Best Hidden Restaurants in KL: Only the Real Foodies Know These Spots!

Secret gem with delightful flavours
By: Nadia Ahmad
September 11, 2024

If you think you’ve tried all the eateries in KL, think again! Tucked away deep in the city are hidden gems waiting to be discovered by true foodies (yup, that’s you!). We’re talking about secret spots you’ve probably walked past many times without realising the delicious food they serve. From low-key eateries hidden in back alleys to restaurants with aesthetically pleasing decor that deserve more recognition, we’ve rounded up the best hidden restaurants in KL for you. Now’s the time to head to these spots, enjoy the delish dishes, and then brag to your friends with, “Bet you haven’t been here before!” Ditch the mainstream and crowds to explore KL’s best-kept secret restaurants.

The Best Hidden Restaurants in KL

1. Bunglow37

Facts in a Flash
Name: Bunglow37
offering: This restaurant offers all-day dining in a colonial-styled building with picturesque views of Bangsar
ambience: Colonial-inspired with vintage charm
must-try menu items: Garlic Prawns, Rack of Lamb, Salted Caramel Cake

Bungalow37 is Bangsar’s hidden gem, tucked away in a colonial-styled building you might have stumbled upon. Away from the hustle and bustle of KL, this restaurant offers all-day dining in a vintage-decorated setting. With its indoor courtyard garden and a dining deck boasting views of the Bangsar skyline, every nook and cranny of this restaurant is Insta-worthy. Plus, the menu is just as impressive. We suggest kicking off your meal with the Garlic Prawns as an appetiser. Then, dive into the Rack of Lamb for a satisfying main course. And, if you’re up for a sweet ending, the Salted Caramel Cake is always a winner. Without a doubt, one of the best hidden restaurants in KL that you have to try with the whole fam.

For more information and to book an appointment, click here.

Address37, Jalan Abdullah, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening HoursOpen daily: 8:30 am – 2 am
Contact Details+6012 630 8407

Final Verdict

4.5

Insider Ratings

price:
service:
ambience:

PROS:

  • Offers a great range of mouthwatering dishes
  • Vintage decor
  • Accessible parking

Cons:

  • The price of the dishes may be on the higher side for some

2. Mori Kohi

Facts in a Flash
Name: Mori Kohi
offering: It is surrounded by nature and offers a selection of Japanese-Western fusion cuisine
ambience: Cosy, pet-friendly environment
must-try menu items: Mori Signature Tendon, Salmon Chazuke, Chicken Karaage Curry Rice

One of the best hidden restaurants in KL, Mori Kohi never fails to exceed our expectations every single time. It serves fusion cuisine of Japanese and Western in a cosy setting surrounded by greenery. Plus, we also found that this spot is pet-friendly, so you can bring along your furry babies and spend quality time together. With the next-door flower shop, the atmosphere is truly captivating, as the air fills with subtle floral aroma. If you ask for our favourites, we’ll definitely recommend Mori Signature Tendon, Salmon Chazuke, and Chicken Karaage Curry Rice. At just around a five-minute drive from KLCC, you can savour delish fusion dishes and coffee amidst nature.

For more information and to book an appointment, click here.

Address11, Jalan Aman, Off, Jln Tun Razak, 55000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening HoursOpen daily: 10 am – 10 pm
Contact Details+603-2300 1165

Final Verdict

4.3

Insider Ratings

price:
service:
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PROS:

  • Serves fusion cuisine
  • Pet-friendly
  • Surrounded by greenery

Cons:

  • The dining area is somewhat limited for larger groups

3. Back Alley Pasta

Facts in a Flash
Name: Back Alley Pasta
offering: This restaurant serves freshly handmade pasta daily at a unique location in a back alley
ambience: Casual environment
must-try menu items: Squid Ink Tagliolini Carbonara, Cauliflower, Quinoa Arancini

In case you haven’t tried Back Alley Pasta, honestly, now is the best time to not just walk but run to this hidden pasta haven. Being a pork-free restaurant that serves daily handmade pasta, it’s no surprise locals love this place. Tucked away in a secret back alley, this restaurant serves up some seriously scrumptious Squid Ink Tagliolini Carbonara that you’ll definitely want to try. It comes with smoked bacon and a soft-boiled egg in just-the-right creamy sauce. Plus, we also recommend the Quinoa Arancini and Cauliflower for their exceptional taste and texture. Just a heads-up: due to the small interior, patrons can only dine in for up to one hour and a half. So, this isn’t really the spot for a lengthy hangout with friends.

For more information and to book an appointment, click here.

AddressNo.8 Jalan 1/67b, Off, Jalan Mengkudu, 55000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening HoursWednesdays – Fridays: 5:30 pm – 10 pm
Saturdays – Sundays: 11:30 am – 10 pm
Mondays – Tuesdays: Closed
Contact Details+603-2856 3065

Final Verdict

4.2

Insider Ratings

price:
service:
ambience:

PROS:

  • Unique back-alley location
  • Serves daily handmade pasta
  • Pork-free

Cons:

  • Limited dining time

4. Small Shifting Space (SSS)

Facts in a Flash
Name: Small Shifting Space
offering: This restaurant offers a range of natural wines, perfect for pairing with any meal
ambience: Modern decor, homely ambience
must-try menu items: Prawn Croquettes with Spiced Remoulade, Pistachio Tiramisu, Duck Chorizo Pumpkin Cream Fettucine

Intimate and cosy — these are two words we’d use to describe Small Shifting Space. Coupled with excellent service and incredibly good food, SSS is an amazing choice for a casual dining out or a romantic date. This pork-free restaurant offers modern casual dishes with fusion hints of international twists that will satisfy your taste buds. Using the freshest ingredients, we personally love to dig into the Prawn Croquettes with Spiced Remoulade, which literally bursts with flavours. As one of the first natural wine bars in KL, you can find the perfect natural wine pairing with your choice of dish to enhance the aftertaste. Not a wine person? No worries because SSS also offers a selection of beers and cocktails. To round off your meal, treat yourself to a delectable Pistachio Tiramisu for a creamy and nutty finish.

For more information and to book an appointment, click here.

Address141, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening HoursWednesdays – Thursdays: 4pm – 12 am
Fridays – Saturdays: 4pm – 1 am
Sundays: 4pm – 10pm
Mondays – Tuesdays: Closed
Contact Details+6012 630 8407

5. The Curiousity Iron River

Facts in a Flash
Name: The Curiousity Iron River
offering: Its location makes it a hidden gem, surrounded by lush plants that create a secluded escape
ambience: Old school vibes
must-try menu items: Petai Pizza

Many come for the pizza but stay for the views at The Curiousity Iron River. Although we admit this spot is best enjoyed at night with live performances, don’t let that stop you from visiting during the day. Plus, it boasts retro vibes with a vintage gallery and green plants all over, along with a few chickens and chicks running around, giving a “kampung” feel in the heart of the city. Honestly, every corner of this spot is perfect for pictures. Stuff your face with its signature Petai Pizza, topped with petai and squid that will tantalise your taste buds. It’s a combination we wouldn’t normally think of for a pizza. All the while, enjoy the 60s to 90s classic Chinese and English songs playing in the background, enhancing the overall vibe.

For more information and to book an appointment, click here.

Address138, Jln Sungai Besi, Chan Sow Lin, 57100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening HoursMondays: 11 am – 11 pm
Tuesdays – Sundays: 11 am – 11:30 pm
Contact Details+6012 638 6660

6. Shhhbuuuleee

Facts in a Flash
Name: Shhhbuuuleee
offering: This restaurant at REX KL serves sake, natural wine, and beer, perfectly paired with Asian fusion cuisine
ambience: Clean environment, industrial decor
must-try menu items: Mala Cauliflower, Thick-Cut Smoked Gyutan

Definitely among the best hidden restaurants in KL, Shhhbuuuleee is a modern East Asian izakaya, quietly situated at REX KL. Serving all kinds of drinks, from sake and beer to natural wine, this is where you should be to get a taste of everything in one place. We suggest pairing your drink of choice with the crowd’s favourites, Mala Cauliflower or Thick-Cut Smoked Gyutan — beef tongue served with edamame. Moreover, it’s no wonder why locals and cool kids hang out here, thanks to the exceptional interior design. Offering a space that’s both comfortable and stylish, with an industrial touch, it even has an outdoor seating area with a view of KL.

For more information and to book an appointment, click here.

Address80, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening HoursMondays – Fridays: 5 pm – 12 am
Saturdays – Sundays: 12 pm – 3 pm, 5 pm – 12 am
Wednesdays: Closed
Contact Details+6012 612 0786

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