Romantic restaurants in KL
When it comes to spending quality time with our significant other over food, Malaysians often opt to go to aesthetically pleasing cafes – these offer up good food served in cosy spaces and are an upgrade from our usual hawker store or mamak. But if you’re looking for restaurants that’ll one-up your mealtime outings, these 20 romantic restaurants in KL will do the trick of impressing your partner on special date nights, including Valentine’s Day dinners.
They all boast romantic ambience that you’ll want to chuck aside slippers for dress shoes for.
Table of Contents
- Romantic restaurants in KL
- 1. Tenmasa
- 2. Bunglow37
- 3. The Chow Kit Kitchen & Bar
- 4. Mr Chew’s Chino Latino Bar
- 5. Gajaa at 8
- 6. Frangipaani
- 7. Bistro Richard
- 8. Rama V Thai Cuisine
- 9. Blackbyrd
- 10. Blonde
- 11. Portofino
- 12. Joloko
- 13. Tamarind Hill
- 14. Nero Nero
- 15. P8 Marina Waves Bistro
- 16. Skillet KL
- 17. Natalina
- 18. Cassis
- 19. Vertigo Too
- 20. Pampas Steakhouse
1. Tenmasa
A tempura bar with 10 seats
Image credit: @platinumpark_kl via Instagram
When it comes to romantic meals, an omakase dinner in the city checks all the boxes for one. Picture you and your SO brushing shoulders by a bar and indulging in good food in a dimly-lit restaurant. You’ll get that at Tenmasa, a Michelin-approved tempura bar in KL that’s perfectly intimate with just 10 seats at a bar.
Image credit: @platinumpark_kl via Instagram
Their Premium Kaiseki (RM398) is a 7-course meal that starts with appetisers, followed by tempura courses and a wagyu beef main. capped with a refreshing Japanese fruit and sorbet for desserts. If your date has dietary restrictions, they even have a Vegetarian Course (RM150) that keeps it simple but satisfying with tempura vegetables, a kakiage main, and seasonal fruit and ice cream to finish.
Address: Menara Felda, Persiaran KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm & 6pm-10.30pm (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: 03-2181 7732 | Tenmasa Instagram
2. Bunglow37
An European-inspired restaurant in a bungalow
Image credit: @wwh.foodie via Instagram
Bunglow37 looks charming even from the outside. This restaurant is housed in a refurbished heritage bungalow from the 1950s, with charming European-style decor inside its rooms and even an indoor courtyard garden.
If your date is up for it, you can opt to have your meal on an alfresco dining deck that overlooks the skyline of Bangsar.
Image adapted from: @hipsjer via Instagram
As for food, the restaurant serves European cuisine with a twist of Asian ingredients. They have 3-course dinner set meals (from RM85++/pax), with main options such as short ribs and pasta, and desserts like Japanese milk sorbet and salted caramel cookie cake.
Image credit: @simon2play via Instagram
Address: No.37, Jalan Abdullah, Off Jalan Bangsar, 59000, Kuala Lumpur, WPKL
Opening hours: Tue-Sun
Contact: Bunglow37 Instagram
3. The Chow Kit Kitchen & Bar
Contemporary dishes with a local flair
Image credit: @chowkitkitchenandbar via Instagram
As far as romantic restaurants in KL go, The Chow Kit Kitchen & Bar is definitely at the top of the list. Situated in the ultra glitzy The Chow Kit of Ormond Hotel in the heart of the city, the restaurant feels like a stylish apartment in Notting Hill, London, with its timber floors, gorgeously marbled tables, and tasteful artworks – it’s altogether an inviting space that feels snazzy yet intimate and cosy.
Image credit: @chowkitkitchenandbar via Instagram
Seamlessly pairing with the ambience is the delicious food creations offered, all specially crafted to celebrate the multiculturalism of Malaysian cuisine.
Decorated and served in a contemporary fashion are the Pegaga Salad (RM25), a refreshing starter of pegaga leaves, spicy dried shrimp serunding and tiger prawns. Another appetiser to try is the Bergedil Sumbat (RM25), with potatoes and minced beef encased in a deep-fried bean curd skin.
Image adapted from: @chowkitkitchenandbar via Instagram
For mains, the Daging Hitam Manis (RM60) is an exceptionally hearty dish of tender beef chunks stewed in Asian spiced sweet soya sauce, and Squid Sambal Petai (RM65), an aromatic comforting choice. The vegetable options include Terung Balado (RM22) – outrageously soft eggplants stir-fried in sambal – and Bendi Sambal Belacan (RM22) which is a familiar dish of stir-fried okra with crispy shallots.
Polish off the evening with Gula Melaka Indulgence (RM20) – a warm cinnamon-infused gula melaka cake served with rum and raisin ice cream – or the delightfully creamy Mustang King Custard (RM32) with berries, to gaze into your SO’s eyes with full hearts and stomachs.
Address: 1012, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Chow Kit, 50100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 7am-10.30pm, Daily
Contact: 03-2778 6688 | The Chow Kit Kitchen & Bar Instagram
4. Mr Chew’s Chino Latino Bar
Hispanic restaurant with a sky view
Image credit: @mrchewchinolatino via Instagram
There are many reasons to fall in love with Mr Chew’s Chino Latino Bar. The chintzy-and-charming, vibrant-and-vivacious restaurant is located at Troika Sky Dining in KLCC, and it serves Latin-American spread – think straight to the point hearty Asian classics with Hispanic influences and punchy flavours. Best of all, you’ll get to enjoy both the eclectic ambience and the exceptional food with a striking birds-eye view of KL.
Image adapted from: @mrchewchinolatino via Instagram
There’s the Salmon Nori Taco (RM28) that has a tempura-coated seaweed skin as a taco shell, which clutches a medley of sushi rice, salmon belly, and salmon roe. Other delightful bites worth trying are the Foie Gras Bun (RM42), Crab Pancake Roll (RM32), and Korean Duck Fajitas (RM38).
They continue to set the bar high with their mains as well. The Crispy Skin Duck Confit (RM90) is wonderfully fried and exquisitely paired with tangy pickled ginger onions and Szechuan orange plum sauce, while the pan-seared Barramundi (RM75) is as flavourful as it is visually stunning with a perfectly charred fillet doused in spicy tamarind sauce and coconut cream.
Leave space in your tummy for some sweet finishes, including Banana Burrito (RM35), Black Sesame Churros (RM35), and Chrysanthemum Ice (RM30).
Address: Level 23A Tower B, The Troika, 19, Persiaran KLCC, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 6pm-12am, Daily
Contact: 03-2162 0886 | Mr Chew Chino Latino Bar Instagram
5. Gajaa at 8
Authentic Kerala cuisine
Image credit: Gajaa at 8
If you’re looking for a spot to spice up your budding relationship with your partner, Gajaa at 8 is the perfect place. Be enticed by the opulent restaurant that looks like a residence of royalties with draped curtains, and walls adorned with gold carvings and vivid illustrations.
Image credit: @gajaa8 via Instagram
Unsurprisingly, the food is beautifully decadent. If you’re mulling over the vast menu of Kerala dishes, we recommend starting with some taste teasers. The Vazhaipoo Vada (RM20), a tasty savoury fritter coated in ground banana blossoms, or the Paneer Story (RM25), a unique fried cheese dish served with a dash of chutney, are good ones to go with.
Make sure to order more than just two mains to properly dive into an exquisite dining experience here. The poultry ranges from chicken and mutton to seafood. The tongue-tingling spices of Kerala masala on sea-caught Prawn Kizhi (RM60) are great for seafood lovers, while the moreish lushness of the classic Butter Chicken (RM30) and Amma’s Mutton Curry (RM40) are dishes not to be missed if you prefer red meats.
Image adapted from: @gajaa8 via Instagram
The Thalassery Chicken Biryani (RM32) is an aromatic rice dish that makes for amazing vessels for the curries, or you could go for the yeasty carbs to soak up the spices such as Chapati (RM5) and Kerala Paratha (RM5).
Dig into some sweet treats with your significant other, such as the luscious Kulfi (RM15) – a luscious ice cream infused with pistachio, saffron, and cardamom – the crepe-like Sweet Appam (RM10) drizzled with coconut milk and palm sugar syrup, or the Trempette Crémeuse (RM20) which is a silky Cempedak mousse that tastes sublime.
Address: No. 8, Lrg Maarof, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12pm-2.30pm & 6pm-10pm, Daily
Contact: 03-2201 7369 | Gajaa at 8 Facebook
6. Frangipaani
Indian cuisine in a British colonial-era setting
Image credit: @ayusidek via Instagram
Indian street food from mamak and roadside stalls is something we all know and love. But at Frangipaani, you’ll get to feast on all the best hits set against the backdrop of a luxe restaurant with colonial-inspired architecture in The Republik, a hub of atas restaurants in KL.
Here, you’ll get to enjoy live piano music while feasting on paneers, curry, and biryani with your significant other.
Image credit: @frangipaani.kl via Instagram
Recommended dishes to order are Frangipaani’s signature Butter Chicken (RM38+) – boneless chicken in a buttery tomato gravy – and Lamb Galawati/Galouti Kabab (RM34+), or mutton meatballs on mini taftan bread.
Another option worth trying is Malabar Chicken Kurma with Ghee Rice (RM42+), which is fragrant South Indian kurma served with fluffy spiced rice. Find seafood mains here too, such as Goan Mango Red Fish Curry (RM38+), a traditional dish popular in the western state of Goa in India that cooks fish with mango and coconut milk.
For vegetarian-friendly dishes, Paneer Makhani (RM32+) is a classic Indian dish of cottage cheese, yoghurt cream, and cashew paste that goes well with any of their staples, including rice and flatbreads such as steamed basmati rice (RM8+), flaky Choor Choor Paratha (RM8+), or butter naan (RM5+).
Image adapted from: @mikey_wes via Instagram
Find a whole slew of beverages to choose from too, including mocktails, milkshakes, spiked milkshakes, handcrafted cocktails, coffee, and tea. To help you narrow the list down, start with their Mango Tango (RM17), a classic mango lassi of mango, Greek yoghurt, and fresh mint.
Indoor and outdoor seating at Frangipaani.
Image adapted from: Frangipaani via Facebook, @frangipaani.kl via Instagram
You’ll want to make reservations for a spot here, as the restaurant usually fills up with patrons on the weekends. Have your pick of indoor or outdoor seating while you’re at it, with the latter recommended during the evenings when the weather gets cooler as soft hanging lights will add to the romantic ambience.
Address: Lot No.M.03, Mezzanine Floor, The Republik, Jalan Medan Setia 1, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11.30am-3pm & 6pm-11pm, Daily
Contact: 03-2011 0030 | Frangipaani Facebook
7. Bistro Richard
Dine on Western mains by a scenic koi pond
Image credit: @vivichooi via Instagram
Bistro Richard serves Western mains from Sentul Park, a scenic park in KL. Its dining seats are located next to a koi pond so you get spectacular views of the garden with overgrown trees. Once night falls, the restaurant turns on fairy lights to add to the romantic ambience for patrons here.
Image adapted from: Bistro Richard at Sentul Park via Facebook, @bistrorichard via Instagram
Here, you’ll get to dine on classic French food that includes Escargots (RM28) – edible land snails baked with garlic butter – and Coq Au Vin (RM38) – chicken braised with red wine, served with a rich gravy with bacon, onions, and broccoli.
Image adapted from: @bistrorichard via Instagram
Other mains include options of chicken, duck, and fish. If you’re sticking to classic Western dishes, there’s Italian pasta too, such as Penne Bolognese (RM25), with minced beef in a classic bolognese sauce, and Fettucini Carbonara (RM25).
As Sentul Park gets quiet once night comes around, you can easily snag a free parking spot and not have to worry about keeping bae waiting.
Address: Lot 268, Jalan Strachan Off Jalan Ipoh, 51100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tue-Fri 5pm-11pm | Sat & Sun 12pm-11pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 012-225 8877 | Bistro Richard Instagram
8. Rama V Thai Cuisine
Authentic Thai food with private rooms for couples
Image credit: @ramav.fine.thai.cuisine via Instagram
Rama V Thai Cuisine will convince you that fine dining is not a term reserved solely for Western food, as you get to dine on authentic Thai food served in a space with luxe furnishings. The restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing a serene pond and wooden houses reminiscent of kalae houses, or traditional houses from Thailand.
These houses don’t just add an authentic flair to your dining experience here, you can rent them at additional cost for private dining and events. If you’re planning something extra special for your SO, there’s a Couple Room (RM100++) for more privacy.
Snap shots with the chalets as backdrops before or after your meal. The romantic space has also attracted couples to hold their wedding photoshoots here.
Image adapted from: @ramav.fine.thai.cuisine via Instagram, @afnanomar via Instagram
Eye-pleasing decor aside, their food doesn’t disappoint. The Ayutthaya Platter (RM59.90) is the star of the menu, as it rounds up the restaurant’s best-selling appetisers on a single platter. It includes Thai street food and local delicacies such as Tod Mun Pla, fish cakes with red curry paste, and Kai Satay, chicken satay, that you can share between 2 and 4 people.
Image credit: @ramav.fine.thai.cuisine via Instagram
For something a little lighter to start your meal with, go for their Spicy Tom Yam Soup, a well-loved option that you can get with chicken (RM19) or prawn (RM22). Or opt for salads, such as their refreshing Rama V Papaya Salad (RM17.90).
There’ll be mains of curry, chicken, beef, seafood, and whole fish to fill up on. Green Curry, with chicken (RM27.90) or beef (RM38.50), is a Thai classic of fragrant, mildly spicy curry. It goes well with sticky rice (RM5) or Steamed Thai Jasmine Rice (RM4).
Non-meat eaters will be glad to know that there’s an extensive vegetarian menu of appetisers, salads, soups, curry, and mains, such as Stir-fried Tofu with Sweet and Sour Sauce (RM20.50) and Vegetarian Pineapple Fried Rice (RM18) that’s served in a hollowed-out pineapple.
Image credit: @nina_hassan via Instagram
Note that Rama V has a dress code, which means that slippers and shorts are not allowed. Valet parking services are also available for a small fee of RM5.
Address: No. 5, Jalan U-Thant, 55000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12pm-3pm & 6pm-10pm, Daily
Contact: 011-7258 6110 | Rama V Instagram
9. Blackbyrd
Gorge on Asian fusion cuisine while enjoying views of KLCC
Image credit: @blackbyrd.kl via Instagram
For splendid night views of the city – KLCC and KL Tower included – while you’re dining, head to Blackbyrd. This restaurant is located on the 50th floor of Naza Tower, serving Asian fusion and Indonesian cuisine alongside stunning views of the towering buildings, and breathtaking mountain views, all from their dining area.
Image adapted from: @blackbyrd.kl via Instagram
Putting a twist on Indonesian-style food most of us are familiar with, there are fusion dishes such as Honey Wasabi Glazed Salmon (RM70) and Lobster Nasi Goreng (RM58) with fresh seafood elevating a typical local nasi goreng dish. There are also dishes from other cuisines, such as Lamb Shank (RM82) with Thai red curry, and Unagi Japanese Rice (RM58) with grilled unagi and salmon over fluffy rice.
Image credit: @blackbyrd.kl via Instagram
Side dishes to try include their customer-favourite Crispy Nori Crunch (RM30), with spicy salmon, salmon roe, and parmesan cheese served over tempura nori seaweed. You’ll also find local and Indonesian staples of satay, but with a twist, such as Angus Beef Satay (RM48) and Duck Satay (RM42), both served with peanut sauce.
Finish off your meal with their Es Cendol Waffle (RM18) – a recommended dish here that serves pandan waffles with fresh jackfruit, cendol, and a scoop of coconut gelato. Other dessert choices include Kaffir Lime Panna Cotta (RM28) and Cold Lemon Cheese Souffle (RM32).
Address: Level 50, Naza Tower, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon & Tue 12pm-10pm | Wed – Sun 12pm-12am
Contact: 012-689 8576 | Blackbyrd Facebook
10. Blonde
Brunch specials & high tea at a retro restaurant
Image credit: Blonde via Facebook
Who says romantic dates are only reserved for the evenings and weekends? Consider treating bae to brunch at Blonde, a chic restaurant serving Australian-style breakfast menu items from 9.30am-4pm.
Image credit: Blonde via Facebook
Among their menu items, which also boasts vegan and vegetarian-friendly dishes too, is their must-try Freshly Baked Dutch-Style Pancake (RM28). It’s a Dutch Baby pancake that’s baked to achieve its puffy edges. Toppings of seasonal berries, mutiara figs, pistachio, fresh cream, and a side of maple syrup makes it a treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Freshly Baked Dutch-Style Pancake.
Image credit: @blonde.byseraigroup via Instagram
Other brunch specials you’ll see on their menu are Poached Eggs on French brioche with hollandaise sauce (RM39), and Scrambled eggs, smoked salmon trout, and avocado over sourdough toast (RM35).
If you do drop by Blonde for dinner, they also serve small plates, salads, pastas, pizzas, burgers, and mains from 11am to their closing time at 10pm. Their standouts are Squid Ink Spaghetti (RM42) served with scallops and blue swimmer crab meat, and BBQ Chilli Lamb Belly Kebab (RM55) that’s served with rice, caramelised onions, and spiced yoghurt.
Image adapted from: Blonde via Facebook
Address: G.03A, The Republik, Jalan Medan Setia, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10.30am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 03-2011 6070 | Blonde Instagram
11. Portofino
Homemade pasta in a chic Italian restaurant
Image credit: @portofino.my via Instagram
Portofino is an Italian restaurant that makes all their pastas from scratch. It has 2 chic locations in Bangsar in Lucky Garden and The Sphere. Their menu is made for lovers of Italian cuisine – you’ll get bruschetta, soups, salads, appetisers, and fritti to start off your meal, as well as pastas, risotto, pizzas, burgers, and grilled meats for mains.
Image adapted from: @portofino.my via Instagram, @portofino.my via Instagram
Their must-try handmade pasta includes Ricotta & Spinach Ravioli (RM44) – ravioli stuffed with fresh spinach and ricotta cheese – and Four Cheese Gnocchi (RM44) – potato gnocchi doused in creamy four cheese sauce. If you do opt for pizza instead, there are interesting ones of Burrata Pizza (RM48), Truffle Pizza (RM46), and Parmigiana Pizza (RM42) to one-up your usual fast food pizza order.
Aside from their plethora of delectable carb options, there are mains such as Grilled Sea Bass Fillet (RM48) and Braised Lamb Shank (RM88) too.
Image credit: @curiousbudsmalaysia via Instagram
Finish off your meal with classic Italian desserts, including Tiramisu (RM26) which gets served in a cup, and Chocolate & Vanilla Gelato (RM28) for a refreshing palate cleanser.
Portofino @ The Sphere
Address: No. 1, Avenue 1, The Sphere, Bangsar South City, Jalan Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10am-11pm, Daily
Contact: 016-697 9741 | Portofino website | Instagram
12. Joloko
Caribbean food in a hip, tropical resto-bar
Image credit: JOLOKO via Facebook
If spending quality time at a trendy restaurant is something you and your partner consider ideal for date nights, drop by Joloko. This Caribbean restaurant–cum–bar is housed in a pre-war building bursting with character – from its pale pastel decor to brick accent walls, and terrazzo tables, to booth-style seats. There’s even an open glass roof so you can dine under the night sky but remain sheltered from the weather elements.
There’s a 2nd storey with even more cosy seats, and plenty of photographable spots to snap photos with your SO at.
Image adapted from: @letsglobebabe, @lookagainaisha via Instagram
Their menu is a highlight for those wanting a change of scene from Western food for fancy dinners too. Made up of Caribbean-style dishes that come in portions big enough to satisfy 2 people, you’ll find interesting dishes of Grilled Goat Ribs (RM50) and Jamaican Jerk Chicken with Mango Relish (RM68), a juicy and slightly spicy grilled chicken that’s a customer favourite.
Image adapted from: @eatwkarmen, @travelxbites via Instagram
Dips such as hummus and chimichurri play a big part in Caribbean cuisine, which is why there are plenty of options of dips here. Deep Fried Spiced Broccoli With Chimichurri Mayo (RM15) and Guava Glazed Prawn Tostadas (RM38) are good ones to go with to start off your meal.
Image credit: @melxeats via Instagram
The desserts are just as interesting here, with Joloko Chili Cheesecake 2.0 (RM20) a slice of baked cheesecake with mango and ghost pepper, topped with cayenne pepper a must-try for those with more adventurous taste buds.
Pair your meal with interesting alcohol options, such as mezcal, or alcohol made from agave, and tequilas popular in Mexico. The latter’s a highlight of the bar here. But for something a little less strong, go for the Woulinewa (RM34) – gin blended with coconut water and lime to get a refreshing beverage that pairs well with their selection of Caribbean dishes.
Address: 43, Jalan Kamunting, off Dang Wangi, 50300 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 5pm-1am | Sat & Sun 12pm-1am
Contact: 011 6426 2645 | Joloko website | Instagram
13. Tamarind Hill
Thai restaurant on a hill with romantic candlelit table arrangements
Image credit: Tamarind Hill, Kuala Lumpur via Facebook
Tamarind Hill is a spot well-known to KL-ites for special dinner nights, as their dining area set next to trees and a pond is a zen affair your busy-bee partner will appreciate after a long week. The restaurant has special table arrangements that you can get them to put up at an additional cost of RM110, so you get a table decked out with flower petals and candles.
You’ll have to climb up a flight of stairs to reach this restaurant, but the views you’ll get from the top of the hill is well worth it, as you’ll get to spot KL Tower from here.
Image adapted from: @elizaforr, @tamarindhill.kl via Instagram
Dine on Thai street food while here, with appetisers, salads, soups, mains, noodles, rice and desserts to choose from. Staples such as Chicken with Massaman Curry (RM48) and Pineapple Fried Rice (RM30), as well as Sauteed Squid with Salted Egg (RM50) and Red Tom Yum with Mixed Seafood (RM56), are some of the dishes served here.
For desserts, there’s Mango Sticky Rice (RM27) with slices of fresh mangoes to pair with fragrant sticky rice, and Thai Taro Pudding with Sago (RM25).
Image credit: Tamarind Hill, Kuala Lumpur via Facebook
You’ll need to make a reservation 48 hours prior if you’re planning on making special table arrangements at Tamarind Hill. To do so, click here.
Address: 19A, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm & 6pm-11pm | Sat 6pm-11pm (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: 03-2148 3200 | Tamarind Hill website
14. Nero Nero
Gourmet pizzas in a lavish European-style setting
Image credit: Nero Nero via Facebook
Another restaurant in KL that dishes up authentic Italian dining for their patrons is Nero Nero, located in Damansara City Mall. They specialise in freshly made pasta and gourmet pizzas presented by an Italian chef and his team. The restaurant’s lavish interior, which features an indoor fountain centrepiece in the European-style dining area, makes this spot a treat for the belly and eyes.
Image credit: @neronero.kl via Instagram
Start your meal off here with antipasti, or the first course of a fancy Italian meal. This includes Polpette di Melansane (RM35) – deep-fried eggplants generously stuffed with cheese, and topped with arrabbiata sauce – and sharing plates such as Burrata (RM52), with whole Italian burrata cheese served on a plate with crumbled bread, cherry tomatoes, and rocket leaves.
Image adapted from: @neronero.kl via Instagram
There are over over pasta dishes (from RM55), with different types of pastas – tortellini, ravioli, spaghetti, and gnocchi – served with a variety of fragrant sauces and proteins. For secondi, or main dish comprising proteins, there are whole chicken, steaks, duck, and seafood options, priced from RM65 a plate.
Address: L3-02, Jalan Damanlela, Damansara City Mall, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-10.30pm | Sun 12pm-3pm & 6pm-10pm
Contact: 019-667 4546 | Nero Nero website
15. P8 Marina Waves Bistro
Seafood platters & views of KL Tower
Image credit: PIER 12 Seafood Tavern at Old Malaya via Facebook
P8 Marina Waves Bistro, formerly Pier 12 Seafood Tavern, is housed in a quaint refurbished heritage building called Old Malaya on Lorong Raja Chulan. Patrons here can head up to the balcony of its dining area on the second floor to catch views of KL Tower, located just a stone’s throw away, while they dine here.
Image adapted from: @foodmsia via Instagram, @pier12seafoodtavern via Instagram
A treat for seafood lovers, this restaurant serves a wide variety of Asian and Western fusion mains with fish, prawns, crabs, and lobsters as the star of the menu for dinner.
There are classic ones such as Fish N Chips (RM42) and Seafood Marinara (RM44), to unique offerings of Tandoori Halibut Fillet (RM46) and Pan Seared Barramundi Fillet (RM46). Or fork out for the Seafood Medley (RM148), a platter comprising barramundi, squid, clams, and king prawns with rich beurre blanc sauce.
There are several sides to order with your meals here – Fried Mantou (RM6), Steam Rice (RM5), Roti Canai (RM6), and French Fries (RM14) included. You can also choose individual starters that are good to share, with Char Grilled Octopus (RM48) and Soft Shell Crab (RM38) just some of the options to find here.
Image credit: @pier12seafoodtavern via Instagram
Address: Lot 12, Old Malaya, Lorong Raja Chulan 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 5pm-12am | Sat & Sun 5pm-1am
Contact: 010-703 5405 | P8 Marina Waves Bistro Instagram
16. Skillet KL
A 3-course tasting menu
Image credit: Skillet KL via Facebook
Tucked away at Menara Hap Seng, the Michelin-selected Skillet KL is where romance meets culinary artistry. This cosy yet stylish bistronomy takes modern European cuisine to the next level, blending seasonal ingredients with bold, unexpected flavour pairings.
Image adapted from: Skillet KL via Facebook
For a truly unforgettable date night, Skillet has seasonal Degustation menus priced RM530/pax. The 3-course menu features starts with a series of amuse bouche, followed by melt-in-your-mouth Japanese wagyu striploin and dry-aged Cherry Valley duck cooked to perfection, and a dessert course to polish everything off.
Address: Lot 1-01, Level 1, Menara Hap Seng, 3, Jalan P. Ramlee 50250, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tue & Wed 6pm-10pm |Thu-Sun 12pm-3pm & 6pm-10pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 019-212 1240 | Skillet KL website | Facebook
17. Natalina
Fine-dining Italian restaurant with handmade pasta
Image credit: @natalinaitalian via Instagram
At Natalina, romance is served with a side of old-world Italian charm. The authentic Italian restaurant has a menu of antipasti, pasta, meat-focused mains, and pizzas all whipped up according to time-honoured recipes from Rome.
Spend the night twirling handmade pasta dishes with bae, with pasta options including Chitarrina Ai Frutti di Mare (RM73), each bite bursting with the sweet succulence of fresh lobster and tuna bottarga, and Rigatoni Alla Norcina (RM62) – al-dente rigatoni covered with minced lamb, mushrooms, and green peas in a creamy sauce.
Image adapted from: @natalinaitalian via Instagram
End your meal on a sweet note, with Italian staples like Classic Traditional Tiramisu (RM45) and Affogato Al Caramello (RM38) good for sharing with bae across the moonlit table.
Address: Lot 03-06, Avenue K, 156, Jalan Ampang, 50450, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12pm-10pm, Daily
Contact: 012-673 3860 | Natalina Italian Kitchen Facebook
18. Cassis
Classy seafood restaurant with meal course
Image credit: @cassis_kl via Instagram
CASSIS offers seafood lovers a menu that spotlights only the finest and freshest ingredients to delight the senses. Create unforgettable moments with your special someone by diving into their seafood-focused lunch and dinner meal courses (from RM88++/pax) that feature salmon, tiger prawns, and more.
Image credit: @cassis_kl via Instagram
Of course, no romantic evening is complete without a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth moment. The menu is rounded off with desserts such as Velvet Chocolate Lava – a rich, indulgent dessert to share with your favourite person.
Address: 1st Floor, 32A, Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad 2, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11.30am-3pm & 6.30pm-12am (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: 010-273 2619 | Cassis Facebook
19. Vertigo Too
Rooftop bar with an open view of the Petronas Twin Towers
Image credit: Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur via Facebook
Vertigo TOO, located a whopping 60 storeys high, is a stylish bar on the rooftop of KL’s Banyan Tree that boasts panoramic city views. You’ll have the perfect romantic backdrop of the glittering skyline while sipping on personalised cocktails crafted by expert mixologists.
Image credit: Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur via Facebook
As the city lights flicker below, indulge in sharing dishes such as the Korean-Style Chicken Popcorn (RM92) with a tangy, sesame-kissed kick or Satay Mortar (RM108) featuring juicy beef and chicken skewers, and let the city – and your bae – sweep you away.
These can be enjoyed alongside cocktails like the classic Cosmopolitan (RM57) and Gin Martini (RM60).
Address: Level 59, Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur, 2, Jalan Conlay, Vertigo, 50450, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 6pm-12am, Daily
Contact: 03-2113 1822 | Vertigo TOO Facebook
20. Pampas Steakhouse
A steakhouse set in a colonial building
Image credit: @pampasoldmalaya via Instagram
Set in a colonial building built in the 19th century, Pampas Steakhouse is an intimate fine-dining restaurant perfect for cosy date nights. They pride themselves on their perfectly cooked steaks for mains, with everything – tenderloin, sirloin, rib eye, short ribs, and shanks – served and priced by the gram.
Image credit: @pampasoldmalaya via Instagram
There are also selections of sides (RM20/each) like sautéed mushrooms and spinach, and pasta such as Linguine Lamb Meatballs (RM55) and Fettuccine Carbonara (RM48), to have with your order of protein.
Address: Old Malaya, 66-68, Jalan Raja Chulan, City Centre, 52200, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 5pm-11.30pm, Daily
Contact: 011-2367 4581 | Pampas Steakhouse Instagram
Romantic restaurants for date nights in KL
The next time you want to head out to a romantic dinner spot with your SO – or need a date spot for first dates – hit up one of these 15 restaurants in KL on this list. They’ll be a change of scene from your usual dinner joint, and you’ll get the chance to doll up and have a fancy night in the city while feasting on good food and spending quality time with someone special.
For more date ideas, check out:
Cover image adapted from: @blackbyrd.kl via Instagram, @mrchewchinolatino via Instagram, Tamarind Hill, Kuala Lumpur via Facebook
This article was first published on 3rd March 2021, and updated by Jia-ju on 31st January 2024. Last updated by Yusintha on 13th February 2025.