Discover The Best Restaurants In Kuala Lumpur Serving Authentic And Flavourful Malaysian Cuisine

Grilled fish served at Bijan Bar & Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in Kuala Lumpur.
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The best restaurants in Kuala Lumpur offer more than just food—they deliver a cultural and sensory experience. From smoky street-side satay and spicy noodles in Jalan Alor to elegant modern Malaysian cuisine at Beta KL and skyline views at Marini’s on 57, each spot brings something unique. The city’s dining scene reflects its multicultural roots, blending Malay, Chinese, Indian, and global influences into unforgettable meals. Whether you’re enjoying late-night hawker fare or a fine-dining tasting menu, these restaurants capture the true heart and flavour of Kuala Lumpur.

10 Best Restaurants In Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur offers everything from smoky street satay to Michelin-star fine dining. Discover the best restaurants in Kuala Lumpur for unforgettable flavours.

1. Dewakan

Grilled fish dish served at Dewakan, one of the best restaurants in Kuala Lumpur.

Photo: Caroline Attwood / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Dewakan is a restaurant that has set a new standard of fine dining in Malaysia. With two Michelin stars and a Michelin Green Star, it is more than a restaurant; it is a true celebration of Malaysian history and sustainability. Located in Naza Tower at KLCC, Dewakan uses indigenous ingredients of the country and culinary techniques and methods that follow a modern style of cooking. Every dish tells a story of the biodiversity of Malaysia, whether that is through the introduction of forest-foraged herbs, fermented roots, or locally grown ingredients.

Location: Naza Tower, Persiaran KLCC
Top Food To Order: Forest-foraged Herb Salad, Fermented Bamboo Shoot, Grilled Kampung Fish

Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Malaysia

2. Beta KL

Noodles served at Beta KL, elegantly plated in a modern dining setting.

Photo: Hanxiao Xu / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Beta presents a renewed interpretation of Malaysia’s vibrant multi-ethnic dining heritage. Located inside Cormar Suites, on Jalan Perak, the restaurant boasts a chic style that incorporates heritage recipes into modern presentations. Led by Chef Raymond Tham, Beta KL acknowledges the country’s rich regional differences by reinterpreting dishes, using elevated techniques, and injecting surprise elements into the flavours. The restaurant’s menu changes with the seasons, but commonly prepared dishes are sous-vide chicken with Bentong ginger pesto; chili crab, reinvented in a unique balance of sweet and spice; or duck leg with a Peranakan pongteh flavour.

Location: Cormar Suites, No. 10, Jalan Perak, Kuala Lumpur
Top Food To Order: Sous-Vide Chicken with Bentong Ginger Pesto, Chili Crab, Duck Leg Pongteh

3. Enak KL

Cooked mackerel served at Enak KL, highlighting the best restaurants in Kuala Lumpur.

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Enak offers a blend of tradition and refinement. Located in Feast Village in Starhill Gallery, it is one of Kuala Lumpur’s most iconic Malay dining experiences. The dishes are created around old family recipes that have been passed through many generations. While each dish retains authenticity, they are all made with careful consideration. Signature dishes include botok-botok, which is sea mackerel with spices and herbs steamed in banana leaves, and daging bakar asam jawa, grilled beef marinated with tamarind to impart depth. Traditional salads, called kerabu, are focused on local products fresh from the market, with delightful and plentiful fresh ingredients.

Location: Feast Village, Starhill Gallery, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
Top Food To Order: Botok-Botok (Steamed Sea Mackerel in Banana Leaves), Daging Bakar Asam Jawa (Tamarind Grilled Beef), Kerabu Mangga (Spicy Mango Salad)

Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Kuala Lumpur

4. Steakhouse KL

White plate topped with fish and vegetables served at a steakhouse in KL.

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The Steakhouse KL is a gem for people who love meat and prefer a hearty meal. The food is well-prepared, in a cosy and comfortable atmosphere. The menu includes a variety of seafood and dessert options, which complete your dining experience. This restaurant is a favourite spot for tourists and locals because of its quality and consistency. The ambience is really good with warm lighting, leather chairs, and wooden details for the furniture that create an environment of welcoming people. Even though the restaurant is located in an active nightlife area of the city, it embraces a soothing sense of calm and comfort upon entering.

Location: Changkat Bukit Bintang (one of its locations)
Top Food To Order: Ribeye Steak, Grilled Atlantic Salmon, Chocolate Lava Cake

5. PRIME

The shrimp dish served at PRIME is featured among the best restaurants in Kuala Lumpur.

Photo: Jessica Weiller / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Located at KL Sentral’s Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur, PRIME is the city’s finest and most popular steakhouse. It has a luxurious ambience and uses premium ingredients, making it a popular choice for steak lovers. PRIME serves a variety of seafood and has an array of nice options to choose from, like fresh oysters, lobster, and other fine dining selections. PRIME is much more than about dining; it’s about a dining experience that feels special and significant from start to finish. The ambience, attire, and environment are sophisticated and elegant.

Location: Le Méridien KL, KL Sentral
Top Food To Order: Wagyu Ribeye Steak, Fresh Oysters, Butter Poached Lobster

Suggested Read: Malaysia Travel Guide

6. Marini’s On 57

A white plate topped with meat and vegetables is served at Marini’s On 57.

Photo: You Le / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Marini’s on 57 is a luxurious fine dining restaurant situated on the 57th floor of Menara 3 Petronas, right next to the world-famous Petronas Twin Towers. The restaurant specialises in Italian cuisine, featuring high-quality items such as homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and select cuts of meat. The menu is filled with Malaysian’s authentic food, and the presentation is exceptional. Another distinguishing feature of Marin’s is the panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline, making the restaurant a suitable setting for a formal business dinner, a place to celebrate special occasions, or an intimate setting for celebration of special events.

Location: Level 57, Menara 3 Petronas, KLCC
Top Food To Order: Truffle Tagliolini, Lobster Thermidor, Wagyu Beef Tenderloin

7. Nobu Kuala Lumpur

Sushi platter served at Nobu Kuala Lumpur, one of the best restaurants in Kuala Lumpur.

Photo: Riccardo Bergamini / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Nobu Kuala Lumpur is the Malaysian arm of the global Nobu concept, offering a high-end Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine. Located on the 56th floor of Menara 3 Petronas, the restaurant offers a modern dining experience with great views overlooking the city. Signature dishes include black cod with miso, yellowtail jalapeño, and an extensive collection of sushi and sashimi prepared with great care. The restaurant is halal-certified to broaden its appeal to both local and international customers. Alongside the à la carte menu, Nobu also offers a buffet, demonstrating the variety of its culinary ethos.

Location: Level 56, Menara 3 Petronas, KLCC
Top Food To Order: Black Cod Miso, Yellowtail Jalapeño, Sushi Platter

Suggested Read: Top Restaurants To Experience The Best Food In Malaysia

8. Bijan Bar & Restaurant

Durian cheesecake served at Bijan Bar & Restaurant on an elegant dessert plate.

Photo: Jonathan Borba / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Bijan Bar & Restaurant is the top restaurant in Kuala Lumpur, located near Bukit Bintang along Jalan Ceylon. The presentation, quality, and ingredients they used are really good. Dishes such as slow-cooked beef rendang, ikan bakar, which is marinated in spices and grilled, and refined desserts such as durian cheesecake, will undoubtedly satisfy your cravings. Bijan is a restaurant known for Malay dishes. It has won awards over the years. The space is small and cosy, with low lighting and brown tones. Some of the decor shows Malay culture. There is also a bar that serves cocktails and wines, which are matched with the food.

Location: Jalan Ceylon, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
Top Food To Order: Beef Rendang, Ikan Bakar (Grilled Spiced Fish), Durian Cheesecake

9. Jalan Alor

BBQ chicken wings served at Jalan Alor, a must-try at the best restaurants in Kuala Lumpur.

Photo: Syed F Hashemi / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Kuala Lumpur’s most popular food street is Jalan Alor, which is situated in the Bukit Bintang district. It’s less chic than the city’s fine dining experiences, and is a much more informal and fun atmosphere for you to enjoy Malaysia’s culinary diversity in hawker stalls and open-air restaurants. The street comes to life at night under the bright lights of neon colours. Locals and tourists come out to enjoy the show of food. The menu is large for food lovers, from grilled satay skewers, sate noodles, BBQ chicken wings, and shellfish that is cooked to your liking.

Location: Bukit Bintang area, Kuala Lumpur
Top Food To Order: Satay (Chicken or Beef Skewers), Char Kway Teow (Stir-Fried Rice Noodles), BBQ Chicken Wings

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Malaysia

10. Lai Foong

Fried Wanton Noodles served hot at Lai Foong, a popular spot for dining in Kuala Lumpur.

Photo: Ruth Georgiev / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Lai Foong is a long-standing restaurant located in the city centre of Kuala Lumpur, known for its signature dish of lala bihun soup. The restaurant has been visited frequently by locals and tourists, who are in search of good, authentic, uncomplicated flavours. The dish itself is a noodle soup that is served with fresh clams and rice vermicelli, and the broth has touches of ginger, garlic, and a hint of rice wine. Deliciously light yet deeply satisfying. In addition to its famous clam noodle soup, Lai Foong offers several other hawker-style dishes to maintain its beloved reputation as a consistent place to obtain quick and tasty meals.

Location: KL (specific street stall/place)
Top Food To Order: Lala Bihun (Clam Rice Vermicelli Soup), Hainanese Chicken Rice, Fried Wanton Noodles

Dining in the best restaurants in Kuala Lumpur blends tradition, artistry, and global flavours. From the vibrant street food of Jalan Alor to refined Malay dishes at Enak KL, and world-class fine dining at Dewakan and Nobu, there’s something for everyone. Each restaurant reflects the city’s rich culture and diverse influences, offering unforgettable meals for all budgets. Experience the true spirit of Kuala Lumpur with TripXL and discover these culinary gems.

Cover Photo: Karyna Panchenko / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

You'll encounter a variety of cuisines, ranging from traditional Malay cuisine to high-end culinary experiences. Many restaurants have menus that include local flavours with international cooking methods.
For well-known high-end dining restaurants like Dewakan, Nobu, or Marini's on 57, you should absolutely look at reservations. Restaurants and food stalls that specialise in street food, like Jalan Alor, generally do not require reservations.
This is all about where you go. Luxurious dining places can be on the costly side of the price spectrum, whereas local 'hawker-style' restaurants can provide a good meal for a modest price. Kuala Lumpur has restaurants for every dining budget.
Many restaurants have vegetarian or halal options, such as Nobu, which is an example of a halal-certified restaurant, and a larger number of Malay restaurants serve vegetarian and halal curry.
Yes, Marini’s On 57 and Nobu Kuala Lumpur both offer spectacular views of the Kuala Lumpur skyline, including iconic landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers.
Harshita Lal

Harshita Lal

Harshita Lal is a travel writer who finds inspiration in the winding roads of hill towns, crisp mountain air, and the quiet stories hidden in everyday journeys. With a soft spot for the Himalayas and small-town simplicity, her writing blends personal discovery with practical travel insights. She enjoys writing pieces that help readers feel more connected to nature, to adventure, and to themselves. When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her planning her next trek, journaling in a hillside café, or chasing the sunset.
Harshita’s Top Travel Highlights:
Harshita’s travels include memorable treks and quiet hill escapes, offering experiences of nature, peace, and simple moments that stay long after the journey ends.
1. Treks That Stay With You:
Completed treks like Triund, Kheerganga, Tosh, and Malana, each offering its own lesson in resilience, stillness, and the quiet power of nature.
2. Offbeat Hill Escapes:
Explored peaceful spots like Jibhi, Shoja, Barot Valley, and Mashobra, where there’s more pine than people, and every corner feels like a postcard.

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