Restaurants in KL City Centre (Kuala Lumpur)

The Songket Lounge

Located in Hotel Istana, this cosy lounge overlooks the lush Kelantan garden. This is a great place to unwind after work or meet a few friends for drinks. If you are into some blues numbers, then the resident band would make your night. The band plays the blues, sentimental hits, commercial pop and slow rock numbers nightly except Sundays. Snacks are delicious and come in a wide variety. Spicy chicken wings, assorted finger sandwiches and calamari fritti are among the favorites. The bar also serves a variety of alcoholic beverages.

Hoca Coffee

Whether you like your coffee hot or cold, you will love it here. The tiny place is modern looking with metallic tables and chairs. The crowd is mixed—ladies—of—leisure during the day and young professionals at night. The café has a long list of gourmet coffee from around the world. The delicious ice blends are cheaper than most up-market coffee places. To go with your cuppa, try the popular banana leaf—wrapped Nasi Lemak (rice cooked with coconut milk and served with trimmings).

Manhattan Cafe & Lounge

Trendy and lively, this cafe and lounge is bright and colorful with an emphasis on bold oranges and greens. An impressive garden mural adorns the walls and a huge artificial tree can be found at the center, creating a truly outdoor feel. However, if you are in the mood for a dance, hop over to the lounge right next door. The cafe serves a diverse array of Western and local dishes. savor the robust taste of their Mushroom Chicken Breast or famous Beef Pepper Steak. An extensive alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage list is available.

Country Barn

This is a place where you can let your hair down and have some fun. The woody interior provides a rustic feel, highlighting the bygone age of cowboys and the Wild West. Unwind and groove to the lively country and western numbers played by the house band. Indeed, dancing is very much encouraged in this place, so make sure your feet are adorned with boots! Cowboy food is available and the unpretentious and hearty Western menu features favorites like Oregon Grilled Tiger Prawns and Fried Steak. Choose from either cold beverages or freshly brewed coffee to accompany your meal.

Rama V

A nice retreat from the endless traffic on the main road, Rama V is quiet and soothing. Once you enter the place, it feels as if the restaurant is afloat on a large pond of lotus blossoms. You have the choice of air-conditioned dining or alfresco. Here, you will find the age-old Thai flavors side by side with modern cooking. Everything has got to be at its best here, from the freshest of meat to vegetables and fruits. Their specialties include the crispy rice served with shrimp sauce, green curry chicken and seafood souffle. Fruit juices are absolutely refreshing.

Spring Garden

Spring Garden is located within the Crown Princess. The restaurant aims to provide an elegant and opulent atmosphere as it shows just that. The dark wood furniture goes well with its bright decoration. Here, you will also find car valet services. This restaurant serves Hunanese, Cantonese and Szechuanese cuisine. The blend between the various culinary disciplines creates some interesting dishes. Highly recommended is the steamed minced pigeon soup in a bamboo cup. The General Tso's Chicken is also one of their specials. Sample the refreshing and healthy herbal tea.

The Taj

The Taj is covered with wall-to-wall windows on one side of the restaurant, giving diners a panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur, while indoors, fine Indian artifacts and paintings adorn the place. Soothing traditional Indian music is always played in the background--providing a relaxing feel. Specialties are Tandoori Murgh, Khadai Murgh, Pomfret Masala and Palak Paneer. For starters, try the Tamater Shorba, which is creamy and tangy. The Tandoori chicken is a must-try too, while the tiger prawn is wonderfully good. Lassi (yogurt drink) is very refreshing and comes in many flavors.

Coliseum Cafe

Walk down the memory lane of Malaysia in the 1920s when you dine at the Coliseum Cafe & Hotel. Established in 1921, this cafe is one of the oldest in the country. The old furniture and decorative memorabilia, preserved from when it was first opened, creates a nostalgic feeling. The extensive menu, with more than 300 items to choose from, comprises both western and local fare. Popular dishes include the Baked Crabmeat and the selection of sizzling steaks. There is also a pub that serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails.

Santini Ristorante Italiano

If you yearn for authentic Italian food, head over to this stylish restaurant. Santini Ristorante Italiano's elegant yet cosy atmosphere is suitable for any romantic rendezvous. There is also a nightly classical music performance (except Mondays) by a quartet to add to the relaxing mood. The meals are presented beautifully, and the extensive menu includes everything from pizza to lobsters. Specialties include Garden Snail and Baby Octopus. Do not leave this place until you have tried some of their desserts. There is an impressive wine list, and hot lattes are another favorite.

Chakri Palace

Pay a visit to this wonderful Thai restaurant for an exotic culinary adventure. Intricately carved wooden decorations on the wall and various paraphernalia from Thailand offer a touch of elegance and mystery to this stylish eatery. All the menu options provide a choice of plain, fried or pineapple rice. This is a place that gives you control over the level of spiciness on Tom Yam Soups, whether that be mild, medium or original spicy. The house specialties, Tom Yam and Tom Kha Gai Chakri are very popular. The fruit juices are a must.

House of Sundanese Food

This famous restaurant serves authentic halal Indonesian cuisine. It is a good place for either a quick meal or leisurely family outings, due to its reasonable price, healthy portions and the availability of children's meals. The dark wood table and chairs and soft lighting give the place an elegant look. The menu offers mostly spicy items--one of its specialities is seafood, which includes the crispy Ikan Nila Goreng (fried Sundanese fish). For something lighter try Taupok Goreng Isi (fried bean-curd skin filled with scallops, prawn and mushrooms). Fresh fruit juices are a must.

Wasabi Bistro

Wasabi Bistro at a glance gives an impression of being a modern eatery targeted at the multinational guests of Mandarin Oriental. Although this place serves Japanese cuisine, it is done with a western touch to it. Chef Yugo Saito makes use of the best available ingredients, to bring out original flavors. One can find a unique list of preparations, each as tasty and sumptuous as the other. Enjoy a fusion cuisine in a subtle and impressive ambiance.