6 Delicious Reasons To Eat Your Way Through The Campus Ampang

From crispy fried chicken and wood-fired pizzas to icy bingsu and artisanal gelato, The Campus Ampang proves that its school days may be over, but the buzz is far from it.

Before the lattes, hot plates, and gelatos, The Campus Ampang was once home to The International School of Kuala Lumpur. With breezy open-air hallways and cavernous halls that have since traded textbooks for tasting menus, its past still lingers in the bones of the space. First established in 1976, the school welcomed over 400 students from around the world and quickly grew into a vibrant hub.

Today, it’s been reimagined as a one-stop dining playground and community space, where elevated restaurants sit comfortably alongside quick bites and dessert spots, spanning just about every cuisine you can think of. The energy hasn’t faded but simply evolved. The Campus Ampang now blends modern sports facilities, educational spaces, retail offerings, and a lively dining scene into one dynamic destination. It’s easily one of our go-to hangouts, so while there is a plethora of cuisines available, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite must-visit spots to get you started.

Dancing Fish

At Dancing Fish, expect Malay-Indo flavours turned up to eleven—bold, punchy, and deeply comforting. A Michelin Bib Gourmand darling for three years straight, this spot is best known for its namesake Dancing Fish: a whole tilapia fried to a dramatic crisp and served upright like it’s mid-performance. The menu leans into crowd-pleasers, including Buntut Belado (spicy oxtail), Udang Sambal Hitam, and Bebek Goreng, alongside an impressive lineup of over 20 house-made sambals. Drinks like lemongrass pandan coolers and tamarind iced tea keep things refreshing, balancing all that glorious heat. Go hungry, and preferably with friends.

Booking: +603 4266 6855
IG: @dancingfish.my

Meraki Café

Meraki leans into that effortless ‘slow café’ charm where brunch stretches into late afternoons and no one’s in a rush. The name itself means doing something with soul, and it shows in a menu that blends Western café staples with wholesome, feel-good plates. Expect creamy pastas, hearty sandwiches, and all-day breakfast sets alongside lighter bowls and salads for the virtuous days. Drinks are just as thoughtful. Enjoy their wide selection of smooth coffees, matcha lattes, and refreshing coolers. It’s the kind of place you go for a meal and accidentally stay for a second coffee.

Booking: +6011-3725 7605
IG: @merakicafe_thecampusampang

Pizza Duo

As the name hints, you get the best of both worlds at Pizza Duo: mix-and-match two flavours on a single pizza, perfect for the indecisive. The menu leans into classic Italian comforts, with wood-fired pizzas taking centre stage like Margherita, Pepperoni, and more indulgent picks like truffle or burrata-topped creations. Beyond pizzas, there are pastas and hummus to round things out, but let’s be honest, you’re here for the crust. Pair it with a chilled soda, matcha, or coffee, and you’re set for a laid-back, carb-happy feast.

Booking: +6012-368 2980
IG: @wearepizzaduo

Fowlboys Diner

If fried chicken is your love language, Fowlboys Diner speaks it fluently. Styled like a retro American diner with vinyl booths and neon-lit charm, this spot serves up Southern-inspired comfort food with serious attitude. Fowlboys Diner is best known for its golden, buttermilk fried chicken that’s crispy on the outside but juicy within, and its cult-favourite Chicken & Waffles combo. Go beyond the basics with the fiery Nashville Sandwich and the cheekily named Sugar Daddy, both bound to leave you wanting more.

Booking: +6016 607 7601
IG: @fowlboyskl

Bingbing’s

For something icy, cheerful, and dangerously easy to over-order, Bingbing’s is your go-to sugar rush stop. As its name suggests, Bingbing’s is all about Korean bingsu (finely shaved ice dessert) and fruit-loaded concoctions that come in unique, locally-inspired flavour options. Ranging from Malaysian favourites like Kaya Toast and Onde-Onde to more classic options like Koko Krunch and Mango Passionfruit, it’s hard to pick a favourite. The only solution? Keep coming back so you can try them all.

IG: @bingbingsmy

Piccoli Lotti

Piccoli Lotti is where things get delightfully indulgent. This artisanal gelateria brings a slice of Italy to Ampang, serving up small-batch gelato that’s creamy, rich, and never overly sweet. Expect a playful mix of classic and locally inspired flavours like Pistachio, Strawberry Cheesecake, Pulut Tai Tai, and Durian. Pair your scoops with crispy waffles or go all in with soft-serve topped with fun extras. It’s just the right kind of dangerous, because you’ll go for one scoop and leave with three.

IG: @piccolilotti.my

All photos are courtesy of The Campus Ampang