A mainstay of Bangsar’s dining scene, Chez Gaston balances rustic French cooking with approachable prices, offering a snapshot of bistro-style cuisine as it transitions to new ownership.
Chez Gaston sits quietly – almost hidden, really – off Jalan Bangsar Utama, a corner-lot French bistro that has become a familiar stop for locals and visitors seeking classic French comfort food in an informal, unfussy setting. Since opening under Brittany-born chef Florian Nigen – previously the co-founder of restaurant Rendez-Vous – Chez Gaston has built a reputation on hearty, traditional dishes and a welcoming, laid-back dining room that feels a world away from its busy neighbourhood. Now under new ownership, we popped in recently while entertaining some guests from out of town, and found it as delightful as ever.
The menu generally reflects familiar and distinctly French territory: escargots sautéed in butter, parsley, and garlic; classic bouillabaisse; beef bourguignon slow-braised for hours; and canard confit with crisp skin and tender meat. These are the sort of dishes that reward time in the kitchen and patience at the table, and they are generally well executed, even if not presented with haute-cuisine flair. We feel that the lack of pretense serves the restaurant well, making the outstanding dishes more exceptional than intimidating. And really, that’s what French bistro dining is all about.
With such value, everyone at our table opted for the three-course dégustation menu, featuring full-sized portions of a starter, a mains, and a dessert, with a nice range of options provided. The escargots and beef bourguignon were, curiously enough, selected by everyone, and enjoyed unanimous praise. We each got a different dessert, all of which were also delectable. With this amazing menu, priced at a very reasonable RM115, you really can’t go wrong. A flight of paired wines can be added to the tasting menu for RM60, if you choose.
Portions here tend toward generous without being overwhelming, and prices are considered very fair for the quality and authenticity on offer in a city where truly French cooking can be hard to find. Starters of terrines and pâtes pair naturally with a modest wine list that offers mostly French and Old World labels, while desserts such as apple tarte tatin, crème brûlée, and chocolate mousse offer familiar, classic finishes to a meal.
The space itself is understated – minimalist light fixtures, well-spaced tables, and a chalkboard of daily specials and wines set the tone – and service is consistently described as knowledgeable and attentive, all of which helps to offset the usual parking challenges, which admittedly can at times be considerable in the busy Bangsar Utama area.
As the restaurant moves into new ownership, we hope to visit for a full review in the near future, but based on our recent casual visit, it appears Chez Gaston’s core appeal remains intact: dependable French bistro cooking delivered in a setting that feels relaxed but purposeful. We were told that the restaurant will also go forward as a pork-free dining venue, which should expand its already formidable appeal to a whole new audience. For those seeking classic French dishes without the formality, Chez Gaston remains a solid choice in the Bangsar dining landscape.
Location and Details
Chez Gaston
12G Jalan Bangsar Utama 9
Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur
T: 016.588 5105
Reservations accepted
