We hardly need to tell you about the wonderful world of French food. After all, this is a country known for its F&B. Whether you’re into snails and frog’s legs, foie gras and rillettes, or well-seasoned fish and steak, French cuisine offers a little something for everyone. And with so many eateries specialising in the cuisine, we’re spoiled for choice, so here are a few of our French restaurants in Hong Kong.
Atelier de Joël Robuchon
You can’t talk about French cuisine in Hong Kong and not drop Joël Robuchon’s name. This slick eatery, tucked into a quiet spot in Landmark, continues to bring the late chef’s iconic cuisine to life. Dishes are classically French — rich, flavorful, beautifully plated, and accompanied by great wine. Come for the great value lunch menu, and grab a seat at the bar to watch the lively kitchen in action as you chow down.
Shop 401, 4/f, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, 2166-9000, www.robuchon.hk
Le Bistro Winebeast
This charming neighborhood French joint moved to a new location in Wan Chai earlier this year, and it’s still one of our favorite French restaurants in Hong Kong. Chef Johan Ducroquet trained at Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris, and it shows in the traditional yet lively food he dishes up. There’s a rotating seasonal menu, but you can expect to find signatures like pithiviers of quail and foie gras, and homemade duck confit. Johan’s wife, Cristina, will help you pair a wine from the cellar’s fantastic selection. There’s also a snazzy weekend brunch deal ($238) that includes a delicious pastry lineup and a main.
G/F, Newman House, 35-45 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, 2782-6689, www.lebistrowinebeast.com
Le39V
It’s a Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris, but the Hong Kong outpost of Le39V is perched atop the ICC and also boasts stunning views — and Frédéric Vardon’s award-winning French cuisine. Fresh, seasonal ingredients are the focus here, rendered in delicious style in signature plates like blue lobster ravioles with herbs. The “Saveurs d’Exception” tasting menu ($1,580) rounds up the eatery’s best dishes so you can get the full experience in one go.
Shop A, 101/F, ICC, 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2977-5266, www.le39v.com/hongkong/en
La Cabane
An unassuming neighborhood restaurant on a corner of Hollywood Road, La Cabane is a cozy spot for intimate catchups over honest-to-goodness French food and wine. The wood-filled interior and low lighting feels nothing like Hong Kong, and with the well-stocked cellar, you could almost feel like you’re in a hole-in the-wall in Montparnasse. You can’t go wrong with the set lunch – $140 with a glass of wine. If you’re looking for a casual affair, you can’t go past this French restaurant in Hong Kong.
62 Hollywood Road, Central, 2776-6070, www.lacabane.hk
Belon
An elegant indoor space on Soho’s Elgin Street, Boho brings a touch of Parisian bistro culture to the heart of Hong Kong. The menu is all about simple, classic French cooking, with ingredients treated with meticulous technique and given a dose of regional French flair. The accompanying cocktail menu is equally compelling, and features a cocktail of the month. Expect everything from salad niçoise with a twist, terrines, pigeon pithivier and whole roast chicken — with cheese and elegant desserts to finish, naturellement.
41 Elgin Street, Central, 2152-2872, www.belonsoho.com
Bibo
Hidden behind a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it gold door on Hollywood Road, Bibo is an exploding Bohemian Rhapsody come to life. Walk down the stairs and into an artistic wonderland where works by some of the biggest names in modern art — think Banksy, Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons and Takashi Murakami — are casually integrated into the space. The food is equally artistic, showcasing the best seasonal French gastronomy, all paired with intriguing cocktails and quality wines from the bar. Boasting a Relaix & Chateau rating, this is definitely one of the top French restaurants in Hong Kong.
163 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, 2956-3188, www.bibo.hk
Maison ES
Can we get a “girl power” over here? Maison ES is helmed by renowned female chef Esther Sham, who brings elegant French dining to bustling Star Street. On the walls, you’ll find antiques and artworks from flea markets around the world. On the tables, expect exquisite Asian-French fusion cuisine. There’s simple foie gras and geoduck to start, wonton langoustine in laska broth or soy-glazed black cod for mains, and coffee French toast to finish. A range of good value lunch and tasting menus are also on offer. Book ahead for the deliciously French-ified afternoon tea (from $350/person).
1A Star Street, Wan Chai, 2521-8011, www.maison-es.com
Caprice
When it comes to serious French fine-dining, Caprice is probably one of the best French restaurants in Hong Kong. Sweeping views of Victoria Harbor are paired with luxe contemporary décor, white glove service, and exquisite dishes whipped up in the open kitchen. Begin your meal with the range of caviar — there’s Iranian beluga, if you’re into that — or foie gras, fill up on turbot, lobster, pigeon or Kagoshima sirloin, and end with an almond soufflé. Don’t forget to sneak into the intimate wine and cheese room next door to finish your meal in style.
Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central, 3196-8860, www.fourseasons.com/hongkong/dining/restaurants/caprice/
Rech by Alain Ducasse
Michelin-starred celebrity chef Alain Ducasse hardly needs introduction, but his Hong Kong outpost is a serious foodie gem in Kowloon — and the first international outpost of Ducasse’s Rech brand. Tucked away at the InterContinental Hong Kong hotel, this sophisticated spot focuses on authentically French seafood with seasonal fish, shellfish and oysters on the menu. Bring your appetite (and a friend) and order the Royal Platter ($1,900) for two – it includes everything from langoustine and shrimp to oysters and crab — or order the three-course Rush to Rech menu ($45).
Lobby/F, InterContinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Kowloon, 2313-2323, http://hongkong-ic.intercontinental.com/en/dining/rech-by-alain-ducasse/
Metropolitain
A casual bistro inspired by the subways of Paris, this is where you want to go for lazy weekend lunches. It may look slightly industrial (rough cement walls will do that), but the menu is firmly bistro comfort. There are charcuterie boards and seafood platters, snails and foie gras, fish and meats, and just about everything else you’d expect of a neighborhood Parisian bistro. The breakfast/brunch menu though, features AM favorites like eggs benny ($98) and smashed avo on toast ($98). Plays well with the surprisingly extensive drinks list.
Aspen Court, 46 High Street, Sai Ying Pun, 6271-6102, http://french-creations.com/#/restaurants/metropolitain
Want more of our favorite places to eat and drink in Hong Kong? Check out our Best of Food & Drink section!
