Cafe Cafe KL — Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur

I have previously been to this restaurant, and I recall having a positive experience the last time. However, that was many, many years ago.

Sadly, I had one of the worst dining experiences in my life when I took my wife and kids there recently.

We were passing by and I thought I'd treat my kids to dessert there. As I was walking in, I told the waiter (a migrant worker) that I just wanted coffee and desserts.

He mumbled something I couldn't understand and proceeded to show us to a table. We sat down, and started to look at the menu. The prices for items are printed super small, particularly on the desserts page. And the poor lighting made it all the more difficult to read. Indeed, I didn't even realise the price was printed on the top of the page because the font was so small.

Anyway, before I even ordered the dessert, I told the waiter that we'll order drinks first and then dessert once we've decided. He then proudly told me that they only serve customers who order complete courses, i.e. entree, main course, dessert, and beverage.

If that had been the case, then why get us seated? I had already told them that we were only there for coffee and desserts!

And the waiter had the gall to act as if he was doing me a favour by letting us stay and have desserts for this one time. As far as I am concerned, he should have apologised, and thanked us for choosing to have desserts there. (There was only one other occupied table when we there.)

Despite the unpleasant experience, I just picked a couple of desserts although I couldn't see the price for cakes. The coffee was around RM12, so how expensive can cakes be, I thought.

After the drinks and cakes were served, the waiters were watching our table like a hawk. They – all migrant workers who couldn't speak English properly – were probably told by their boss to be attentive to customers, but I don't think they understand the concept of creepy. My daughter was so creeped out she couldn't enjoy the cakes I ordered.

Anyway, when the bill came, it was RM167.20 for a coffee, a peppermint drink, a sparkling water and two cakes.

Frankly, I wouldn't have minded paying that kind of price if we had a good time, but with that kind of sub-par service staff and lousy customer experience, I wouldn't even pay half that amount.

If you want to impress your girlfriend, and you happen to be a rich Ah Beng, then take her for dinner at this place. If not, there are many other better options in...

Despite not making a reservation, which is not okay when coming to these types of restaurant. I personally find the service that was provided to be top notch. The waiter, that goes by the name of "Sheikh" provided me and my family with a really important note. He told me that some of the dish contains alcohol and as a Muslim, i am relief of the gentle reminder. It's the little details that goes a long way.

Moving on, as for the food, we ordered a plate of oysters, duck breast, risottos as well as some crepes.

As for the oysters, it was really fresh but some caveats are that the dip was profoundly spicy and salty. I dont mind it but it might not be the first thing that you want to eat as an appetizer.

Duck Breast. The duck breast was sliced thinly and as someone who enjoys gamey meat, it is something i dont enjoy especially pairing with the crazy amount of balsamic vinegar. The balsamic vinegar hinders the taste of the duck which is disapointing because you dont want the star of your show to not shine. Also, do note that the plating needs a little tweak here and there because halfway through i notice that theres a whole tomato which was way too sour tucked underneath the thinly sliced duck.

Now the risottos. We ordered 2 risottos. One was a seafood-base and another one was mushroom. I have to say, it reminded me of a time when i visited Italy. The mixture, texture and overall base of the seafood risotto was one of the best i have ever had. It compliments the dish with its thick broth. The mushroom however was also spot on and not to mention, it was not overcook which is a huge plus in my book.

Crepe. This is just a basic crepe with vanilla ice cream which i guess is okay. Its far from the best but i dont mind it.

Overall, the biggest shocking factor was not the food but it was the atmosphere. This restaurant is one of those great find that you rarely come across. The interior design gives me this classic-french vibes as well as the dim lighting and perfectly placed deco.

If you are looking for a unique restaurant that serves delicious risottos, this is the place.

Till...

Very disappointed with the restaurant service and food. I had to wait for more than an hour for 4 main course on Christmas even though we came in earlier than some tables. The beef steak was tasteless the lamb wasn't well done and it was also tasteless. Only the meagre portion if 3 pcs of prawns truffle was nice and only the 1 piece of mushroom appetizer was nice. 1 piece of mushroom for 35rm and 3 pc of prawns for 45rm. Beef steak was expensive but taste less really disappointing and lamb was expensive but also tasteless and both of this was highly recommended by waiter. Bad bad choice do not order these. Salmon was nice though. King prawn spaghetti was also not bad. I brought my birthday cake along asked them to bring it at the end of dinner and when I gave them the cake I told the waiter the candles is in there. They brought the cake to me without putting the candles in and lighting it up and just handed me the candles and happy bday tag and plastic knife in a bag. I was really disappointed for a 5 star restaurant they don't even have the decency to put the candles and light up and bring over to the table nor any happy birthday song or singing and we were so hungry more than an hour kept asking them more than 7 times for our food until I got angry. Very disappointed with the food after it came and disappointed with the service. I don't know how they can received certificate from...