First dates are always scary. “Will she be cute?”, “Will he look like his pictures?” There’s always the nerves of meeting someone for the first time, but what isn’t always mentioned is; where do we go on the first date? Sure, you could play it safe, and go for a movie or a museum, but everyone knows the best first dates are over good food and good drinks. That’s why in this listicle, we’ve got you covered with new restaurants in KL and PJ.
What’s better than exploring new restaurants and never having an awkward date again? These new restaurants are hip, cool and trendy to not only be a conversation starter to break the ice but also for your next Instagram pics or to “soft launch” your special talking stage.
1. Ah Wong Office
Let’s start off strong with probably the coolest kopitiam you’ll ever visit. Ah Wong Office is not your traditional kopitiam, from the name you can tell this new restaurant is office-themed. This space was created to resemble an actual 80s-themed office, so you can have lunch at the office, just without the anxiety of deadlines and reports due.
As far as food goes, they have all the classics you’ll find in any kopitiam, even the prices are the same too. Their menus are placed in proposal-kept files, browse through and try their best sellers, Curry Chee Cheong Fun (RM6), Mee Hoon Goreng (RM7.50) or the traditional steamed buns or toast (RM7.50) doused in homemade kaya and butter or filled with chicken ham slices and scrambled eggs. So ladies (and men), put on your best office sire outfit, grab your date and experience this soon-to-be iconic kopitiam.
Address: 20, Jalan 17/1A, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: 7:30am-4:30pm (Daily)
2. Cleaver Shed
Want a more elegant touch? Cleaver Shed has got you covered. A wine and dine for a first date is almost close to ideal, and not just that, Cleaver Shed is Muslim-friendly! Ensuring to cater to everyone and anyone.
This new restaurant on the block serves juicy Argentinian Angus ribeye, grilled lamb tenderloins, a refreshing summer salad and many more! Get dolled up, put on your best outfit and enjoy these perfectly cut, perfectly sizzled steaks to perfectly set the tone of a first date.
Address: B-01-05, Plaza TTDI, Jalan Wan Kadir 3, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11:30am-3:30pm and 5:30pm-10pm (Wednesday to Sunday)
3. Raijin Ramen Bar
This modern ramen bar is ideal for solo diners, but if you think about it, a space designed for one can also make for an intimate date spot. After all, it gives couples a reason to get cosy and enjoy their meal together.
With an indoor and outdoor space, you get to decide the mood for the date and also experience a taste of Japan with their ramen (RM25) that’s doused in a creamy and frothy broth that almost resembles milk, or their classic Shiro Ramen made with pork bones simmered for at least 10 hours. Or, get both and have your “Lady and the Tramp” moment, ramen style.
Address: 80, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, WPKL
Opening hours: 12pm-10pm (Tuesday to Sunday)
4. Commoners space TTDI
Famous for their grilled cheese sourdough sandwich and their coffees, This new outlet opening their second branch in TTDI is the ideal breakfast date spot. Their interior is calming, relaxing and inviting.
A morning breakfast date is by far the best date idea possible, and with this new outlet, their bomb sandwiches, healthy pasta options or just a quick pastry bite with coffee, having your date commit to waking up early shows they can commit in the relationship.
Address: 40 Jalan 1/77A Off Jalan Imbi, KL, 55100 , Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: 11am-10pm (Monday to Thursday), 11am-12am (Friday to Sunday)
5. Alluring
This recently opened restaurant serves up the best of dons, udons and doughs. From the name, the allure of their dons and udons will definitely have you coming back for more. Their interiors are minimal, modern, class and of course the perfect date spot.
Have your pick of their dons and udons such as the Gochujang Katsu Don (RM25) or their Chashu Cabonara Udon (RM25). The best part of this cafe is that their dessert menus change weekly, keeping it fun, fresh and exciting, and also perfect for bringing multiple different dates to try new items.
Address: G12, Residensi Majestic Maxim, 45, Jalan 9, Taman Bukit Cheras 56000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11am-9pm (Thursday to Tuesday)
6. Soulyard
Soulyard is one of those cafes that just feel like home. Instead of bringing your date home, bring them to Soulyard instead. This cafe serves up Western and traditional Chinese food to warm the soul.
Enjoy their 11 mains and 13 drink items such as hearty Braise Pork Knuckle (RM18), Mapo Tofu (RM17) or their Dan Dan Mee (RM20). Soulyard serves food that lives up to their name by not only feeding your belly but feeding your soul as well. Enjoy these freshly homecooked meals with your date whom you hope to potentially build a home with.
Address: No. 31, Jalan Perisa 2, Taman Gembira, Jalan Kuchai Lama 58200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12pm-10pm (Tuesday to Sunday)
7. Monet in the City
Take a cute LRT date and head over to Ampang Park. This cafe is conveniently placed right in front of the LRT entrance. Monet in the City may be small but packs a mighty punch with their unique coffees. Their flavours include traditional to sweet tooths such as the classical long black to their sweet tiramisu latte paired with their delicious pastries.
Grab your skates, skateboards or even scooters and bring your date on a fun date activity after getting your coffee fix. Ampang is known by skaters as the perfect spot to try out your moves, or for this listicle, the perfect spot for a first date.
Address: Gate B, LRT Station Ampang Park, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 7:30am-4:30pm (Monday to Friday), 7:30am-12:30pm (Sunday)
8. The Ordinary Smash Burger
If the restaurants so far haven’t piqued your interest, it’s because you’ve been waiting for this one. The best burger you’ll ever try by The Ordinary Smash Burgers. There’s nothing like good food to put you in the mood for that good date, and for most, that good food is the juiciest burger to have the juiciest conversations with your date.
Fried chicken lovers will definitely enjoy their Ayam Goreng Special, crispy tasty and flavorful. Their juicy burgers are made with Australian Wagyu beef, and the star of the show is their house-made sauce, definitely no Chick-fil-A sauce please, we’ll take extras of the Smash Burger sauce.
Address: First Floor, 131, Jalan PUJ 3/3, Taman Puncak Jalil, Sri Kembangan, 43300 Sri Kambangan
Opening hours: 12pm-10pm (Tuesday to Sunday)
9. Cheevit Cheeva
This dessert place straight from Thailand serves the best icy Thai desserts infused with tea flavours. This Bingsu restaurant opened their first Malaysian branch at The Row in Chow Kit KL.
Thailand knows how to do romance, and desserts are made to bring people together to share a sweet treat on their sweet date. Try their signature Salty Egg Yold Bua-Loi Bingsu (RM27), or their Sang-ka-ya Bingsu (RM24) and many more.
Address: 40G, Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, WPKL
Opening hours: 12pm-8pm (Daily)
10. Sōfte
Every great first date deserves a sweet ending, and this dessert bar at Ilham Tower, KL, is the perfect spot. Offering a wide range of delicious, handcrafted ice cream sundaes, it’s an ideal way to beat the heat while enjoying a romantic moment with your partner. Their pairing of cold ice cream with warm madeleines is absolutely divine.
In addition to ice cream, the shop also serves an array of delightful cakes and pies. With its unique and futuristic interior, it’s a great spot for couples to snap OOTD photos, making it a picture-perfect date destination.
Address: Ground Floor, Ilham Tower, 8, Jln Binjai, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11:30am-9pm (Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday), 11:30am-10pm (Friday and Saturday)
The stress of a first date definitely lessons when the main problem of where to go or where to eat gets planned beforehand. Bookmark these restaurants, plan your next amazing dates and enjoy these yummy delights from savoury to sweet.
Jade Mary and Justin contributed to this article.
