13 Best Petaling Street Cafes For Yummy Brunch, Aesthetic Decor & Good Coffee

Jacey Hen

Last updated 19 Mar 2024

Best Cafes & Restaurants In Petaling Street Kuala Lumpur

Photo Credit: @christybaby___, @la.petite.yen, @winnielongg (Instagram)

Go Cafe Hopping In Petaling Street!

Nothing screams food haven better than one of the best food and culture hubs in KL city - Petaling Street, also known as our very own Chinatown of Kuala Lumpur. Locals may be familiar with the amazing street food and kopitiams here, but that's not all the place has to offer for fellow foodies - Petaling Street has also become a popular spot to cafe hop!

With many new and aesthetically-pleasing cafes popping up all over the area for the past few years, it's no surprise that it gets crowded here over the weekend with locals coming to try out one of the many cafes here. If you're thinking of taking a trip down to Chinatown, here's a list we've compiled of the best cafes in Petaling Street that you absolutely must visit!

Save 60% Off Your Meals With Dining Deals On Klook!

Best Petaling Street Cafes In 2021

1. Merchant’s Lane

Tucked in the upper floor of a prewar shophouse, Merchant's Lane may seem like a hidden gem but it's been one of Petaling Street's most frequented and well-loved cafes. Head up the wooden stairs to find a rustic-looking space dotted with many charming photo spots, rattan furniture and colourful decor.

The cafe is perfect for brunch sessions, but we recommend heading over early before the crowd arrives, especially on weekends. The menu here is simple and straightforward - choose from Western dishes that are made with a local twist. Some crowd favourites here are the South China Sea and their Italian Chow Mien.

Address: No. 150, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 11.30am-10pm (Monday-Friday), 9.30am-10pm (Saturday, Sunday, Public Holiday), closed on Wednesdays

2. Lim Kee Cafe

The Tian Jing Hotel in Petaling Street is home to Lim Kee Cafe, the establishment's cafe that brings a modern twist to traditional kopitiams. The contemporary cafe greets you at the entrance with its old-school rattan blinds and chairs, reminiscent of kopitiam shopfronts in the olden days.

Lim Kee Cafe brings our favourite bite-sized kopitiam meals - just think of the classic roti kahwin, soft boiled eggs and a good cup of iced coffee. Their desserts here are also must-try treats - enjoy scoops of ice cream with local flavours (teh tarik, coconut and many more!) or indulge in a slice of their homemade cakes!

Address: No. 66-68, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 9.30am-6pm, open daily

3. Vintage 1988

At Vintage 1988, you'll get both good food and pretty accessories to browse through, in this specialty cafe that sells vintage fashion goods and is decorated with many retro knick knacks. Take a break from the heat outside by going accessory shopping here, then take a seat in their Instagrammable cafe and enjoy a good cup of coffee or a meal.

The cafe is especially known for their light snacks, making it easy for you to grab and go sweet treats for yourself while you're in the area. We absolutely love their waffles and ice cream. If you'd prefer a heavier meal, they also specialise in their gourmet burgers which come with juicy 150g patties!

Get 20% off a cash voucher or enjoy a Buy 3 Free 1 Coffee offer at Vintage 1988 by purcashing discounted vouchers on Klook!

Get Discounted Vouchers For Vintage 1988 On Klook Here!

Address: No. 34, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 11am-8pm, open daily

4. Mingle Cafe

Originally known as Cafe 55, Mingle Cafe is an eatery nestled below the Mingle Hostel along Jalan Sultan and is decked out in lush greens and rustic accents. Walk through their bright blue wooden entrance and find yourself amidst a quirkily decorated interior, built using salvaged materials from old buildings and furniture.

Mingle Cafe is a favourite amongst both locals and tourists, especially due to their homely environment and good food. This vintage-themed cafe serves a wide and colourful spread of fusion main dishes, smoothie bowls, home-baked cakes, great Australian coffee and many more for you to choose from!

Address: No. 55, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 10am-10pm, open daily

5. Leaf & Co. Cafe

Right next door to the Mingle Cafe is Leaf & Co., a cafe that beautifully preserves the rustic allure of its pre-war shophouse location. From their eccentric cement brick wall to Terrazzo tiles preserved from the 70s, this spot is the perfect meeting point between contemporary and traditional, as modern embellishments are intertwined into the original building design.

The food here is equally note-worthy too, with many yummy options, including vegetarian-friendly ones! Begin your exploration of their eclectic menu with light bites, then follow up with a hearty serving of their pastas or rice mains. On a hot day out, complete your meal here with refreshing cold glass of lemonade or one of their handcrafted mojitos!

Address: No. 53, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 10am-9pm, open daily

6. The Hungry Tapir

Indulge in the best of vegan goodness at The Hungry Tapir, a vibrant plant-based restaurant and bar nestled in a heritage building at the heart of Petaling Street. Make sure you also whip out your phone to take memorable shots here because this dining outlet is decked out in splashes of bright pink, monochrome cushions and potted plants that make it a pretty IG-worthy spot. The best part is that it's pet-friendly too!

A haven for both vegans and vegetarians (as well as for those who would like to try out the lifestyle!), the restaurant offers a wholesome menu of plant-based dishes that include both Western and Asian snacks, all-day breakfast options, mains and desserts. We personally would recommend trying out their bestselling Jungle Laksa and Pink Bombshell Burger!

You can now enjoy these dishes and more at 10% off when you book a discounted lunch menu voucher from The Hungry Tapir on Klook!

Save 10% Off Your Lunch At The Hungry Tapir With These Discounted Vouchers!

7. Yew Yew KL

Coffee lovers and those with a sweet tooth will delight in Yew Yew KL, a cosy little cafe specializing in freshly-brewed coffee, delectable cakes, and pastries. This quaint nook blends perfectly with the charming historical shophouses of Jalan Sultan and offers street views from their window seats.

Some popular items here include their large chocolate chip cookies, scones, and matcha drinks made with Niko Neko Matcha powder! Do note though that the cafe is really small, so make sure you plan your visit during off-peak hours if you're looking to dine in and enjoy some downtime by the window, or simply opt to grab-and-go a cup of coffee!

Address: 63-D, Ground Floor, Bangunan Ka Yin, Jalan Sultan, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 10am-6pm, closed on Mondays

Looking for more good coffee takeaway spots in KL? Find out more here:

Best Cafes For Coffee Takeaway and Delivery In KL & PJ

Eat & Drink

Best Coffee In KL & PJ 2021: 12 Cafes & Coffee Shops Available For Coffee Takeaway & Delivery

Complete list of best takeaway coffee nearby you, in KL & PJ! Order the best coffees in 2021 from these best coffee shops and cafes.

8. Chocha Foodstore

Nestled in a century-old historical building, Chocha Foodstore is a casual, hip restaurant suitable for dining at all times throughout the day. The building was once the verge of collapsing when the owners discovered it, but now has been transformed into the cafe's pretty space filled with leafy greens, old school tiles, and lots of natural lighting.

Enjoy contemporary Asian cuisine with a twist here in this beautiful retro restaurant. From ulam pesto noodles to cincalok fried chicken, you can expect to the innovative dishes here to incorporate Malaysian flavours that you love. We'd recommend heading to the cafe early if you would like to choose your preferred table seating, especially during lunch time when it gets the most crowded.

Address: No. 156, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 12pm-12am, closed on Mondays

9. Mary Jane KL

Enter into a pastel pink wonderland at the newly-launched cafe, Mary Jane KL. Fans of all-things pink will squeal in delight at the very pink and flowery interior of their upper floor, from stunning blush pink roses adorning the walls, to elegant furniture splashed in the colours of gold, white and - yes, you guessed it right - pink.

Downstairs, you can enjoy a sultrier dining experience with their handpainted jungle-themed interior and try out their inventive drinks at the bar. Mary Jane may be a new kid on the block, but you can expect no lesser than quality service and delicious halal-certified food here. Dig into delectable selections like their Wagyu beef burger or fluffy pancakes!

Address: No. 106, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 11am - 10pm (weekdays), 10am - 10pm (weekends), closed on Mondays

If you're looking for more IG-worthy cafes, here are some of the best floral cafes & restaurants in KL you should pay a visit to!

Pink Floral Theme Cafes & Restaurants In KL & PJ

Eat & Drink

9 Aesthetic Floral-Themed Cafes & Restaurants In KL & PJ 2021: Dine With Pretty Flowers & Delicious Food

Take aesthetic photos at these Instagrammable floral cafes in KL and PJ, including newly-launched Mary Jane KL, florist cafes and hi-tea dining spots decorated with flowers.

10. Da Bao 打包 Restobar

Fluffy steamed buns await you at Da Bao, Chinatown's latest eatery that prides on their extra large baos jam-packed with mouth-watering fillings and rich flavours. Decorated with neon lights and quirky murals, the restaurant's playful and lively setting is perfect for small celebrations or casual catchup sessions with your friends.

Da Bao's modern take on the traditional mantou buns are a must-try if you're in the area. Here, you can choose from fillings of pork, chicken, fish, lamb and soft-shell crab, or even their vegetarian option! They also serve hearty rice bowls and savoury sides if a bao isn't enough for you, as well as inventive cocktails at their bar upstairs.

Address: No. 145, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 11:30am - 9pm, closed on Mondays

11. Jao Tim

In Cantonese, Jao Tim stands for hotel, and that's what this elegant cafe in Petaling Street resembles. Once an actual hotel back in the 1910s, the cafe owners have refurbished this space for dining, while still preserving the original design of the hotel with its wooden panels and brass fixtures - there's even a reception area with a 'concierge' signage that greets you once you walk up the entrance!

In this space that is reminiscent of the early 20th century, you can enjoy light snacks and coffee as you vibe to the cafe's nostalgic playlist of oldies music. The simple menu at the cafe also serves a selection of savoury bakes, homemade cakes and craft beer for you to indulge in.

Address: No. 61, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 11am - 7pm, closed on Mondays

12. Wildflowers Restaurant & Bar

Brought to you by the founders of Merchant's Lane, Wildflowers Restaurant & Bar is another elegant cafe in Petaling Street you should definitely visit. The food here will tingle your tastebuds - enjoy their extensive menu of original, inventive fusion recipes inspired by Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Mexican, Malaysian, and even French cuisine.

You can also sip on craft cocktails and wine here! The restaurant has two floors, with their bar on the ground floor and the upper floor for dining. At night, Wildflowers becomes a lovely space with its dim lighting and romantic atmosphere that is perfect for a laid-back, yet intimate date night.

Address: No. 153, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 5pm - 10pm (Tuesday - Thursday), 12pm - 12am (Friday & Saturday), 12pm - 10pm (Sunday), closed on Mondays

Planning for the perfect date night? Check out these dining spots to celebrate special occasions at!

Eat & Drink

24 Best Restaurants In KL For Date Nights, Gatherings, And Special Celebrations

Celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or simply catch up with your friends at one of these 24 lovely restaurants around KL!

13. Light Capture Cafe by H.O.N.

A beautiful blend between heritage and modern architecture, Light Capture Cafe has turned a century old building into an aesthetically-pleasing space oozing with industrial chic allure. Occupying a total of three floors, the cafe is spacious and thoughtfully-designed, with a laid-back and inviting atmosphere alike a New York-style loft.

Natural daylight shines in through the building large windows and makes it a lovely spot for brunch and IG-worthy photos. The cafe serves a yummy selection of breakfast croissants, local dishes as well as Western mains. Pair your meal with a cup of coffee or one of their craft mocktails, as well as a slice of their cakes.

Address: No. 81 & 83, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 10am - 9pm, open daily

Done with cafe hopping? Hunt down the best KL street food in Petaling Street here: