Set in a converted three-storey mansion along Jalan Changkat Kia Peng, Maison Francaise (French House) is a French fine-dining restaurant with a romantic, vintage feel. There is a classic Rolls Royce parked in the driveway out front and the interior design of the restaurant is classy with white walls, terrazzo floors, modern crystal chandeliers and white tablecloth-covered tables.
The place is divided into three areas: upstairs is a private cigar lounge, while the ground floor houses the main dining hall which has a patio that overlooks a garden and has views of KLCC. Also on the ground floor is an al fresco dining section surrounding a swimming pool: here, there is a cocktail bar and lounge chairs and tables under a canopy of trees, fairy lights threaded through the greenery and a view to the stars.
Heading the kitchen is executive chef Franck Lamache, who used to work in Les Ambassadeurs and Le Taillevent – Michelin-standard restaurants in Paris. Serving French food (with an emphasis on southern French dishes) the food here is without a doubt tasty: they serve different complimentary amuse bouches every night. On our last visit it was foie gras terrine-topped toasts – yummy!
Food presentation is artsy and some dishes look almost too pretty to eat. For starters we recommend the goat cheese fritters – served with greens and nuts, the creamy yet tangy cheese taste is balanced out beautifully with a honey dressing. Also good is the slightly-sweet but flavourful asparagus soup.
A standout in the mains section is hearty roasted lamb loin with Dijon mustard, bread crumbs and parsley – the meat is tender and juicy and the accompanying sauce is not too tangy. We also highly recommend soft ravioli stuffed with buttery-tasting lobster and spinach in a smooth and creamy bouillabaisse sauce. For desserts we dig into classic crêpe Suzette – the thinly, deliciously layered dish is light and fluffy but not too sweet and the orange sauce is zesty.
Maison Francaise
- Opening Hours: 12:00 – 24:00
- Address: 5 Jalan Changkat Kia Peng, KL
- Tel: +603 2144 1474
