8 New trendy bars & restaurants in Kuala Lumpur for a fuss-free Valentine's Day

1/8
BOTAK:LIQUOR Bar
Botanicals are the new buzzy drink in the cocktail world, so if a romantic date sipping on trendy botanicals is what you're after, look no further. The bar sources homegrown botanicals for its drinks, which include the Sweet Pea & Elderflower (RM48) and Jasmine & Tarragon (RM38). With its open, earthy decor and refreshing drink concoctions, rest assured you'll be in for a great date.

156, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Photo: BOTAK:LIQUOUR Bar (Facebook)
2/8
The Flowerpecker
As the city's first vermouth-focused bar, The Flowerpecker certainly warrants a visit - particularly if you and your significant other love being in-the-know on all the ins and outs of the Kuala Lumpur dining scene. With its refreshingly casual, sunlit and airy space and affordable drinks (always a plus!), the bar is a prime spot for a good date with plenty of conversation flow. While the trend for cocktail-making tends to veer on the theatrical side recently, the drinks here are served simple and fuss-free, though still robust in flavour and character.

The Flowerpecker also happens to be one of the few cocktail bars that open during the day, so if you fancied that mid-afternoon tipple, there's nothing to stop you. We recommend trying their vermouth selection!

17 Lorong Kurau, Taman Bukit Pantai, 59100 Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur

Photo: The Flowerpecker (Facebook)
3/8
The World is Flat
Scrumptious pizzas, plump and generous sandwiches and more - these are just some of the menu offerings to look forward to at The World is Flat, located at The Bee in Publika. This eatery puts it own indulgent twist on classics like sandwiches, pastas and pizzas.

More is certainly more in its philosophy to food. Its Butcher's Love pizza is a decadent pizza creation generous topped with roast beef, chicken ham, charred onions, portobello mushrooms, all drenched in a creamy mozzarella, Monterey Jack, cheddar and truffle mayo blend. (And yes, it's as good as it sounds). So if you and your significant other are huge foodies, this is the place to eat your heart's out this Valentine's Day.

36, Level G2, Publika Mall, 1, Jalan Dutamas 1, Solaris Dutamas, Kuala Lumpur,

Photo: The World Is Flat (Facebook)
4/8
The Other Half
Could there be a more aptly-named cafe to celebrate love? We think not. As one of the new kids on the block, the much-hyped about The Other Half is a great choice for those looking for a hearty brunch affair to kick off their Valentine's Day. Its high ceilings and spacious interiors are definitely made for the 'Gram and its Australian-inspired brunch menu offerings are worth packing on a few love pounds for.

Unit 2-1, Greens Terrace, No.1, Jalan Wan Kadir 3, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Photo: The Other Half Cafe (Facebook)
5/8
Deuce
Deuce is the brain child of restaurateur Tricia Kandiah (who is also one of the business partners behind the highly popular Coquo Bar which recently closed). This casual, pork-free, modern European restaurant is also surprisingly
, with most menu items going for less than RM40. But make no mistake - the food here certainly does not disappoint.

Unlike the more closed-off Coquo, Deuce feels inviting and accessible, though much of the original interiors (i.e. contemporary artwork that lines the walls) remain. Watch the chefs masterfully whip up dishes, as you and your date sit around the open kitchen. A few standout menu items in our books are the Pan Seared Snapper (paired with a zucchini fettuccine, bouillabaisse, shaved fennel and tobiko), Grilled Octopus and Cauliflower Soup, among others.

D1-G4-6, Solaris Dutamas, Mont Kiara 50480 Kuala Lumpur

Photo: Deuce KL (Facebook)
6/8
Jao Tim
Blink and you might just miss the obscure opening that leads up to Jao Tim. But that's precisely why we like it. Housed in a charming century-old heritage building, its nondescript entrance might not promise much. But boy, you'll be in for a visual treat as make your way through the stairwell into the cafe. With its high ceiling, exposed brick walls, Jao Tim is definitely one of the most aesthetically-pleasing cafes in the city.

61, Jalan Sultan
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Photo: Jao Tim (Facebook)
7/8
VCR
With its great food, delicious coffee and feel good vibes, it's no surprise why local cafe-hoppers still haunt VCR to this day. If you're a discerning coffee drinker and an avid brunch-goer, make a date here for a spot of a loved-up brunch affair.

2, Jalan Galloway, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Photo: VCR (Facebook)
8/8
Geographer Cafe
Two whole decades since it first opened its doors in Malacca, Geographer's Cafe has finally made its way down to the heart of Kuala Lumpur. If you're up for a culinary ride that takes you on an adventure through local twists on western dishes, this one's for you. The Spaghetti Goreng Highstreet (RM23), a fried spaghetti dish slicked in a sweet and savoury Mee Goreng style sauce.

93, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Photo: Geographer Cafe (Facebook)

Here’s a hard truth about relationships: remember those fancy wine and dine dates in the early days of your courtship?

Well, after a while, it just doesn’t quite cut it anymore.

Three years into the relationship, you find yourself giving up your swanky dates at a rooftop bar along Bukit Bintang for a hearty kopi and roti canai breakfast with your significant other on a Saturday morning instead.

After all, you’ve reached the stage in your relationship where you’d readily trade the stiff atmosphere at ‘atas‘ places for laidback vibes that allow for plenty of conversation; those restrictive dresses for casual outfit alternatives; and that need to impress for that priceless quality of being able to be 100% yourself with your partner.

Which is this Valentine’s Day why we’ve scoured the city for the trendy cafes, bars and restaurants that aren’t your usual Valentine’s Day ‘rooftop-bars or fine-dining-fare’.

With aesthetic interiors, scrumptious food and drinks, and a welcoming ambience to boot, these are the best spots for a relaxed, fuss-free and completely unpretentious Valentine’s Day – take your pick in our gallery above! P.S. And for you singletons out there, they’ll also make for a great first date spot.

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