Aliyaa

Aliyaa brings the cooking of Sri Lanka to Bukit Damansara, an upmarket neighbourhood west of the city centre, and is one of the best places in Kuala Lumpur to try the island's cuisine. It holds a Bib Gourmand in the 2026 Michelin Guide Malaysia, which recognises good quality, good value cooking, and it sits in the Plaza Damansara area among a cluster of bars and eateries that make it easy to turn dinner into a longer evening.

The menu covers beef, mutton, chicken, seafood and vegetarian dishes, all built on Sri Lankan spice blends. The best-known order is the whole crab, a messy, hands-on dish that is best shared at the table. Negombo prawns, named after the fishing town north of Colombo, come in a pineapple gravy, and kuliyal is a distinctive dish of curried rice with tomato paste baked inside a banana leaf. With a group you can build a spread of curries, rice and sides and try a little of everything.

Sri Lankan food is generally spicy, and Aliyaa does not shy away from heat, but the kitchen is happy to adjust the spice level to your taste, so tell your server if you prefer milder flavours. Vegetarians are well catered for, with vegetarian options running right across the menu. The restaurant has an air-conditioned dining room, counter seating and a terrace, and credit cards are accepted.

According to the Michelin Guide, Aliyaa is open every day for lunch from noon to 3pm and for dinner from 6pm to 11pm. Booking is a good idea for dinner, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings, when the Plaza Damansara area is at its busiest. Prices are moderate, so it works well for a relaxed meal with friends, a casual date or a family dinner with older children who enjoy flavourful food.

Bukit Damansara is a short drive from KL Sentral and Bangsar, and a taxi or ride-hailing car is the simplest way to get there. After dinner you can stay in the area for a drink in one of the neighbouring bars, or head to nearby Bangsar, which has its own restaurants, cafes and nightlife.