There are many restaurants in Changkat Bukit Bintang, what are our choices?
Kuala Lumpur’s nightlife magnet Changkat Bukit Bintang has its fair share of fiery shot bars, bouncy clubs, sports pubs, sordid stories and, before it escapes me, some of the best restaurants. from the city. Here are a few that you should book in advance so you don’t get put off at the door.
9 best restaurants for dinner in Changkat Bukit Bintang:
Opium
Named infamously, beyond the tongue-in-cheek signage is a culinary haunt carefully decorated to reflect an oriental flavor of yesteryear. I’ll spare you the Sino-Anglo history lesson. Come here for modern Chinese and Asian pork-free fusion delicacies like Opium Noodles, Angus Beef Rendang Bun, and an assortment of straight-from-the-steam dim sum. The drink menu is full of signatures such as gin and tonic infused with different flavors, but please complement the dumplings with rice wine.
5 pm-11pm, every day
Dinner in the dark
An innovative concept in its early days, this unlit restaurant continues to draw crowds fascinated by its reluctant menu that reveals no ingredients. Expect a sensory surprise where you have to recall olfactory memory and gastronomic vocabulary to discern and savor every bite. I won’t spoil you any more. The restaurant is pork-free and since you’re putting your nose to the test, let’s also go for the food and wine pairings.
6 pm-9.30pm, closed Mondays
Bijan
A perennial favorite for traditional Malaysian dishes served in a fine dining environment, Bijan raves with rustic staples like Kerabu Pucuk Paku Daging Salai and Rendang Kambing, it also entices with specialties such as Masak Lemak Udang Tempoyak, Kerabu Nangka and Rendang Itik Bijan. While the heat is never intense, with a round flavor perpetuated, you can simmer with a glass of wine.
4 pm-11pm, every day
SPG by Bijan
If Bijan seems like a place to impress your future mother-in-law, SPG is where you’ll want to hang out your bridesmaids for an evening of tapas and cocktails in a vibrant, Instagrammable setting. We love the sunlight that penetrates to the patio where we can indulge in a tête-à-tête. After a lot of morale-degrading gossip, you must repent with Fries Celup, Duck Curry Bun, Seabass & Acar Noodles, Blur Like Sotong Pizza, and clean yourself up with the Kampung Girl Cocktail to replenish stripped innocence.
6 pm-11pm, for special live events
The KL whiskey bar
Any whiskey or whiskey you could think of would have found its way to the aptly named Whiskey Bar. A perfect place to stretch your limits, the bar is home to established names like The Macallan and Royal Salute, as well as independents like Eiling Lim. You don’t have to apologize when your tummy calls for gluttony. Nibbles such as beef carpaccio and pan-seared foie gras are on offer, while foodies can look forward to Steak Rossini or Butter Poached Boston Lobster.
5 p.m.-12 p.m., every day
El Cerdo (non halal)
To satiate pork cravings, you can’t go wrong with El Cerdo. Specializing in pork knuckles, ribs and roast, the rustic interiors of the restaurant transport you to a Spanish house overlooking an open plain in the countryside. Signature dishes include Cochinillo Al Estilo Segoviano, a Spanish roast suckling pig, Bellota Jamon Iberico and oven-roasted Iberian baby back ribs. What else to accompany than a wine which is largely cellared here.
5:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday; 12 p.m.-2.30 p.m. and 5 p.m.-12 p.m., Sunday
Bottega Mediterranean (non halal)
Unpretentious deli at first glance, this cafe packs all the produce imported from the Mediterranean and the produce you might want to make pizza, pasta and other delicacies at home. While your eyes explore the well-stocked shelves and your mind ponders what to buy, stay for a cheese and cold meats platter accompanied by a bottle of wine. Indulge yourself with a homemade tiramisu perfected through family traditions.
11 am-10pm, Monday to Saturday
Ciccio (non halal)
For almost 2 decades, Ciccio has been the supplier of authentic Italian dishes to KL. The family restaurant stays true to tradition with everyday but no less delicious dishes, including prosciutto e melone, parmigiana di Zucchine, rigatoni all Amatriciana, porchetta and calzone. If you want to relax after a long day, there is a rich range of freshly baked pizzas and draft beers.
5 p.m.-12 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday
Pinchos Tapas Bar (non halal)
Spanish tapas prepared with ingredients imported from the Iberian Peninsula, Pinchos is all about sharing with the right company. With an impressive variety, vegans and vegetarians do not lose out. We particularly like the Tomatoes con Ajo, the Pinchos de Chorizo, the Costillas Ibericas and the Pinchos de Gambas con Jamon. As for drinks? Sangria, of course.
5 p.m.-12 p.m., every day
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All images from respective restaurants, unless otherwise noted
