Cafe Cafe French Restaurant @ Jalan Maharajalela Kuala Lumpur

A friend had a birthday so we decided to try Cafe Cafe a French themed restaurant situated very near my office which I had not been to despite having worked in the area for a long time!

We had reservations – its advisable to make reservations because when we got there, the place was full. There were large groups of people dining and the place is small.

In fact, thats my beef – the proprietors have done so much into making Cafe Cafe look like a roadside Parisian cafe/restaurant that its cramped. Tables for 2 are TINY! And they are placed so close I could be dining with the group next door. Also, its almost a smoking section throughout which for a non-smoker like me I found it hard to enjoy the food and breathe at the same time There might be tables upstairs – I’m not sure but I did see people tramping up the narrow stairs.

We opted for the Set Menu – Gourmet I (RM79++) and Gourmet II (RM99++).

Both sets came with a starter – Chefs choice and it was scrambled eggs in a tiny little cup. I’d like to tell you that it sucked but no, it was sinfully delicious and flavoursome. I’ve never had scrambled eggs taste this good!

I enjoyed it most with the crusty buns served with rock hard butter. The buns are Parisian chic – crusty on the outside, soft on the inside and oh so fragrant.

This was followed by Soup of the Day which was Pumpkin soup. Again, I was prepared to be let down – I detest anything with pumpkin in it. But again my tastebuds were assaulted by the burst of sweetness and flavour from the soup. It was served piping hot – how I like my soups and although it was creamy it was not thick nor cloying. I scooped up every single drop!

Dinner buddy had Escargots in garlic oil for starters. They too were served piping hot and were delicious. The garlic oil was light and the escargots were not smothered but delicately flavoured. You get 2 in a pot so that’s 6 overall. Gourmet Set II gets Soup of the Day after the starter.

For main I had chargrilled Chicken breast with truffle oil. After the taste explosion from the starters my expectations were set high. However, I found the chicken breast only so-so. The thinner part was a little hard though the thicker part was done just right and soft. The mashed potato was deliciously homemade and smooth yet had tiny bits of potato in it.

Dinner buddy had Lamb shank with balsamic vinegar and that was delicious! The lamb shank was done perfectly – soft so you can cut it yet not too soft so it offered some bite. The balsamic vinegar dressing was sharp and tangy yet not too strong. I highly recommend this one!

After main course came lemon sorbet to cleanse the palate. I was a little puzzled. Usually sorbet is served between starter and main course. Still, the sorbet was sharp and tangy with the taste of fresh lemon juice. My palate was sufficiently cleansed and ready for dessert!

Dessert is a choice of lemon or chocolate tart. The lemon tart is very very tangy yet not too sweet. One mouthful and if you were in a stupor by this time, you’d wake up in an instant! Nice but a bit too sharp tasting.

The chocolate tart is served warm and its a must have! I’m not a chocolate lover but I loved this one. The warm chocolate melts on the tongue and is not too sweet. The lump on the top is a grape not strawberry to my disappointment.

With a 1/2 carafe of wine, dinner came up to RM231. Definitely a place to go for celebrations only – too extravagant for everyday. The interior is very dim which some might like for romantic assignations.

Personally, I couldn’t wait to get out because too many tables had smokers and the place was getting very smoky and I was finding it hard to breathe. Also, the “non smoking” section is a tiny space near the toilets which I’m afraid to say, could do with a scrub. I did not enjoy my dinner buffeted by scent of “eau de toilette” from time to time.

I will go back for the food but the ambiance is not for me. Next time, I’ll have to ask for a table up front, and pray hard that no smokers sit nearby or go early before most diners come in.

I don’t know if its Halal but I believe no pork is served. I did not see the word on the menu in any case. Call them for directions – its easy to miss.

Cafe Cafe
175, Jalan Maharajalela
50150 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Tel : 603-21458141

My apologies for the lousy photos – the interior is very dim and I use a point and shoot

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