In the mood to explore the city’s latest eateries? Head over to these new restaurants in KL and PJ in 2026.
A new year calls for new places to eat, and 2026 is already shaping up to be an exciting year for the dining scene in KL and PJ. From openings by well-known chefs to intimate neighbourhood spots and thoughtfully crafted seasonal menus, the city continues to prove that its appetite for good food shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you are planning casual catch ups, celebratory dinners or simply looking for an excuse to try somewhere new, there is always something worth adding to your list.
This monthly column is your go-to guide for what is fresh, noteworthy and worth your time right now. Each edition rounds up the latest restaurant openings alongside seasonal menus that deserve a closer look, highlighting places that are setting the tone for how we eat today. Expect a mix of cuisines, concepts and price points, all chosen for their quality and relevance to the moment.
April 2026 sets the pace for the year ahead, offering plenty of reasons to explore beyond your usual favourites. Consider this your curated starting point for eating well in KL and PJ, one month at a time.
New restaurants and seasonal menus in KL and PJ 2026 – April edition
Torino Toriko
Now open in Lot 10, Torino Toriko brings a taste of Tokyo’s Ginza district to Bukit Bintang, albeit for a limited time. This pop-up style concept centres on tori paitan ramen, featuring a rich chicken-based broth developed under the guidance of chef Kazushige Domon.
Another highlight is the signature soy-based ramen that offers a savoury profile, enhanced with seafood dashi made from kelp and bonito. The broth is emulsified to achieve a creamy consistency, topped with various preparations of chicken that add texture and flavour.
Address: Unit P1-12, Level 4 Lot 10, Shopping Centre, 50, Jln Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 11.30 AM – 10 PM (opens daily)
Contact: 03-3010 5529
Petit Munch Bistro
Petit Munch Bistro introduces North African cuisine to Chow Kit, offering flavours rarely seen in Kuala Lumpur. Founded by Tunisian and Algerian owners, the restaurant focuses on hearty, home-style dishes that reflect the traditions of the region. One of the highlights is the ojja merguez, a dish of poached eggs cooked in a spiced tomato base with lamb sausage and peppers. Slow-cooked stews and grilled vegetable salads also feature bold and warming flavours.
Address: Lot 4A/5A, meridien, 101, Jalan Kamunting, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (Mondays only) | 10.30 AM – 10 PM (Tuesdays to Sundays)
Contact: 011-1896 7992
Ramen Takahashi
Sunway Velocity welcomes Ramen Takahashi, a well-established name from Tokyo with multiple outlets in Japan. This marks its first venture into Malaysia, introducing a style of ramen inspired by coastal Niigata. A standout dish from Ramen Takahashi is a well-balanced soup combining grilled flying fish, chicken and pork, resulting in a layered yet clean flavour. Paired with springy noodles and well-prepared cuts of chashu, the bowl reflects a high level of precision and consistency throughout.
Address: B60 & B62, Basement 1, Market Place Sunway Velocity Mall, Lingkaran SV, Sunway Velocity, 55000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 10 AM – 10 PM (opens daily)
Contact: 014-398 7572
Puncak Alop
For those seeking a more scenic dining experience, Puncak Alop in Ampang offers sweeping views alongside a menu with variety. Set at a lookout point, the restaurant provides a relaxed setting that looks particularly amazing when the sun sets.
The food ranges from Malaysian favourites such as lemang with rendang to creative combinations like nasi lemak served with Korean-style fried chicken. There are also Western options available like fish and chips and grilled chicken chop, all served with a side of julienne fries.
Address: PST Pelancongan Ampang Look Out Point, 68000 Ampang Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: 5 PM – 9 PM (Tuesdays to Thursdays) | 12 PM – 9 PM (Fridays to Mondays)
Porca
Opened by the team behind The Butcher’s Table, Porca in SS2 presents a cosy neighbourhood restaurant that blends Western comfort food with creative touches. The menu moves from small bites to hearty mains, including pork sliders, seafood salads and house-made crisps. Pasta dishes carry bold flavours, while larger plates such as chicken cordon bleu and grilled meats cater to those with bigger appetites.
Address: 30, Jalan SS 2/103, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: 9.30 AM – 3 PM, 6 PM – 10 PM (closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: 012-966 3681
New restaurants and seasonal menus in KL and PJ 2026 – March edition
Francobolli Pasta
Wisma Cosway welcomes Francobolli Pasta, a new spot dedicated to fresh, house made pasta. Founded by Italian Malaysian chef Luca, the kitchen prepares its own rigatoni, tagliatelle, mafalde and more on site, pairing each shape with sauces designed to suit it perfectly.
The cacio e pepe is a highlight, with pasta coated in a smooth blend of Pecorino Romano and black pepper for a savoury finish. For something richer, the wagyu ragu delivers slow cooked depth, combining quality beef with tomatoes and aged cheese for a comforting dish.
Address: Lot 1.25, Level 1, Wisma Cosway, 88, Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 11 AM – 3 PM (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays)
Taan Thai
At Sunway Velocity, Taan Thai raises the bar for Thai cuisine in a shopping mall setting. Guided by chef Korn, the restaurant places strong emphasis on balance with their housemade curry pastes prepared from scratch. Standout dishes include a yellow curry with freshly shucked cockles, their steamed fish mousse that is light and fragrant, while the grilled pork neck salad offers a punchy mix of herbs, roasted rice powder and tangy dressing.
Address: B-25, Level B1, Sunway Velocity Mall, Maluri, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 11 AM – 9.30 PM (opens daily)
Contact: 011-6547 1811
Wagyu Theater
Chow Kit’s Wagyu Theater puts Japanese beef at the centre stage. The open kitchen adds a special touch to the space, with diners able to watch as Wagyu steak and hamburg patties are prepared and served over garlic butter rice in generous bowls. Beyond its signature beef dishes, the menu also includes sushi, gyoza and desserts such as parfaits. The focus remains firmly on quality Wagyu, presented in a way that is both comforting and visually appealing.
Address: G-01A, Grand Floor33, Jalan Yap Ah Shak, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 12 PM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 10 PM (Sundays to Thursdays) | 12 PM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 10.30 PM (Fridays and Saturdays)
Contact: 03-2011 3141
Penko Sushi & Grill Izakaya
Housed in a heritage building in Medan Pasar, Penko Sushi & Grill Izakaya brings an authentic Japanese dining experience to the city centre. Run by a Japanese team, the restaurant specialises in sushi, skewers and charcoal grilled seafood. The sushi selection includes premium shellfish, while the grill turns out everything from chicken skewers to sardines finished with miso and chilli sauce.
Address: Level 1, 11, 15, Medan Pasar, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 5 PM – 11.30 PM (opens daily)
Contact: 012-815 5504
Bangers by Born Butcher
In Ara Damansara, Bangers by Born Butcher focuses on well-crafted burgers with bold flavours. The menu features options such as a spiced lamb merguez burger and a crispy fish burger served with pickles and tartar sauce. The patties are juicy and the overall execution is top tier. Whether you are in the mood for red meat or seafood, Bangers delivers satisfying comfort food.
Address: 77, Ara Permata, Jalan PJU 1a/42, Ara Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: 12 PM – 3 PM, 6 PM – 10 PM (Tuesdays to Thursdays, closed on Mondays) | 12 PM – 3 PM, 6 PM – 11 PM (Fridays and the weekends)
New restaurants and seasonal menus in KL and PJ 2026 – February edition
The Tokyo Ramen
Bangsar’s latest and hottest ramen spot comes from The Tokyo Ramen, a name already familiar to fans of chicken-based broths. This new outlet focuses on comforting bowls built on slow simmered stocks, offering both salt and soy seasoned styles. The shoyu ramen is a highlight, pairing springy noodles with a clear yet deeply flavoured broth enriched by dried seafood and mushrooms, finished with fragrant chicken oil. Generously topped with tender roasted chicken and perfectly set eggs, while sides such as gyoza and crispy karaage complete the experience. It is the kind of place to return to when you want something soothing and dependable.
Address: 29, Jalan Riong, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 12 PM – 9 PM (closed on Mondays)
Rothmans Place
In PJ, Rothmans Place has quickly found its footing as an all-day cafe rooted in its neighbourhood. Named after the historic roundabout nearby, the space blends a relaxed atmosphere with comfort food, particularly in the morning hours. Breakfast is a draw, with fluffy scrambled eggs served alongside freshly baked muffins that set a comforting tone for the day. As the day progresses, the menu opens up to a wide range of options, from local favourites to Western staples such as pasta, pizza, and sandwiches.
Address: G 02, Ukiyo Hotel, Jalan 17/47, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: 9.30 AM – 6 PM (closed on Thursdays)
Contact: 03-7931 5580
THB Bistronome
Section 19 welcomes a newcomer with THB Bistronome, where French culinary technique meets Thai flavours. Led by Malaysian chefs Kuik Wei Han and Andy Choy, the restaurant explores the shared histories and contrasting characters of these two cuisines.
Classic French preparations are enlivened by Thai herbs and spices, resulting in dishes that feel surprising yet oddly familiar. Soups and stews carry depth, breads are enriched with Southeast Asian notes, and mains showcase poultry and seafood in various form.
Address: M Floor, Menara Access World, 1, Jalan 19/13, Section 19, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: 11 AM – 11 PM (opens daily)
Contact: 019-878 9309
Ramen David
TTDI’s Ramen David specialises in pork-free ramen, the kitchen fine tunes every element, from noodle thickness to broth composition, ensuring balance in each bowl. One of its standout offerings is a salt-seasoned ramen built on a blend of fish and chicken, which help produces a rich broth. Toppings are carefully chosen to add texture and depth. Ramen David is the perfect spot for those looking for high quality pork-free ramen in KL.
Address: 139, Jln Aminuddin Baki, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Wilayah Persekutuan, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 12 PM – 2.30 PM, 6 PM – 10 PM (Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays) | 6 PM – 10 PM (Wednesdays only, closed on Tuesdays) | 12 PM – 3 PM, 6 PM – 10 PM (weekends)
Contact: 017-301 9600
Nommeco
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Located at Wisma Cosway, Nommeco offers a fully plant-based take on sushi. Everything is made fresh when you order, using vegetables and fruits to recreate familiar sushi flavours in a creative way. The signature sushi set includes a wide variety of rolls and inari, each with different textures and seasonings. It is colourful, filling and easy to enjoy, which makes it a convenient and satisfying lunch option, especially for those looking for vegan or lighter meals.
Address: 88, Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 10 AM – 4 PM (closed on Sundays)
New restaurants and seasonal menus in KL and PJ 2026 – January edition
Smith & Wollensky Kuala Lumpur
The arrival of Smith & Wollensky at KLCC marks a major moment for the city’s dining landscape. This renowned American steakhouse makes its Malaysian debut with all the confidence and polish expected of a name synonymous with classic power dining. The interior sets a dramatic tone, anchored by a central bar and wrapped in warm, refined finishes that feel equally suited to business lunches and late evening indulgence.
The menu stays true to the brand’s heritage, focusing on premium USDA prime beef and Australian grain fed Black Angus, served in generous cuts and bold preparations. Expect deeply flavoured steaks paired with robust sauces and sides, alongside comforting staples such as clam chowder and oysters. Subtle local touches appear in selected condiments, lending a gentle Malaysian accent without straying from the steakhouse’s roots.
Address: Ground Floor, Petronas KLCC, Menara 3, Persiaran Petronas, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 12 PM – 12 AM (opens daily)
Contact: 012-328 9760
FuFuFu Noodle
In SS3, FuFuFu Noodle has quickly become a favourite for those seeking something quietly distinctive. The focus here is on handmade rye flour noodles, produced fresh each day and prized for their aromatic depth and satisfying chew. Served in a tsukemen inspired style, the noodles are dipped into soft poached eggs that enrich each bite. Simple yet thoughtful pairings define the menu, from salted duck leg to seasonings that allow the noodles themselves to shine.
Address: Garden, 5G, Jalan SS 3/37, Taman Universiti, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: 11 AM – 9 PM (closed on Sundays)
Contact: 017-518 1008
Belum Friday
Sitting high above Raja Chulan, Belum Friday offers sweeping views of the city alongside a deeply personal interpretation of Malaysian comfort food. Part cafe, part kopitiam, and part creative studio, the space reflects the eclectic sensibilities of its chef founder Chantelle Lim.
Classic items such as kaya toast, laksa and nasi lemak are elevated through its ingredients and refined technique, while desserts and bakes show a European influence that never feels forced. Every detail, from the sourcing of poultry to the butter used in pastries, speaks to a kitchen driven by instinct, experience and care.
Address: 2, Raja Chulan Rd, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 10.30 AM – 10 PM (Mondays to Thursdays) | 10.30 AM – 2 AM (Fridays and Saturdays, closed on Sundays)
Contact: 03-2022 1066
Tangram
Bangsar’s Tangram is a new addition to Kuala Lumpur’s fine dining scene. Drawing inspiration from Taiwan’s layered culinary history, the restaurant presents a tasting menu shaped by migration, memory and modern technique. Under the direction of Taiwanese chef Johnny Tsai, the cuisine explores familiar ingredients through unexpected forms and contrasts.
The cooking is intricate yet grounded, moving fluidly between land and sea, comfort and complexity. Each course builds on the last, weaving together influences from Chinese, Japanese and local Malaysian produce. With its strong sense of narrative and technicality, Tangram stands out as one of the most highly anticipated new restaurants to open this year.
Address: 61, Jln Telawi 3, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 6 PM – 11 PM (closed on Sundays)
Contact: 012-586 6642
Tony’s New York Pizza
Tony’s New York Pizza brings unapologetic Big Apple energy to Bangsar with oversized slices designed for folding and sharing. Originating from Bali, the brand’s first Malaysian outlet stays faithful to classic New York style pizza, from the thin crust to the bright tomato sauce and generous toppings. The menu covers familiar favourites such as pepperoni, white pizza and buffalo chicken, while sides like garlic knots complete the experience. Whether eaten on the spot or taken away, these pizzas deliver comfort and consistency, making Tony’s an easy new go-to for casual dining in the neighbourhood.
Address: 9A, Jalan Telawi 5, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 11 AM – 11 PM (opens daily)
Contact: 012-266 2548
Warung Putih
Warung Putih’s opening in Bangsar reinforces the area’s reputation as a dining hotspot. Despite its Malay name, the kitchen speaks fluent Italian, led by a chef from Bologna who brings authenticity and warmth to the menu. Pasta dishes, seafood and meat classics are prepared with respect for tradition, allowing quality ingredients to take centre stage.
The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, ideal for leisurely lunches or chill dinners. With its honest approach and execution, Warung Putih offers a refreshing alternative for those craving Italian food done properly, rounding out January’s list of the best new restaurants in KL and PJ.
Address: 21, Lorong Kurau, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 12 PM – 10 PM (closed on Mondays)
Contact: 010-822 1262
(Hero and feature images credit: Instagram/ @ramentakahashi.my)
Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
