Maison Francaise at Jalan Kia Peng: Restaurant review

This review is brought to you in part by Maison Française.

Standalone restaurants are something of a rarity in KL: most are found in shopping malls, or in rows or corner lots of shophouses. So here, when an entire building, standing on its own, is dedicated to dining, good things seem to happen. And so it is with Maison Française. As soon as you turn onto the surprisingly quiet lane on which Maison Française sits, your interest is piqued.

You know you’re right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, barely a stone’s throw from KL Tower in one direction and KLCC in another, and yet, there’s a refined tranquillity here. And as you pull up to the restaurant itself, a lovely bungalow that has been beautifully converted into one of the city’s most charming dining spaces, you somehow know you’re in for a treat.

We were recently here to sample some highlights of the new menu (along with some classic favourites), and soak in the delightful ambience of the restaurant. The stately and spacious house has been masterfully transformed into a restaurant that exudes charm and class.

It’s all quite simple, too – there’s nothing about the décor that’s over the top or contrived. Finished in classic black and white tones, with natural wood flooring and subtle artistic accents throughout, dining at Maison Française feels like eating a fine meal in a refined and elegant private home.

Brittany-born Executive Chef Thierry Le Baut creates classic French cuisine – quality ingredients masterfully prepared – and occasionally infuses his dishes with a surprising twist. We had a number of delectable starters, including Vonnasienne Crêpes with House-smoked Salmon (RM75) and a classic Foie Gras Terrine (RM98), but the standout was the amazing Octopus Carpaccio with yuzu gel (RM75). Thin-sliced and bursting with unexpected flavours, this was a great harbinger of things to come.

We also enjoyed Pan-seared Scallops with artichokes and truffle oil (RM72), and a lovely Roasted Monkfish with garlic, fennel, and shallots (RM148). Nothing extravagant here, just good food done right. And as if one octopus dish wasn’t enough, we were served another: a Grilled Octopus accompanied by a remarkable spicy potato mash enrobed in a crispy charcoal crust (RM115)– one of those great culinary twists that was mentioned. This was another standout dish; we really didn’t know octopus could be this delicious.

Another noteworthy preparation we thoroughly enjoyed was the Roasted Lamb Rack (RM135). The succulent lamb is marinated with garlic, rosemary, and thyme, roasted rare, and served boneless with a delectable crisp herbed crust. Accompanied by twin purées of potato and sweet potato with a traditional grand veneur sauce, this was a marvellous presentation of a truly delicious lamb.

Chef Theirry’s talents extend to desserts, as well, with the Pear and Praline Tear (RM36) a close runner-up to the unanimous favourite, a perfectly executed Cointreau Soufflé, served hot from the oven (RM45). A lovely finish to a decadent meal – classic French cuisine with an occasional surprise thrown in.

Of course, Maison Française boasts an impressive wine list,with a wide selection of labels and vintages from virtually all the major wine-producing regions of France.

We were served a plush, jammy 2001 Château Chauvin St. Émilion Grand Cru (RM390 / bottle) that I would say is near the peak of its maturation curve now, an outstanding accompaniment to such a fine meal. For special occasions, private dining events, or just for aficionados of creative and quality French cuisine, book a table at Maison Française.

Location & Details

Maison Française

5 Jalan Changkat Kia Peng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Opening hours: Lunch 12pm to 3pm (Mon-Sat), Sunday Brunch 11:30am to 3:30pm and dinner 6pm to 11pm

Tel: +603 2144 1474

Prices:

Most appetizers RM60 to RM90++
Most mains RM115 to RM155++
Most desserts RM36++
Degustation Menus RM220++ and RM380++

Find: View directory for Maison Française here