Well, if you’re looking for a restaurant that can please everybody at the table, head to D’Atas.
With a menu that offers everything from local favourites to Asian fusion and Western delights, you’ll be spoilt for choice here.
“Malaysians’ taste keeps evolving over the years, and that’s why we have to diversify our menu,” Ian Ong, founder and CEO of Uncle Don’s Restaurants (which D’Atas is under), told FMT Lifestyle.
Ong added that what sets D’Atas apart from Uncle Don’s is its environment and ambience.
Indeed, its cosy décor and warm lighting is welcoming and makes for just the perfect setting for an intimate meal with good friends or family.
“We also pride ourselves on providing good food and service,” Ong said, smiling.
Speaking of good service, long-time FMT readers might recognise the courteous outlet manager here, Alexander Maria Soosai.
After being laid off during the pandemic, Alexander, 60, worked a few jobs before joining D’Atas last year, serving customers with his signature smile and impeccable service.
“It’s been really nice working here, and I’m glad I can share my customer service skills with the staff.”
In fact, Alexander said some customers from his former workplace, Nicsmann 1940s, had become regulars at D’Atas. FMT Lifestyle tried out some of the restaurant’s offerings during a recent visit.
Among the best-sellers here is the Lamb de cordero. Pan-fried in olive oil and doused with balsamic vinegar, each morsel of lamb is nestled on a slice of baguette and topped with mozzarella, making for a flavourful appetiser.
For something heartier, dig into their kampung fried rice. With plenty of “wok hei”, the symphony of rice, chicken, anchovies and belacan crowned with an egg done sunny side up, is enough to make anyone sing.
Looking for pasta? Then give the aglio e olio smoked duck spaghetti a try. Tossed with olive oil, garlic and chilli flakes for a little heat, it’s a classic dish that checks all the boxes. The slices of smoked duck circling the pasta is a dish on its own, thanks to its generous portion.
Kimchi lovers should try the restaurant’s kimchi pizza. Arranged over a thin crust alongside mozzarella, tomatoes, onions and bell peppers, it’s a great blend of sour and spicy. While this vegetarian combination might not be to everyone’s liking, kimchi connoisseurs will very likely give it the thumbs up.
Don’t leave without dessert as the molten lava cake here is to die for. The bitter dark chocolate centre complements the sweet cake encasing it for a well-balanced dessert. When enjoyed with vanilla ice cream, you’ve got the perfect bite.
There’s also a variety of wine, gin, vodka and beers for those yearning for a relaxing drink with friends at the end of a long week. For non-alcohol drinkers, there are mocktails, juices, kombucha and hot drinks aplenty to choose from.
Hint: FMT Lifestyle would recommend the refreshing mocktail called Jayden’s Passion, a concoction of passionfruit puree, orange, cranberry and lemon juice.
“I’ve been in F&B for twenty years, and what I realised is there’s no end to learning when it comes to this industry,” Ong said.
“Hence, I’m glad that we are able to carve sort of a niche market for ourselves here. We plan to introduce cold cuts on the menu soon, which will go great with our selection of wine!”
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D’Atas Restaurant
108G, Jalan SS21/39 Damansara Utama
Petaling Jaya
47400 Selangor
Opening hours:
3pm-1am (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: 010-2481356