Juliette’s

Adding some sophistication to Sanlitun Bei Jie

The people who mourned when Le Bistrot Parisien closed will be pleased to note that another French restaurant, Juliette’s, has opened in its place, and is more than merely filling the void.

The décor is understated and elegant, with dark brown, red and grey accents, and intuitive service to match. Guillaume Galliot, former chef de cuisine at Jaan inside the Raffles Hotel, helms the kitchens, so good quality, classic French dishes were expected. We weren’t disappointed.

The dinner set menu is good value for money, with three courses costing a very reasonable 180RMB considering the average price of a main alone is 150RMB.

The Pork Leg Foie Gras, which at first glance looks like a Chicken McNugget, but has a rich and mushy centre, tastes heavenly.

The onion soup is also brilliant – a typical onion soup poured over onion ice cream that, when meshed together, becomes a thick, warm savoury treat.

The main course Beef Skewer, cheekily served on a chopping board, is pieces of charcoal-grilled meat accompanied by a bowl of whipped potato mash.

Prepared a standard medium-rare with a salt and pepper seasoning, the beef is smoky and tender, and the simple combinationof flavours is very pleasing indeed.

The lightly grilled salmon is similarly well cooked, but in this case the dish is a little bland; small bacon bits do little to lift the flavour. Dessert is a Banana and Chocolate Spring roll that, while tasty, is too oily.

The Sautéed Cherries with Pistachio Parfait however, are peppermint cool and refreshing like a sorbet, with pistachios adding texture.

There’s also a large focus on fresh seafood at Juliette’s, with lobsters (450RMB), clams (80RMB per 100g) and St Clair oysters (120RMB for a half dozen) all featuring.

These can be ordered at the table, or, if you’re just in the mood for crustaceans, at their seafood bar, which will open in a month’s time. Everything at Juliette’s can be classed as French fine dining – yet it isn’t expensive.

Even for those that can’t afford the 180RMB dinner set, lunch, with a similar menu, is just 78RMB for two courses; 98RMB for three. Add 30RMB and you’ll get a glass of wine too.

If Juliette’s maintains these prices and the same quality of food, it looks likely to be a firm contender for an Eating Out Award next year. Kenneth Tan

Juliette’s Room 103, 43 Tongli Studios, Sanlitun Bei Jie, Chaoyang district (6417 8188). Open 8am-11pm Mon-Fri; 11am-11pm Sat-Sun. Meal for two around 450RMB. 朝阳区北三 里屯南43号楼1层