Whether treating your special someone to a romantic dinner or catching up with a friend, here are some restaurants with good food and great settings that you can consider.
Klang Valley
The Hungry Tapir
The Hungry Tapir offers a wholly plant-based experience for diners, with an entirely vegan menu featuring a blend of local and Western dishes.
Gluten-free options are also available, as well as keto-friendly and onion and garlic free.
While some may be perturbed by the lack of meat, this doesn’t mean their grub doesn’t pack a punch.
Crowd favourites include Mama’s Satay, a hedgehog mushroom satay with homemade “kuah kacang” and the Pink Bombshell burger, which uses a beetroot patty rather than the traditional meat.
All the staff are fully vaccinated and conduct thorough sanitisation of all surfaces daily to ensure customers have the safest experience possible
The Hungry Tapir is a budget-friendly must, with prices ranging from RM30-RM40 per head for a main and a dessert.
Get there in time for Merdeka for 10% off all local favourites.
The Hungry Tapir (Serves alcohol)
135 (First Floor)
Jalan Petaling
Kuala Lumpur
Business hours: 10am – 9pm (Tuesday – Sunday)
Phone: 03-2022-2137
The Good Batch
The Good Batch has been feeding hungry customers in Petaling Jaya since 2013.
Dishing up Euro-Asian cuisine with a focus on central European dishes and local fare, the manager recommends the all-day breakfast options, such as the popular Ang Moh: The Good Batch’s take on a classic European fry-up.
For something closer to home, the Nasi Ayam Percik Klasik is a reliable option, or the Spicy Kimchi Mushroom fried rice.
Serving quality food for affordable prices, a meal at The Good Batch will cost you an estimated RM30-RM35 per head.
The Good Batch
No 53, Jalan SS 21/1a
Damansara Utama
Petaling Jaya
Busines hours: 9:00am-8:30pm (Daily)
Phone: 03-7733-2303
Penang
Mews Café
Mews Café, located in the Muntri Mews Hotel, is the picture of elegance with its white marble tabletops and Oriental crockery.
At night, the restaurant is lit up by strings of fairy lights that create the perfect romantic setting for couples eager to eat out after a long stretch of Zoom dates.
Don’t be fooled by the easygoing, kopitiam vibe – the restaurant serves local favourites as well as international cuisine far more sophisticated than your average kopitiam.
Manager Colin recommends the Mee Jawa, a favourite among regulars.
Their promotional menus run for two weeks at a time, and usually feature special dishes from around the global such as the Sri Lankan Curry Platter and the Morrocan Mezze.
Costing approximately RM25-RM30 per person, Mews Café is the ideal date night location for couples, friends, or family looking to catch up over some good food and even better vibes.
Mews Café
77 Muntri St
Georgetown
Penang
Business hours: 12pm – 9:00pm (Daily)
Phone: 04-263-512
Johor Bahru
Spice Grill
Spice Grill’s sleek modern interior is sure to impress – and that’s before even trying the food.
Their extensive menu is a range of Northern and Southern Indian favourites, as well as some international fare from the West.
There’s currently a 10% discount for those who dine in, so make sure to visit while it lasts.
Their Indian food is a must-try, with original recipes coming from India and prepared by their chefs hot from the kitchen daily.
Remy, the manager, suggests that first-timers sample the tandoori selection, particularly the masala flavoured ones.
The range of menu items caters to all price ranges and is a great option whether you’re looking for a high-end option or something more reasonable.
Spice Grill
Little Red Cube
Puteri Harbour
Johor Bahru
Business hours: 12pm – 9:30pm
Phone: 07-509-6644
Ipoh
Cuisines Restaurant
Surrounded by Ipoh’s lush greenery, you can your meal accompanied by the sounds of nature, or if you prefer, dine indoors.
A bar and restaurant, Cuisines serves an eclectic mix of Malaysian, Western and Mediterranean cuisine all under one roof.
On offer in August is the Merdeka set menu, with a complimentary cake on top of a range of local delights like the Lamb Rendang, Grilled Garoupa or Ginger Garlic Soy Salmon.
Cuisines Restaurant
The Haven All-Suite Resort
Jalan Haven Tambun
Ipoh
Business Hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm
Phone: 05-540-0010