KAMPUNGBOYCITYGAL A MALAYSIAN FOOD & TRAVEL BLOG

Valentine’s Day, one of the most dreaded days of the year for men is just 14 days away! Well, Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be another source of stress because we are here to help! Together with KampungBoy, we have selected 5 restaurants in KL based on the following criterias:

1) We have personally been there, tried the food and walked away happy.

2) Ambiance, ambiance, ambiance!

3) Not massively expensive (< RM 400 per couple)

So yeah, in case you are wondering why Cilantro (too expensive), Lafite (never been there), Il Lido(never been there), Upper Deck (our favourite, but V-Day set at RM 600++ per couple), Garibaldi (love the food, but V-Day set RM 238 per person) or whoever never made it onto the list.

#1 Samplings on the Fourteenth

Samplings on the Fourteenth is  equipped with an unparalleled views of the city, making it a perfect place to take a date.

Roasted Australian Pistachio Crusted Baby Veal Rack served with Greens, Potato Comfit and Truffle Jus

Samplings On The Fourteenth Valentine’s Day Menu

Starters

House Smoked Duck and Scallop
and
Saffron Seafood Soup

Pink Grapefruit Sorbet with Campari

Main Course

Grilled Beef Tenderloin
or
Pan-fried Cod Fish Fillet

Dessert

Strawberry Delight

RM 158.00++ per person, inclusive of a glass of sparkling wine each and a stalk of lovely rose for the lady.

While savouring in the exquisite 5-course menu, embrace your loved ones with joy and hilarity this Valentine’s Day.  A line up of top comedians are taking stage, set to leave the audience in stitches of laughter and glee.  Featuring Australian comedian – Greg Sullivan; and local talents – Andrew Netto and Rizal Van Geyzel, you will find nothing more sultry than a full throated laugh and giggle of delights from your beloved to start off a fun filled Valentine’s night!  The show is inclusive of a glass of complimentary Carlsberg beer as well.

Samplings on the Fourteen
14th Floor, East Tower,
1, Jalan Imbi,
55100 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Tel: 603- 2117 8000 ext 8131
Fax: 603- 2117 8155
Email: bth.samplings@berjayahotel.com

#2 Ril’s Steakhouse

Nestled in a 100-year-old building in the heart of Chinatown, Ril’s Steakhouse opened its door last December with the aim of providing KL-ites with the best meat in the city. Stepping into Ril’s Steakhouse, one will be easily attracted by the soaring ceilings, cosy leather furniture, and raw industrial accents amidst the rustic decor. White tablecloths and the hanging chandelier create a classy feel.

500g Australian Angus Rib Eye

Ril’s Steakhouse menu features simple yet refined steakhouse classics with a selection of mouth watering starters, mains, sides and desserts. Head Chef and Owner, Tunku Khairil Ibrahim knows meat and just how to cook it. The steak at Ril’s Steakhouse is either Malaysia-reared Gemas Gold or air-flown Australian Angus steaks – we love the fact we know where our meet is coming from.

Ril’s Valentine’s Day Menu

Cocktail

Hibiscus Fizz - Choice of alcholic or non-alchoholic

Starter

Lobster Bisque - Drizzled with luxurious white truffle oil
Or
Tuna Tataki with Charred Artichokes - Served with sticky soy glazed panroasted new potato, candied apple puree, and smoked chili jam

Main

500g Australian Angus Rib Eye - For two to share, with an assortment of sides (+ RM 20)
Or
Chicken Casserole - Served on a bed of wilted spinach, with a rich jus reduction
Or
300g Australian Prime Rib Eye - Accompanied by an assortment of sides

Dessert

Rich Chili & Chocolate Mousse - A sinful combination of aphrodisiac ingredients
Or
Mango & Ginger Cheesecake - A sweet yet saucy combination of smooth and spicy flavours

RM150++ per person – first 10 couples who booked gets complimentary wine!

Ril’s Steakhouse
The Warehouse Gallery & Cafe,
Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2022-0528.
Email info@thewarehouse.com.my
Website: www.thewarehouse.com.my

#3 Sage Restaurant & Wine Bar

The ambiance is perfect – classy, lush but not intimidating, with the occasional melody of glass clinging, soft whispering and sizzling at the background.

Feuillete of Anago with Foie Gras and Duxelles

Sage Restaurant Valentine’s Day Menu

TBA (still waiting for reply)

Sage Restaurant & Wine Bar
The Residences Level 6
The Gardens, Mid Valley City,
Lingkaran Syed Putra,
59200 KL.
Tel: 03-22681328
Email: sagekul@gardenshtlres.com
Website: www.sagekl.com

#4 Opus Bistro

Opus Famous Roasted Cod with choice of White Wine Sauce or Lemon Caper Sauce

Located at a quieter part of Bangsar, Opus Bistro is a homey, long-standing Italian restaurant that attracts a loyal group of regulars with its classic offerings. The restaurant has been there, in the same place, since forever ago. We celebrated our 2nd anniversary here, and now we are going into our 7th year. Time flies and it is also a true testament to Opus Bistro’s great food and attentive services.

Chocolate Desire

Our revisit has reaffirm the fact that Opus Bistro has got indisputable food quality, just like its reputable sister outlets at Jalan Bangkung. Though ‘glam’ dining as such is not light on the pocket (for us lar), but the food quality more than makes up for it.

Opus Bistro Valentine’s Day Menu

TBA (still waiting for reply)

Opus Bistro
67, Jalan Bangkung
Bukit Bandaraya
59100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 20924288
Email: mailus@opusbistro.my
Website: www.opusbistro.my

#5 Dubrovnik Restaurant

The two storey high restaurant has adopted a simple but elegant bright white theme which creates an atmosphere that entices guests to relax. The exposed brick wall, even in its unfinished state, is rustic yet refined. It gives the room a more casual, Mediterranean mood, and that mood is enhanced by Croatia’s travel brochures scattered across the table and a screen playing clips featuring the lovely country.

Stef’s Chocolate Cake

Dubrovnik Restaurant offers an unforgettable Croatia experience in an easygoing and relaxed setting. Definitely not light on the pocket, but every dollar spent on the food and ambiance is worth while.

Dubrovnik Restaurant Valentine’s Day Menu

3 course dinner at RM 118++ per pax, with complimentary champagne cocktails

Dubrovnik Restaurant
J-0G-14, Solaris Mont Kiara,
No.2, Jalan Solaris, Mont Kiara
Tel: 03 62036780118
Website: www.dubrovnikrestaurantkl.com

Valentine’s Day is a day where couples express their love and affection for each other. For long distance lovers, just because your loved one is away from home doesnt make the day any less special. Rejoice the special day with your friends and families whom you have always love dearly. This year, I had an early Valentine’s Day celebration at J&R with my best friend whose husband is residing in the States.

As the purveyors of fine food & wine, Jarrod & Rawlins has been serving only the best food and wines with warm friendly services for the past decade.

table for two

Our Valentine’s Day Set Meal For Two comprises of two shared starter, a huge main course platter, dessert and coffee or tea.

Mango, Avocado & Roast Chicken Salad

This looks like the perfect summery salad. Drizzled with a tangy dressing, this appealing salad makes a colorful and tasty alternative to the usual bowl of greens. The avocado slices were creamy and buttery, the cherry tomatoes and mango cubes were sweet and juicy and the greens were so fresh that I almost felt like a grazing cow.

Serrano Ham, Smoked Salmon, Chorizo, Pickles and Olives

The cold cuts sets us off well, whetting the appetite for our main courses.

Combination of Hickory Baby Back Ribs+Grilled Prime Rib Eye Steak+Seared Fish Fillet+Selection of Pork Sausages
with
Potato Salad, Coleslaw, Chunky Roast Vegetables, Dijob Mustard, Applesauce & Red Wine Glaze

Our eyes opened wide when the huge platter was presented right in front of us. Are you sure that the platter is meant for a couple, instead of 3-4 pax?

The Hickory Baby-Back Ribs is our old favourite. It was moist, full of smoky flavor and finger smackingly delicious!  And the charred bits along the edges are a smoky treat. I like the Dymatite sausage the best. It had great chilli kick, and was packed with juicy meat within. The grilled prime rib eye steak tasted great, but was a little too tough for me. The seared fish fillet was crispy on the outside and juicy within.

The starters and mains were great, but the dessert was bit of a let down though. The cakes turned out to be dry and crumbly.

top up RM 40+ to enjoy two glasses of house pouring wine.

J&R Damansara Heights is offering a V-Day Set Meal For 2 at RM 220+ per couple or RM 260+ per couple with wines. However, they are fully booked on the 14th, with some tables still available on the 13th. Tables are still available at the Hartamas outlet (RM 65+ per pax, different menu) and the Ampwalk outlet. Please call to make a reservation.

I’m wishing everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope everyone, no matter single or attached, will enjoy this special day with happiness and lots of love!

*thanks to Elaine and J&R for having us over

Desa Sri Hartamas
36, Ground Floor, Jalan 27/70A,
Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel 03-2300 0708,
Fax : 03-2300 0706
Email: srihartamas@jarrod-rawlins.com

Damansara Heights
No.6 Lorong Dungun, Damansara Heights,
50480 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel 03-2093 0708,
Fax: 03-2095 3221
Email: damasara@jarrod-rawlins.com

Ampwalk Mall
Ampang Lot G08B, Ground Floor,
The Ampwalk, 218 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel : 03-2166 0708,
Fax: 03- 2166 7708.
Email: ampwalk@jarrod-rawlins.com

Kota Kinabalu
Block E-29 G & E-30 G, Times Square, Off Coastal Highway, 88100 Kota Kinabalu
Tel: 088-231 890 / 860

Valentine’s Day is here again! Guys, if you are under immense pressure to pick a romantic spot for that special occasion, fret not! Japanese is never a bad choice when it comes to impress your date. This Valentine’s, enjoy a very romantic Love Bento at Nagomi Japanese Restaurant. The atmosphere and the ambiance of the interiors will surely enchant your date.

Thanks to the management of the Nagomi group, it is a privilege for us to be among the first group who sample Nagomi Love Bento, a romantic treats specially crafted for you lovebirds this Valentine’s. The food review session brought us to Nagomi Menara Hap Seng. Little did I know that Nagomi has turned into a full fledged Japanese restaurant, instead of a shabu shabu specialty restaurant. The menu has also undergone a revamp and whilst old favourites remain, there are some new dishes which are well worth trying.

For only RM99++, Nagomi Love Bento is teemed with seafood dishes and other delicacies, including traditional sashimis and with some romantic twist.

The ladies adore the heart shape sushi roll and rose shape sashimis very much. They just looked too cute to be eaten! The guys can’t stop sing praises over the grilled king prawn with cheese and white sauce, soft shell crab salad and suziki senbei. And our sweet ending – rich and decadent chocolate brownies with hazelnut ice cream tasted really good!

Portions were way too big for the ladies; most of us can’t even finish the whole bento. Couple can actually share a love bento and order something else, probably from the ala-carte menu.

Love Sushi Roll (Love Shape Sushi with Strawberry & Avocado)

Rose Shape Sashimi (Combination of Salmon & Tuna Sashimi topping with Tobiko)

Suzuki Senbei (Home-made Seabass Crispy Cracker)

Soba Soft Shell Crab Salada (Soft Shell Crab Salada serve with Buckwheat Noodle)

King Prawn with White Sauce (Grilled King Prawn with White Sauce)

Chocolate Cheese Brownie

Nagomi Valentine Lover’s Bento will be available from 11th of February until the 14th of February at both Nagomi Jaya 33 and Nagomi Menara Hap Seng

Please call for Reservation:

Nagomi @ Jaya33
PG-02B, Ground Floor, Jaya33
3, Jalan Semangat, Section 13,
46200 Petaling Jaya.
Tel: 03-79562330

Nagomi @ Menara Hap Seng
Suite 1-19, 1st Floor, The Podium,
Menara Hap Seng (formerly Mui Plaza)
Jalan P. Ramlee,
50250 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel:03-21416332

Betty’s Midwest Kitchen
Where (is it):
A-G-40, Jalan PJU 1/43,
Aman Suria Damansara,
47410 Petaling Jaya.
Phone: 03-78800196
Opens from Tues – Sun: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Why (here):
Betty’s Midwest Kitchen is a family run restaurant. Betty, the chef, picked up the recipes from her daughter who is married to an American and lives in Iowa for years. Oh, and did I tell you that it is all about porky goodness?

Bread & Olives Cafe
Where (is it):
No. 7, Lot Perniagaan Komplex Pelancongan,
Menara Tinjau,
Jalan Ampang Hulu langat,
68000 Ampang.
Tel : 013-2506119
Why (here):
From the cafe’s terrace, a breathtaking view of the Ampang Jaya skyline is stretching into Kuala Lumpur, that meets the eye with the multitude buildings, houses and skyscrapers dotting the landscape! Prominent in the background are Menara Kuala Lumpur and Petronas Twin Towers with the growing city and its suburban areas in plain sight.

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This year both Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year happen to be in the same day. I’m sure most of my (guy) friends who were under immense pressure picking out a gift or choosing a perfect place for the candle lit dinner will feel relieved.

For those who still make it a point to celebrate V-Day, I hope this little dining guide will do some help. It is a continuation from last year’s dining guide with some newly featured restaurants. Have a great Valentine’s Day (or CNY) people!

21 Kitchen & Bar
Where (is it):
20-1, Changkat Bukit Bintang,
Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2142 0021
Why (here):
Locating at a superb location at Changkat Bukit Bintang, the spanking new Twentyone Kitchen and Bar offers a large variesties of dishes but the fusion cuisine clearly dominates, it is also a great place for a drink or two as you can see, the bar is heaving with bottles of alcohols.

Alexis Bistro & WIne Bar
Where (is it):
Lot f209 1st Floor
The Gardens
Mid Valley City
Lingkaran Syed Putra
59200 Kuala Lumpur
T +603 2287 2281
Why (here):
Alexis Bistro & Wine Bar, a place that has been blogged to death. Beautiful cakes, extensive wine list, jazz performances; there isn’t any reason to hate Alexis though. I just realized that I have not written anything about this uber cool place despite having numerous tea sessions here.

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Bread & Olives Cafe
What (to have):
Mediterranean. V-Day Set TBA/ala-carte
Where (is it):
No. 7, Lot Perniagaan Komplex Pelancongan, Menara Tinjau, Jalan Ampang Hulu langat, 68000 Ampang, Selangor Darul Eshan.
Tel : 013-2506119
Why (here):
From the cafe’s terrace, a breathtaking view of the Ampang Jaya skyline is stretching into Kuala Lumpur, that meets the eye with the multitude buildings, houses and skyscrapers dotting the landscape! Prominent in the background are Menara Kuala Lumpur and Petronas Twin Towers with the growing city and its suburban areas in plain sight.

Full House
What (to have):
Café/Bistro Food. Only V-Day set at RM 59.90++ per person is available.
Where (is it):
C-G-11 Block C, No. 2 Jalan PJU 1A/41B, Pusat Dagangan N2Z, Ara Jaya PJU 1A, 47301 PJ.
Tel: 03-78850836
Why (here):
I tend to think that most themed restaurants would rely on hype and glitz rather than good food. It comes to my surprise when the food was by no means a dreadful meal, but much of it was mediocre and acceptable, with more rooms for improvement. Full House is exceptionally relaxed and convivial. It creates the perfect atmosphere for any individual to sit, read a book, meet new people, have some coffee or simply hang out.

Italiannies
What (to have):
Italian. V-Day Set at RM 55++ to RM 85++/ala-carte.
Where (is it):
2nd Floor, The Gardens, Mid Valley City.
Tel: 03-2283 3675
Why (here):
I think that with constant somber musings on recessions, downturn and credit crunch playing over our ears every day, it is time to tighten our belt a little bit. No more fancy/fine dining but for that little treat of a hearty Italian fare that is light on the wallet, Italiannies would be the obvious choice.

Jarrods n Rawlins
What (to have):
Non-Halal. V-Day Set at RM 80 to RM 100 ++ per person (4 course dinner)/ala-carte.
Where (is it):
Jarrod & Rawlins Damansara Height No. 6, Lorong Dungun, Damansara Height.
Tel: 03-2093 0708
Why (here):
With more hits than misses in our order, more than reasonable price range, sweet and attentive services, there aren’t any excuses not to revisit.

My Elephant
What (to have):
Thai. Not having any sets but the place will be nicely done on Valentine’s Day.
Where (is it):
Block C-G4, Happy Mansion,Section 17/13,46400 Petaling Jaya.
Tel: 012-3285028 or 019-3608911
Why (here):
My Elephant at Happy Mansion has a look of elegance sophistication with some small little details such as daisies, candle light and cute elephant painting. The quality of food has somewhat wavered due to the large crowd. This has not hampered our enjoyment because the award giving ceremony was far more interesting. We’ll definitely return for the ala carte menu due to positive reviews from other floggers’ previous visit.

Pick n Brew
What (to have):
Western/Asian. V-Day Set at RM 90 ++ per person (4 course meal + wine)/ala-carte.
Where (is it):
F233 1st Floor Promenade, One Utama.
Tel: 03-7726 0102
Why (here):
I think our dinner outing really does has FUN written all over it. Everyone unanimously agreed that the food was great as the combination of ingredients and presentation are stunning.

Palate Palette
What (to have):
Café/Bistro Food. V-Day Set at RM132++/RM102++ (without cocktail)/ala-carte
Where (is it):
21, Jalan Mesui, Off Jalan Nagasari, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 – 2142 2148
Why (here):
5/5 ratings for the ambiance, service and food.

San Francissco Steak House
What (to have):
Western. V-Day Set at RM 89++ per person (4 course)/ala-carte.
Where (is it):
03 – 2938 2882 (Mid Valley Megamall)
03 – 2382 0329 (Suria KLCC)
03 – 5635 3338 (Jaya Square, Subang Jaya)
03 – 7728 8010 (Tropicana City Mall, PJ)
Why (here):
The gracious ambiance and the juicy cut of steak are the factors that make our evening a memorable one.

Sky Bar
What (to have):
Drinks and Snacks. Price ranges from RM 20++ (mocktails) to RM 55++ (champagne)
Where (is it):
Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-23329911.
Why (here):
The breathtaking view overlooking KL city is stunning! It was also named Best Malaysian Bar by Malaysia Tatler last year.

The Cave
What (to have):
Café/Bistro Food. V-Day Set at RM138++ per couple/ala-carte
Where (is it):
No 42, Mezzanine Floor, Jalan SS2/61, 47300 Petaling Jaya.
Tel: 03-78739888/9698
Why (here):
All in all, I love the cave-theme interior but the menu has failed in keeping with the theme. Imagine having CKT at such a nice place. The food was rather disappointing too; I can’t be so mean because they are still fairly new and probably need some time to ’settle down’. It would be a great place for chilling out and drinks, but if you ask what about a proper meal? All I can say is let’s just see how thing goes then.

Disclaimer:
* The list was painstakingly compiled by the author of KampungboyCitygal. Please credit the source for any images/articles taken.
* The list referred to only places that the authors have actually been to and compiled based on their personal preferences and opinions. For restaurants that we have been to, sans the blog posts, pictures were taken from other sources with link backs.
* Price and quality might differ from the Big Day itself. Please dial to inquire about the menu before proceeding with reservations.

For any other suggestions (on places to go on Valentine’s Day) or inquiries (what’s our take on the food, ambiance, etc), feel free to drop us comments or emails.

See also Valentine’s Day Dining Guide Part I – The Luxe.

Love is in the air – Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone!