7 Malaysian Restaurants So New, Foodies Are Keeping Them Secret — Until Now!

As the calendar turns, Malaysia’s dining scene is buzzing with fresh concepts and bold ideas. From rooftop sanctuaries to intimate kitchens, these new openings aren’t just about food — they’re about stories, craft, and community. Here’s your guide to seven standout spots, complete with what to order and why they deserve a place on your list.

From left to right:

YELLOW FIN HORSE @ ELSE HOTEL
After years in Michelin-starred kitchens such as Robuchon au Dôme and Narisawa, Chef Jun Wong returns home with a clear vision: elemental cooking. Expect dishes centred on primal techniques—open flames, curing and fermenting—served in a space that feels more like a stylish apartment than a traditional restaurant. Think Mediterranean-inspired plates, natural wines and curated vinyl nights for a soulful, atmospheric dining experience. Must-orders include the labneh with salted plums, burnt butter hummus and grilled fish with pickled vegetables, with an indicative budget of RM200–350 per person depending on shared plates and drinks.

ONE BRICK DROP @ DAMAI ROAD
Set in a former Laos Embassy bungalow, One Brick Drop is more than just a restaurant—it’s a cultural hub that hosts craft markets, creative collaborations and community-driven events. The cuisine leans Japanese with a modern, indulgent twist, featuring standout dishes such as uni pasta, ikura pesto risotto and engawa claypot rice, all crafted to match the venue’s effortlessly stylish atmosphere. Must-orders include the uni pasta, ikura pesto risotto and engawa claypot rice, with an indicative budget of RM120–250 per person.

From left to right:

MERAKI DINING @ SECTION 17
Born from a pandemic-era private dining concept, Meraki has evolved into a warm, greenery-filled space where Chefs LC and Kumar craft dishes that celebrate local flavours through contemporary technique— comfort food elevated without ever losing its soul. Signature plates such as the Chicken Rice Risotto, Laksa Panjang Vongole Basah and Chilled Somen with ulam tempura reflect their thoughtful approach, with an indicative budget of RM90–180 per person.

FIEL BY KAY’S @ KLGCC MALL, BUKIT KIARA
From the team behind Kay’s Steak & Lobster comes Fiel, a modern grillhouse dedicated to the art of charcoal cooking. Here, premium cuts are kissed by mangrove wood smoke, seafood is grilled to perfection and even the drinks experiment with fermentation for added depth. Must-orders include the koji-aged Hanwoo oyster blade with yuzu hollandaise, flame-kissed seafood and the house-fermented tepache, with an indicative budget of RM150–350 per person.

From left to right:

GAIA’S KL @ LEVEL 37, ILHAM TOWER
Gaia’s pays homage to Northern Malaysian traditions and Thai influences, weaving history and regional flavours into every dish. Set high above the city, it offers a dining experience that feels both grounded in heritage and beautifully refined. Must-orders include the seasonal rice-forward sharing plates and traded-spice broths, with an indicative budget of RM150–280 per person.

ZAATARU @ TTDI
Chef Joel Kirk and Ameer Alzalek unite two culinary worlds in a lively, hands-on dining concept where fusion is done right. Expect dishes like hummus with bonito, edamame falafel, and breads designed to be torn and shared, creating a communal, interactive experience. Must-orders include the picnic platter of Levantine dips, bonito hummus, grilled green olives with wasabi stems, edamame falafel, and fattoush, with an indicative budget of RM80–160 per person based on menu pricing.

UPPER HOUSE KL @ ROOFTOP, B HOTEL
Created by twin brothers Alex and Kelvin Cheah of KARLS Group, Upper House is a striking glasshouse perched above Petaling Street, offering sweeping views of Merdeka 118. Its menu elevates hawker classics with refined, share-friendly interpretations, while the cocktail list stands out with inventive signature creations. Mustorders include the Wagyu ox tongue on toast, butter fish with yuzu-soy and crispy chee cheong fun, with an indicative budget of RM120–220 per person based on recent menu prices.

So there you have it—seven of Malaysia’s freshest culinary hideaways that even the savviest foodies were keeping under wraps. From elevated hawker classics to smoky grillhouses and lush greenery-filled escapes, your taste buds are in for a serious adventure. Consider this your official VIP pass: now it’s your turn to sneak in, savour every bite, and maybe— just maybe—keep one or two of these gems your little secret too.