Guide to TREC

Boasting a tropical-like setting (trees and lounge chairs), Mango’s combines a restaurant, lounge, dance club and now, the addition of an alfresco deck. Listen to some of the best DJs in town spin while you sip on that rum cocktail and touch the sky – the view from up here is stunning.

At this Japanese-French inspired steakhouse featuring robatayaki and grills, your humble beef rice bowl is upgraded with premium ingredients the likes of Blackmore wagyu and foie gras. Better yet, you can get Japanese comfort food (udon, tempura and more) at The Supper Society which takes over Hacha Mecha from midnight until 3am.

Fish, clams, oysters, scallops; you name it and they’ve got it. Crave Oysters & Seafood House specialises in fresh seafood, while also off ering Italian pastas, sandwiches, tasting plates and more. Pair it with a glass of wine or a cocktail and you’ve got yourself a meal.

Originally from Langkawi, Red Tomato has expanded into the city with its second outlet. Specialising in Western favourites like pizzas, pastas, sandwiches and more, Red Tomato has a casual easy-going vibe. You can even order brunch dishes for dinner here.

By now, The Social’s formula is familiar: a full-bodied approach to beverages and comfort food, a no-frills casual space with plenty of elbow room, and a loud, tried-andtrue poppy playlist favoured by its nine-to-five following. The happy hour deals are decently priced, the wine list is extensive, and the cocktails menu features a good selection of Prosecco and Skyy Vodka infusions – a solid recipe for a solid good time.

Zouk Club settles into its new home at TREC and it’s bigger and 11 times more fun with several club rooms, a beer garden, member’s lounge and even an indoor slide.

Within the confines of Hacha Mecha is IKKI, a luxurious speakeasy bar (purported to be Malaysia’s largest) which serves artisanal whiskies and bespoke cocktails designed by one of Malaysia’s top bartenders.

This city loves a good stand-up show so there’s no surprise why comedy clubs are bowing to the trend. Live House is a great respite from the ever-crowded Zouk KL, featuring two sections: the Main Room downstairs for live music as well as DJ sets, and the slightly more raucous LOL @ Live House upstairs for laughs. You don’t have to subsist on uninspiring club bites anymore – the kitchen is run by the founders of burger stalwart KGB, which puts a spin on Tex-Mex and American soul food. Order their quesadillas, chicken wings, sliders, sandwiches and a spiked milkshake (how about a bourbon shake with strawberries and cheesecake?) to cap off the night.

The Mango’s on Changkat hardly messes up a good time (it’s even better on a TOKL Comedy Thursday night), and they intend on replicating the same vibe at this new outpost. Combining a restaurant, a lounge and a dance club, Mango’s has already garnered the kind of buzz that inspires KLites to brave the weekend jam: a dancefloor decked out like a club by the beach, inventive cocktails and a kitchen serving a variety of international cuisines.

From the people behind Pisco Bar is COMO, where you can get a taste of Spanish fare with an Asian twist. The menu, by chefs Daniel Carrilo and Elena Lee Sim, is pretty innovative: Think lamb burgers with homemade mango chutney, barbecue spare ribs with sesame sauce, pork spring rolls, and more. For drinks, Italian mixologist Mateo Arrigoni has devised a promising cocktail menu. Try the Oolong Sour; a concoction of oolong-tea-infused bourbon, lemon juice and sugar syrup.

For an alternative night of fun, Friendscino Restaurant & Bar is a bar-eatery that doubles as a darts club. Whether you’re aiming for the bulls-eye, listening to live music, or enjoying a drink or two, the spacious Friendscino Restaurant & Bar is perfect for group hangouts.

Nothing says ‘Irish pub’ more than hearty pub grub and draught beers. At Donkey & Crow, you can knock back a few pints of Guinness and enjoy authentic Irish meals in a warm and cosy setting. For sports fans, Donkey & Crow Irish Pub will also air live screenings on game nights.