Damansara can be a tricky area to navigate, especially for first-timers. Amidst shopping malls, business hubs, and numerous neighbourhoods, there’s a prevalent question on everyone’s mind: “Where should I dine?”
Worry not, this list of the 10 best makan places in Damansara will answer your question. Save this for the next time you’re in the area!
1. Croisserie Artisan Bakery
First on our list is Croisserie Artisan Bakery at Damansara Heights. Well-known for its pastries and beautiful interior, this small bakery is constantly filled with people grabbing a quick bite or hanging out with friends.
As you enter, you’ll be greeted with a magnificent glass display case filled with pastries, sandwiches and bread that are freshly prepared daily. Some of Croisserie’s best sellers include the Salmon and Spinach Quiche (RM20), Pesto Chicken Tartine (RM14), Strawberry Croissant Tart (RM15), and Pain De Champagne (RM18.50).
There’s also a selection of petit gâteaux (small cakes) that you shouldn’t miss. Try the Cheese & Vanilla (RM22) cheesecake, or the enticing Chocolate Fig Orange (RM22). If you’re feeling fancy, try the L’Amour (RM22) featuring chocolate pâte sablée, almond joconde, vanilla crème, raspberry compote, 70% dark chocolate mousse, maroon and chocolate glaze.
Full-sized cakes are also available upon pre-order on their website.
14, Jalan Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
+6012 564 4154
Daily: 7.30am – 8pm
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2. Aliyya
Aliyya, located not too far from Croisserie Artisan Bakery, is a Sri Lankan restaurant honoured with the prestigious 2024 Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition. It stands out for its authentic flavours and recipes that have been passed down from one generation to the next.
Start your meal with some appetisers. I recommend the Cutlets, which come in 3 choices: vegetable (RM19), fish (RM24) and lamb (RM25). Or opt for the Sri Lankan ‘Chinese’ Rolls (RM24) which comprises breaded savoury crepe rolls, stuffed with spiced lamb keema, and deep-fried to perfection.
For mains, choose from a variety of curries/sothies, varuvals and poriyals, and vegetables. Among the highly-recommended dishes include Fish Sothi (RM48), Mutton Paal Poriyal (RM68), and Amma’s Eggplant Salad (RM16).
End your dining experience on a sweet note with desserts like Wattalappam (RM15), a traditional custard with notes of palm sugar and spices or Flaming Appam (RM18), a flambéed sweet brandy appam.
No 48 G&M, Jalan Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
+6017 883 3738
Daily: 12pm – 3pm & 6pm – 11pm
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3. Hot Bird
Moving on to Hot Bird at Damansara Utama. This eatery serves Nashville-style chicken, the 1st of its kind in Malaysia. With an interior that echoes the ambience of American diners, this place will certainly evoke a nostalgic atmosphere.
Choose from 6 different spice levels to elevate your dining experience: no heat, mild, hot, super hot, burn baby burn, and reaper (additional RM2/piece). There are 3 main meals you can choose from which come with a side of fries, coleslaw, and your preferred drink.
There’s the Fried Chicken Meal (RM24.90 for 2 pieces, RM33.90 for 3 pieces, RM10 for à la carte), Jumbo Tender Meal (RM25.90 for 3 pieces, RM35.90 for 5 pieces, RM7 for à la carte), and the Hot Bird Burger Meal (RM23.90, RM18.90 for à la carte).
Don’t forget to order Hot Bird’s sides as well. Opt for the Cajun Fries (RM10), Curly Fries (RM12), Mac & Cheese (RM12.90) or Buffalo Wings (RM19.90 for 6 pieces, RM36.90 for 12 pieces).
83 Ground Floor, Jalan SS 21/1a, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
+6011 2363 6995
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
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4. Blonde
Number 4 on our 10 best makan places in Damansara list is Blonde. Owned by the same company as Serai and Jibby & Co, Blonde aims to offer progressive Australian cuisine, with a refined local twist.
Take a peek at their breakfast menu, available from 10.30am to 4pm. Sample the Artistinal Grilled Chicken Sausage (RM36) served with Australian beef bacon, Swiss mushroom, sauteed kale, potato croquette, roasted tomato, onion jam and buttered sourdough. There’s also the Freshly Baked Dutch-Style Pancake (RM28) with seasonal berries, Mutiara figs, maple syrup, fresh cream and pistachio.
If you prefer pasta, a highly-recommended dish is the Squid Ink Spaghetti (RM42) which consists of Hokkaido scallops, blue swimmer crabmeat, heirloom tomato, ikura, seaweed and chilli oil. Another signature dish at Blonde is the Asian Platter (RM47) featuring spiced curry leaves fried chicken, assam king tiger prawn, pineapple acar, grilled squid and jasmine rice.
G.03A, Republik, Jalan Medan Setia 1, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
+603 2011 6070
Daily: 10.30am – 10pm
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5. Village Park Restaurant
Village Park Restaurant is a restaurant that’s always full of people eagerly queuing up in the hot Malaysian weather as it’s deemed to serve one of the best nasi lemak in the Klang Valley. Numerous celebrities and notable personalities have dined here, evident from the proudly displayed photos on the walls.
It goes without saying that a must-try is the Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng (RM12.50). Featuring a mouthwatering plate of fragrant coconut rice with a spicy yet sweet sambal, paired with freshly fried chicken that has a crispy skin and tender meat, it is no wonder many brave the parking of Damansara Utama to enjoy this dish.
There are also other nasi lemak choices that are equally good. Try the Nasi Lemak Ayam Rendang (RM11.40), Nasi Lemak Daging (RM12), Nasi Lemak Sotong (RM11.80), or Nasi Lemak Udang (RM11.60). But that’s not all! Sample their Lontong (RM7.90), Singapore Mee Rebus (RM9.60), or Curry Mee (RM9.60).
5, Jalan SS 21/37, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
+6012 273 8438
Daily: 6.30am – 5.30pm
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6. Ramen Seirock-ya @ Uptown
Originating from Tsukuba City, Japan, Ramen Serirock-ya launched its 1st Malaysian outlet in 2019. With hopes of sharing the delicious Japanese ramen, this restaurant has adjusted its menu to cater to the Malaysian audience.
Ramen Serirock-ya has 6 different ramen broths to choose from — Toripatan Extreme, Toripatan Shio, Toripatan Shoyu, Toripatan Miso, Traditional Tokyo Style, Traditional Hokkaido Style, and Tsukemen.Â
The most recommended from each ramen broth is the Toripaitan Extreme Egg (RM26.90 for regular, RM30.40 for large), Toripaitan Shio Egg (RM23.40 for regular, RM26.90 for large), Toripatan Shoyu Egg (RM23.40 for regular, RM26.90 for large), Toripaitan Miso Egg (RM24.40 for regular, RM27.90 for large), Tokyo Ramen Egg (RM23.40 for regular, RM26.90 for large), Hokkaido Ramen Egg (RM23.40 for regular, RM26.90 for large), and Tsukumen Egg (RM25.90).
If you prefer rice dishes, you’re in luck. Give a go at the Chicken Katsu Bowl (RM21.40), Japanese Curry Rice (RM16.90) or the Croquette Curry (RM20.90). Let’s not forget the side dishes. Choose from the Grilled Gyoza (RM12.40 for 5 pieces), Karage (RM16.40 for 4 pieces), and Croquette (RM10.90 for 2 pieces).
6-G, Jalan SS 21/35, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
+603 7492 7509
Daily: 12pm – 9pm
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7. [PERMANENTLY CLOSED] A Pie Thing
Next up on our list is A Pie Thing. Selling a mixture of sweet and savoury pies, this humble eatery is a favourite destination for pie enthusiasts.
Among their selection of savoury pies are: Pulled Lamb (RM18.50), Chicken Mushroom (RM16.50), Buttermilk Chicken (RM16.50), Carbonara Chicken (RM16.50), and Creamy Spinach (RM16.50). You can also order these as frozen pies to reheat at home and enjoy at your convenience.
But if you have a sweet tooth like me, have a taste of their sweet pies. You can indulge in the Blueberry Cheese (RM14), Choc-o-lot (RM14), Lemon Curd (RM14), Apple Crumble (RM15), Strawberry Cheese (RM15), or Banoffee Pie (RM15). I assure that you’ll love them all!
Level 1, Glo Damansara, Jln Damansara, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
+6012 951 5233
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8. Jatujak Bangkok Street Food
If you miss the taste or simply love the diverse flavours of Thai food, Jatujak Bangkok Street Food is the place to go. Located in Ara Damansara, this restaurant will transport you to the streets of Bangkok.
What is Thai food without Tomyam soup? Relish the Red Tomyam Seafood (RM45 for small, RM55 for large) and pair it with the all-time fan favourite Basil Minced Chicken (RM22). Don’t forget to sample the Grilled Salted Baked Fish (RM59) and Green Papaya Salad (RM19). They’ll complete your meal.
If you’re dining alone, opt for the single dishes instead. Savour Pad Thai (RM15.90 for small, RM29 for large) or Seafood Fried Rice (RM14.90 for small, RM33 for large). Quench your thirst with a glass of Thai Milk Tea (RM7.50) or Thai Coffee (RM7.50).
B-G, 31, Jalan PJU 1a/3j, Ara Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
+6010 219 6359
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 3pm & 5pm – 10.15pm
Fri to Sun: 12pm – 3pm & 5pm – 10.45pm
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9. Table & Apron
Established in 2014, Table & Apron is a neighbourhood restaurant that excels in both service and food and has remained consistently good throughout the years. Formerly known as The Kitchen Table Restaurant & Bakery, this humble restaurant exudes comfort in both its food and interior.
Pair sourdough bread with 2 different appetisers: Spiced Tomato Butter (RM13) or Pumpkin Hummus (RM22). Then, choose your entrée like Charred Kailan with Romesco Sauce (RM25), Charred Cabbage with Tofu Spread (RM27), Paku Salad with Green Mango & Peanut Crumbs (RM25) or Roasted Cauliflower with Ricotta (RM27).
For mains, I suggest sampling Table & Apron’s bestseller, the Buckwheat Fried Chicken (RM27 – RM51). If you have a hearty appetite, choose between the Pork Ribs in Pineapple Glaze and Tamarind Dip (RM38 – RM90) or the Steak with Watercress Salad (based on market price).
23, Jalan SS 20/11, Damansara Kim, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
+603 7733 4000
Tue to Thu: 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Fri to Sun: 11.30am – 2.30pm & 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Closed on Mon
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10. D’Atas Restaurant
Last on our list is D’Atas Restaurant in Damansara Uptown. Located near Starling Mall, this eatery is the ideal spot for a nice late lunch or a late dinner.
Choose from their wide selection of appetisers like Spicy Cajun American Straight Cut Fries (RM16), Asian-styled Squid Bruschetta (RM12), Grilled Chicken Skewers (RM26), or Lamb De Cordero (RM15).
For mains, I recommend going for the Classic Chicken Burger (RM28) which features a flame-grilled homemade chicken patty with melted cheese, egg, coral, yellow onion, tomato, gherkins, oven-baked sesame buns and a basket of cajun spiced fries.Â
If you prefer pasta, try the Aglio E Olio Seafood (RM30) which comprises baby octopus, tiger prawn, mussel, half-shell scallop, and asari clam tossed with olive oil, toasted garlic and chilli flakes.
108G, Jalan SS21/39 Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya, 47400 Selangor
+6010 248 1356
Mon to Sat: 3pm – 12.30am
Closed on Sun
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