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15 best French restaurants in Hong Kong

By Aude Camus 13 July 2018 | Last Updated 6 May 2022

Header image courtesy of Louise

Originally published by Aude Camus. Last updated by Gabrielle Caselis and Alisa Chau.

French restaurants have been popping up all over Hong Kong in the past years, meaning that now more than ever, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining with flair. Aude Camus, creator of the French Chamber’s French Shopping & Dining in Hong Kong online guide, helps us whittle down the options with the best French joints in town. Bon appétit!

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Belon

Roast chicken may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of French cuisine, but neo-Parisian bistro Belon dishes up what most would agree is the best roast chicken in town. Although headed up by chef Matthew Kirkley—a Baltimore native—there is no need to clutch your pearls and cry, “Mon dieu!” as the food at Belon speaks for itself.

Skill and refinement are shown in every dish, from the cured Tasmanian ocean trout with horseradish and dill to the cervelas en brioche with truffle gastrique and mikan mille-feuille with vanilla Chantilly cream. Of course, the star of the show is the gorgeous whole roasted chicken with petits pois à la française.

For the ultimate dining experience, make your reservations for front-row seats at the beating heart of the restaurant. Come up close to observe Chef Kirkley’s orchestration live in action for your gastronomic pleasures by booking your seats here. Enquiries about private dining are welcomed as well—shoot them an email at [email protected].

Belon, 1/F, 1–5 Elgin Street, Soho, Central | (+852) 2152 2872

2

Louise

Chef Julien Royer’s three-Michelin-starred Odette in Singapore took the premier spot on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2019, and following that wild success is Louise, his tribute to honest French homestyle fare that he knows and loves. Louise‘s airy and botanical downstairs parlour offers all-day French favourites, while the upstairs dining room features heart-warming dishes lifted from Chef Royer’s childhood.

Head to PMQ for its four-course set lunch (starting from $798), made even more special with a bespoke wine pairing ($458), or Louise signatures like the indulgent and flavourful angel hair pasta with Kristal caviar, black truffle, and kombu (starting from $488) and the sautéed Hong Kong frog leg with parsley and garlic crisps ($268).

If you have enjoyed its lunch offerings, we suggest you splurge on the six-course signature menu ($1,688) to discover Louise’s well-loved and greatest hits. For reservations, book online here or email [email protected].

Louise, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central | (+852) 2866 0300

Photo: Le Bistro Winebeast (via Facebook)
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Le Bistro Winebeast

Nestled in the heart of Wan Chai is Le Bistro Winebeast, a humble French bistro. Its success is largely due to the incredible menu curated by chef Léa Cantalloube, who has previously worked and trained in Michelin-starred restaurants.

With a seasonal menu that changes every six weeks, you’ll get to try something new pretty much every time you visit Le Bistro Winebeast. The winning dish that keeps gourmands coming back is their pithivier of pigeon and foie gras ($388)—if you’re not fond of pigeon, this will change your mind. Make a booking by clicking here.

Le Bistro Winebeast, Newman House, 35–45 Johnston Road, Wan Chai | (+852) 2782 6689

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4

L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon

Brought to Hong Kong by eponymous culinary legend, Joël Robuchon, this restaurant is one that’s studded with three Michelin stars, which has been awarded flush over the past nine years. Divided into two areas, L’Atelier and Le Jardin, L’Atelier is bordered by a circular bar enveloping an open kitchen that allows diners a full preview of the drama in cooking and plating, whilst Le Jardin stretches out to encompass the views of a rooftop garden.

From what’s recognised as classically French—quail, foie gras, and caviar—to incorporating non-traditional ingredients to create modern and borderless imaginings of the cuisine, the culinary team here is credited for being outstanding and versatile.

For a full panorama of its signature dishes, opt for the “signature” set menu ($2,480), which includes the Rossini style Châteaubriant beef and foie gras in vintage Port sauce and crispy amadai fillet with bouillabaisse. We recommend making reservations early, which you can do by clicking here, as there is likely to be a lengthy waitlist.

L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Shop 401, 4/F, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central | (+852) 2166 9000

Photo: Maison ES (via Facebook)
5

Maison ES

Helmed by model-turned-chef Esther Sham, Maison ES offers a charming touch of French flair in the heart of bustling Star Street. Housed in a sun-filled, vintage-inspired venue, the 2,300-square-foot restaurant oozes sophistication, with an elegant interior adorned with antiques, artworks, and collectables sourced from flea markets around the world—look out for the adorable vintage bicycle on the garden terrace!

Here in this beautiful setting, designed by Sham herself, guests can indulge in exquisite cuisine centred on Asian and French fusion. Aside from a tantalising à la carte and tasting menu, the restaurant offers a weekend brunch buffet, and a stunning private kitchen and dining area called Ta Pantry. It’s the perfect spot to escape the city and enjoy a touch of “je ne sais quoi.” Make your reservations online here.

Maison ES, 1A Star Street, Wan Chai | (+852) 2521 8011

6

La Cabane

Running through Central and Sheung Wan, Hollywood Road is pinned with art, culture, and food, and La Cabane is one of the many restaurants situated in this stretch. We, the Localiiz team, know a great lunch spot when we see one, and the one at La Cabane is of amazing value, and rotates every week, allowing you to try all sorts of fresh seasonal ingredients.

Its cosy and intimate venue, along with the friendly atmosphere, creates the perfect setting for dinner and a catch up with friends or a date. What could be more romantic than sipping on a gorgeous selection of natural wines—its speciality—over a lovely meal for two?

La Cabane, 62 Hollywood Road, Central | (+852) 2776 6070

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By Gabrielle Caselis 30 June 2021
7

Scarlett Cafe & Wine Bar

Situated in Tsim Sha Tsui, Scarlett Café & Wine Bar is an eatery worthy of crossing the harbour for. We recommend going there with a bunch of friends and ordering several dishes to share. Its cheese and cold cut platters (starting from $348) are the perfect happy hour treat and pair flawlessly with a bottle or two of red. On top of that, the sumptuous pork ragu penne in the lunch set menu (starting from $148) is to die for.

Scarlett Café & Wine Bar, Residence G Hong Kong, 2 Austin Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui | (+852) 3565 6513

8

La Crêperie

Bringing the food of the northwesternmost region of France, La Crêperie offers Hong Kong a taste of the humble food creations of the lesser-known food region of Brittany. When you need a proper French crêpe (starting from $40) or traditional galette (starting from $98), La Crêperie does it like no other place. You know the restaurant has foundational flavours on lock when it offers so many variations on its menu. Both crêpes and galettes can be enjoyed in over 30 preparations collectively—sweet or savoury, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Get your hands on your own slice of Brittany by making a booking here.

La Crêperie, 1/F, Kui Chi Mansion, 100–102 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai | (+852) 2529 9280

9

Épure

As one of many fine dining establishments in Harbour City, Épure is an unmissable restaurant for a French gastronomic experience. Rightfully earning its one Michelin star, the restaurant executes modern French cuisine and hospitality effortlessly. Backed up by knowledgeable sommeliers and helpful service staff, dine-in and takeaway offerings prepared by the culinary team are thoughtfully complimented.

If you’ve made a reservation in either their dining room or lounge, a thing to note is that they offer different menus for each area—which could be something to look forward to for next time! Regardless of where you choose to dine here, you are guaranteed fine French food (and wine pairings, if you’re feeling boozy).

Épure, Shop 403, Level 4, Ocean Centre, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui | (+852) 3185 8338

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10

Jean May

Tucked away in Wan Chai is the neighbourhood French bistro Jean May. With an eye-catching green storefront and uncomplicated and homey interior, gourmands are eased into their simplistic, rustic, and home-style approach to French cooking. Reflecting this relaxed approach is its welcoming and friendly team.

Incorporating various ingredients that speak to the best produce of each season, the Jean May menu includes stunning takes on French classics, with updates scrawled in chalk on the blackboard every day. Jean May’s duck à l’orange ($328), and hand-cut macaroni with pistachio pesto and prawns ($298) are examples of its French cooking done well, and are must-order dishes whenever they are on the menu.

Due to the restaurant’s immense popularity with foodies and casual diners alike, we would recommend reserving a spot beforehand, which you can book here.

Jean May, Shop A, 14 Gresson Street, Wan Chai | (+852) 3590 6033

Photo: Bouillon
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Bouillon

Headed by chef John Ducroquet is French bistro Bouillon. For wanderers of the hidden and hilly streets of Sheung Wan, you might have already walked past the striking restaurant by accident, and wondered what it has in store for your taste buds. In the curation of the menu, Chef John oscillates between French classics and creative recipes—this merged and open-ended interpretation of French food is displayed on the plates served here.

If you work or live nearby, the lunch set (starting from $228) is great value-for-money, inclusive of a starter with a main dish, and French wines by the glass for an extra $68. With a considerable menu to choose from, you will be able to get a snippet of what Bouillon’s full à la carte menu has to offer. Jump on the restaurant’s familiar yet adventurous flavours and make your reservations online today.

Bouillon, 6 Pound Lane, Sheung Wan | (+852) 2886 0056

12

Caprice

Having awarded three Michelin stars, Caprice’s culinary greatness has helped pushed the Four Seasons Hotel to be crowned the only hospitality establishment to hold a staggering eight Michelin stars. The highly acclaimed restaurant cannot achieve greatness without the inventiveness of Chef Guillaume Galliot and its extensive wine list under their belt—every dish can be paired with any wine you can possibly think of.

The upscale takes pride in all their dishes but we particularly favour the signature Alaskan king crab, crustacean jelly, and Osciètre prestige caviar from La Maison Kaviari. If that does not sound intriguing enough, you can test the waters and give the lunch set (starting from $988 per person) a try. Secure your reservation online here.

Caprice, Four Seasons Hotel, 8 Finance Street, Central | (+852) 3196 8882

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Photo: @nissalabella (via Instagram)
13

Nissa La Bella

From the storefront rimmed in seafoam, and interior walls of green, blue, and white, you’ll be transported to the south of France once you step through the doors. Specialising in tastes of the French Riviera, the menu draws from the flavours of Southern France with tinges of Mediterranean inspiration, transporting diners to summers along the Côte d’Azur.

We recommend the terrine de foie gras ($208), which is delicious in its simplicity. Its tartare de boeuf à l’Italienne ($208) is also worth giving a try—you should get every element in one bite, as the acidity of the tomato and herbed fragrance of the basil balances the richness of the Parmesan really well. Book your table here, and you can easily continue the night after dinner at Peel Street, which is only a walking distance away.

Nissa La Bella, 6–14 Upper Station Street, Sheung Wan | (+852) 9549 3882

14

LPM

It’s rare to come across French snail dishes in Hong Kong, but the search ends here—LPM is incomplete without snail on its menu. The French-Mediterranean food served here is light, fresh, and simple, but still very much elevated. From well-studied sommeliers to the experienced culinary team, LPM is armed with the best to serve the best of French cuisine.

Building upon flavours with subtlety and mostly single hero ingredients is something we didn’t know could be done so well. Here, we recommend the escargots de bourgogne ($228) for the perfect slurp of snail—don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

LPM, H Queen’s, 23–29 Stanley Street, Central | (+852) 2887 1113

15

Écriture

Écriture is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant that offers gourmands and connoisseurs of French food the chance to experience executive chef Maxime Gilbert’s forward-facing vision of the cuisine. By incorporating exceptional Japanese produce, Chef Gilbert enters a new world of possibilities, pushing classic French cooking to new limits.

Beautiful flavours are presented in both simplistic and over-the-top creative plating, the culinary team here adapts the presentation to highlight the star ingredient of each dish. Our recommendation would be to opt for the eight-course Calligraphy lunch menu ($1,488) for an introduction to Chef Gilbert’s culinary style.

Écriture, 26/F, H Queen’s, 80 Queen’s Road Central, Central | (+852) 2795 5996

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Aude Camus

Hong Kong Madame

Aude Camus is the creator of the French Chamber’s French Shopping & Dining in Hong Kong online guide and Hong Kong Madame’s managing editor. She decided to swap baguettes for dumplings in 2015 and moved to Hong Kong. Aude loves nothing more than eating and is always on the lookout for a good meal to brighten up her day.

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