A childhood dream come true, Reuben’s Restaurant & Bar brings cross-cultural fun & flair to Bandar Sri Damansara
January 2, 2024
Freshly launched for less than four months, Bandar Sri Damansara's neighbourhood restaurant Reuben's is a delightful destination for creative culinary comforts.
From Pomelo Prawn Pai Tee to Balinese Glazed Wings, Crispy Rambutan Salad to Nasi Lemak Sliders, Fish Amok to Steak Nusantara, Reuben's menu is playful and imaginative, ensuring a fun, fuss-free meal with lively Southeast Asian-inspired flavours.
Founder Reuben Devanesan, a Bandar Sri Damansara resident, has nurtured a venue where everyone can feel at home, sharing beautifully plated pleasures of prime produce at fair prices, with many specialities priced below RM30. You'll find an Argentinian Devesa rib eye steak for under RM100, plus charming cocktails with tantalising twists.
Fun fact: Reuben's desire to run a restaurant of his own name developed from childhood. On vacation in London with his family, he saw a local hangout named Reuben’s Restaurant & Bar, sparking his dream to someday have a place of his own. It was an emotional moment when he saw the signboard finally go up at his restaurant this year.
Reuben, who lives in Bandar Sri Damansara with his wife, had been searching for somewhere to open his place for nearly two years. He loves how this location in Ativo Plaza's latest wing is breezy with plenty of natural sunshine, including both alfresco and air-conditioned sections.
Start with snacks like Reuben's signature Pomelo Prawn Pai Tee (RM26), an inventive interpretation of the popular Peranakan classic.
Reuben's is a pork-free restaurant, so the Balinese Glazed Wings (RM28) channel a chicken lover's take on Bali's iconic sticky pork ribs.
From pomelo to rambutan, Reuben's makes nice use of local fruits.
The Crispy Rambutan Salad (RM22) is a smash hit among salad devotees seeking a unique concoction - it's health-conscious and wholesomely tasty, loaded with luscious slices of silky-smooth rambutan, lightly fruity, showered with crunchy wonton skin for textural contrast and subtly citrusy lime leaf drizzle plus yoghurt sauce on the side. If you crave extra protein, add crispy chicken (RM14) or garlic prawns (RM19).
The Nasi Lemak Sliders (RM26) put a rice-bun twist on Malaysia's national dish.
The Fish Amok (RM36, served on banana leaf with japonica rice and pickles) borrows from Reuben's travels in Cambodia - he fell in love with the cherished Khmer classic, which single-handedly changed his former hesitation towards fish.
The Garlic Prawn Spaghettini (RM29) is for aglio olio fans who want more garlicky, buttery goodness in their favourite pasta.
The Grilled Chicken with Mango Relish (RM30) is another of Reuben's bestsellers.
Beef buffs, bookmark Reuben's for the Steak Nusantara (RM98), a steak unlike any other in the Klang Valley.
For dessert, tempt your sweet tooth with the Basque Cheesecake (RM20).
Reuben's is also a full-fledged bar that's capable of equally enticing cocktails.
The Asamboi Rita (RM30) is a perky play on margaritas - Jose Cuervo tequila is infused for several days with asam boi, in a magical marriage of sweet, salty and sour, coupled with Cointreau, angostura bitters, lime juice and egg white. The result: An adult indulgence laced with the sour plum beverage memories of childhood nostalgia.
The Signature Negroni (RM32) pours fizzy flair into the Italian-origin standard - if you're a Negroni hunter, you'll want to try this take, synergising Roku gin with Campari and sparkling elderflower, buoyant with a floral summertime feel.
Shy Tan (RM28) is Reuben's exclusive cocktail, a genuine made-in-Malaysia marvel of Borneo-sourced tuak with Stoli vodka, well-tuned with rose rambutan infusion and lemon zest, for a fermented depth underlined with fruity-floral delicateness.
Reuben’s Restaurant & Bar
B-G-16, B-G-17 & B-G-18, Ativo Plaza Block B, Jalan PJU 9/1, Damansara Avenue, Bandar Sri Damansara, 52200 Kuala Lumpur.
Open Tuesday-Thursday, Sunday, 12pm-10:30pm; Friday-Saturday, 12pm-11:30pm;