AlestraIn a city as diverse as Kuala Lumpur, you’re bound to come across some fantastic eateries, shopping options, outdoor activities and more. There’s just so much to see and do while you’re here that it can get a little overwhelming at times. One of the best ways you can relax and unwind is by settling down comfortably in any one of Kuala Lumpur’s trendiest and laid-back cafes scattered around. If you’re up for some good food and drink, just read on.
1. Acme Bar & Coffee
Image credit: Acme Bar & Coffee
You’re probably wondering whether the word “Acme” is misspelt. Well, it’s actually a Greek word that stands for “the best”. If you put those familiar words into play, it sounds like quite a bold declaration. Once you step into the establishment though, you’ll understand just how they live up to their name. Imagine plush seating, lots of natural light and soft jazzy tunes playing in the background. Look forward to a well-thought-out menu as well as some interesting seasonal offerings. If you’re just hankering for a drink, you won’t be disappointed. With a variety ranging from detox drinks to gourmet Tea Forte teas and selected wines to coffee (of course), you can get a drink to match any time of the day.
Opening Hours: Ranges from as early as 9.30am to as late as 1am (dependent on location)
Locations:
- Ground Floor, The Troika, Persiaran KLCC, 50450 Kuala Lumpur (03-2162 2288)
- Lot 3.100.00 Pavilion Elite, 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur (03-2110 6633)
- Bangsar Village 1, Jalan Telawi 1, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur (03-2283 6288)
- Lot No. T2-29a, Off Level T2, SkyAvenue, 69000 Genting Highlands (03-6101 2366)
Website: http://www.acmebar.coffee/
2. Feeka Coffee Roasters
Image credit: FEEKA Coffee Roasters
This cafe might not be as noticeable as some other more prominent ones, but as long as you spot the No Black Tie jazz club, you’ll find it right next door. If you’re looking for a spot that serves up a hearty breakfast as well as some great smelling coffee, you should check this out. Don’t expect a polished interior filled with shiny metal and polished wood. Instead, it’s beautifully decorated with mismatched furniture pieces, hanging light bulbs and lots of other wooden elements. Try their award-winning El Salvador AeroPressed specialty coffee and just sit back and relax the day away.
Opening Hours: 8am to 11pm
Location: 19, Jalan Mesui, off Jalan Nagasari, Kuala Lumpur (03-2110 4599)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/feekacoffeeroasters/
3. LOKL Coffee Co.
Image credit: LOKL Coffee Co.
Although the cafe’s initial claim to fame arose from its celebrity owner, Cheryl Samad, it was the delicious food and coffee that continued to pull in regulars. It shares a spot with the Backhome hostel and can be a little trickier to spot, but you’ll definitely find it worthwhile once you enter its air-conditioned embrace. Healthy food is definitely on the menu, with favourites such as the crisp peanut slaw and their very own handmade gelato. They also serve a range of both international and local coffee choices (a win for everyone) that you can enjoy.
Opening Hours: 8am to 6pm
Location: 30 Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, 50000 Kuala Lumpur (03-2072 1188)
Website: http://loklcoffee.com/
4. Lucy in the Sky Cafe
Image credit: Lucy in the Sky Cafe
This modest establishment tucked away on the fringe of Chinatown is worth a visit if you’re in the area. Look forward to a few hours of relaxation in their cosy shop as well as the ability to customise your own brunch platter. They promise to deliver healthy-as-possible cooking as well as organic ingredients (whenever they can), so you can rest assured and tuck in with lots of delicious bites. If you’re a fan of eggs, you’ll be glad to know that it’s one of their top orders: from eggs Benedict and poached eggs to scrambled eggs, sunny-side ups and over-easy.
Opening Hours: 8am to 6pm (Closed on Mondays)
Location: 167 Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, Kuala Lumpur (03-2022 1526)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/lucyintheskykl/
5. Antipodean Cafe
Image credit: Antipodean Cafe
Situated in the trendy area of Bangsar, this unassuming Spanish bistro reveals a warm façade made up of burnt orange tiles, Tuscan red walls and polished dark furniture. It’s a popular breakfast spot where regulars hang out and it boasts an extensive Asian and Western-style menu that’s bound to hit the spot. In fact, the brand has seen rapid growth over the years and you can visit their cafes in another three more locations. If you’re thinking of visiting over the weekend, be prepared to possibly wait for a table. The upside of waiting is that you can leisurely pore over your menu while looking at whatever else everyone is getting.
Opening Hours: Ranges from as early as 7.30am to 11pm (dependent on location)
Locations:
- No. 20, Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur (03-2282 0411)
- No. 207, Menara Tan and Tan, Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur (03-2161 0752)
- G37 & GK1, Ground Flr, Atria Shopping Gallery, Jalan SS22/23, Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya (03-7732 8594)
- GE-011(A), Ground Flr, Mid Valley Megamall, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur (03-2202 3411)
Website: https://antipodeancoffee.com/
6. The Red Beanbag
Image credit: The Red Beadbag
If you miss the taste of Melbourne food and coffee, this is the place to visit and remember. The atmosphere in the cafe is laid back and cooling with the walls and floors made of smooth grey concrete. Other than the usual hot and cold drinks in other similar establishments, the RBB also serves up a selection of cocktails, beer and wines. The head barista, Jason, definitely lives up to his title as Malaysia’s Barista Champion. Its relaxing vibe is suitable for meetups with friends and family or even if you just want to chill by yourself with a good read.
Opening Hours: 10am to 6pm (Monday to Thursday), 9.30am to 10pm (Friday to Sunday)
Location: A4-1-08, Solaris Dutamas, Kuala Lumpur (03-2633-5030)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/theredbeanbag/
7. PULP by Papa Palheta
Image credit: PULP by Papa Palheta
Residing within the premises of Art Printing Works, this stand-alone garage is the brainchild of the same people behind Chye Seng Huat and Nylon Cafe in Singapore. If you’re serious about your coffee, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to pay them a visit. Here, you can enjoy a modular coffee serving station that can open to allow customers to stand and watch the entire coffee making process. The baristas there are knowledgeable and can clue you in on anything related to coffee making.
Opening Hours: 7.30am to 10pm (Monday to Friday), 9am to 11pm (Saturday to Sunday)
Location: 29-01 Jalan Riong, Kuala Lumpur (03-2201 3650)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/PULPbyPapaPalheta/
8. Breadfruits Cafe
Image credit: Breadfruits Cafe
This popular cafe in Desa Sri Hartamas is known for their breakfast and brunch servings, so be prepared to wait. If you mind standing around in line, you can always drop by for dinner instead. Their star ingredient is Wild Honey and can be seen in a few dishes. Their cooking style can best be described as healthy and wholesome with just the right amount of carbohydrates, protein and fibre for a nutritious meal. Just a word of caution about the service as it can be on the slow side, so remember not to go there with your stomach growling.
Opening Hours: Ranges from as early as 8.30am to 10pm (dependent on location)
Location:
- 17, Jalan 26/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480, Kuala Lumpur (03-6201 0090)
- Lot G13, Ground Floor, Podium Block, Faber Towers, Taman Desa, 58100, Kuala Lumpur (03-7497 6915)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/BreadFruits.my/
9. Merchant’s Lane Kuala Lumpur
Image credit: Merchant’s Lane
Interested in sampling some handcrafted teas or coffee? This quiet stop in Chinatown is perfect for chilling and relaxing. If you’re looking forward to having a meal with your drink, you’ll be glad to know that they also serve fusion-styles brunches and desserts. It’s also a popular spot amongst the local youth due to its image-worthy interior. Think custom-made rattan furniture, exposed ceilings, wooden flooring and plenty of knick-knacks and plants. It’s located on the first floor so it can be a little hard to spot, but you can always look out for the stationery shop next to the Advance Tertiary College building.
Opening Hours: 11.30am to 10pm (Wednesday to Friday), 9.30am to 10pm (Saturday to Monday), Close on Tuesdays
Location: No, 150 Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur (03-2022 1736)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/merchantslane/
10. Green Tomato Cafe
Image credit: Green Tomato Cafe
Ever been to a cafe that also offers batik painting classes? Well, if you’ve always wanted to try your hand at this beautiful art form, just get on over to the Green Tomato Cafe. It’s very child-friendly so don’t hesitate to bring your little ones along for some fun and good food. This open-air gem can be a little hard to locate so do use a navigation app to avoid getting lost. The food is halal and fresh and there’s also plenty of homemade cakes and muffins to go along with your coffee or drink. For those who prefer some quiet, weekdays are your best bet. If you’re looking forward to participating in their batik workshop, you can always join on the weekends.
Opening Hours: 8am to 5pm
Location: 333, Persiaran Ritchie, Off Jalan Ritchie, 55000 Kuala Lumpur (012-2579 775)
Website: http://greentomatocafe.com.my/
