Words by Aude Camus
‘A bistro, in its Parisian original form, is a small restaurant serving moderately priced, unpretentious meals on a relaxed setting.’
Being Parisian, I have an unconditional, nostalgic love for bistros. Just hearing the word makes me salivate at the thought of pâté en croûte, escargots, French onion soup, steak frites… you get the idea. And every time a new bistro pops up in Hong Kong, I can’t resist checking if it delivers that same comforting taste of home. Some places miss the mark entirely (looking at you, Le Bistro du Vin...), while others instantly feel just right (Bouillon, je t’aime). After an early visit to Babette, just days before its official opening, I can happily report that this one? It hits the spot.
The team
‘A bistro, in its Parisian original form, is a small restaurant serving moderately priced, unpretentious meals on a relaxed setting.’
Being Parisian, I have an unconditional, nostalgic love for bistros. Just hearing the word makes me salivate at the thought of pâté en croûte, escargots, French onion soup, steak frites… you get the idea. And every time a new bistro pops up in Hong Kong, I can’t resist checking if it delivers that same comforting taste of home. Some places miss the mark entirely (looking at you, Le Bistro du Vin...), while others instantly feel just right (Bouillon, je t’aime). After an early visit to Babette, just days before its official opening, I can happily report that this one? It hits the spot.
The team
Behind Babette are the same minds behind Croque, the Central spot that took the humble Croque-Monsieur and gave it a contemporary twist. Clément Jacquet and Rémi Brunet are now joined by chef Cédric Tsia, whose CV includes stints at Amber and Louise.
The vibe
The vibe
As any proper bistro, Babette is intimate and lively, with floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto the bustling Des Voeux Road Central - which, if you ask me, adds to the atmosphere. By day, natural light floods the space, making it bright and welcoming; by night, it’s the kind of cosy that works for a romantic date or a lively dinner with friends.
For those who love a front-row seat to the action, counter seats by the open kitchen offer a great view of the chefs at work. The décor strikes the right balance: just enough French flair (spot the cast-iron cocottes lined up on the shelves) without feeling like a theme park version of Paris. The result? A bistro that feels effortlessly modern.
The food
For those who love a front-row seat to the action, counter seats by the open kitchen offer a great view of the chefs at work. The décor strikes the right balance: just enough French flair (spot the cast-iron cocottes lined up on the shelves) without feeling like a theme park version of Paris. The result? A bistro that feels effortlessly modern.
The food
The à la carte menu is short and straight to the point (which I love—nothing worse than a menu that tries to do everything). And it screams bistro:
- Polmard beef tartare (HKD 158)
- Leeks vinaigrette (HKD 128)
- Grilled ribeye with Béarnaise sauce and sautéed potatoes (HKD 888, serves 2 to 4)
You came for bistro food, and bistro food is what you’ll get - at prices that won’t make your wallet cry.
A signature dish? The whole poached yellow chicken (HKD 688 for 2 to 4 people). Yes, it’s yet another yellow chicken (seriously, what’s with the yellow chicken trend in Hong Kong?), but this one hits differently. Cooked en cocotte with seasonal vegetables and tarragon-infused chicken jus, it’s comfort food at its finest.
For those looking for a great-value meal, both the lunch set (HKD 198 for two courses, HKD 228 for three) and the brunch (HKD 368 per person) deliver. With the last one, expect starters to share (hello, truffle croque-monsieur and cured trout), a choice of main course, and a chocolate mousse finale that’ll have you scraping the bowl.
The Verdict?
I’ll be back. And you should go, too.
Babette
https://www.instagram.com/babette.hk/
Shop G-3, G/F, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong
This article is based on a complimentary Sunday brunch hosted by Babette. No money has been paid to publish this review which is entirely based on the genuine opinion of its author.
