Like it or hate it, Netflix’s chick-flick series Emily in Paris has won over a sizeable audience across its four-season run. Reliably playing into hackneyed Parisian tropes in that long hashed-out, bumbling All-American Girl way, its casual tone, fashions, and locations, have since inspired a marked interest in all things française. If you’re looking to experience some of that joie de vivre in KL, check out some of these French bistros that exude peak Emily in Paris vibes.
Emily in Paris falls into a genre of movies and television shows that is easy to consume and enjoy, provided that one is willing to suspend all disbelief that Paris isn’t a scene-by-scene cliche of itself. Judging by its massive legion of stalwart fans, that saccharine sweet appeal behind a good, old-fashioned romantic comedy continues to hold fast. Season 4 Part 1 of Emily in Paris has already been watched 19.9 million times since its premiere on August 15th, for one. And that’s just for a clutch of five episodes.
That popularity has translated into a very tangible real-world interest in French living since the show made its debut back in 2020, with holidaymakers flocking to key filming destinations to get a glimpse into the high-gloss, high-fashion rotting world of Emily’s idealised take on the City of Lights. By extension, that also means food, which has played a key role to some degree in the series, what with Gabriel’s involvement.
With that said, you won’t have to break the bank trying to secure a trip to Paris to enjoy the city’s most beloved culinary exports, as Kuala Lumpur’s bevvy of bistros is more than capable of transporting some of that unmistakable Emily in Paris charm to local shores. Just keep a lookout for the signature checkerboard floors to plot your journey, oui?
Must-visit French bistros in KL and Selangor for Emily in Paris vibes
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An easy recommendation for those who are looking for an almost picture-perfect translation of a Parisian bistro off Rue de Seine, Yeast Bistronomy takes up a sunny lot along Bangsar’s very own cafe-saturated strip, Jalan Telawi. You’ll know that you’re close when you spot checkerboard floors and an alfresco dining out front in classic French style. And as is the case with all bistros of a certain standard, excellent baked goods and hearty mains are all part of the appeal at Yeast.
Operating hours:
- 8am – 9pm
- Opens daily
Getting there:
Board the 822 feeder bus and alight at the KL1132 Bangsar Telawi (Selatan) stop, before walking 6 minutes to Yeast Bistronomy along Jalan Telawi 2.
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A longstanding favourite among TTDI residents for their signature servings of steak frites, the corner lot occupied by Brasserie Léon in the Green Terrace is often the site of many celebratory dinners. Formerly known as Cocott, their ethos remains unchanged despite the revamped branding: firmly delectable French fare at palatable prices. One especially cherished tradition here are their RM1 escargots, happening every Monday.
Operating hours:
- 5.30pm – 11.30pm (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday)
- 11am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11.30pm (Saturday and Sunday)
- Closed on Tuesday
Getting there:
Board the MRT Kajang Line and alight at the TTDI Deloitte station, then walk towards Jalan Wan Kadir 3. Proceed straight along until you see Green Terrace, where you will find Brasserie Léon on the first floor.
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An elevated bistro concept in Bukit Damansara led by chef-partner Andy Choi’s more than two decades’ worth of experience behind some of the most prestigious hospitality names in Europe and Dubai, Chateau Dionne is a respectable recommendation if you’re willing to splurge on your Parisian flights of fancy. The three-course lunch menu is especially well-liked for its deft balance of value and haute gastronomy, which will impress even Gabriel.
Operating hours:
- 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
- Opens daily
Getting there:
Board the T818 or T852 feeder bus and alight at the Plaza Damansara stop, then walk for 6 minutes to Chateau Dionne in Plaza Damansara.
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A great bistro is not only recognised by its firm adherence to French comfort cuisine but also its inimitable ability to exude that coveted sense of cool, composed je nais sei qouis, ideally accompanied by fabulous views of Paris. While you won’t find the famed Parisian landmark transported to the doorstep of Les Bouchons along Jalan Mayang, it happens to be conveniently located just a stone’s throw away from yet another famed edifice: the Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers. Great for when you want to enjoy your succulently prepared steak frites order with a feast for the eyes, too.
Operating hours:
- 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
- Opens daily
Getting there:
Board the Kelana Jaya LRT line and disembark at the KLCC Station. Then walk up along Jalan Ampang until you reach the main crossroads. Turn right into Jalan Mayang, where you will find Les Bouchons in the Mayang.
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Despite being located just slightly off the main vein of Kuala Lumpur’s busiest downtown district, Fritz in The Troika prides itself on striking an interim of calm above the hubbub of bumper-to-bumper traffic and shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. The food here is equally refined to match, where a smorgasbord of Europe’s most recognisable culinary exports populates the menu, including the classic steak tartare prepared with wagyu, shallots, capers, chopped egg, and mustard.
Operating hours:
- 5pm – 12am
- Opens daily
Getting there:
Board the Kelana Jaya LRT line and alight at the Ampang Park Station, then walk down Jalan Ampang and make a left into Jalan Binjai. You will find The Troika on your right. Take the elevator up to Fritz on Level 23A in Tower B.
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Humble, honest French recipes that take pages out of a provincial cookbook instead of the ostentatious airs of highbrow, highfalutin Parisian gastronomy, one can think of Chez Gaston by rendez-vous as a brief sabbatical away from pretension. Occupying an end lot along Jalan Bangsar Utama 9, chef-founder Florian Nigen has perfected homey Gallic flavours to a precise degree through such dishes as a hearty Boeuf Bourguignon stew with slabs of luscious beef cheek.
Operating hours:
- 12pm – 3pm
- 6pm – 11pm
- Opens daily
Getting there:
Take the Kelana Jaya LRT line and alight at the Bank Rakyat Bangsar station. Then walk into Menara UOA Bangsar and leave from the Jalan Bangsar Utama 1 exit and make a right. Once you reach the first intersection, make a left towards Jalan Bangsar Utama 9, where you will find Chez Gaston by rendez-vous.
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Where Kuala Lumpur is concerned, several districts stand out for dining enthusiasts: Chinatown’s vivid assortment of heritage restaurants, Jalan Alor’s spectacular hawker buffet, and Brickfield’s spice-forward Indian spreads. While Chow Kit is less ventured, don’t be led into believing that there isn’t a reason to visit. For one, Restaurant Dominic‘s touch of genteel Parisian class is befitting of a true Francophile, as testified by excellent red wine apropos red meat dishes such as the lamb roulade and grilled aged duck breast.
Operating hours:
- 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
- Opens daily
Getting there:
Board the Monorail line and alight at the Medan Tuanku Station, then walk 4 minutes to Restaurant Dominic.
