New year, new resolutions, new food bucket list to complete. While we have our go-to favourite cafes to visit in the city, there are new (or old) and lesser known cafes to try for the year. So put on your good shoes and an empty stomach, because here are 23 best cafes in KL and PJ this year!
23 Best Cafes You Must Visit In KL & PJ 2023
1. Kenny Hills Bakers
Starting the list is none other than this popular spot for great pastries, good selection of breakfast and brunch menu as well as strong coffees. Kenny Hills Bakers is no doubt the go-to spot for many during the weekends for fuss-free, feel-good meals. Their peach strudel is a popular choice but our favourite is easily their big breakfast.
Kenny Hills Bakers
Link(s): Website | Facebook | Instagram
Status: Pork-free
2. Lola
Lola cafe is beautiful glasshouse cafe surrounded by greenery, serving amazing brunch food. A new kid on the block, it definitely doesn’t lacklustre with its Australian-style brunch with Middle Eastern touch to it. The carbonara is secretly our favourite thing here. Come by during the night for a whole different menu too!
Lola
Address: 2A, Jalan Bukit Kiara 1, Bukit Kiara, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Hours: (Daily) 8:30am – 10pm
Link(s): Instagram
Status: Muslim-owned eatery
3. Sunbather Cafe
Transport yourself to Japan at Sunbather Coffee where you get to dine in a minimalist interior decorated by its vibrant food and desserts. Its latest outlet at Chinatown, KL is already buzzing with people. Expanding from its signature gigantic sandos, you can now enjoy wholesome yoshuko meals like breakfast plates and even sizzling hambagu or kuro beef curry rice.
Sunbather Cafe
Address: 6, Ground Floor, Jalan Panggong, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Hours: (Tue – Fri) 10:30am-9:30pm, (Sat – Sun) 9:30am-9pm, Closed on Mondays
Status: Muslim-friendly, ingredients sourced from Halal suppliers
4. Bray
Next up, Bray Bakery specialises in homemade sourdough breads and pastries that are a must-visit for pastry lovers. Apart from special in-house baked pastries, you can also find specially curated brunch menus like Fried Masala Chicken, sandwiches and Lamb & Potato Gratin Pie.
Bray
Address: #G-02, Menara See Hoy Chan, 374, 50400 Kuala Lumpur
Hours: (Tue – Sun) 8am – 5pm, Closed on Mondays
Link(s): Website | Facebook | Instagram
Status: Pork-free & alcohol-free
5. Urban Artisan
Moving down the list is this spot that combines both of your favourite food together – waffles and ice cream. Urban Artisan is definitely where you can get crunchy egg waffles topped with massive scoops of ice cream, then sprinkled with classic crowd-favourite toppings.
Urban Artisan Desserts Cafe
Address: 34, Jalan Penguasa U1/53B, Temasya Glenmarie, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor
Hours: (Daily) 12pm – 10pm
Status: Muslim-friendly
6. VCR Stacks
A homegrown brand for one of the best coffees in town, you must definitely try VCR Stack for their delicious sandwiches as well. Don’t miss out on their Sourdough Waffle too that’s crunchy on the outside but moist on the inside. It’s the perfect breakfast spot.
VCR Stacks
Address: Unit 15-0-5 Shoplex, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Hours: (Daily) 8am – 5pm
Status: Pork-free & alcohol-free
7. BuTian Desserts Cafe
Started as from an online business by 3 sisters during the lockdown, BuTian Desserts finally opened its own full fledged cafe last year serving their signature low sugar desserts that make it even more addictive. From beautifully baked sandwich cookies to moist cakes using your favourite matcha, hojicha and genmaicha.
Bu Tian
Address: 16-1, Jalan Indrahana 1, Taman Indrahana, 58200 Kuala Lumpur
Hours: (Thu – Tue) 11am – 7pm, Closed Wed
Link(s): Website | Instagram | Facebook
Status: Pork-free
8. Softcloud Dessert Cafe
Who could say no to melt-in-your-mouth soufflé pancakes? Softcloud Dessert Cafe specialises in soufflé pancakes and they are probably one of the best in town. There are a huge variety of flavours to choose from, such as Matcha Adzuki Bean Soufflé Pancake, Mango Tango Soufflé Pancake and even Cocoa Tiramisu Soufflé Pancake.
Softcloud Dessert Cafe
Address: L1-03, VERVE SHOP, Jalan Kiara 5, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Hours: (Tue – Thu, Sun) 1pm – 10pm; (Fri & Sat) 1pm – 11pm, Closed Mon
Status: Pork-free & alcohol-free
9. Christine’s Bakery
Next up, this bagel heaven is no stranger to us. With 5 outlets in Klang Valley, indulge in all your favourite bagels of sweet, savoury or even both! These bigger than your mouth bagels are jam-packed with the best combo of flavours making each bite a sinful one. You can also find pastries, big breakfast, brunch menu and even pastas here.
Christine’s Bakery
Link(s): Website | Facebook | Instagram
Status: Pork-free & alcohol-free
10. Superfine
Superfine is ultimately what you would describe the food here. Nestled in PJ’s Seventeen Mall, you’ll be greeted to a wide array of Australian inspired dishes, like the Buttermilk Pancakes or even Three Cheese Grilled Sandwich. Drop by at night for some Neapolitan- style pizzas paired perfectly with craft beers.
Superfine
Address: 5a, Jalan 17/1, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Hours: (Daily) 10am – 9pm
Status: Non-Halal
11. Undisclosed Location
Moving on, this next spot definitely takes the cake for being a hidden gem. Undisclosed Location (literally its name) is located on the corner lot of Taman Rasa Sayang, PJ and they serve mean plates of Mexican-Malaysian food perfect for sharing (yes, portions are huge!). Come after dark for some alcoholic cakes and margarita to kick start the night.
Undisclosed Location
Address: 1, Jalan SS 4c/5, Taman Rasa Sayang, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Hours: (Mon – Thu) 11am – 6pm; (Fri – Sun) 11am – 11pm; Closed Tue
Link(s): Website | Facebook | Instagram
Status: Pork-free but serves alcohol
12. KLCG Confectionery & Bakery
Be prepared to have a strong whiff of freshly baked pastries and coffees as you walk into this 1898 colonial building in KL. What had started out as a go-to spot for cronuts, KLCG has now become the must-visit spot for baked goods. Their recent viral pastry – The Suprême is no doubt a hit amongst pastry lovers too!
KLCG Confectionery & Bakery
Address: 27, Jln Raja, Dataranf Merdeka, 50050 Kuala Lumpur.
Hours: (Wed – Mon) 9am – 6pm
Status: Pork-free, alcohol-free. Using halal-certified ingredients
13. Story Of ONO
Gaining traction the moment Story Of ONO opened its doors back in end of 2021, it’s no surprise as it is ‘The World’s First Specialty Coffee & Matcha Café’. Matcha lovers and coffee lovers can finally settle on which one’s the best by trying their Signature Matcha Espresso. Don’t forget to try their awesome sandos that matches perfectly with your drinks.
Story Of ONO
Address: 47, Jalan SS 2/30, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Hours: (Thu – Tue) 8am – 5pm, Closed Wed
Status: Pork-Free
14. Third Mile Rivercity
Situated right in the heart of Sentul, Third Mile Rivercity offers a charming and a cozy environment accompanied by Asian fusion dishes. Have a go at their unique Kimchi Tuna Melt, Pulled Beef Pasta and various fusion rice bowls. There’s even their own take of ‘Cham’ using espresso, black tea and condensed milk.
Third Mile Rivercity
Address: Lot G-17 Block G, Rivercity, Jln Sultan Azlan Shah, 51200 Kuala Lumpur
Hours: (Mon – Wed, Sun) 9am – 5:30pm; (Thu – Sat) 9am – 9pm
Status: Pork-free
15. Yellow Brick Road
Been at the cafe scene for a long time? Then this next one wouldn’t be a stranger to you. Moving into a brand new space at The Five @ KPD, Yellow Brick Road breathes new life into its revamped menu whilst still maintaining its yumminess. Dig into crowd-favourites like Very Berry French Toast and Pulled Beef Pancake Taco. Then, end it with their signature Tiramisu – trust us, you won’t regret this.
Yellow Brick Road
Address: Kompleks Pejabat Damansara, Lot A-GF-03, 5th Place @ The Five No.49, Kompleks Pejabat Damansara, Jalan Dungun, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur,
Hours: (Daily) 8am – 10pm, Kitchen closes from 5pm-6pm
Link(s): Website | Facebook | Instagram
Status: Pork-free but serves alcohol
16. Old Hands Cafeteria
What had started out as an MCO baby, Old Hands Cafeteria has blossomed tremendously over the year with several kiosks opening in the city. Run by an old Japanese couple, this homey spot is where you’ll find trays after trays of freshly baked Japanese pastries – from fluffy breads to Taiyaki (fish-shaped pastry) overflowing with read bean.
Old Hands Cafeteria
Address: 1-13 Glomac Centro, Lorong Masjid 1, Kampung Sungai Kayu Ara, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Hours: (Tue – Fri) 7:30am – 4pm; (Sat & Sun) 9am – 5pm; Closed Sun
Status: Muslim-friendly, Using halal-certified ingredients
17. 103 Coffee
How could we miss out a spot that gathers all the champion baristas under one roof? 103 Coffee is brewing more than just excellent coffees for all coffee enthusiasts. Definitely check out their food menu with a fusion of Korean-Japanese-Western, each exploding with flavours and dished out beautifully for the gram.
103 Coffee (Chow Kit)
Address: 9, Jalan Yap Ah Shak, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur
Hours: (Daily) 8am – 5:30pm
Status: Pork-free
18. Urban Daybreak
Making into the list is none other than this oldie but still much popular spot for brunch. Urban Daybreak in Bangsar still dishes out one of the best Fried Chicken Waffle in town. While the Jeremy’s Slippery Hotcakes and Baked Eggs come close to second for some much needed soul-comforting food during the weekends.
Urban daybreak
Address: 1, Jalan Telawi 5, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Hours: (Daily) 7:30am – 5:30pm
Status: Non-halal
19. Sugirl Desserts
The lockdown saw the rise of many home-bakers and online dessert shops, Sugirl Desserts is no doubt one of them. Serving local desserts with a modern twist, dessert lovers must certainly visit this spot for all your favourite desserts gathered under one roof. The Rainbow Pulut is undoubtedly a must-try here.
Sugirl Desserts
Address: No 1-15, Glomac Centro, Lorong Masjid 1, Kampung Sungai Kayu Ara, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Hours: (Daily) 12pm – 10pm
Status: In process of halal cert
20. Beam Cafe
Located in an industrial neighbourhood is this oldie but a goodie as BEAM continues to have a strong presence for good brunch food and even better coffee. Be welcomed by strong coffee bean aroma as they roast their own beans in the same space. No doubt, their coffees are a must-try here. Other than that, dig in to their fragrant Nasi Lemak or fuss-free cheese-filled grilled panini.
Beam Cafe
Address: 25, Jalan Gangsa SD 5/3b, Bandar Sri Damansara, 52200 Kuala Lumpur
Hours: (Wed – Mon) 9:30am – 5pm, Closed Tue
Status: Pork-free & alcohol-free
21. Spacegrey
Moving to more futuristic setup is none other than Spacegrey at floralreef. Hidden inside of a florist, this spot boasts more than just an instagrammable modern Tokyo vibes, but also its lip-smacking food and beverages. Although their menu is pretty limited but rest assured, you’ll be coming back for their huge Daifuku, sea salt matcha cookies and matcha drinks.
Spacegrey at floralreef
Address: 149a, Jalan SS 2/24, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Hours: (Wed – Mon) 10:30am – 5:30pm | Closed Tue
Link(s): Instagram
Status: Pork-free
22. Fox Paradox
Besides that, you should definitely head on over to this cafe in Ampang, KL for some soul-comforting and hearty fusion brunch and breakfast food. The Venetian Slow Cooked Lamb Pasta and Prawn Brioche Roll are a must-try here. Hojicha lovers will like it here as they have a handful of hojicha desserts and even coffee!
Address: G02-G03 The Grange, 218, Jln Ampang, 55000 Kuala Lumpur
Hours: (Daily) 8am – 6pm
Status: Pork-free & alcohol-free
23. Dou Dou Bake
Last but certainly not least, is this designer bakery cafe that is undoubtedly a crowd-favourite spot in PJ. A green oasis in the middle of old shoplots, Dou Dou Bake has proven that no one can resist handcrafted baked goods and amazing coffees.
Dou Dou Bake
Address: 38, Jalan SS 4c/5, Taman Rasa Sayang, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Hours: (Daily) 7:30am – 6pm | (Fri – Sun) 6pm – 11pm for Dinner, Desserts & Wine
Status: Pork-free
How Many Cafes In KL & PJ Have You Visited In This List?
Go on and tag your foodie friends in the comments down below! Cafe hopping just got a whole lot more fun and interesting. Also let us know which other cafes should we try out too and are a must-visit! Have fun and happy new year foodies.
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