April gives you plenty of reasons to step out, especially as the city’s appetite grows post-Ramadan. With fresh openings and new locations across Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya, this month has fusion delicacies, unique dishes, and different kinds of energy after dark.
From the Italian-American concept at Sabato’s KL to playful cocktail names at Bar None, the lineup moves between comfort and creativity. Each restaurant, café, and bar balances hearty classics with menus that keep things concise but considered, plus sharp, design-led spaces.
Esquire Malaysia covers what is new, and what you should order first.
Sabato’s rises into TRX’s skyline, set high on Level 25 of Kimpton Naluria KL. This restaurant brings a playful spin to the classic red-sauce joint, combining Italian-American comfort food with a nostalgic 1970s disco concept. It’s the perfect place for group dinners, with a lively dining room that leans into that retro mood without feeling too gimmicky.
The menu leads with bold, comforting plates. The grilled Malabar snapper comes tender and smoky, lifted by bright citrusy notes and a gentle heat. The Godfather’s Meatball is a rich and hearty dish, coated in a slow-cooked, indulgent sauce. Let the tender rigatoni pasta and fried squid finish the course, keeping the Mediterranean flavours rolling until the very last bite.
Craving some unique pizzas? This spot has you covered! Pizza Amane Tokyo stands out in the TTDI area for its bright orange building. Its interiors are just as fun as its slices, making it an Instagram-worthy pizza parlour. Founded by the 28-year-old entrepreneur from Japan, Shota brings a Japanese touch to Italian-style pizza, with a fusion-focused menu.
Named after one of the world’s top 10 pizza chefs, the Mr. Tamaki pizza is one of the classics you should try. For something more indulgent, meat lovers will enjoy the A5 Wagyu pizza, with tender meat melting into soft, doughy perfection. Another mouth-watering dish is the butter chicken masala pizza, layering creamy textures and aromatic Indian spices.
Blue Hour provides a slower kind of quiet for an intimate late-night dining experience. Tucked away in SS 2, this Japanese restaurant stays open until midnight, a no-brainer if you're looking for a solo dinner or date night spot. Built for just 20 seats, the minimalist space has a small counter that invites you to sit, eat, and slow down upon entering.
Noodle lovers will salivate upon ordering the Abura Soba, a brothless ramen loaded with umami and a punchy, savoury intensity. As that flavour lingers, try the Nikujyaga, a rice bowl full of meat and veggies, simmered to perfection. There’s always room for dessert, so indulge in the matcha pudding for a lightly bitter finish, topped with a fresh strawberry.
Framed by city views, Listen Hifi Café in Chow Kit centres itself around vinyl records, where minimalist interiors meet uninterrupted listening. The 90-minute vinyl session pulls you in so fully, your iced matcha barely stands a chance. Whether you’re settling in for a solo session or coming through with friends, this space is built for music lovers looking for an experience.
The pastries are just as tempting as those vinyl records, though. Start with the Belgian chocolate muffin, a quick treat that’s easy to nibble between tracks. For those with a sweet tooth, the fudgy brownies linger on the tongue with melting chocolate and a gooey texture. As we said earlier, matcha enthusiasts will be set with the lightly sweet Coconut Matcha Cloud.
Something new is baking in Bangsar, and it shows. Kenny Hills Bakers’ latest outpost will pull you in with a space that’s impossible to leave quickly, where early mornings stretch into slow afternoons over lunch and coffee. Sunlit corners and wood-heavy textures set the mood as you walk into a display of golden pastries. Plus, a wide variety of dishes on its menu.
Open the meal with the smoked duck scramble, duck slices glazed over a crisp dough. Try the handmade pie next, with slow-cooked oxtail stewed in roasted coffee. Then there’s the triple-stack smashburger, layered with molten cheddar in a tower of indulgence. For a caffeine hit, the Manzana Cruz offers an espresso blend that keeps you awake, with buttery caramel and warming spices.
Bread & Bakar lands at Kami Residence in Mont Kiara with a glasshouse aesthetic that’s bright and effortlessly inviting. From its high ceilings and industrial-style interiors, the new café feels open and airy. The owner, Sherry Bux, envisioned a place for casual breakfast, relaxed brunch, or even your next go-to workspace.
For a morning meal, try the Breakfast Platter, which arrives creamy and tangy, with yolk and hollandaise spilling into every mouthful. Meat enthusiasts should try the lamb kebab wrap next, with meltingly tender meat, bold spices, and crisp layers. Finish off with the warm and aromatic fumes of the maqluba rice, steaming with smoky aubergine and juicy chicken.
At Granule, the pace slows just enough to offer a quiet pause in the middle of a busy workday. This café is the perfect spot for office workers looking to grab a quick coffee or meal around the block. The minimalist space is brightened by natural light streaming through large windows, while the warm, earthy tones of the interiors create a cosy feeling.
The breakfast chicken chorizo muffin starts the day with spiced chicken and a sunnyside egg that seeps into every bite. Craving something sweet? The Kouign-Amann pastry has caramelised layers that are crisp on the outside and buttery within. For the caffeine addicts, the houjicha or tiramisu latte is warm and creamy, an ideal finish to any easygoing meal.
Four Siblings Bar & Lounge frames the city skyline on Level 26 of Kimpton Naluria KL. As you walk in, soft lighting and plush seating welcome you into warm and loungey interiors. The subtle presence of its four signature spices threads local flavours through every corner.
Try the Percik Chicken Tacos coated in a coconut-spiced sauce and wrapped in soft tortillas. Another standout plate is the citrus-cured Barramundi Umai, with ginger-laced heat and a crispy shell, featuring raw fish. Feeling thirsty during this heat wave? The Sip Happens cocktail blends Kopi-O, offering malty warmth that channels local coffee rituals.
Stepping into Liao Bu Qi is like wandering onto the set of a Wong Kar-wai film, but in Sri Hartamas. As you enter, low lighting is complemented by plush velvet seating and red curtains, enhancing the drama. This tapas bar and restaurant also features live music every Monday to Saturday from 7:30 pm, turning every visit into a sensory experience.
On the comforting side, the seafood miso dashi bowl layers umami with every fragrant bite of soy-laced rice. The soft and pillowy braised duck bao follows, each mouthful bursting with slow-cooked richness. Meanwhile, the cocktails are crafted with a touch of Chinese and Western Japanese flavours that sip seamlessly into the night, with curated whiskies as well.
Behind the glow of backlit bottles, Bar None teases you with cocktails that don’t play by the rules. The brainchild of Raz Ng and Ash, the bartending duo crafts alcoholic beverages that demand attention, sip after sip. As you enter, the emerald-green bar steals the show with an inviting counter. The space doesn’t take itself too seriously, and neither do the cocktails.
For something tangy and sweet, our Editor-in-Chief, Stuart Danker, favours Nevermind, a mix of citrus and tropical fruit that keeps the fun going. Sip on the Jungle Bird next, with its bittersweet balance of dark rum and caramelised pineapple. The Bone Apple Teeth, or should we say bon appétit, is light, fruity, and lands as the perfect closing note.
Esquire Malaysia
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