Missing Home, Macron? Here Are Some Beijing French Eateries to Try
So, French President Emmanuel Macron is in Beijing for a few days. This got us thinking, "what sort of places would a French leader head to in Beijing for a taste of home?" What follows is a list of some of the best French bistros and dining spots in Beijing.
Oh and if you're reading this, President Macron, do see if you can make it to one or two of these spots. They'll be well worth your time.
Bistro 108
Situated just north of the French Embassy near Liangmaqiao, this elegant yet laid back establishment is a prime place for a business lunch. Starting at RMB 118 for two courses or RMB 138 for three, set choices include classics like cream of mushroom soup and duck confit, as well as truffle risotto with asparagus and, for dessert, chocolate mousse.
Bistro 108 巴黎餐吧
104, Caochang Plaza, 19 Tianze Road, Chaoyang District
朝阳区天泽路19号草场商业广场
La Maison Lyonnaise
As the name suggests, this homely bistro is a prime choice for traditional dishes from the east central city of Lyon and the surrounding area. These include the Quenelles a la Sauce Nantua (RMB 129), creamed fish seasoned with salt, pepper, and nutmeg in crayfish sauce; Saucisson Lyonnais au Vin (RMB 149), Lyon-style sausage with wine sauce; and Andouillettes a la Moutarde (RMB 220), pork intestine sausage in mustard sauce.
La Maison Lyonnaise
44 Guanghua Road, Chaoyang District
朝阳区光华路44号
Panorama
This is Beijing’s go to spot for all kinds of crepes. From classics like a savory crepe topped with ham, egg and emmental cheese (the OId Classic, RMB 70) to new iterations including the chicken curry-stuffed Bollywood (RMB 75) and the parma ham-topped Padrino (RMB 78). They also have three mussel options as well as Cassolet (RMB 148) on offer.
Panorama
81 Sanlitun Courtyard No. 4, Chaoyang District
朝阳区三里屯机电院81号
The Roots
This French-owned eatery has three locations around the capital as well as one of the most fantastically eclectic menus in the city, making it a great place to return to and try something new with each visit. Of course, two things you can’t go wrong with on the menu in our opinion include the freshly-made mini baguettes (RMB 10) and their stellar peri-peri chicken (RMB 38).
The Roots (multiple locations)
28 Dongzhimenwai Street, Chaoyang District (above Paddy O’Shea’s)
朝阳区东直门外大街28号
Chez Morel
This impressive little bakery has two locations, one in Maizidian and one in Sanlyuanli. It goes without saying that their bread and pastries, especially their croissant (RMB 18) and pain au chocolat (RMB 16), are top notch. Chez Morel is more than just bread and pastry, though. They’ve also got a nice selection of flavored cheeses on offer as well as brunch from 10am-2pm – with a standout on that menu being their Quiche Lorraine (RMB 48).
Maizidian Branch
Ground Floor Shopping Area, A5 Nongzhan North Road, E. 3rd Ring Road
朝阳区东三环农展北路甲5号首厚大家底墒
Sanyuanli Branch
1 Shunyuan Street, Chaoyang District (Outside Sanyuanli Market North Gate)
朝阳区顺源街1号
Comptoirs de France
Another French bread and pastry shop, while Comptoirs croissants aren’t anything to write home about, their small desserts and mousses are the perfect little morsels. Comptoirs is also a go to place for chocolate Easter bunnies and hot cross buns.
Comptoirs de France 法派1855 (multiple locations)
1/F, Jiezuo Bldg, 55-1 Xingfucun Middle Road, Chaoyang District
朝阳区幸福村中路55-1号杰座大厦1楼
Maison FLO
A capital institution, Maison FLO have been bringing top notch French cuisine to Beijing since 1999. All the classics – from escargot to foie gras to duck confit and more – are served in an impeccable dining environment indoor and out, with an extensive terrace and garden area perfect for these increasingly warmer days.
Maison FLO
18 Xiaoyun Road, Chaoyang District
朝阳区霄云路18号
READ: Get Hot Cross Buns in Time for Easter From These Shops
Images: Unsplash, Joey Knotts, Dianping
