Travel Insider Malaysia

Photo: Dewakan

If there’s one thing Malaysians are truly proud of, it’s our food. After decades of hawker fare dominating the scene, Kuala Lumpur’s gastronomic landscape is undergoing a transformation – from beloved traditional dishes to modern, innovative creations presented like works of art. With the Michelin Guide now recognising the city’s top tables, KL’s fine dining scene is more determined than ever to take its place among Asia’s gourmet capitals. From elegant chef’s tables to refined takes on local comfort food, these seven Michelin-recognised restaurants are redefining what it means to eat well (luxuriously!) in Malaysia’s capital.

1. Dewakan

2 Michelin stars

With a kitchen helmed by Chef Darren Teoh, Dewakan is currently the only two-Michelin-starred and Michelin Green Star restaurant in Malaysia. Perched on the 48th floor with panoramic KLCC views, it serves inventive tasting menus using sustainably sourced, fermented and dry-aged local ingredients, with bespoke tableware by Malaysian artisans.

2. Beta KL

Michelin selected

Tucked behind a speakeasy-style entrance, Beta KL offers a tasting-menu-only, modern‑Malaysian fine-dining experience. Chef Raymond Tham reinterprets iconic local dishes – like blood-cockle “Childhood Weekend” and Musang King durian – with artful plating, cocktail pairings and regional ingredients. The result: bold, unapologetically Malaysian flavours.

3. DC by Darren Chin

1 Michelin star

Located in TTDI, DC blends French fine-dining standards with local inspiration. The seasonal tasting menus showcase premium ingredients – think aged duck, sea urchin and truffles – combined with impeccable technique and one of KL’s most extensive wine cellars.

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4. Akar Dining

Michelin selected

Akar Dining, led by Chef‑owner Aidan Low, celebrates “roots” via progressive Malaysian tasting menus using local terroir ingredients. The intimate, refreshed Akar 2.0 space blends modern‑Malaysian and Japanese influences. Notable dishes from the Mekar menu include aged‑duck, crab claypot and oyster with sea grapes.

5. Terra Dining

Michelin selected

The 11‑course, produce‑driven tasting menu by self‑taught chef Chong YC is one to drive out to the TTDI neighbourhood. Blending Malaysian ingredients like bambangan, cekur and assam laksa into French‑leaning dishes, Terra is steadily earning acclaim. Housed in an earthy, open‑kitchen space.

6. Bōl 

Michelin selected

This Peranakan‑inspired contemporary restaurant is the brainchild of Noma‑trained Joel Kirk and designer‑chef Kian Liew. Set in a restored pre‑war terrace in Bukit Bintang, it offers creative, pork‑free Nyonya dishes – think buah keluak lamb shank, rojak tart, Itek Tim consommé and rendang wagyu.