Curio Dark Café, The Grange

Curio Dark Café at The Grange, Ampwalk

[Pork-free] Do not gentle into that good night; rage, rage against the dying of the light. Unless that darkness is Curio Dark Café.

Curio Dark Café at the Grange Ampwalk is one of the most interesting and intriguing cafes in KL, in our view.

The interior is dark and cozy which suggests a cool cocktail bar more than a haunt for espresso fiends.

It is, after all, the yin to the yang of Curio Coffee Roaster’s home café in Rivercity (see our post here) – which shines resplendent with its white walls and wide windows.

Curio Dark Café in Grange Ampwalk

But do not let the gothic exterior fool ya.

Underneath the cool and dark visor is a warm and friendly service – best exemplified by barista Nix Chia, who greeted us with such fervent enthusiasm when we walked in.

The blackest of espressos are also enlivened with shots of lychee, rose syrup, and mint (among others) to make special concoctions to tantalise the tastebuds.

Moonrise in the (Curio) Dark

We had the Moonrise (RM35) – house blend espresso spiked with whiskey and sake for a truly heady drink to chase the afternoon blues away. The savoury Pop Fiction (RM23) waffle (popcorn chic, creamy sriracha) recommended by Nix was also a fine accompaniment to our afternoon tipple.

Take home some beans too

Not that Curio is also a micro-roaster (with the hardware nestled at its home in Jalan Ipoh) – so be sure to take home some beans with you if you brew at home. We couldn’t resist the La Loma with the sweet strawberry scent on the nose.

Curio Dark Café
Address: The Grunge @ AmpWalk, LG01 Lower Ground Floor, 218, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Hours: 10am-6pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
Phone: 012-290 2302