Escape the urban noise and discover KL’s best-kept secrets, where culinary delights meet nature’s embrace.
Food is something we Malaysians cherish deeply and consider a daily priority. The thought of our next meal constantly occupies our minds, especially when deciding on lunch spots. With countless dining options available, making a choice becomes even more challenging when restaurants offer unique settings for outdoor dining right here in KL.
Picture yourself unwinding after work, sipping a cool drink while being serenaded by nature’s gentle symphony. Whether you choose to dine surrounded by lush jungle foliage, beside a flowing river, or in a peaceful garden, these environments create the perfect atmosphere to connect with nature while satisfying your appetite. Intriguingly, such hidden gems exist right here near the city center Kuala Lumpur, though they remain wonderfully secluded.
These exceptional secret dining spots maintain their hidden status for good reason. They’ve mastered the art of sustainable dining with nature in KL by creating meaningful connections between their visitors and the natural world. That’s exactly what we’ll explore in this article – discovering these off-the-beaten-path dining in KL that not only offers good food, but also a calm reconnection with nature.
Tamarind Springs KL, Taman Tun Abdul Razak
Tamarind Springs, located in Taman Tun Abdul Razak, is not only known to be a restaurant- but also a sacred sanctuary towards nature. What really sells this restaurant as an exquisite visit towards outdoor dining in KL is how close to nature the place feels. Surrounded by lush greenery, towering trees, and a calming forest atmosphere while also being open-aired. Imagine this scene as you walk towards your restaurant to satisfy your craving, that you are accompanied by lanterns and softly lip sculptures. Makes you feel as if you’ve taken a short but much-needed trip towards another country with such lively aesthetics.
Asian Fusion
The cuisine has also been awarded as an award-winning venue in Thai and IndoChinese due to its representation and environment. The menu this place provides offers a unique mix of flavours from Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand. Their popular dishes include Tom Yum, Seafood Amok, Salads, Lobsters, Wagyu Beef and Curries.
So, if you’re looking for a place that will for sure have your tongue infused in tasty flavours, this may just be the unusual dining spot you’re looking for. On top of that, the restaurant also offers a fine list of extensive wine for those looking to unwind. This is definitely the spot you’d want to check out to discover your first ever environmentally conscious restaurant!
Little Salty Café, Ampang Hill
Ever wanted to indulge in the sweet taste of your cake while catching up with your friend as the 2 of you enjoy the hilltop view that comes from the café? Little Salty Café which opens every Tuesday till Sunday, from 12pm ill 10pm, offers exactly that kind of vibe.
Perched above Ampang and being one of the hidden restaurants in KL, Little Salty café offers sweeping view of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline that is covered by lush treetops. The outdoor deck makes it a fantastic place to dine as you enjoy the city lights after a long day at work be it with your friends or partner.
Dining with Cupid
The indoors also offer a close to nature aesthetic as the space is fitted with fairy lights, ambient fans and breeze-flow-openings which is a mix of comfort and nature. Reason why this place is also the perfect min retreat to nature with your partner is due to it’s romantic, tranquil vibe.
The café also has been dubbed as a romantic date spot due to it’s hilltop perch, cozy fairy-lit balcony, and sunset views which makes it a perfect spot for someone choosing to unwind with their partner or do a bit of self-reflection.
Last but not least, the menu. The café offers culinary delights such as waffles such as the rich Dark Heaven and the fruity Mr. Earl Grey has been said to be the local favourites. If you’re looking for a heavy meal, then worry not as the café also has heavy dishes such as its Seafood Marinara, Creamy Lemon Salted Pasta and its Salted Egg Chicken Soup. Their beverages go from a selection of floral lattes, matcha drinks, smoothies and their mocktail mojitos.
Samira by Asian Terrace, Sentul Park
Ever wanted to dine in nature with the soothing sounds of the gentle river accompanying your ears? Does indulging in Seafood as you enjoy the crisp sounds of nature surrounding you sound appealing to you?
Samira by Asian Terrace, located at Sentul Park, may just be the sweet and sour mix of Seafood and reconnection to Mother Nature’s finest children. The overall aesthetic of this outdoor dining consists of a unique blend of lush greenery, water features, and rustic architecture to make its hungry visitors really immerse themselves in a natured-connected dining experience.
Of Still Waters and Beautiful Plants
What makes this place so close to nature is how the Lakeside and Pond setting really adds to the tranquil aesthetic. In addition to that, the pathway towards Sentul Park offers an unwinding transition from the city noise into peaceful, leafy seclusion.
Lastly, the place is open air which allows its patrons to really relax themselves with the fresh air of the lakeside and lush greenery.
Now, unto their dishes. The restaurant has a menu of Indo-Chinese menu that is a fusion of Thai cooking. Some of their Thai dishes consist of Tom Yum, lemongrass prawns, grilled fish, and catfish salad. Bear in mind that the ingredients are absolutely fresh for its visitors to dig in! Also, a tip for those who wish to visit this place. Try to arrive before sunset to truly enjoy the full ambience moment.
Hornbill Restaurant and Café, Kuala Lumpur
Ever wanted to dine with exotic birds? Maybe a lovely Friday lunch with the family for them to see a Hornbill up close right after they’re done filling their stomachs? Located in KL Bird Park, Hornbill Restaurant and café is one of the many outdoor restaurants in KL that offers an experience that will leave its visitors with an unforgettable memory and a big smile on their face.
What makes this restaurant really stand out among all the green loving restaurants in KL is how it allows its visitors to interact with the beautiful and friendly hornbills. This interaction offers a magical wildlife that you won’t be able to experience anywhere else in Kuala Lumpur.
Breakfast with Birds
Another ‘cool’ thing about this place is how chilly the temperature is due to it being surrounded by dense greenery and shaded decks that are fan-cooled comfort. Just imagine the beautiful sight of a hummingbird joining you for breakfast. Sounds like an amazing way to start off your day, right?
Also, the restaurant overlooks the whole of the Kuala Lumpur Skyline. Making it the ideal spot to really watch the Sunlit birds flying through the skies as the sun sets down.
Lastly, their menu consists of Malaysian and Western options such as nasi lemak, mee mamak, Sarawak laksa, chicken chop, grilled lamb as well as fusion delights. Don’t forget to refresh yourself with their coconut shakes while you enjoy your crispy keropok lekor. If you’re a fan of these sky divers, be sure to give this place a check!
A Little Farm on The Hill, Janda Baik
Located conveniently on the forested hills of Janda Baik, about a 40 to 45-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur lies A Little Farm on The Hill. Not only is it yet another environmentally conscious eatery in Malaysia but it’s also an organic farm where sustainable farming meets immersive nature experiences.
What makes A Little Farm on The Hill special is how it is sitting 600 m above sea level, nestled by the lush jungle. Some highlighted spots this place has are winding trails, ponds, fruit trees, and garden beds.
One with Nature
You will also be able to witness some wildlife in their habitat such as birds, monkeys, insects and even boars can be spotted at this sacred haven.
They also serve a wide variety of delicious meals such as their signature renowned 12-leaf salad and oak-smoked beef short ribs. Other dishes people can find joy in is their roasted organic meats with prunes and apricots, baked pumpkin goat cheese with toasted almonds and homemade flatbreads.
After you’re done with your meal and have the urge to further reconnect with nature, the farm also hosts gardening workshop! In addition to that, they also have cheese-making sessions, yoga retreats, and small concerts. Every visit is sure to make it into a well-rounded experience for its visitors.
Bistro Richard, Sentul Park
Have you by any chance been craving European dining that is set towards nature as well? To enjoy the open-air seating as the flavours of the European dish dances in your mouth lively? Located at Sentul Park, beside KLPAC, lies Bistro Richard, yet another unusual dining spot in KL that gathers the attention of many.
What makes Bistro Richard such a good eco retreat is how it manifests itself in nature. The flowing lake and koi pond gently flowing while the restaurant is in open air which allows you to bask in the glorious gardens and water reflections that will have you feeling some sort of inner peace.
European Escape
It’s quiet, calm and secluded settings make this a hit spot for people looking to enjoy some self-reflection. The architecture around it also offers a sense of a cozy, countryside trattoria vibe with it’s red-brick walls, oak-wood panelling, Tiffany-style lamps, and red-and-white checkered tablecloths.
Definitely a vibe to try and experience. While you dine, you can also choose to adore the tranquil views of fish gliding through the pond and birds fleeing around the sky. Their menu consists of European dishes such as escargot, coq au vin, roasted lamb shank, seafood paella, soups, pastas, and desserts like crème brulee and mushroom bisque. If you’re looking to shake up your taste buds with a different flavour, why not try this European cuisine?
That is all for todays article about some of the many restaurants you can head over to bond with nature! With there being so many kinds of ways for us to enjoy our meals now in the modern world, be it in a cafe with certain aesthetic or a restaurant that immersed itself in nature, at the end of the day, it’s about finding inner peace and satisfaction towards ourselves. We hope that you’ve gathered some ideas as to where your next mini nature dining spot is and that you have a grand of a time. Till next time! Take it easy.
In every whispered breeze and every shared meal, we find not just sustenance, but a tranquil symphony for the soul.
You May Like : 5 Beautiful Cafes in KL for you to do nothing beautifully
