Feed your feed and your cravings at these Aesthetic cafes
In the vibrant cultural tapestry of Kuala Lumpur, renowned for its diverse culinary offerings, a new trend has emerged in recent years – the rise of aesthetically captivating cafes. Beyond their eye-catching decor and photogenic ambiance, these cafes are serving up brunch experiences that will make your weekends brighter and your workday breaks more enjoyable.
Whether you’re a fan of the timeless big breakfast, tempted by a creatively reinvented bagel or craving a fusion of brunch flavours with a Malaysian twist, we’ve curated a list to Kuala Lumpur’s most Instagrammable cafes.
If Only
Infused with a mix of modern Australian and subtle Japanese influences, ‘If Only’ offers a laid-back brunch experience in a beautifully designed space. Their menu covers all the classics, from hearty sandwiches and burgers to flavourful onigiri breakfast bowls, ensuring there’s something for everyone’s taste.
But what really makes this cafe special is its charming interior. ‘If Only’s’ is a design lover’s paradise, boasting elegant elements such as marble-styled terrazzo floors and handcrafted pottery. Each corner exudes its own distinct charm, making it a perfect spot for capturing aesthetic pictures while enjoying a memorable brunch.
Address: Regal House, Jalan U Thant, 55000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operation hours: 7am – 5pm daily
Contour PJ
Nestled within the charming traditional shop lots of PJ Old Town, this cafe exudes an authentic, old-world charm. In an era dominated by modernised cafe aesthetics, its traditional interiors breathe a refreshing breath of nostalgia.
Boasting a delectable selection of pastries and coffee, this cafe is renowned as the haven of a three-time Malaysia Barista Champion. Here, coffee and pastries form an inseparable union. Every pastry is a work of art, with layers upon layers of buttery goodness that please both the palate and the eye. For those who appreciate the art of coffee-making, this cafe also houses an old coffee grinder, adding a touch of nostalgia to your coffee adventure.
Image credit: @weichunnn_125, @davinzi_ code & @jd_chang
Address: 55, Jalan 1/12, PJ Old Town, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Operation hours: 10am – 4am daily
Bakeyard Cafe
Step into this newly opened Subang cafe, a sunny and inviting space that’s perfect for a relaxed first date or enjoying a leisurely brunch with friends. Their menu offers a variety of options, from refreshing iced coffees to indulgent chocolate macchiatos and soothing matcha lattes. The real showstopper is their incredible assortment of sponge cakes that are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
Beyond the mouthwatering offerings, it’s the cosy vibe and thoughtful interior design that will truly capture your heart. Whether you’re a fan of Instagram-worthy settings or in search of a new cafe retreat, Bakeyard has it all.
Image credit: @josephcshong
Address: 41, Jalan SS 18/6, Ss 18, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Operation hours: 8am – 5pm daily
Slowwood Coffee
Tucked away amidst the vibrant Mont Kiara neighbourhood, Slowwood invites you on an enchanting journey into a cafe that feels straight out of a fairy tale. The interior showcases seven pillars crafted from Terengganu Merbau hardwood tree, which stand in harmony with an abundance of carefully curated flowers and lush greenery.
Slowwood boasts a diverse range of seating options, each thoughtfully designed to provide a unique backdrop for your dining experience, all while being adorned with beautiful blooms. Beyond its breathtaking aesthetics, the menu also offers aesthetically pleasing pastries and beverages that taste as good as they look.
Image credit: @slowwoodcoffee & @gracegurlx
Address: 4, Jalan Kiara 1, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operation hours: 9am – 7pm daily
Unfold
Indulge in a soothing cup of coffee while soaking up the sun beside the lake at Unfold. This cafe stands apart from the typical haunts in the bustling Klang Valley, offering picturesque views that transport you to a realm of serene tranquility.
Unfold is the brainchild of the creative minds behind The Roast Things, Cream Coffee Stand, and Neutrals, all renowned for their great coffee. So prepare to be pleasantly surprised by the quality of the brews here. For those who live for the simple pleasures of a peaceful morning coffee, this is your hideaway to escape the urban chaos and revel in the serenity of the moment.
Image credit: @cafefolome
Address: Parc Hub, Lot 17394, Jalan SS12/1, Taman Subang Ria, 47500 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operation hours: 8am – 5pm daily
Second Date Patisserie
This French-inspired patisserie, is a love affair waiting to happen. Stepping through the revolving door is like entering the enchanting world of a Parisian romance. With an interior featuring the inviting hues of walnut wood, you’re instantly transported to a Parisian rendezvous.
Indulge in heavenly cakes, an array of delectable pastries and of course, the ever-so-loved Tiramisu. The alluring interiors effortlessly complement the stunning dishes, creating a experience that reads like a beautiful love letter.
Image credit: @t.w.k._ & @malaysianflavours
Address: G-13, Residensi Trion, Lebuhraya Sungai Besi, Chan Sow Lin, 55200 Kuala Lumpur
Operation hours: 9am – 6pm daily, closed on Wednesdays
Broom Artisan Bakery
Broom Artisan Bakery is the latest addition to Bukit Bintang’s culinary landscape, where heritage meets modernity. This bakery’s design is a feast for the eyes, featuring a heritage exterior and interior adorned with concrete walls, artfully patterned tiles and tasteful wooden rattan accents.
The spacious interior and eye-catching decor make Broom Artisan Bakery an ideal location for photography enthusiasts.
Image credit: @t.w.k._ & @squarepad
Address: 4, Jln Sin Chew Kee, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operation hours: 8:30am – 10pm daily, closed on Tuesdays
Tapestry
Tapestry, situated in the heart of Chow Kit, is a must-visit heritage cafe. It’s the last place you’d expect to find in the bustling city – a lush oasis of greenery. At Tapestry, you’ll discover a menu that seamlessly weaves together classic brunch dishes, fusing the rich tapestry of Malaysian heritage with a contemporary twist, creating a delightful blend of East meets West.
With its lofty ceilings, sun-drenched interiors, and a whimsical array of tapestries suspended from above, this cafe offers a captivating rustic charm, beautifully refined.
Image credit: @tapestrymy & @rommel_atmadja
Address: 28, Jalan Kamunting, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operation hours: 8am – 5pm daily
Ra Ra Coffee
Tucked away in the unassuming neighbourhood of Bandar Utama, Ra Ra is a minimalist’s dream. Its pristine white backdrops, wooden furniture and elegant curves create a visual paradise for photography enthusiasts. Conveniently situated just 5 minutes from One Utama, this cafe is easily accessible.
Beyond the typical brunch fare, Ra Ra boasts a delectable selection of aesthetic and mouthwatering Donburi bowls. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely weekend brunch.
Image credit: @davinzi_code & @t.w.k._
Address: 1-1, BU4 Oasis, Jalan Changkat Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operation hours: 10am – 10pm Tuesday to Thursday, 10am – 11pm Friday, 8am – 10pm Saturday and Sunday
After One
Discover this hidden gem in the heart of the city centre. While it may be surrounded by the bustling city, its intimate size sets it apart from the crowd. With an array of seating options both indoors and outdoors, this lively cafe offers aesthetic delights from every angle.
What makes it truly exceptional is the chef’s impressive background, having previously honed their skills in a Michelin-starred restaurant. The menu is a testament to this expertise, featuring a range of innovative, Michelin-standard dishes that prioritise both flavour and health.
Image credit: @fannyhalimm & @dearjane0
Address: 1, Persiaran Lidcol , Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operation hours: 9am – 6pm Monday, 9am – 10pm Tuesday to Sunday
Common Space
With a rustic exterior fronted by broad-leafed Alocasias, Bird of Paradise plants, rattan furniture, and stark white parasols, Common Space is anything but a common sight in the hustle and bustle of Imbi Road. Step inside and the foliage gives way to a brutalist, exposed-brick interior. Reflecting this aesthetic fusion, their menu offers up a hybrid of Pan-Asian and Western cuisine, beautifully plated with the flavours to match.
Best of all, this urban sanctuary is pet-friendly, serving as a common space for your two-legged and four-legged companions alike. Surrounded by lush leaves and fantastic food, it’s the perfect spot for a photoshoot with your pets.
Address: 40, Jalan 1/77A Off Jalan Imbi, Changkat Thambi Dollah, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 55100
Operation hours: 11am-1pm, Monday to Thursday, 11am – 12am, Friday to Sunday
Lucky Coffee Bar, KLoé Hotel
Step into an issue of Architectural Digest when you enter Lucky Coffee Bar. Tucked away in the corner of KLoé Hotel’s impeccably furnished lobby, the entire space is tastefully adorned with art and ceramics by the city’s foremost designers. Two prodigious floor-to-ceiling windows rise upwards from both sides of the room like a morning stretch, dousing the mid-century furniture and parquet wood flooring in golden light.
In an ambience that celebrates the languid joys of sensory pleasure, allow yourself to fully indulge in Lucky Coffee’s darker-than-night brews, artisanal sandwiches, and proofed-to-perfection pastries.
Image credit: @luckycoffeebar, @davinzi_code, & @d_chum
Address: 227, Jln Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operation hours: 7.30am – 11pm daily
Hani Eatery
Hani Eatery’s interior design embodies the Japanese philosophy of “kintsugi” art, embracing the beauty of visible imperfections and repair. Rather than remove their broken walls entirely, the choice to leave them be adds an emotional weight to the space by framing different sections like a cherished, long-forgotten photo. Captured within are hazy scenes of patrons enjoying Japanese-inspired café fare, surrounded by a sentimental collection of mismatched chairs, tables, typewriters, and an antique wall clock.
With its eclectic vintage furnishings and raw-edged partitions, this cafe confronts the opulence of open-concept living spaces, instead treating age and breakage as integral parts of an object’s history, rather than something to conceal.
Image credit: @davinzi_code, @thisisjefflim, @prokbellyy__, & @sushiphine
Address: 20A, Lrg Ara Kiri 2, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operation hours: 8.30am – 4.30pm daily, closed on Wednesdays
Xiao by Crustz
Xiao by Crustz breathes new life into a quiet suburb. Nestled deep within rows of terraced houses, this soothing café feels reminiscent of a MUJI catalogue, featuring creamy wood decor and abundant light. The space is minimalistic but never cold, bathed in the energy of warm, welcoming hues and even warmer service.
Feed your stomach and your soul with their intricately designed Petit Gâteau and other magical morsels of delight, crafted by a team of World Pastry Cup champions. In the canvas of the café, art marries food and their love takes centre-stage here.
Image credit: @squarepad, @d_chum, & @melxeats
Address: 18, Jalan SS 2/72, Seksyen 19, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operation hours: 9.30am – 5pm, Wednesday & Thursday, 8.30am – 11pm, Friday & Saturday, 8.30am – 6pm, Sunday, 9.30am – 5pm, Monday
Kooky Plate
Far more reminiscent of New York than the heart of KL, Kooky Plate’s signature font and unmistakable facade has become a staple in every fashion-forward influencer’s Instagram feed. The walkable throughway and modern architecture of the surrounding shops add to its international feel, with only the silhouette of the iconic Twin Towers giving away its true heritage.
This is the perfect spot to recreate the illusion of a far-flung holiday escape in your photos, all while indulging in an Asian-Western fusion menu that exudes metropolitan flair.
Image credit: @happinesswithinfilm & @kookyplate
Address: No.16, Seksyen 41, Jalan Yap Ah Shak, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operation hours: 11am – 10pm, Monday to Friday, 9am – 10pm, Saturday & Sunday
Also read:
Best Pastries in Kuala Lumpur: 11 Must-Try Spots
Klang Valley’s Coffee Gems: Where To Find The Best Brews
Kuala Lumpur’s Matcha Haven: The Best Matcha Cafes in 2024
