May introduces another strong lineup of new dining spots across Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya. Local restaurants, chefs, and founders continue to reinterpret familiar flavours through distinct creative directions. Emerging spaces are being shaped by unique dining concepts, including 40 varieties of cheese, intimate coffee sessions, and open-fire cooking. From the breathtaking skyline views at Puncak Alop to the inventive cocktails at Potions KL and Bar Gaya, Esquire Malaysia covers what is new and what you should order first.
Fromage reminds one of being in an authentic Parisian cheese shop, but in Bangsar. It’s more of a fromagerie than a retail store, owned and operated by three Frenchmen. The small counter offers a leisurely way to taste cheese the European way, with careful slicing.
The curated boutique offers a cut-to-order tasting experience, so guests can enjoy a wide selection of sliced cheeses. This includes the Brie de Meaux, known for its deeply earthy flavour, or the nutty and hard Comté. The Roquefort will tantalise your taste buds with its rich blue cheese flavour. Pair all these delights with some charcuterie and artisanal bread for an elevated take-home treat.
Combining lived-in comfort with coffee culture, Lazy Couch exudes a cosy, homely aesthetic. Thoughtfully designed by Playmaker Studio, this café features plush furnishings, diffused lighting, and soft seating. It’s the kind of place you end up staying longer than you intended, complete with a laid-back atmosphere and a casual living room feel.
Treat yourself to the aglio shrimp tartine, featuring briny bites of prawn on crisp sourdough with a garlicky hit. For a more filling dish, the country sourdough, layered with BBQ chicken, is a must-try. To end your meal, indulge in the Black Forest dessert cup for a sweet close or the yuzu matcha cake, which balances bright citrus notes with a gentle green-tea bitterness.
Pop’s Eatery opens its latest outlet in Chow Kit, centred around Malaysian comfort food. Alongside its soul-filling menu, the minimalist interiors carry a subtle industrial edge. Large windows bathe the space in natural light, with morning patrons often basking in a warmth that fills the room, the stomach, and the soul.
To begin, try the breakfast burrito, perfectly wrapped in soft eggs with a hint of garlic. For a more satisfying lunch, opt for the country-fried chicken, served with tender boneless thighs, mushroom cream, and black pepper sauce. After a full meal, quench your thirst with a wide variety of beverages, including the classic vanilla milkshake or a refreshing mint verbena.
Located in Ilham Tower, experience a modern take on the classic sandwich stall at Sal’s. The open layout showcases the full sandwich-making process—from slicing to grilling to wrapping. The vibrant yellow seating anchors the dining area, creating a fun atmosphere.
The Hainanese kaya & French butter brings a comforting sweetness of pandan-infused butter toast. The smoked salmon & cream cheese sandwich offers a savoury bite that features rich, smoky fish. For a heartier option, try the all-day breakfast sub with a dense mouthful of soft egg and housemade beef sausage. Don’t forget to satisfy your sweet tooth with the matcha cheesecake, along with a refreshing mango latte or hojicha strawberry.
El Cerdo has been delighting diners since 2005 and has now reopened with a new outlet in Changkat. Wrapped in warm and well-lit interiors, this Spanish pork restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere that’s perfect for group dinners and hearty meals. It’s known for its nose-to-tail ethos with plates such as cochinillo, premium Ibérico cuts, and charcuterie.
The signature Ibérico spare ribs are a must-try for any meat lover because they're savoured in fat. That richness continues into the El Cerdo pasta, where spaghetti aglio olio meets crispy serrano ham. The Guinness Ibérico ribs are almost bittersweet in flavour, thanks to their slow-cooked, stout-and-tender pork. Feeling a bit parched? Drink some fresh, cold-pressed juices, including citrusy blends like the Immunity and Anti-Inflammatory.
Located in KLGCC Mall, Fiel Charcoal Grillhouse offers a dining experience centred around fire. Designed by Syarawi Architect, the tiered amphitheatre-style space allows diners to witness the grill in action through the open-kitchen concept. The menu focuses on contemporary charcoal-grilled dishes, featuring premium meats and seafood.
Start with the chicken-skin cracker, which provides a light crunch. For the mains, the grilled koji-aged ribeye is beautifully marbled with smoky, charred edges. It pairs well with the aged duck breast, enhanced by a sweet-and-sour tamarind-and-plum sauce. Try the matcha latte to refresh the palate, or opt for the sparkling passion fruit for a burst of bright citrus notes.
Puncak Alop feels like a serene hilltop getaway hidden in Ampang Jaya, where sunset views stretch across the KL skyline. The menu blends local Malaysian favourites and Western comfort dishes. Beyond its dining space, this eco-tourism spot features a caravan park and stopovers for cyclists or hikers.
For a quintessential local experience, try the Puncak Hauz Nasi Lemak, offering fragrant rice infused with soy-garlic notes. Beef lovers can’t miss the smash black angus burger, where each bite reveals a crispy, caramelised exterior paired with a smoky patty. After enjoying the views, indulge in the coconut gula Melaka latte or Lychee Rose Blush for a sweet drink.
Nestled in Bangsar, Bar Gaya is a charming bar designed by David Hans. The cosy setting and laid-back ambience welcome casual walk-ins. With a menu inspired by Malaysian flavours, the beverages include local cocktails, refined highballs, and spirit-forward pours.
In this heat, the Eastern Poem refreshes the palate with a cool herbal lift, where ginseng and Pei Pa Koa come together to create a pleasantly sweet experience. Take a nostalgic turn with Balik Pulau, where nutmeg is softened by creamy undertones. This leads into the Grasshopper Pie, which closes out the selection with a velvety matcha finish that carries a subtle boozy note.
Hidden in GMBB, PELÍSKY is an art studio café that reflects the creativity of its Malaysian and Czech founders. Inside, you’ll find a sandwich shop that offers delicious pairings with whimsical drinks. The beverages move beyond the standard café territory, treating flavour combinations with the same playfulness as the art studio itself.
The menu features floral notes in the Bandung Dream, while the San Fran PB&J surprises with its nutty, jam-like complexity. Pujaan Ha-Tea balances fruit with tea, starting bright and sparkling before settling into a gentle bitterness. For coffee lovers, the Tonica Brasileiro cuts through with espresso, bitter citrus, and tonic fizz, making it the kind of drink that wakes you up halfway through a long conversation.
Potions KL is back, having returned after several years. This unique cocktail bar is just off Chinatown, offering beverages that look more like experimental concoctions. It operates more like a hidden laboratory in the city, with playful cocktail drinks and names to match.
The experience begins with I Love Satu Batang, where grapefruit gives way to the gentle sweetness of elderflower. The Happy Coca-Cola presents a warm spiced twist, while the Anti-Anti Social awakens the senses with ginger before melting into honeyed cream. Take on the Bitches Immunity Shot, which leaves a lingering nuttiness on the palate.
Esquire Malaysia
©2026, Heart Media Pte Ltd
