TOKLFDA2018 Shortlist: Best French

Located within the entertainment hub of Bukit Bintang is this culinary ode to traditional French dishes and hearty Australian breakfasts. Choose from moreish avocado toast, typical Croque Monsieur (or Madame) or buttery pastries complemented by great coffee and even better Bloody Marys. The main menu is extensive and include French greats like Beef Tartare, Duck Confit and Steak au Poivre; don’t miss the fresh selection at the Seafood Counter.

The combination of classic French cooking and the charming ambience of a 1930s heritage shophouse on a quaint city street is what keeps diners returning. French Feast touts itself as casual French dining, and its menu proves that traditional flavours always prevail. From familiar dishes like foie gras and beef tartare to provincial favourites like Tartiflette and boudin noir, every dish is prepared from scratch with authentic recipes and ingredients.

A ‘cocotte’ is French for a small heatproof dish typically used to prepare and serve hearty dishes like stews and casseroles, and this is what Cocott’ does best – comfort food that should be shared, like beef Bourguignon or lamb shank Estouffade (braised). Dine in a group and try their set menus comprising six or nine dishes; or indulge in the Wednesday dinner special of Swiss Raclette cheese melted over potatoes, fries or homemade sausage.

A stalwart of the French dining scene, Nathalie Gourmet Studio delivers on all fronts from its innovative take on French classics to the restaurant’s casual chic ambience. It all started with Chef Nathalie’s famous macarons and her vision of bringing fusion French food to KL. Every dish is a culinary winner – with combinations like tuna tartare, mango kerabu and pan-seared foie gras, or the perfectly cooked beef fillet with Sarawak pepper sauce – that keeps diners returning.

The grande dame of French restaurants in KL, Lafite has withstood the fickleness of the food scene. Having opened its doors in 1985, Lafite relies on consistency with classic pairings like duck breast and foie gras, roast quail and black truffle, escargots or duck rillettes to start. The menu is themed according to the elements of wood, metal, earth, fire and water, and their set lunches are always a treat.