7 New Restaurants & Bars to Try at Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur

Discover the seven restaurants and bars at the newly opened Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur, and what makes each dining destination worth a visit.

What does it take to make a hotel a dining destination in its own right? At Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur, the answer lies in a meeting of perspectives: a Malaysian culinary leader bringing decades of international experience back home, acclaimed chefs putting their own stamp on the menu, and seven venues with distinct personalities of their own.

Led by Director of Culinary Vijayakant Shanmugam, the hotel’s food and beverage programme combines the expertise of Michelin-starred chefs Garima Arora and Jean-Georges Vongerichten with a renewed appreciation for Malaysia’s diverse food culture. From the way homegrown traditions are woven into the dining experience to the more unexpected ideas shaping its restaurants and bars, here’s what to expect from Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur’s culinary scene.

A NEW LANDMARK FOR LUXURY IN KUALA LUMPUR

Bringing the storied Waldorf Astoria name to Malaysia for the first time, Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur makes its home in the city’s Golden Triangle, along Jalan Raja Chulan. The property features 268 spacious suites, with residential-inspired layouts and design details that draw on the brand’s heritage and Malaysian influences. Beyond its accommodation, the hotel also houses dedicated spaces for wellness, socialising, and dining, giving visitors plenty of reasons to stop by even without an overnight stay.

That blend of international influences and local character is reflected in details throughout the property, including the iconic Waldorf Astoria clock, which takes inspiration from historic Islamic astrolabes in the collection of the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia. The hotel’s art collection, curated in collaboration with the museum, continues this connection with works by Malaysian artists and a striking 19th-century painting in the Grand Lobby.

WHERE TO GO FOR THE CURIOUS DINER ISTANA

Local cuisine takes centre stage at Istana, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, with a menu rooted in the country’s diverse food culture. In the morning, guests can start their day with a spread that includes Malaysian breakfast staples. At lunch, dishes are served in the spirit of hidang, a Malaysian tradition of sharing food around the table. As evening falls, the mood shifts with Sajian Malam Istana, featuring dishes enriched by ulam (local vegetables), salai (smoked ingredients), rempah (spice), sambal, and kuah (gravy).

Opening hours: Breakfast – 6.30am to 10.30am | Lunch – 12pm to 2.30pm | Dinner – 6.30pm to 10pm

Reservations: Website

YAARI

Indian cuisine is anything but one-dimensional, and Yaari sets out to showcase the breadth of its culinary traditions, with each dish reflecting a different facet of its culinary identity. Led by Michelin-starred chef Garima Arora, the restaurant takes inspiration from different regions of India, resulting in a menu that moves from coastal curries in the south to smoky kebabs in the north, alongside elevated takes on Indian street food. All of this unfolds in an intimate setting that makes the experience feel all the more personal.

Opening hours: 6.30pm to 10pm (Wednesday to Sunday)

JG KL

Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten showcases his signature approach at JG KL, marrying classical French techniques with French, American, and Asian influences. The à la carte menu spans starters, main courses and desserts, with dishes that play with contrasting flavours and textures, while those keen to sample a wider selection can opt for the JG tasting menu. For caviar aficionados, there are three interpretations available: egg caviar with vodka-whipped cream, lemon gelée with crème fraîche and caviar, and caviar bubble tea. An extensive wine list rounds out the menu, with a selection of pairings to complement the dishes.

Opening hours: 6.30pm to 10pm (Tuesday to Saturday)

Reservations: Website

THE BAR BY JG

The Bar by JG is another dining concept by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, though this time, the focus is on a more laid-back experience. Alongside its cocktail selection, the bar serves signature bites created by the acclaimed chef, giving guests the opportunity to sample his cooking without committing to a full restaurant meal. Designed to welcome guests throughout the day and into the evening, it’s an inviting spot for an afternoon catch-up, pre-dinner drinks or a nightcap, housed in a space that makes settling in all the more appealing.

Opening hours: Daily – 11.30am to 12am

ABC KITCHENS KL

Completing Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s trio of dining concepts at the hotel, abc kitchens KL takes a different approach, drawing on the farm-to-table philosophy of Vongerichten’s wider abc restaurant family. With seasonal produce and locally sourced ingredients at the heart of its menu, the restaurant allows availability to shape what makes it onto the plate. The menu ranges from pizzas, pastas, and tacos to main courses and desserts, alongside a drinks list of cocktails, beers, wines, and zero-proof options.

Opening hours: Daily – 11.30am to 10pm

Reservations: Website

CODA

Named after the musical passage that connects a song’s final chord to its ending, Coda draws inspiration from the relationship between music and mixology. Its cocktail programme centres on the idea of pairing thoughtfully crafted drinks with records, brought together through its 100 Best Albums to Drink Cocktails To project. Each evening, vinyl records set the soundtrack, with selected albums matched to signature cocktails, each accompanied by a story behind the music. It’s an experience that gives equal attention to what’s in the glass and what’s playing on the turntable.

Opening hours: 6pm to 12am (Wednesday to Sunday)

Reservations: Website

PEACOCK ALLEY

Few spaces are as closely associated with the Waldorf Astoria name as Peacock Alley. The signature lounge has long been a fixture of the brand’s hotels, and its Kuala Lumpur outpost continues that tradition as a gathering place from morning through to evening. Afternoon tea is among the main draws during the day, while the menu makes room for casual meet-ups and cocktails as the hours go by. It’s the sort of place that doesn’t necessarily call for a special occasion, but can easily become one.

Opening hours: Daily – 7.30am to 12am

Reservations: Website

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