Showcasing little separation between the 'indoors' and the 'outdoors,' The Sphere in Bangsar South (or Kerinchi, if you insist) is our favourite new spot for an unhurried meal or drinks

1. The Farm Foodcraft

Tatler Asia
Above Sweet Dragon, Jackfruit & Chill and Berry Good. Photo: The Farm Foodcraft

More arboretum than restaurant, The Farm Foodcraft strikes one as being 'extra' from the moment you walk up its winding path. 'Wow' features include a customised chandelier complete with pitcher plants, a 'secret' hydroponic lab, and al fresco seating with benches so comfortable they could double as beds. Now, here's a farm to fork advocate that's binned shabby chic for sophisticated!

As implied, all ingredients at The Farm Foodcraft are either grown internally or sourced locally. Mildly spicy and immensely comforting, the curry beef lasagne lived up to our expectations, as did the medley of 'fresh beginnings' from the grilled broccoli with béchamel to the bunga kantan lettuce wraps. Smoothies and juices in every colour of the rainbow provide liquid relief.

The Farm Foodcraft | Level Ground, The Sphere, Bangsar South City, Kuala Lumpur | 03-2242 0964

2. Sunbather Coffee

Tatler Asia
Above The Ajitsuke Tamago Sando aka ramen egg sandwich. Photo: Sunbather Coffee

Once you've pried your eyes away from the behemoth of an egg sandwich above, pay attention to Sunbather Coffee's unusual hours: open from 10am-10pm daily, the café closes its hot kitchen at 4:30pm on weekdays and 5pm on weekends; nevertheless, drinks, desserts and Japanese toast are available all day.

Specialising in yōshoku aka fusion Japanese fare, Sunbather serves the likes of lemon mentaiko linguini, beef 'hambagu,' and smoked salmon egg muffins. The dizzyingly extensive menu would takes many, many visits to exhaust, which works out well for the office crowd in the vicinity.

Sunbather Coffee | UG-12, Upper Ground, The Sphere, 8, Jalan Kerinchi, Bangsar South City, Kuala Lumpur | 03-2242 3118 | hello@sunbather.my

3. Ali, Muthu & Ah Hock

Attracting customers from all walks of life, Ali, Muthu & Ah Hock's second branch at The Sphere proves that the economical kopitiam model will never grow old. From large families with their live-in helpers to college couples on a budget, most everyone can afford the Nasi Lemak Ali, Nasi Goreng Ali, Mee Goreng Muthu (our personal favourite) and lontong (rice cakes cooked in coconut gravy). Made to mirror an old shophouse, the coffeeshop sports faux marble tabletops, wooden benches, and timber panels. It's all very nostalgic.

Ali, Muthu & Ah Hock | UG, Upper Ground, The Sphere, 8, Jalan Kerinchi, Bangsar South City, Kuala Lumpur | 011-2848 1327

4. Parklife

'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 2 The Seafood Platter. Photo: Parklife
Photo 2 of 2 The Signature Vegetarian Platter. Photo: Parklife

If Parklife's particulars look like they were plucked from Ottolenghi Islington, it's because they were; Penang-born Chef Ling was head chef of the London-based deli once upon a time. The Mediterranean-inspired café proves that vegan and vegetarian dishes don't have to be a yawn. Simply check out the heaving salad counter piled high with colourful pulses, fennel dishes, couscous, vegetable frittatas, et cetera. Meat-eaters need not sulk, as the restaurant isn't strictly plant-based. Here's a sneak peek their menu.

Parklife | Unit 5, Level Upper Ground, The Sphere, 1, Avenue 1, Bangsar South City, 8, Jalan Kerinchi, Kuala Lumpur | 03-2242 1193 | connect.parklife@gmail.com

See also: London On A Plate - From Deep-Fried Doughnuts To Sexy Salads

5. The Public House

Did you know that the term 'happy hour' was coined by Shakespeare? Or that pub is short for 'public house'? Which brings us to The Public House. Founded by the same F&B enthusiasts who parent the Vintry triplets (in Medan Damansara, Jaya 33 and Oasis Square), the new watering hole is absolutely breathtaking. Handsomely furnished with wooden accents and plush leather seats, the high-ceiling space caters to colleagues seeking post-work drinks and sustenance. As anticipated, the menu – an equal mix of Western and Asian fare – is suited to wine and beer pairings; think char siu sliders, thin crust pizzas, gourmet grilled sausages, claypot 'mouse tails' or lou shi fun.

The Public House | G7 & G8, The Sphere, Bangsar South, Jalan Kerinchi, Kuala Lumpur | 03-2785 2990 | sales@vintry.com.my

Topics