Imagine stepping into a place where time stands still, a space carved out by nature over a whopping 260 million years. Jeff’s Cellar: a fine dining restaurant nestled inside a magnificent natural limestone cave at The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, and a space that screams of mysticism and fantasy. This restaurant, in fact, has always been more than just a restaurant. It offers a dining experience that feels both ancient and otherworldly. And now, to mark the resort’s 15th anniversary, this remarkable cavern has been given a stunning makeover.

From Cave to Contemporary Luxury

The recent revamp, led by Nelson Yong of Sunway Design, has combined the cave’s raw, natural beauty with sophisticated, contemporary concepts. The new design puts the spotlight on premium furnishings and mood lighting, creating an atmosphere that’s both intimate and dramatic. True to the founder’s vision for sustainable development and local empowerment, the new interiors incorporate natural, local materials. The restaurant’s signature two-level layout remains, but it’s now enhanced with a chic new bar, a cosy lounge, and a private dining area complete with its own exclusive wine cellar. To top it all off, a state-of-the-art sound system has been installed, elevating the multi-sensory journey from the moment the guests arrive.

A Culinary Journey at Jeff’s Cellar

Of course, a beautiful setting is only half the story. The real magic happens on the plate. At Jeff’s Cellar, the dining experience is a meticulously crafted culinary journey. Under the expert guidance of Chef Lee Choon Boon, the restaurant offers three distinct tasting menus:

• The 8-course Seasonal Menu celebrates local and international produce, including organic ingredients from The Banjaran’s own farm.
• The 7-course Prestige Menu showcases luxurious global delicacies.
• The 11-course Chef’s Tasting Menu is the ultimate package of indulgence, a fusion of the best from both the Seasonal and Prestige menus.

The menus feature an array of exceptional dishes, from Tuna Belly Tart sourced from Tokyo and Mackerel with Kaluga Amur caviar to a decadent grilled Canadian lobster tail. A standout is the Poussin en Vessie, a dish that fuses French and Japanese techniques and is slow-cooked in a hot spring. The meal then concludes with desserts like Bavarois and Bean, which playfully reinterpret classic Ipoh flavours.

Unique Touches and Hidden Surprises

The experience at Jeff’s Cellar is full of delightful surprises from start to finish. Guests are greeted with a signature drink served in elegant pewterware, and every meal includes sourdough bread made from a five-year-old starter. For an extra treat, the Chocolate & Whiskey Experience offers a perfect pairing of single malts with chocolates made from local Ipoh cacao beans. The thoughtful touches continue right up until the end of the evening, with a final sweet surprise delivered alongside your bill.

The restaurant’s dedication to fine dining extends to its wine selection. New systems like the Bermar Podbar and Coravin Six ensure that every glass of wine and champagne is served at its freshest. For the true connoisseur, a dedicated wine-tasting experience is also available.

With its recent revamp, Jeff’s Cellar has raised the bar for fine dining in Malaysia. It’s no wonder the restaurant has been recognised with prestigious awards like ‘Most Unique Dining Experience in Malaysia’ and ‘Malaysia’s Best Hotel Restaurant’. If you’re looking for an extraordinary dining experience situated within an equally extraordinary hot spring retreat, then this ancient cave is ready to welcome you.

Jeff’s Cellar is open daily from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Reservations are essential. The new menus are priced from MYR 645 nett per guest.

For more information on the offerings at Jeff’s Cellar, click here.