Restaurants in Bangsar (Kuala Lumpur)

Finnegan's

Customers will definitely feel at home at this cozy outlet. The manager is always on hand to help out, while the staff is very friendly and efficient. Finnegan's looks pretty much like an authentic Irish pub with a hint of elegance befitting the upmarket Bangsar crowd. There are little souvenirs from Ireland decorating the walls. Try Molly Malone's fish soup, Gaelic steak, Irish stew or Dublin Coddle. There is also a good selection of wine at reasonable prices.

Fei Fei Kopitiam

This kopitiam (coffee shop) is a better looking, cleaner and more comfortable version of the standard ones that you find in small towns. Occupying a spot in upmarket Bangsar area, this place distinguishes itself from the other eateries with its wooden tables and stools. Soothing Chinese music and memorabilia, like old clocks and antique wooden cupboards, create a nostalgic atmosphere. You can enjoy a variety of Chinese, Malay and Indian cuisine—all home-made style with simple presentation and reasonable prices. Sample the herbal and Chinese teas or the fresh soy bean drink.

Gas Works

Gas Works offers great fun and games and is a must for fast car lovers. Here you will find paraphernalia of fast cars, bikes and racing boats hanging on the walls and the waiters and waitresses are dressed in racing outfits. A large screen television screens all major racing events. The dishes here taste great and include deep fried Silverstone squid rings and Mutton Varual Schumacher. The bar serves a variety of spirits, wine and beer.

Bangsar Seafood Garden Restaurant

One of the oldest establishments in Bangsar, this restaurant is famous for its wide range of fresh seafood and its choice of lovely landscaped outdoor pavilion or spacious interiors. The restaurant has expanded to several outlets within one compound. The main restaurant is decorated with simple elegance, while The Hut has a tropical setting and the Claypot Corner offers alfresco dining. Depending on which outlet you choose, you can sample Chinese, clay-pot or seafood dishes and The signature dish of the main restaurant--Baked Crab in Butter Sauce--is delicious. Various soft drinks and beers are available. For an after-dinner drink, the beer garden is just the place.

La Bodega

This is a true Spanish tapas bar, one of the first and finest in Kuala Lumpur. La Bodega has traditional Spanish decor with 12-foot-high doors and terracotta floors. The walls are adorned with photographs of Spain in the 1950s and 1960s. A must for wine lovers, this outlet has one of the best wine lists in Kuala Lumpur, specializing in Spanish and South American wines. You can also savor some 30 types of traditional and contemporary tapas, either hot or cold.

Herbal Soup Shop

As the name suggests, this famous owner-operated establishment specializes in Chinese herbal soups that are supposed to put you in a better state of health. The decor is very simple, with dining sets of traditional rosewood tables and chairs. Calligraphy paintings adorn the walls. The menu lists the beneficial properties of the soup, making it easier for a "beginner" to choose. It also serves healthy home-made Chinese fare, ranging from vegetables to seafood. Chinese teas are also available.

The Talk

Moving away from the image of just a wine and cigar bar, this simple yet elegant nightspot doubles as a Japanese bistro. The interior is painted a light pastel green that is soothing to the eye and features large lounge chairs and small tables. Tables are also placed outside for those who love to sit and watch the busy streets of P Ramlee. This charming place serves a variety of sushi and other Japanese dishes as well as a great variety of wines. Some favourites on the menu include tempura, sashimi, sukiyaki and oden.

Bangsar Avenue Bistro

This is a three-in-one concept establishment that combines an alfresco terrace, a lounge area and a dance area. With an earthy color scheme, this place offers a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. For dance lovers, the funky dance area is spacious enough to boogie the night away. It also has a pool table and a dartboard for those who prefer less strenuous activities. The open-air terrace serves mouth-watering local favorites such as the claypot prawn rice and beef rendang (meat in thick spicy gravy), while the lounge area offers most standard alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Café Citron

Being a proprietor-run restaurant, this place simply exudes warmth and friendly service. It is also mercifully removed from the noise and throbbing nightlife of Bangsar Baru. Smallish though it may be, the unpretentious Café Citron is nearly always full—thanks to their great tasting food. Specialties include braised lamb shank, spaghetti with roast duck, Top Hats and the warm chocolate brownies. The dishes are creative, with some modification to the traditional Chinese favorites. The wine list presents the normal fare.

Alexis

Established in 1995, Alexis is a casual and comfortable place to dine. Service is not exactly "speedy", instead a more Bohemian approach prevails. Decoration is minimal with the brightest spot being the huge red ketupat (traditional Malay decoration) hanging on the wall. Overall, the place is casual and unpretentious. Although the menu changes regularly, specialties remain along with an emphasis on Asian and Italian fare. Favorites include the Sarawak laksa, beef lasagne, chicken rice and Alexis dips. The desserts are a must try and the freshly brewed coffee is simply wonderful.

Planter's Jim

The restaurant is a nice place without the usual cramped Bangsar atmosphere surrounding it. A wooden frame filled with intricate carvings of Thai girls, elephants and flowers at the entrance adds a rustic Asian feel to the place. The yellow-beige walls are covered with traditional Thai paintings and the subtle lighting provides a touch of class.There is almost every regional dish you could imagine on the menu and a few unknown dishes may prove to be impressive.

The Place

This is a restaurant where you can have it all under one roof. You can dine either in the natural outdoor Garden Terrace or in the chic indoor Bistro. The Pool and Sports Bar upstairs is perfect to unwind with a game of pool, football or darts or you can just sit back and relax at the Wine and Cigar Bar. Take your pick from the comprehensive menu ranging from Western to Asian fare. Favourite dishes include Smoked Salmon and Grilled Lamb. Freshly squeezed fruit juices are also available.