the old-time recipe of ‘nasi ulam,’ so make sure to give the restaurant a try whenever you’re visiting Penang.
Opening Hours: 12pm-2:30pm, 6pm-9:30pm (Closed on Monday and Tuesday)
Address: 1, Bishop St., Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang.
3. DC. by Darren Chin
Serving French cuisine and receiving 1 Michelin star, the DC Restaurant provides high-quality dining experiences to their guests. Serving a modern take on classic French dishes, this restaurant is utmostly generous with its high-quality ingredients, such as imported French pigeons and black truffles. Divided into 2 floors, the restaurant offers an open concept on the ground floor and intimate, individual tables for the upper deck. You can indulge in their variety of high-end dishes, such as Mulberry-Pomegranate Granité with Yuzu Jelly, Crusted Lamb Sweetbreads, Burnt Onion Puree, and more!
Opening Hours: 6pm-11:30pm (Closed on Mondays)
Address: 44, Persiaran Zaaba, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
4. Chim by Chef Noom
Receiving 1 Michelin star and nestled in an office building, Chim by Chef Noom restaurant serves Thai dishes rooted in tradition with creative twists and captivating plating. Chef Noom, who also owns the Chim by Siam Wisdom in Bangkok, constructs multicourse menus, which change seasonally. Ingredients from Japan are used, as well as local spices, fruits, and vegetables. Their high-quality produce is used in a variety of dishes, such as the oyster with chilli granita, Amuse Bouche, seared Hokkaido scallop and the list goes on! If you’re planning an event with family and friends, be sure to check out this gem of an eatery.
Opening Hours: 5:30pm-11pm (Closed on Monday)
Address: L2-03, TSLAW Tower, 39, Jalan Kamuning, Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
5. Molina
Owned by Chef Sidney Schutte from the southern shores of the Netherlands, Molina restaurant is located atop a skyscraper and offers fine dining with a stunning view of KL’s skyline. The restaurant received 1 Michelin star, and the seven-to-nine-course dishes are a perfect blend of French techniques, Nordic sensibility, and Asian twists, where seafood and vegetables are his strength. The restaurant serves up numerous mind-boggling dishes, such as Brussels sprouts with sea urchin, caviar, coffee, and sunchoke; carrots with liquorice, cream pumpkin, caramel, and smoked butter; and many more.
Operating Hours: 6pm-12am (Closed on Sunday and Monday)
Address: Level 51, THE FACE Style, 1020, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kampung Baru, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
6. Beta KL
Receiving 1 Michelin star, Beta KL offers guests to enjoy Malaysia’s rich cuisine with a touch of elegance. The chef reimagines the country’s favourites, mixed up with modern techniques and a touch of fanciness. Guests are required to head to the lounge for a round of cocktails and appetisers, followed by the sampling of main courses in the dining room with an open kitchen. They’re famous for their unique dishes, such as Malaysian Daquiri, Humble Salad, Lamb Rack, and numerous other cuisines from all over Malaysia!
Opening Hours: 6pm-11pm (Friday and Saturday), 6pm-10pm (Sunday to Thursday), Closed on Monday
Address: Lot 163, 10, Jalan Perak, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
7. Dewakan Restaurant
Receiving 2 Michelin stars, Dewakan Restaurant crafts a heavenly dining experience that is authentic Malaysian cuisine, down to its core. Dewakan, meaning ‘food from God,’ uses ingredients that are locally sourced. Its dinnerware are also handmade by local artists. The restaurant serves a variety of Malaysian dishes that have a little modern twist to them, such as braised aubergine, blue Mackerel, Gula Melaka Marquise, and more!
Opening Hours: 6pm-11:30pm (Closed on Sunday)
Address: Platinum Park, Level 48, Skyviews, Naza Tower @ Persiaran KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
Tiana contributed to this article.
