8 New Restaurants to Visit in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor: August 2014

You can view a list of our most recent new restaurant features here. This is part of a monthly series.

1. Strangers At 47

strangers

At age 24, Chef Sean Ooi (with heaps of help from his mom, sister and girlfriend) has crafted one of 2014’s most enjoyable new eateries. Strangers At 47 shines with imaginatively nuanced crepes, from fluffy, savoury creations stuffed with prawns, squid and salted egg yolk to soft, sweet ones layered with Japanese sweet potatoes, coconut sago and pandan-infused gula Melaka.

See Also: Review: Strangers At 47 at Section 17, Petaling Jaya

 

2. Nobu Kuala Lumpur

nobu

Southeast Asia’s first Nobu is scheduled to open in the first half of August, bringing the world’s most recognised name in Japanese restaurants to Malaysia. Nobu Kuala Lumpur will be steered by a hugely experienced team, including head chef Philip Leong (an Ipoh-born Malaysian who previously helmed the kitchen at London’s Nobu Berkeley St) and general manager Stephane Heard, who has been part of Nobu in numerous countries.

See Also: Preview: Nobu Kuala Lumpur

 

3. Opium

opium

Changkat Bukit Bintang’s latest entry showcases a setting that harkens back to Oriental opium dens of yore _ without a whiff of smoky sleaze but with a wealth of fusion food and curiously addictive cocktails. Munch on Wagyu beef rendang or banana fritters crowned with strands of aged cheddar cheese while downing drinks with intriguing names like ‘Genghis Poison Chalice,’ a potent concoction of vodka, absinthe, crème de cassis, lemon juice and egg white.

See Also: Opium at Changkat Bukit Bintang: Restaurant Review

 

4. Robata Monkey

robata

Robata Monkey specialises in the unique art of rustic Japanese slow-grilling, serving a smorgasbord of succulent seafood with smoky, savoury subtleties. Fish flown in from the Land of the Rising Sun is barbecued with ‘bincho-tan’ traditional oak charcoal that burns cleanly to ensure the cooking retains as much moisture and purity of flavour as possible. The restaurant also offers ‘Curious Monkey’ tasting flights for liquor, including ranges of wine, sake and beer.

See Also: Review: Robata Monkey at Jaya One

 

5. Hammam Tea Room

hammam

A hidden oasis that’s intricately crafted to evoke old-fashioned Casablancan charm, complete with temptations personally prepared by Moroccan chefs. Our top recommendation here is the shakshuka-style eggs, inimitably prepared in a ‘tajine’ earthenware pot with tangy beef kofta. Alternatively, enjoy the lamb shank, slow-cooked with lemon & lots of saffron. Wash down the meal with classic Moroccan mint tea, a blend of gunpowder tea, mint, thyme & sage.

See Also: Review: Hammam Tea Room at Publika, Solaris Dutamas

 

6. Simply D

simplyd

This offshoot of The Delicious Group offers a delectable mix-and-match concept: Pick a type of pasta or noodle, then choose how it should be prepared & topped. We’re instant fans of the fusilli, an East-meets-West combo that’s tossed with pumpkin & salted egg yolk, with a side serving of a whole tea egg. The first Simply D outpost is at Nu Sentral, with more branches planned soon at The Curve, Avenue K & Tropicana City Mall.

See Also: Review: Simply D by Delicious at Nu Sentral, The Curve, Avenue K and Tropicana City

 

7. Haru

haru

Haru specialises in omakase-style dining that showcases the imagination & craftsmanship of Malaysian chefs. Thanks to courses like bite-sized servings of maguro with foie gras, salmon with truffle oil and kampachi with fish roe, every evening here brims with tantalising surprises.

See Also: Review: Haru Japanese Restaurant at Kasah, Medan Damansara

 

8. Whimsical

whimsical

The team behind gelato-maker Cielo Dolci has unveiled a new wonderland of frozen fantasies, where ice cream made in the traditional Italian fashion is imaginatively infused into the menu. Start with a tomato salad topped with basil gelato instead of pesto sauce, then try the breakfast platter that boasts beef bacon gelato with bits of seared meat in a luscious fior de latte base.

See Also: Review: Whimsical Gelateria and Caffe by Cielo Dolci at Solaris Dutamas

Read This: 12 New Restaurants to Visit in KL & Selangor: September and October 2014