Cover Foie gras-stuffed whole quail (Photo: Entier)

Straight from the pages of the latest instalment of the Tatler Dining Guide, here's the selection of the top French dining venues

We can never get enough of French cuisine here in Malaysia. Luckily, we have a plethora of bistros, brasseries, and fine dining restaurants to choose from when looking to satiate cravings for buttery foie gras, fall-off-the-bone duck confit or even Tarte Tatin. Whether you’re based in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, or Ipoh, we have some suggestions for you.
You’ll be spoiled for choice when deciding where to dine with our round-up of the city’s best restaurants for French food, in alphabetical order, from this year’s Tatler Dining Guide

Read more: Tatler Dining Malaysia’s Top 20 Restaurants of 2024

French   |   $ $ $ $   |   Taman Tun Dr. Ismail
Tatler Asia
Above Cold Capellini (Photo: Bref by Darren Chin)

Must Try

  • Cold Cappelini
  • Aged duck breast
  • Lamb rack

Bref by Darren Chin is the perfect restaurant for an intimate night out, with its approachable yet exquisite dishes executed to a high standard. There is a good range of beautifully presented dishes, from starters and pastas to larger mains. The Cold Capellini is a must-order, topped with premium seafood and coated in a creamy abalone dressing. Another favourite is the Wild Caught Kurau, dry-aged for two days and served with soy-glazed cabbage and a smoky mackerel emulsion.


Bref by Darren Chin

Address: 26, Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 1, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur


Taman Tun Dr. Ismail
Tatler Asia
Above Lamb rack (Photo: Cassis)

Modern French restaurant Cassis serves a changing, seasonal degustation menu in an elegant ambience. The dining room is ideal for special occasions.

See also: With Ed.ju Omakase closing its doors, what is next for Eddie Ng?


Cassis

Address: 1st Floor, 32A, Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad 2, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur


Bukit Damansara
Tatler Asia
Above Air-flown oysters (Photo: Chateau Dionne)

Must Try

  • Cold Capellini
  • Foie Gras
  • Soufflé

Sit at Chateau Dionne’s counter and enjoy watching the team of chefs at work, plating up contemporary French dishes. The menu changes seasonally but is rooted in French techniques. The ambience of the restaurant is elegant yet cosy, and the service is smooth. A wine pairing and a mocktail selection are available for those looking for non-alcoholic options. Don’t leave without trying the soufflé, a favourite guests return for.


Chateau Dionne

Address: 24G, Jalan Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur


French   |   $ $ $ $   |   Taman Tun Dr. Ismail
Tatler Asia
Above Echo of the Sea (Photo: DC Restaurant)

DC Restaurant presents classic French cuisine with a strong overlay of Japanese influences with clean execution and the highest quality ingredients. The restaurant impresses year after year, and its phenomenal attention to detail and consistency deserves applause. A favourite dish many return for is the Echo of the Sea, cold angel hair pasta in a signature truffle sauce with Bafun uni, blue shrimp, and local mud crab. While the restaurant arguably has the best wine list in the country, guests also have the option to enjoy an assortment of exquisitely executed cocktails at the MoonBar upstairs.


DC Restaurant

Address: 44 Persiaran Zaaba, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur


French   |   $ $ $ $   |   Kuala Lumpur Sentral
Tatler Asia
Above Quail (Photo: Entier)

Must Try

  • Escargot
  • Quail
  • ⁠Tenderloin & Foie Gras

Known for French fare that uses quality seasonal produce, Entier effortlessly impresses with its creative dishes that are executed to perfection. The dining space is tasteful and comfortable, and the service is top-notch. A seasonal tasting menu and a la carte options are available; signature dishes to order include the foie gras-stuffed whole quail and the red berries-marinated rhubarb with chocolate mousse and strawberry sorbet. Whether you are hosting a business lunch or visiting for a special occasion, guests are assured of a good time that is also of good value.


Entier French Dining

Address: Level 41 at Alila Bangsar, 58 Jalan Ang Seng, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur


French   |   $ $ $ $   |   Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Tatler Asia
Above Hokkaido Scallops with Stewed Cannellini Beans (Photo: Fritz)

Must Try

  • Hokkaido Scallops
  • Rainbow Trout
  • Steak Flambé au Poivre Vert

The all-new Fritz opened in October 2023, taking over the space that once was Troika Sky Dining’s Cantaloupe, offering classic French cuisine with global influences in a relaxing setting. The team makes nearly everything from scratch, from cultured butter and homemade bread to sausages and cured meats. Enjoy table service from the experienced team, who carve items such as the beef Wellington and duck tableside and serve the cheese selection on a cheese trolley imported from Milan. Dishes are best paired with a selection of wines and cocktails, which are extensive.

Don't miss: 9 plant-based restaurants in Malaysia


Fritz

Address: Troika Sky Dining, Level 23A, Tower B, The Troika, 19 Persiaran KLCC, 50450 Kuala Lumpur


French   |   $ $ $ $   |   Ipoh
Tatler Asia
Above Jeff's Cellar's interior (Photo: Jeff's Cellar)

Must Try

  • Degustation menu

Located within a 260 million-year-old cave, Jeff’s Cellar is easily one of the most beautiful restaurants in Malaysia. The stunning dining space and well-executed dishes make the experience impressive and memorable. Don’t miss the selection of wines, which are also exceptional.


Jeff’s Cellar

Address: 1 Persiaran Lagun Sunway 3, Sunway City Ipoh, 31150 Ipoh, Perak


French   |   $ $ $ $   |   Penang
Tatler Asia
Above Hay-aged Penang-bred duck (Photo: Restaurant au Jardin)

Restaurant au Jardin boasts terroir-driven cuisine with a fantastic fusion of local ingredients. The team is warm, personable, and knowledgeable, and attention to detail is apparent in every aspect of the dining experience, from the wine pairing to the music and ambience. When it comes to flavours, ingredients, and presentation, chef-proprietor Su Kim Hock’s dishes always deliver. A highlight is the signature hay-aged Penang-bred duck, which is perfectly roasted. Guests can also take home duck legs to savour at home the following day, a thoughtful end to an exquisite meal.


Restaurant au Jardin

Address: 125, Jalan Timah, 10150 George Town, Penang


Chow Kit
Tatler Asia
Above Duck confit with summer squash (Photo: Restaurant Dominic)

For contemporary French plates, Restaurant Dominic along Jalan Doraisamy never disappoints. Order the duck confit with summer squash and the decadent Wagyu burger with aged cheese and foie gras aioli.


Restaurant Dominic

Address: 54G & 56G, Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur


French   |   Bukit Bintang
Tatler Asia
Above Egg Mollet Truffle Soupe (Photo: Ultime Malaysia)

Must Try

  • Caviar de Ultime
  • Foie Gras Brûlée
  • Pear Passion

French restaurant Ultime Malaysia is loved for its generous selection of bread. The menu changes seasonally, but signature dishes include the Egg Mollet, a soft-cooked sous vide egg with champignon and truffle mushroom soup, and the Caviar de Ultime, featuring Canadian lobster, gold leaves, and caviar.

NOW READ

Neighbourhood noodle shop Slurrp gives back to the local Sarawakian community

Iconic dining duos: How these three business partners maintain a healthy working relationship

Fermentation is at the forefront of Pickle Dining, located within the heart of Chinatown


Ultime Atelier & Boulangerie

Address: Unit 3A-1, Level 3A, Menara Noble Land, 2, Jalan Changkat Ceylon, Lorong Ceylon, 50200 Kuala Lumpur


Topics