Cover Photo: Khairul Imran/Tatler Malaysia

Take a deep dive into the food and beverage standouts in the heart of Kuala Lumpur

Between all the shopping malls, bustling streets and traffic lights, dig a little deeper and you’ll discover that Bukit Bintang is home to a vibrant food scene, including the famed street food haven Jalan Alor and nightlife hotspot Changkat Bukit Bintang.

If you’re in the area for some retail therapy, the impressive selection of eateries in the luxe malls of the neighbourhood is always a apt choice. However, Bukit Bintang’s offerings span beyond the air-conditioned walls of the shopping malls, including these crowd favourites we’ve curated for you.

Read more: The best cafes in the Klang Valley, according to our readers

Cafe   |   $ $ $ $   |   Bukit Bintang
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Photo 1 of 2 Photo: Instagram /@feekacoffeeroasters
Photo 2 of 2 Photo: Instagram /@feekacoffeeroasters

Kick off your days at Feeka Coffee Roasters at its Jalan Mesui outlet. This cosy and rustic spot is ideal for those looking for a comfortable spot to get their caffeine fix alongside hearty bites. Its coffee offerings are always a hit, but if you’re out for something a little different, give its Espresso Lemonade a chance. On the food side, its chicken sausage egg muffin is a great companion for your mornings, whereas the Feeka fried chicken and crispy fish and chips make great lunch dishes.


Feeka Coffee Roasters - Jalan Mesui

Address: 19, Jln Mesui, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur


Italian   |   Kuala Lumpur City Centre
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Photo 1 of 2 Photo: Facebook/Bottega KL
Photo 2 of 2 Her Carbonara (Photo: Instagram/@bottegakl

For as long as Bottega continues to serve up its impressive selection of charcuterie, pasta, and pizzas, consider your Italian groceries and dining cravings taken care of. Bottega is a reliable destination for homey and hearty Italian meals tucked away along Jalan Ceylon. Pasta lovers should take advantage of its Her Carbonara; take our word for it. Other than that, no meal at Bottega is complete without its signature cold cuts platters and tiramisu.


Bottega KL

Address: 1A, Jalan Ceylon, Bukit Ceylon, 50200 Kuala Lumpur


$ $ $ $   |   Bukit Bintang
Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Instagram/@_threeyearsold

Known for its tasteful interiors decked out in neutral hues, Three Years Old resulted from a collaboration between three friends who wanted to pay homage to the Australian coffee and pastries scene, a nod to the time the trio spent in Melbourne. Its cakes and pastries take centre stage, especially its passionfruit cake tart and jasmine yuzu cake. Those without a sweet tooth can look to its pasta lineup, including a smoked duck aglio olio. House blend beans are also available for you to pick up if you’ve got a coffee setup at home.


Three Years Old

Address: 1, Jalan Sin Chew Kee, Bukit Bintang, 50150, Kuala Lumpur


Cafe   |   $ $ $ $   |   Bukit Bintang
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Photo 1 of 3 Photo: Instagram/@vcrlovesyou
Photo 2 of 3 Photo: Instagram/@vcrlovesyou
Photo 3 of 3 Photo: Instagram/@vcrlovesyou

Brunch aficionados will be no stranger to this entry. It's got a handful of little brothers and sisters scattered across the city, but if you're in Bukit Bintang and are peckish for some brunch fare, head to the original outpost on Jalan Galloway to satisfy your cravings. The classic VCR Big Breakfast will give you a little bit of everything you need for a quintessential brunch, but if you're looking for something more unique, try your hand at the Soft Shell Crab burger.


VCR - Galloway

Address: 2, Jalan Galloway, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur


Japanese   |   Bukit Bintang
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Photo 1 of 3 Photo: Instagram/@tonoizakaya
Photo 2 of 3 Photo: Instagram/@tonoizakaya
Photo 3 of 3 Photo: Instagram/@tonoizakaya

Neon-lit and looking straight out of a city pop music video is Tono Izakaya on the corner of Jalan Angsoka and Jalan Nagasari. The menu details a range of izakaya favourites, including some that have been elevated. Our top picks include the foie gras sando, pearl corn with crab and shio kombu, and engawa don. Don’t miss your favourite yakitori sticks to supplement your meal too. For drinks, pick from its impressive sake lineup or simply go for a chilly Sapporo.


Tono Izakaya

Address: 17G, Jalan Angsoka, Off, Changkat Bukit Bintang, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur


Japanese   |   $ $ $ $   |   Bukit Bintang
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Photo 1 of 4 Photos: Instagram / @palilloskl
Photo 2 of 4 Photos: Instagram / @palilloskl
Photo 3 of 4 Photos: Instagram / @palilloskl
Photo 4 of 4 Photos: Instagram / @palilloskl

For a similar izakaya-esque experience with a touch of Spanish flair in your meal, make a booking at Palillos just around the corner from Tono Izakaya. Famous for its juicy pork skewers and tapas-inspired appetizers, Palillos strikes the perfect balance between Spanish and Japanese cuisine within its relaxed yet classy setting. Go for its patatas bravas with mentaiko mayo, ceviche, and prawn ajillo to start your meal, then move on to its shared plates and skewers. Top choices include its Iberico pork belly, prawn with ham, and pork and chicken meatballs.


Palillos

Address: 23, Jalan Mesui, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur


$ $ $ $   |   Bukit Bintang
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Photo 1 of 4 Photo: Bōl
Photo 2 of 4 Photo: Bōl
Photo 3 of 4 Photo: Bōl
Photo 4 of 4 Photo: Bōl

Must Try

  • Seasonal degustation menu

Wow your tastebuds with a meal at Bōl, where classic Peranakan flavours are reimagined and presented in upscale, modern plates. Its green-hued space also stands out as one of the most exciting restaurant designs to grace the local landscape. For a seamless and top of the line dining experience, opt for its tasting menus that showcase the best that its kitchen has to offer. Expect the unexpected here with dishes such as squid ink assam scallops, Wagyu belacan, and Lodeh croquettes gracing its menus.


Bol

Address: 15, Jalan Sin Chew Kee, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur


Japanese   |   Bukit Bintang
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Photo 1 of 4 Photo: Sushi Ori
Photo 2 of 4 Photo: Sushi Ori
Photo 3 of 4 Photo: Sushi Ori
Photo 4 of 4 Photo: Sushi Ori

Amidst the crowded omakase scene in the city, a clear front runner in the business is Sushi Ori, famous amongst sushi and sashimi die-hard fans for its offerings’ freshness, elegance and simplicity. While here, leave it up to the chef in true omakase fashion and trust that you’re in good sushi-making hands.


Sushi Ori

Address: Menara Keck Seng, 203, Jln Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur


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