When it comes to mall-hopping in Kuala Lumpur, Publika Shopping Gallery is rarely the first name people mention. Which is understandable. It is more office tower than retail paradise, the shopping is limited, and yes, the parking rates can make you wince. But if you are willing to look past that, you will discover that Publika is one of the city’s most exciting dining hubs.
There are malls where you eat because you must, and then there is Publika, where you eat because you want to — or because your office is upstairs and lunchtime calls. Every corner hides a surprise of multicultural variety. Here is my personal guide to the 10 best places to eat at Publika, each one worth a visit the next time you find yourself in this part of town.
1. Damanna Korean Restaurant (A4-01-05)
Korean cuisine has a way of balancing spicy, sweet, and savoury notes until everything feels just right on the palate. Damanna Korean Restaurant is one of the few establishments in Publika that naturally embodies that harmony.
Right on the first floor of Block A4, this welcoming eatery greets you with a serene hallway leading to a spacious and comfortable dining area with a view of the tranquil neighbourhood outside. Everything feels at ease and meals seem to last a little longer.
Damanna takes its craft seriously. They prepare their own kimchi in-house and serve an impressive range of dishes from raw marinated crab, salmon, and shrimp to their golden Korean fried chicken. Their mission is simple yet heartfelt — they want you to taste Korea the way it is meant to be tasted.
A good place to begin is their widely adored BBQ Set for 2 (RM138). This generous feast features grilled galbi short rib and samgyeopsal pork belly, accompanied by kimchi jjigae, japchae, pajeon, and a colourful assortment of banchan.
Picture spooning the rich stew over warm rice or crafting your own ssam with a charred, juicy slice of meat wrapped in crisp lettuce with garlic and green pepper tucked inside. A dip in sesame oil completes the moment.
Another favourite is the Ganjang Jejang (RM130). The soy-marinated raw crab arrives glistening with vibrant hues that hint at its freshness and the deep umami waiting beneath the shell. Paired with seaweed, it is one of those dishes you remember long after the meal ends.
If your appetite leans toward more meaty comfort, the Bossam (RM60) delivers beautifully. Thick slices of tender boiled pork are served with sauce and napa cabbage for a wrap that is subtly fragrant yet wonderfully seasoned.
K-Drama cravings hit at odd hours and Damanna has the cure. The Cheesy Korean Chicken (RM30) satisfies every mukbang fantasy while the Samgyetang (RM55) offers that deeply soothing ginseng warmth.
For carb lovers, the Kimchi Bokkeumbap (RM30) is always a joy. A mound of kimchi fried rice circled by fluffy egg, each bite bright with heat and tang.
In the heart of Publika, Damanna Korean Restaurant feels like a peaceful gateway to Seoul. Each dish exudes a sincere warmth that persists long after the plates have been cleared. Here, well-known comforts blend with the slow excitement of discovery, and every visit serves as a reminder of the consistent allure of Korean food.
+603 6211 6211
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
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2. Positano Risto (C1-G3-02)
Positano Risto is a Muslim-owned restaurant that blends authentic Italian cuisine with a warm and welcoming setting. The ambience feels just right for a cosy gathering with friends or a long dinner with family, where the glow of the room (and the music) makes you want to stay longer than planned.
The menu carries signatures such as the La Stella (RM68.95) which is their iconic 8-point star sourdough pizza filled with stuffed crust and topped with beef pepperoni, turkey ham, arugula, tomato sauce, mozzarella and homemade burrata cheese. It looks impressive on the table and tastes even better with every slice.
I tried the Spaghetti al Nero di Seppia (RM48.95) which arrives tangled in squid ink pasta and coated in a spicy sauce. The dish comes with fresh tiger prawns, squid, clams, mussels and scallops tossed with cherry tomatoes and parsley. It carries a depth of flavour that lingers on the palate and I would happily return for it again.
Another standout is the Pollo al Rosmarino (RM38.95). A leg of chicken is marinated with rosemary, garlic and chili before being oven baked until the skin turns golden and crisp. The meat is paired with a rosemary sauce and served alongside baked potatoes, buttered broccoli, grilled bell peppers and zucchini which make the plate feel complete and balanced.
+603 6411 3799
Daily: 11am – 10pm
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3. Sando-Icchi (G2-56)
Sando-Icchi arrived in Publika in July 2025 and it did not take long to win over sandwich lovers across town. The buzz online is all about their steak sando which often sells out before closing time. The menu is compact and that feels deliberate. Instead of overwhelming you with endless choices, it guides you to a handful of carefully crafted signatures.
The Felix Big-Size Steak Sandwich (RM28.80 to RM30.80) is the star of the show. The aroma of freshly toasted bread and smoky beef will greet you first. Get ready for the sight of fluffy bread slices trying, and not quite succeeding, to hold back a mountain of medium rare steak. Each piece of beef is chopped into bite-sized chunks, glistening under the light, and paired with black pepper sauce.
The Fried Shrimp Sandwich (RM20.80) is the unexpected highlight. The tempura batter gives a soft crackle at first bite, leading to plump shrimp paired with cucumber slices and a light tartar sauce. It’s crisp, fresh and balanced in a way that will keep you coming back bite after bite.
+6017 776 3603
Daily: 10am – 10pm
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4. Fahrenheit 600 Cafe & Restaurant (A4-G2-05)
Fahrenheit 600 Cafe & Restaurant has long been one of Publika’s most inviting cafes, a place where Brooklyn loft vibes meet the comforting warmth of a neighborhood diner. The energy is relaxed yet buzzing, with a menu that stretches from wholesome all-day breakfasts to indulgent burgers and wood-fired pizzas.
Their all-day breakfast selection is a strong pull. The Turkish Baked Egg (RM28.90) arrives in a hot dish with chopped tomatoes, jalapeno, pepperoni, green capsicum, and feta cheese, all baked together and served with soft sesame bread on the side. For something lighter, the Avocado Crush (RM32.90) layers smashed avocado, sun-dried tomato pesto, and feta with poached eggs and pumpkin seed crumble, finished with almond flakes and dried cranberries.
If you lean toward burgers, the Deli Bros Burger (RM34.90) with double beef patties, cheddar, mushrooms, and caramelised onions is a solid choice, while the Crispy Chicken Burger (RM34.90) promises golden fried chicken with Caesar dressing.
The pizzas, however, are what Fahrenheit 600 is best known for. The Margherita (RM30.90 for 12-inch, RM22.90 for 9-inch) keeps it classic with their signature tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil. There is the Henry Super Duck (RM49.90 for 12-inch, RM35.90 for 9-inch), which is brimming with the indulgence of roasted duck, cream cheese, mushrooms, green onions, caramelised onions, and mozzarella.
+6011 6548 8600
Mon to Thu: 9am – 10pm
Fri to Sun: 9am – 11pm
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5. House of Bedu (D1-G3-09)
House of Bedu brings the flavours of the Middle East to Publika. The interiors are moody and stylish, a perfect backdrop for sharing plates, grilled meats, and warm pita torn by hand.
Starters set the tone. The Smoky Hummus (RM26.90) blends creamy chickpeas with tahini and a rich, smoky note that clings to the pita. The Falafel (RM24) arrives as golden crisp chickpea fritters, while the Bedu Titanic Baba Ganoush (RM30) serves roasted eggplant puree in a dramatic shell.
From there, the grill and rice dishes take centre stage. The Torch and Tender Lamb (RM59) and the Slow-Cooked Lamb Shank (RM59) both come served with Bedu rice, rich with the house spice blend. Seafood lovers will find pleasure in the Grilled Daily Catch (RM65) or the Grilled Tiger Prawn (RM82), smoky and juicy from the in-house marinades.
There are also comforting Middle Eastern rice staples like Mandy (from RM29) and Kabsa (from RM29), each plate fragrant with spice and paired with tomato puree sauce and vegetables. For something more familiar, the menu offers pizzas and pastas with a Bedu twist. The Bite Me Pizza (RM48) layers beef brisket with feta, walnuts, and rocket, while the Kufta Red Sauce Spaghetti (RM39) delivers meatballs in a tangy red sauce.
+6011 1131 7957
Daily: 12pm – 12am
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6. The Social (C5-G2-31 & 32)
The Social has long been a staple at Publika, a place where casual bites and hearty mains meet in an atmosphere that is lively yet relaxed. Its menu stretches across local comfort food, Asian favourites and Western classics.
Among the most popular plates are the Nasi Lemak (RM28) with nyonya chicken curry and assam prawns, the Char Kway Teow (RM28) wok-fried with tiger prawns, and the Maggi Mee Goreng (RM29) that comes loaded with chicken 65, prawns and a fried egg. For those who crave Western comfort, the Buttermilk Chicken Burger (RM36) in parmesan breadcrumbs or the Grilled Steak Sandwich (RM42) with Argentinian rib-eye are hard to pass up.
There is also a wood-fired pizza selection you can’t miss. The Margherita Must-Have (RM38) keeps things classic with fresh tomatoes and basil, while The Taj (RM42) layers tandoori chicken with cucumber yoghurt raita for a spiced-up twist. Wrap it up with coffee and desserts!
+603 6207 9225
Sun to Thu: 11.30am – 12am
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 1am
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7. ISTANOODLE (A2-G1-09)
ISTANOODLE brings the comfort of Chinese noodle culture to Publika with a menu that is all about warmth, spice and hearty spoonfuls of flavourful broth.
The Lanzhou Beef Noodles (RM22.80) keep it simple with hand-pulled noodles and tender beef in a light broth, while the Pickled Cabbage Fish Noodle (RM26.80) adds a tangy-sour kick that is both refreshing and addictive. For those who prefer a dry, nutty spice, the Sichuan DanDan Noodles (RM17.80) with sesame-peanut sauce and chilli oil bring just the right level of heat.
On the side, there are plenty of snacks to make your meal complete. The Golden Crunchy Fish Fillet (RM17.80) and Crispy Chicken Strips (RM13.80) are fried until golden, while appetisers like Braised Beef Shank with Chili Oil (RM19.80) or Black Fungus with Chili Oil (RM9.80) pack tastebud-exciting flavours in smaller, addictive bites.
+603 3005 4321
Daily: 10am – 10pm
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8. Baan Thai (A1-G2-08)
With its THAI SELECT award, Baan Thai is recognised for serving cuisine that meets Thailand’s own standards of authenticity. Tucked inside Publika, it is a place where the flavours are true to the streets of Bangkok.
The menu leans into the classics with pride. Papaya salad (from RM16.90) comes in multiple variations, from the salted egg version to the more luxurious seafood or flower crab. Each plate is a riot of spice, tang and crunch, the kind of salad that clears the palate and sharpens the appetite. Noodle lovers can turn to their Pad Thai (RM16.90) or Tomyam Meehoon (RM17.90), both cooked with a punchy balance of heat and sourness that lingers in the best way.
Rice dishes like Pineapple Fried Rice (RM16.90) or Fried Thai Basil Rice (RM16.90) are dependable favourites, while curries such as Chicken Noodles with Thai Curry (RM21.90) bring that creamy, aromatic depth Thailand is loved for. At Baan Thai, the variety is wide but the soul remains the same — every dish carries the unmistakable heart of Thai cooking, celebrated with award-winning credibility.
+6018 664 9135
Mon: 11am – 9.30pm
Tue to Sun: 11am – 2.30am
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9. Big Boss (A4-G2-01)
Big Boss at Publika feels like a love letter to Malaysian comfort food, sprinkled with Western favourites for good measure. The menu swings easily between nostalgic street snacks and hearty plates.
The Signature Butter Chicken Rice (RM27.90) is a house favourite, rich and creamy with just the right kick to keep you spooning till the plate is bare. If noodles are more your thing, the Penang Fried Kuey Teow (RM24.90) comes hot and smoky, while the Mee Goreng Mamak (RM24.90) brings back the nostalgia. For something indulgent, the Nasi Goreng Wagyu (RM38) takes a humble staple and gives it a luxurious twist with tender beef woven into the rice.
Snacks like Cekodok Pisang (RM16.90), Keropok Lekor (RM14.90), and Tauhu Bergedil (RM18.90) tap into the flavours of pasar malam favourites. Western touches also find their place here — Tropical Fish & Chips (RM35.90) and Beef Carbonara (RM35.90) bring familiar comfort with a localised edge.
+603 6412 3415
Sun to Wed: 10am – 1am
Thu to Sat: 10am – 2am
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10. Tonkatsu by Ma Maison (UG-56 & 57)
A celebrated name from Nagoya, Tonkatsu by Ma Maison has made its mark in Publika as the go-to spot for golden-fried perfection. The restaurant specialises in Japanese-style breaded cutlets, served crisp on the outside yet tender within. The setting is simple and welcoming, putting the spotlight exactly where it belongs — on the food.
The Rosu Katsu Set (RM30.90), made with pork loin, is one of their signatures, prized for its balance of fat and lean meat. For a lighter option, the Hire Katsu Set (RM32.90) offers a juicy pork fillet, while the Chicken Katsu Curry Rice (RM25.90) brings the satisfying heat of Japanese curry to the table. Those craving seafood will find comfort in the Salmon Katsu Set (RM36.90) or Ebi Fry (RM38.90), both fried until golden and paired with rice, cabbage and miso soup.
For something hearty, the Jumbo Rosu Katsu Set (RM43.90) is exactly what it sounds like — a supersized cutlet for big appetites. There are also variations like the Cheese Katsu Set (RM34.90), filled with molten cheese, and the Miso Rosu Katsu Set (RM34.90) which pays homage to the restaurant’s Nagoya roots.
+603 6211 9399
Daily: 11am – 10pm
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