If you’re a foodie and always on a lookout for a must-visit spot, this month brings a fresh lineup of exciting new restaurants, cafés, and bars to Kuala Lumpur.
Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a casual catch-up with friends, or a solo foodie adventure, these newly opened hotspots are worth adding to your list. Here are some the best new dining spots to explore in KL this February!
1. IL Forno
A fresh Italian dining experience awaits at IL Forno, located on the 19th floor of Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur. This new spot offers both indoor and outdoor seating, complete with a scenic alfresco terrace. The highlight is their authentic Neapolitan pizza, each pizza is made with dough fermented for 36 hours and baked in under two minutes in a specialised oven. It’s a place where handmade pizzas, fresh pastas, and bold flavors come together to deliver classic Italian vibes with a Malaysian twist.
- Operating Hours: 6.30am – 10pm (Daily)
- Address: Hyatt Centric Kuala Lumpur, 17, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
- Contact: +6012 628 9421
2. Esca
If you’re on the hunt for a dining experience that’s anything but ordinary, look no further than Esca – Chinatown’s latest culinary hotspot. As the sister restaurant of Terra Dining in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, and led by Chef Chong Yu Cheng at the helm, Esca guarantees technically refined dishes with an adventurous twist. Standout menu items include barramundi crudo with sour mango, pumpkin salad with calamansi dressing, prawn toast with ebiko mayo and pickled cornichons, and grilled octopus legs with sambal matah.
- Operating hours: 5pm – 11pm (Tuesday to Sunday)
- Address: 135G, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
- Contact: +6017 982 5753
3. Limapulo Terrace
Nestled within the art charming 1960s art deco, Limapulo Terrace is the newest addition to the Limapulo Family, a sister restaurant to the Michelin-starred Limapulo Baba Can Cook in Chow Kit. This new eatery specialises in authentic Peranakan cuisine, offering comforting bowls of laksa, delectable cakes, and refreshing drinks – perfect for a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
- Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday, 11.30am – 3pm & 5.30pm – 9pm
- Address: 27, Jalan Tong Shin, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
- Contact: 03 2698 3268
4. Nikaku
A hidden gem for omakase enthusiasts, Nikaku redefines the traditional omakase experience by combining authentic Japanese techniques with local Malaysian flavours. This restaurant highlights locally-sourced seafood – fresh fish and crustaceans from Penang, Malacca, and Sabah, including tiger groupers, tiger prawns, golden pomfret, and mud crab. This omakase is also Muslim-friendly, making it an all inclusive dining destination for all.
- Operating Hours: Daily, 12pm – 3pm & 6pm – 11pm
- Address: 4th floor, Isetan, Lot10 Shopping Centre, 50, Jln Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang, 50250 Kuala Lumpur.
- Contact: 012-320 4238
5. The Humboldt Co
Head to Bukit Damansara’s newest thematic restaurant and bar, Humboldt, brought to you by the team behind the award-winning, Junglebird. This latest hotspot is offering exceptional South American cuisine with twists, and offer a fresh take on Kuala Lumpur’s gourmet scene.
The cocktail menu, curated by Joshua Ivanovic, offers a selection of well-balanced, flavorful drinks, with standout options like the Pisco Sour, made with Waqar pisco and house-made mistela. At the helm of the food program is Lolita Goh, serving up bold, thoughtfully crafted dishes such as beef heart skewers, barramundi coconut stew, and deep-fried rabbit.
- Operating hours: 5pm -1am (Sunday to Wednesday), 5pm -2am (Friday and Saturday)
- Address: 73-1, Jalan Setia Bakti, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur.
- Contact: +603 2388 3976
6. Sushi Qubey
Another omakase spot on the list that is worth a try is Sushi Qubey. With omakase options ranging from RM168 to RM688, guests can enjoy different levels of culinary expertise. The interactive counter dining allows chefs to guide you through a memorable journey, including table-side fish smoking and freshly torched foie gras. Using the finest seasonal ingredients, you can be sure you’re tasting them at their peak. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick lunch or a more indulgent tasting journey, Sushi Qubey has something to satisfy every craving.
- Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm – 3pm & 6pm – 10pm
- Address: Jalan Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang, 50250 Kuala Lumpur .
- Contact: 010 303 8899
7. Fire & Ice
Wanted to try a new dining experience to elevate your special occasions? The new restaurant Fire & Ice is the one you don’t want to miss. The first immersive dining experience with a Asian-European fusion gastrobar that come together to create the ultimate dining experience. This dynamic space is ideal for events and gatherings, featuring a central area that offers a view into the kitchen, providing entertainment throughout your meal. A large LED display on the ceiling can be customised to fit any theme or occasion, making it the perfect setting to add a personal touch to your experience.
- Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 5pm – 12am
- Address: F-10-01, Pusat Perdagangan Bandar, Persiaran Jalil 1, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
- Contact: +017 932 2320
Nakhla Sabrina contributed to this article
