IT WAS once just any other restaurant, but now Look Out Point Western Food Restaurant has turned into one of the hottest spots in Ampang, especially among youths.

Known simply as Look Out Point to regulars, the restaurant is located about 5km from Pekan Batu 14, Hulu Langat along the curvy stretches of the Hulu Langat Highway.

The entrance to Look Out Point Western Restaurant in Ampang.

Surrounded by a thick carpet of flora and fauna, Look Out Point offers a panoramic view of the Ampang Jaya skyline which is beautiful beyond words. “I think the main reason customers come here to dine is because of the breathtaking view. You see, the beauty of it is at night, the view is like a huge birthday cake – all lit up! – and the Petronas Twin Towers are like two candles glittering in the night,” says Mohd Nafiz Hans bin Abdullah, the manager of the restaurant enthusiastically.

Still, the spot is relatively unknown to locals, short for those who regularly patronise the restaurant. Among them are many foreign students who live nearby, as well as tourist coming from as far as Korea, The Philippines, Germany, Australia and Russia, to name a few.

Look Out Point is also known as a great place to celebrate one’s birthday so much so that the restaurant hosts a birthday party almost every day, together with swirling lights bouncing off disco balls and birthday theme songs played. In fact, on the day we visited, Chai Hui Ying was celebrating her 13th birthday. It was Hui Ying’s first time at the restaurant and she was there with her family and relatives. We later met Patrick Law, 57, who discovered the restaurant through his friend. Since that first visit, he has returned several times with family and friends alike. “The view is great and the prices are reasonable,” Patrick said when asked what he likes most about the restaurant.

3-year-old Chai Hui Ying (sitting, first from right) celebrated her birthday with relatives at Look Out Point in Ampang.

Another guest of the restaurant is 43-year old Sherly Fan from Jakarta who is no stranger to the staff at Look Out Point. Her first visit was with her son who is currently studying in Malaysia. When asked what it was that brought her back to this particular restaurant, she said: “The view is breathtaking. Also, among the other restaurants, I heard that the foods served here are the best among the lot. “The prices are also affordable not only to the working adults but also to the youngsters who are still studying.” The restaurant comes across like big square shack. The best part of this is you get a nearly 360 degrees view of lush rainforest and the city.

Night time is undoubtedly the best time to be there as the air is cool and you get arguably the best view of Kuala Lumpur city, with the lights twinkling and the Twin Towers reaching towards the open sky majestically lit.

It’s not a place where you have to be seen in a three-piece suit or have to condone to strict dining etiquette, instead it is a restaurant where you can just hang loose and be yourself. Upon arrival, you will be given a warm welcome by the friendly staff dressed in bright green at the entrance all ready and geared up to serve all your needs to make your visit memorable.

One of the many delicious dishes at Look Out Point in Ampang.

The service at Look Out is appreciatively efficient. As soon as you are seated, they are already there ready to take your orders with a smile. Although you may find some difficulties communicating with only a small number of foreign staff, it is all just a small price to pay considering the dining experience you will have had by the time you leave. Some of you might just start planning for your next visit.

Some nights, patrons will get the opportunity to meet an amiable figure in 34-year-old Chef Mustajab from Pakistan who would come out from his kitchen into the dinning area to meet patrons and to ensure that patrons are happily enjoying their meals. He takes great pleasure in the satisfaction of the customers and gives his very best especially in meeting customers’ needs. He does not compromise on the fresh ingredients and the quality. Guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face, his enthusiastic concern for the customers and infectious etiquette are some of the highlights of the restaurant. “Hospitality is our slogan! We try our very best to win the hearts of the customers!” he said, with a smile.

So, folks, if you like to have dinner like Remy and Ratatouille admiring the beautiful night of Paris, come to Look Out Point and enjoy the amazing array of mouth-watering food in full view of the magnificent Kuala Lumpur skyline.

But bear in mind, that you will have to go early to get your parking space as they are limited.

Look Out Point Western Restaurant's Chef Mustajab.

Other eateries in and around Look Out Point are Bread & Olives, Look Out Station, and Gasoline. There are also souvenir shops nearby to pick up memorabilia.