Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Best gourmet restaurants

Specialising in authentic South American cuisine, Fuego offers an al-fresco fine-dining experience, with a fun, interactive concept. The restaurant is ideal for those looking for sharing platters, which includes tapas, exciting cocktails, and five-star service. Be sure to order the nachos and the rib-eye steak—they’re a must for keen meat-eaters.

Fuego, Level 23A Tower B, The Troika, 19, Persiaran KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | (+60) 3 2162 0886

As the highest restaurant and rooftop bar in Malaysia, Marino’s on 57 has quite the reputation to live up to. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and its own glass roof, the Italian restaurant overlooks the iconic Petronas Twin Tower. Guests can expect only the finest ingredients used to curate master dishes, paired with an extensive wine list. Take your dining experiences to new heights at this one-of-a-kind venue, where memories will be made and cherished.

Marini’s on 57, 57 Menara 3 Petronas Persiaran, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | (+60) 3 2386 6030

Oversea restaurant is said to serve the best Chinese food in Kuala Lumpur. The iconic restaurant has outposts all over Malaysia, and is celebrated for its signature char siu dish, the ham yue fah lam poh (鹹魚肥腩煲), and the steamed silver catfish, to name a few. Have a feast at this family favourite, where groups of relatives and friends come together to share the love of food in an intimate setting.

Oversea Restaurant, 84-88, Jalan Imbi, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | (+60) 3 2144 9911

Exuding old-world charm, Shangri-La Bak Kut Teh pays tribute to late-night eating, a time-honoured tradition in Malaysian culture. Bak kut teh actually translates to “meat bone tea”, a tender cut of pork, meatballs, mushrooms, and bean curd, simmered in a Chinese root and herbs broth. Not to be mistaken for the luxury hotel chain, this humble abode is frequented by locals and tourists seeking authentic (slightly less gourmet) bites. Try the delicacy in-restaurant for the full experience.

Shangri-La Bak Kut Teh, 7, Jalan Batai, Bukit Damansara, Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | (+60) 12 205 8502

Sri Lankan food is celebrated for the spice diversity, and at Aliyaa, they celebrate just that. Kuala Lumpur’s upscale establishment serves Sri Lankan specialities, including string hoppers, lamprais, and kottu, to name a few. Located in Damansara Heights, the restaurant features a menu of premium wines and refreshing cocktails, to perk up an appetite.

Aliyaa, No 48 G&M, Jalan Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | (+60) 3 2092 5378

Shangri-La Hotel’s Lafite restaurant offers luxurious charm in a stunning setting. The menu features a variety of European classics, all prepared with simplicity and fine dining in-mind. Celebrate all sorts of occasions at this elegant restaurant, designed by renowned interior designer Adam Tihany. Executive Chef Olivier Pistre helms the kitchen, and has an expansive resume which spans from France to Istanbul and now Kuala Lumpur. The restaurant’s Chef de Cuisine, Remy Lefebvre, is another French chef, who pays close attention to maintaining a farm-to-table concept, serving only seasonal and sustainable ingredients wherever possible.

Restaurant Lafite, Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, 11 Jalan Sultan Ismail, Lobby Level, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | (+60) 3 2074 3900

If you’re craving Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Laotian cuisine, put Tamarind Springs on your must-visit list. Located in the lush Ampang district, the restaurant is highly prized for its iconic Vietnamese soft-shell crab—try it for yourself and you’ll know what we mean.

Tamarind Springs, Jalan 1, Taman Tun Abdul Razak, 68000 Ampang, Selangor, Malaysia | (+60) 3 4256 9300