French restaurants in China
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A
La Marée
Hard to find (it’s inside CBD International Mansions, down a road off Jianguomenwai Dajie very close to exit C of Yonganli Station), this southern-French seafood restaurant is one of the nicest international restaurants in town. The dining room is decorated in maritime blue, with fishing nets strung across the ceiling, while the French chef gives a modern spin to traditional seafood dishes using both local and imported ingredients (there are also meat dishes that use beef from Australia). The splendid seafood platter for two (Y498) is a good introduction. Otherwise, mains start at Y125. Thankfully, it also does a more affordable lunch deal, where you pay Y48 for a soup…
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B
Domus
Directly opposite Tiāndì Yījiā, and owned by the same people, this new restaurant couldn’t be more different, in everything from the food, contemporary Italian and French, to the gorgeous design – think Minotti furniture, grey-brick walls, a huge, open kitchen and a lovely, central bar in which to lounge around – and the pleasant service. Upstairs, you can sip a martini (Y70) and try the Italian antipasti menu, or proper bar snacks such as oysters. Downstairs is the restaurant (dinner only, closed Sundays), which riffs on a French theme with dishes such as pigeon roasted in tobacco leaves (Y168). The wine list is substantial and pricey (from Y450 a bottle).
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C
Café de la Poste
Just down the street from the Lama Temple, this is the closest Běijīng gets to an authentic French bistro. With its relaxed vibe and friendly service, it’s a key meeting point for French expats. A small bar area where you can sip a glass of wine or a pastis opens into an intimate, nicely lit dining area. The food is unpretentious and hearty; the steaks (from Y82) are impressive cuts of meat. But it does a decent Salade Lyonnais (Y38), too, while the desserts include the renowned Death by Chocolate (Y48). There’s a three-course set lunch (Y78) during the week and brunch at weekends (Y120). The wine list starts at Y138 a bottle.
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D
Le Petit Gourmand
Located off Sanlitun Lu, this is an excellent place to while away a few hours, either on the laptop (there’s wi-fi), immersed in one of the 9000-odd books in the library, or over a coffee or crêpe (from Y22), there’s also a spacious, enclosed terrace. The menu offers a selection of traditional French classics, including good salads and couscous, but the crêpes are the real draw here: try the banana and chocolate (Y30) or the apple and calvados (Y40). There’s also a set lunch deal (Y65). The books, which include a reasonable selection of French-language tomes as well as a kid’s section, are available for loan to members (Y300 a year).
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E
Des Lys
The closest thing in Shànghǎi to a genuine bistro, young French expats flock here for the confit de canard (duck confit) in foie-gras sauce (Y98) and their adopted national dish, couscous royal (Y118). But it’s the desserts which really get the regulars salivating – the apple crumble and chocolate fondant are equally fantastic. You might have to try them both. The house wine is Y48 a glass.
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F
Robuchon a Galera
What else do you expect from an institution created by Joël Robuchon, the most Michelin-starred chef on the planet? As Macau’s only holder of three Michelin stars, this restaurant features haute cuisine and world-class wines. For an ultimate fine-dining experience, try the 12-course tasting menu for MOP$2100. Even if you don’t win big at the casinos, the three-course set lunch for MOP$398 is still affordable.
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G
Café Des Artistes
This bright and airy eatery has evolved from a rather stuffy provincial French restaurant to a casual modern French haunt. Perched on the first floor and surrounded by breezy, bright windows overlooking Lan Kwai Fong, the restaurant boasts a large bar and secluded terrace area perfect for enjoying the immaculate foie gras dishes and diving into fresh seafood from the ice-bar.
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H
Maison Boulud
An imposing highlight of the impeccably spruced up Legation Quarter, Daniel Boulud's Běijīng restaurant presents standout French-inspired cuisine in a choice setting overseen by fastidious staff.
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I
Le Marron
This could have been Madame Bovary’s boudoir-turned-brasserie had she come to Hong Kong. Gold-framed mirrors, lacy partitions, sunset lighting, a piano even – a cosy place, albeit a little cluttered. The food is good and portions are quite generous. But the noise – Madame would have thought that most unglamorous!
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J
Amigo
Call us old-fashioned but this relic with a Spanish name and Gallic twists is a place full of memories. The waiters still wear black tie and white gloves, there are strolling musicians, and women are handed roses as they leave. The food is reliably good and you’ll get a free cake if you go on your birthday.
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Le Vôtre
The first French restaurant in town, and still the best. This one shares its historic premises with the Hóngfú Palace Hotel. The interior, flanked by a dazzling array of Christian and Buddhist statues and hung with portraits of Chairman Mao, oozes an eccentric charm. The huge outdoor seating area draws big crowds, as do the fine menu and home-brewed beer (from Y25).
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K
Chez Les Copains
This friendly restaurant with warm-coloured walls is where bubbly Cordon Bleu chef Bonnie lives and feeds her customers, many of whom make a special trip from town just to savour her homemade goose liver terrine, duck leg confit and French andouillette (a rustic tripe sausage).
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L
Bonheur
Bonheur is one of the few French eateries in town where the nuanced lobster bisque and the succulent pork loin won’t burn a hole in your pocket. If you’re craving contrast, take a seat by the windows that overlook tenement buildings. Booking is mandatory.
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M
Le Bistrot Parisien
This restaurant has traditional French bistrot décor and an able French chef who flawlessly weaves local flavours into classic French dishes from the entrees down to desserts like pineapple crème brûlée. English menu available.
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La Bonne Heure
This brasserie is just up from the Largo do Senado. The bar area extends its opening hours until 1.30am on Fridays. Upstairs there’s a tiny gallery (tall people mind your heads!) with artwork from local young artists.
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O
La Comedie Chez Vous
A favourite with business executives for its excellent-value set lunch (MOParound MOP$65) and, presumably, its comfy chairs. It's also a handy place to hang out after watching a performance at the cultural centre.
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Belle Epoque
This French restaurant, arguably the best in town, hits the mark with an interior that is both plush and comfortable, decor-wise.
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Q
La Seine
For authentic nouvelle cuisine try this French restaurant on the 1st floor of the Xinghai Concert Hall.
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