When it comes to date nights, those of us who have the fortune to be attached are often let down when the venue just isn’t hitting. But don’t fret!
Whether it’s a damn good glass of wine, a steak with a perfect sear and temp, or even just the way the lights of KL shimmer from the windows, these restaurants are guaranteed to have the type of romantic vibes you can only find in movies.
1. TBC
From Tatler’s list of Best Restaurants in 2024, this contemporary European spot offers an environment that is downright gorgeous. Classy without being too extravagant, its interior is adorned with wood panel elements and red velvet seats. The food features modern and delectable twists at every turn.
Serving up course meals for lunch and dinner from RM128++, the menu options from the all-day menu are just as innovative and delicious.
We personally love the Japanese A5 Rump (RM285)—juicy and tender. With a glorious sear on the crust of the steak. Served with a beef cheek croquette and yuzu kosho chimichurri, the marriage of East and West has never been more harmonious.
Their uni options, for that pop of luxury, are often highly requested by seasoned diners. The Warm Uni Capellini is a fantastic take on what is often served cold, and the Uni Tartlets have the perfect blend of creamy, briny, and sweet.
They serve New World and Old World wines as well, with almost 40 wines to pick from. If you’re celebrating, go ahead and pop that French sparkling wine, you and your darling deserve it.
Address: 125, Jln Aminuddin Baki, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Closed on Mondays. Lunch: Thursday to Saturday, 12pm to 2:30pm
Dinner: Tuesday to Sunday, 6pm to 10:30pm
Halal status: Pork-free, serving alcohol
2. Sarastro KL by Millenium
An entry that’s as underrated as it is concealed, Sarastro KL is nestled quite cleverly behind a bookshelf. Though simple, it’s effective in creating mystique! Featuring Polar Express-esque booths perfect for intimate conversations in dim lighting, the 70s vibes of this spot are sure to impress. Serving up fusion tapas and other innovative mains, you can dine with a show as the live jazz band swings on. You can also catch a glimpse of the TRX tower from the windows, romanticnya~
A personal pick of ours is definitely the Norwegian Salmon (RM89). Too many times have we pierced a salmon steak and come away with dry bits of crumbling meat. This salmon steak, served with honey wasabi sauce, edamame and shiitake mushrooms for that Eastern funk, is pan-seared at medium-well temp. Glossy, tender flakes just melt in your mouth, offset by the skin that’s at a perfect crisp.
Cocktails here are also downright magical. Presentation is the name of the game, and expect a smoke show with a selection of their personally curated cocktails. The Millenium Spritz (RM55) is a sparkling wine-based cocktail (how atas!) with a hint of rum and a sweet floral lychee violet note. Certainly, a drink that will lead to heart eyes and giggles!
Address: 8th Floor, Tribeca Serviced Hotel, 215, Jln Imbi, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Closed on Sundays. Monday – Thursday, 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 12am. Friday, 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 1am
Halal status: Pork-free, serving alcohol
3. Luce Osteria Contemporanea
Housed in the 100-year-old Malaya Building in KL, Luce Osteria Contemporanea is a quaint little Italian spot that holds a rustic charm. Headed by Chef Paolo from Emilia-Romagna, Italy, the pizzeria has won awards for both Top 10 Pizzerias in Asia, and Top 50 Pizzerias in Asia. The upstairs dining area has glass roofing, allowing you to gaze up at the stars over glasses of wine.
Serving over 55 types of pizzas, the bestselling menu option is the La Maiala (RM54). Baked in an oven that goes up to 500°C with gloriously sweet San Marzano tomatoes from Emilia-Romagna, the toppings are allowed to shine. 5 unique porky cuts, each more savoury and unctuous than the next. Those gorgeous black spots on the crust? Those are a glowing endorsement of good pizza.
Also, their Il Gran Tagliere (RM132) is also a must-order item here, serving 2-3 pax and has 6 cold cuts imported from Italy and delicious pairings.
You can view their wine options from the various wine walls in the establishment. Their cocktails are very drinkable and perfect for beginner drinkers. The Aperol Spritz (RM44) comes with, of course, Aperol (an Italian bitter apéritif) and prosecco, a perfectly romantic and sippable marriage in our opinion.
Address: 10, Lorong Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Open daily, 12pm – 1am
Halal status: Non-halal
4. Cielo Rooftop – Dining and Lounge
Helmed by a female chef duo, Cielo Rooftop has a stunning view of both the TRX tower and KLCC from the upper deck. Rooftop dining anyone?
Don’t worry about the possible rain, as the rooftop also comes fitted with a protective rain cover. You can flirt the night away without worrying about the elements!
Gaining fame over their stunning steaks and seafood offerings, we were most impressed by their trio selection of international live oysters. Having tried them all, we are a bit disheartened—or rather, our wallets are disheartened—by how exponentially better the oyster gets as the prices increase.
The Irish Premium (RM48 for 3) has a salty and mineral-ly note. The Fin de Claire (RM68 for 3) is juicy and lingers in your mouth with an earthy coating of deliciousness. The big boy, Gallagher’s Special Premium (RM85) is plump enough to fill your mouth, and by god is it a heavenly experience.
An expansive list of wines, champagnes and liquor await you at Cielo. However, their signature cocktail The Birdie (RM52) has a gin infused with intense flavours of cardamom and blackberry. Shaken with sweet basil and cava, served in an adorable avian cocktail glass, any lady will fawn over this adorable and delectable offering.
Address: 23-01, 1D, Vida, 1D, Jalan Ceylon, Bukit Ceylon, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Sunday – Thursday, 6pm – 12am. Friday – Saturday, 6pm – 12:30pm
Halal status: Non-halal
5. Nero Nero
A lot of us wonder ‘Is it worth the hype?’ because the restaurant fills up within the first hour of opening. The simple answer, in this case, is yes! Nero Nero serves Southern Italian cuisine, and is helmed by Italian chef Marco Petriacci. But, keep in mind that this spot is so popular, reservations are required.
Anyone who’s a fan of Italian food has a fondness for bruschetta, and Nero Nero’s bruschetta (RM40) seriously shines. You get to taste two different flavours, one with buffalo straciatella and marinated cherry tomatoes, and one with truffle mushroom. It’s the perfect sharing starter.
And for dessert? The Torta Alla Citronella e Frutti di Bosco is a delicious homemade lemongrass tart, served with fresh forest fruits and ice cream. The harmonious notes of berries paired with the fragrance of the lemongrass create for a genuinely indulgent yet exciting foodie experience to share with your partner.
Address: L3 – 02, Jalan Damanlela Damansara City Mall, Pusat Bandar Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Open daily, 12pm – 10:30pm
Halal status: Pork-free, serving alcohol
Feeling flirty yet? This is your sign to book that reservation with your beloved and enjoy a classy, romantic night out!
You should also check out: Now you know about these 5 date night restaurants in KL that will definitely impress your partner
