Like Singapore’s Crazy Horse, one of our more recent French imports comes straight from Paris. Located on a sub-soi of swanky Lang Suan, Le Pré Grill is a charming little restaurant located in a converted house painted cheery yellow. Unlike the original on Rue Saint-Séverin, which is a bistro, the younger Bangkok sibling offers a full menu of authentic Gallic delicacies. The terrine de foie gras de canard des Sandes (Le Pre Grill duck liver, B520) goes down great with toast. Mignon de porc á l’orange (fine pork fillet with orange sauce, B340) achieves a nice balance of sweet and savory flavors, and the cote d’agneau gillé (grilled rack of lamb, B580) is magnificent. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert: Try the mousse au chocolat (B280), which isn’t too sweet, or the house specialty blanc manger (vanilla cream, B200), a guilt-free pleasure that is low in both fat and sugar.

In addition to the dozen or so tables inside the restored home, there are a few tables on the front balcony for pleasant alfresco dining. Service is friendly, and the overall experience is more like having a meal at someone’s home—with a great chef—than stuffy fine dining.

After a quick tour of the property, we have a chat with the half-French, half-Thai chef, co-owner and general manager, Jai Lafon.

What’s the story?
The owner of Le Pré Grill has been visiting Thailand three times a year for a long time, and he is in love with the country. This is the first branch before we expand to other countries in Southeast Asia.

How is it different from other French restaurants in Bangkok?
We use only original recipes—no fusion or modified recipes. If there is something we can’t find in Thailand, we import it from France. The head chef from Paris has made sure that the taste, presentation and service are up to Paris standards. So this is real French flair and taste.

You say your prices are lower than other French restaurants here. How do you do it?
Other restaurants may set their prices based on what others in Bangkok charge. But we calculate the price based on the cost plus just enough for us to survive as a business. So customers can enjoy our food at very reasonable prices.

How can we tell what’s authentic?
Flavor, to be honest. If you try our dish and fly to Paris, it’ll be the same taste and of course different from other restaurants here.

How about a short phrase that sums it all up?
Simple but chic with full Parisian flavor.

Dining Details

Try French flair in a cozy Thai atmosphere at Le Pré Grill. Open Mon-Sat 12-2:30pm and 6-10:30pm, 73/2 Lang Suan Soi 4 or Ton Son Soi 4, Pleonchit Rd., 02-253-5919. AE, MC, V