10 trendy food spots in Bangsar for wholesome brunch dates & exciting nights out [Nov 2024 update]
A night out on the weekend can only mean one thing: a trip to Bangsar. Bangsar equates to dinner at the most aesthetically pleasing restaurant, then drinks at the latest bar.
Although Bangsar is relatively large, the main areas people go to for best eats are Jalan Telawi and APW. Jalan Telawi is usually referred to as “Telawi” by locals, and this street houses a combination of contemporary restaurants and hip bars.
APW, also known as A Place Where, used to be a printing factory called Art Printing Works, that produced books, magazines, and newspapers. Now, APW is host to some of KL’s most popular cafes and stores filled with products from local brands.
With an abundance of choices at your disposal, you might feel overwhelmed, but I’ve assisted in narrowing down the list to present you with the absolute cream of the crop. Without further ado, here are 10 trendy food spots in Bangsar for wholesome brunch dates & exciting nights out.
1. PULP
PULP’s name derives from the rich history of its location and the process of coffee seed extraction. Situated in what used to be the cutting room of a printing factory, they were inspired by the material itself— paper, that’s made from pulp. In conjunction with that, in order to remove the seeds, coffee has to be depulped.
Before you dig in, be sure to order a cup of coffee. PULP’s coffee is a favourite among cafe hoppers in Kuala Lumpur. Apart from the usual suspects, they offer unique curated selections that may be difficult to find elsewhere, like their The Esther (RM18) and Cocomo Cloud (RM16).
For something heartier, dig into their food menu — featuring Gula Melaka French Toast (RM26), Fried Chicken Sandwich (RM29), and Lamb Ragu Pasta (RM38), amongst others. At PULP, you’ll also have the chance to get a taste of their seasonal special like Spiced Pumpkin Soup (RM22).
29-01, Jalan Riong, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+603 2201 3650
Daily: 7.30am – 6.30pm
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2. VCR
VCR is perhaps Bangsar’s most famous cafe. Back when hipster cafes were a relatively new concept in KL, VCR was one of the trailblazers that set the trend into motion. Even after so many years, their outlets are consistently packed with patrons on the weekends. On weekdays, you’ll spot people hunched over their laptops, cup of coffee in hand.
Not only do they have multiple outlets, one here in Bangsar and another at Jalan Galloway, they’ve even established extensions of VCR like VCR Stacks, which focuses on sandwiches; VCR Bakehouse serving artisanal baked goods, and VCR Ritchie, a restaurant.
A visit to VCR is not complete without the Pennsylvania’s Soul (RM30), a spicy habanero fried chicken and sourdough waffle dish that’s topped with Thai basil, Sriracha mayo, and chrysanthemum syrup. If you’re there in the evening, you’ll find dishes like Typhoon Shelter (RM30) made with semolina spaghetti and a medley of seafood and Thai flavours, as well as Grandma’s Pesto (RM28).
31, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+603 2201 0011
Mon to Thu: 7.30am – 9pm
Fri to Sun: 7.30am – 10pm
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3. Breakfast Thieves
After the success of the original branch in Melbourne, Malaysian founders Brandon Chin, Edwin Koh, and Joel Teh decided that it was only right to bring the award winning cafe back to Kuala Lumpur. Breakfast Thieves is known for their seamless blend of Asian and Australian flavours, drawing customers to return time and time again.
While many eateries tend to come and go, Breakfast Thieves has held up against the test of time. This Bangsar restaurant is suitable for brunch with the girls and lunch with your family; they offer eats ranging from classic cafe dishes to elevated comfort meals.
For the early risers, their breakfast menu includes Terry Benedict (RM34) that uses slow braised black pepper Australian beef brisket, as well as The Mughal Legend (RM32), a Persian spiced chicken keema dish with baked eggs.
Those looking for some Southeast Asian flavours should check out their Pho My Love (RM40) made from rich duck broth, or the Bastardized Rice (RM40), which includes wagyu charsiu, poached chicken leg, and aromatic chicken rice.
Lot M, 29-5, Jalan Riong, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+603 2201 8829
Tue to Sun: 9am – 5pm
Closed on Mon
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4. Alexis Bistro
Alexis Bistro is one of those restaurants in Bangsar that’s so iconic, it’s become a reliable dining and hangout spot. It usually goes like this: you aren’t interested in the restaurant gamble where you could potentially spend your hard earned money on a mediocre experience, so you go to Alexis where the food is guaranteed to be good, and the ambience is even better.
This eatery serves a varied mix of western and Asian cuisine, and a wide range of desserts. If you want something a little more special, try the Nasi Istimewa Alexis (RM45) that comes with mango kerabu, eggplant tumis, tamarind prawns, and chicken kapitan curry, or the Alexis Tuna Salad (RM35) with seared tuna.
They even have pizzas like Napoletana (RM39), Gamberetto (RM49) with garlic prawns and oven dried tomatoes, and Pollo (RM43) made with grilled chicken. Many go to Alexis Bistro for their Tiramisu (RM20), so don’t miss out on this sweet and rich treat.
29, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+603 2284 2880
Sun to Thu: 11am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 12am
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5. Urban Daybreak
Urban Daybreak is an Australian-inspired restaurant in Bangsar that has 2 branches, one of which is in Georgetown, Penang. The best part about this cafe is that it’s pet friendly! Good food and fluffy pups, what more could you possibly ask for?
If you’re not entirely sure on where to start, give their popular brekkie items a try. Some of the dishes include their Overnight Oats (RM25), Signature French Toast (RM35), and Avocado & Ricotta Tartine (RM30).
CreditFor those who want something less breakfast-y, they have a selection of mains that is bound to catch your eye. Similar to a certain major fast food chain, Urban Daybreak also has a dish called Fillet O’Fish (RM38). As expected, their take on this fish burger is elevated, using a housemade salmon and seabass patty.
11, Jalan Telawi 5, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+603 2303 0172
Daily: 7.30am – 5.30pm
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6. Madras Ricksha
It’s almost impossible to overlook Madras Ricksha as you’re walking past the street. Protruding from the windows of the second storey shop is half a rickshaw— bright, colourful, and mildly concerning (I definitely won’t be standing directly under it). Ricksha refers to itself as a boutique banana leaf spot. In other words, this Bangsar restaurant prides itself in taking banana leaf rice to the next level.
The base price for the Banana Leaf Set is RM13. This set comes with either white or parboiled rice, 4 types of vegetables, 1 fried vegetable, and curry of your choosing. It also includes other condiments like papadam, thovayal, moore mozhega, and homemade garlic pickles.
This Bangsar restaurant offers a wide variety of sides ranging from chicken and mutton, to seafood and even plant-based eats. They have Chicken Podhi (RM18), Mutton Varuval (RM25), and Kerala Claypot Koonthai Roast (RM28). Vegetarians can opt for the Vegan Biryani (RM32) or the Mushroom 65 (RM12).
9A, Jalan Telawi 5, Bangsar, 59100 Wilayah Persekutuan, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+6018 257 6544
Tue to Sat: 11am – 11pm
Closed on Mon
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7. Koffie Craft
Eet smakelijk! If you’re craving Dutch delicacies, then this restaurant slash cafe in Bangsar South City is definitely one of the best. It does vary when it comes to authenticity, but in Malaysia, Koffie Craft might be one of the top spots for you to visit for a true taste of the Netherlands.
Koffie Craft offers a wide array of dishes, from breakfast and ciabatta sandwiches, to burgers and noodles. Said to be almost similar to the version back in Netherlands, their Broodje Bitterballen (RM34.80) is a must-try. Picture crispy yet juicy panko-crusted ragout balls, nestled between 2 soft buns, served with mustard and mayonnaise.
Don’t miss out on one of the famous Dutch delicacies — Oven-Baked Dutch Baby Pancakes! At this spot, you can get the sweet indulgence in 4 varieties: Cherry Berry Baby (RM31.80) featuring a medley of tangy berries and mango, Apricot Baby (RM31.80), Apple Baby (RM31.80), and Chocolate Baby (RM30.80). All come with 3 scoops of imported vanilla ice cream.
Unit UG-2, The Sphere No 1, Avenue 1 8 Jalan Kerinchi Bangsar South City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
+603 5033 2135
Daily: 10am – 10pm
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8. Nature’s Vegetarian Restaurant
Those who follow a plant-based diet don’t have to worry when they’re in Bangsar, as Nature’s Vegetarian Restaurant has everything you need. From the outside, the eatery may not look as trendy as the others on this list, but the food served inside definitely packs a punch.
As expected from a Chinese restaurant, they have a pretty solid dim sum menu that features dishes like Steamed Mix Vege Dumpling (RM10.50), Vege Satay (RM15.90), and Steamed Shark Fin Dumpling (RM10.50).
Other than dim sum, they also have plenty of side dishes for a filling meal with rice. Some examples of what they have to offer include Assam Prawns (RM29.80) to add some tangy spice, and Butter Fried Prawns (RM29.80) for that home cooked meal feel.
24, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+603 2283 5523
Mon to Fri: 9.30am – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 9pm
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9. Proof Pizza + Wine
When it comes to big groups, pizza is the easiest thing to order because it’s easy to share. Everyone gets a slice, and the dish becomes a topic of conversation. Proof Pizza + Wine is the perfect spot for dates and catching up with friends.
Start off with an appetiser like Posh Truffle Fries (RM28), which are straight-cut fries tossed with grana padano, truffle oil, and served with truffle mayonnaise, or Calamari Fritti (RM34) with garlic aioli and mesclun salad.
Proof’s pizza selection is so wide that it’s split into 4 sections: classic, local-vore, gourmet, and savoury + sweet. Their pizzas come in 2 sizes, medium and large. They have Chorizo Iberico Cular (RM38 and RM55) with Spanish sausage made from Iberico pork, and Figs & Gorgonzola Pizza (RM30 and RM48) topped with caramelised walnuts and organic honey dips.
29, Jalan Riong, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+603 2201 3613
Tue to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm & 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 10.30pm
Closed on Mon
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10. Flying Peacock
Flying Peacock’s name was inspired by a quote in the 2010 film The Other Guys. The line “I am a peacock, you gotta let me fly!” resonated with the founders who were unable to fully express their creativity under the strict pandemic restrictions. This gastrobar combines the yakitori and Pan-Asian flavours for anyone seeking a quick bite or a sit-down meal.
The eatery offers mains like Smoked Eggplant Katsu (RM32) with root vegetable Japanese curry and mozzarella, and Gyutandon (RM28), a fermented chilli paste ox tongue dish.
If you just want a snack or sides to complement your main dish, check out their Foie Gras Chawanmushi (RM35) or one of the hand rolled sushis. Bite into Prawn & Crab Katsu Sando (RM49), or Wild Mushroom & Mozzarella Croquettes (RM25) for a satisfying crunch.
C-07, No. 29, Jalan Riong, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+603 2201 7388
Tue to Thu: 5pm – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Closed on Mon
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