Spotlight

With a menu that spans pizzas to pastas to parmigiana, Lou Lou James' Italian inspirations are as clear as the waters of Lake Garda, making this a reliable new restaurant for burrata, bruschetta and more, with a nod to the produce of Italy's neighbouring nations, including foie gras. Lemon risott...

Underwood Bakers won't stay under the radar: The city centre's friendly new bakery-cafe serves up crowd-pleasers in a bright-white, double-storey space. Brunch for two might comprise Eggs Benedict, waffles with panna cotta, pandan kaya croissants, cortados and Australian iced coffee.Underwood Bak...

For fans of off-the-beaten-track coffee bars, calm and crowd-free, Overdose Kitten could be the cat's pyjamas, open only on weekends, a friendly space with its own-roasted coffee, served in satisfying flat whites and filters (the Kenya AA Top Asali is bright, clean and rich).Overdose Kitten1502A,...

Comfort in bowls and pots: Start with the signature Mini Roe Don at Kota Damansara's new Tekku Izakaya, topped with tobiko, ebiko, mentaiko and ikura for a memorable Japanese rice bowl, mixed with raw quail egg for extra richness (RM40), then soothe the soul with Seafood Nabe, featuring fresh tig...

Seoulite's modern Korean menu makes for a dynamite encounter with everything from chadol baegi to tteokbokki, served cafe-style in new-generation recipes.Hip Korean flavours ring true in savoury temptations like slick, succulent grilled skewers of chicken and leek, served on a hot plate of sweet-...

Chinatown's new hidden tea room offers an engaging escapade with Chinese tea, served not only in soothing sips but transformed into desserts and culinary delights. Make a reservation at least a few hours in advance for this experience - Hi Tea Malaysia currently serves a distinctive diversity...

Nimbus is a lovely new restaurant with plenty of potential - chef-founder Fred Choong fills his menu with engaging creations, weaving classic elements into contemporary ensembles, putting his playful spin on everything from sang har mee to peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.Our first course is ou...

Taman Desa's new Korean-inspired cafe takes a bit of extra effort to visit - Woori Kape opens only on Saturday and Sunday, hidden on the third floor of a shop-lot. But it's worth the climb, founded by friendly Malaysians who love Korean pop culture. Enjoy a calm, leisurely meal of K-drama ramyeon...

Subang's new hidden bar offers a feminine, familial flourish to the craft beer experience, run by the three Wong sisters - they've put their personal touch on every corner, from the self-illustrated bar counter mural to the furnishing that evokes a comfortable living room. Le Pin is a lovely, wel...

Kombucha on tap is the pleasurable pour at Bukit Jalil's new kombucha cafe: Hombrucha Cafe's signature Rootbeer Float Kombucha is destined to be a social media star before the week is over, with a kombucha ice bear perched playfully on the beverage with ice cream, tasting nostalgically like an ef...

Fans of quirky cafes, check out Untitled, a shed-like shelter built over a patch of cleared weeds and bushes, turned into a hidden sanctuary for Japanese-inspired meals and more. With limited seating in this small space, reservations are required, especially since Untitled only opens on Fridays a...

 This Ampang bungalow has been turned into a beautiful new cafe with tasteful rooms, comfortable spaces and charming corners to explore. Still a hidden secret in this neighbourhood, D'Culture is a friendly stop for a peaceful meal with coffee - the nasi lemak platter is a hearty lunch featuring c...

Sugirl Desserts launches its new cafe space in Petaling Jaya next week in lovely lilac tones, fronted by faux lemon trees, serving Asian dessert bowls rich with fruits and wholesome ingredients like Bentong ginger. For a potent hit of Vitamin C, order the Calamansi Bowl, perky with a citrus tang,...

Thai street fare in a vintage KL setting, turned into a tempting new restaurant: Thai Bro's Thai kway chap offers warm, soothing comfort, brimming with rolled rice noodles, pork slices and balls, hard-boiled egg and radish in a clear, rich-tasting soup. Thai Bro19, Jalan Kamunting, Chow Kit, 5030...

Tiny Projects is ready for big things: PJ's new craft beer bar is hidden on the second floor of an SS2 shop-lot, offering a calm refuge from the crowded streets. This friendly space has a fun selection of ales and lagers from across the globe, bolstered by Japanese-inspired snacks.Tiny Projects36...