There has been an awakening over the past couple of years in the Beijing dining scene and recently Bistrot B’s Wagyu Burger has been getting a lot of buzz.
The Rosewood Beijing‘s Bistro B casual French restaurant represents a welcome development in the city. Unpretentious, high quality and locally sourced food that will be gratifying to any who find themselves overwhelmed by the fast pace of change in China. The focus is on French cuisine, but this is far from dogmatic and the menu accounts for all tastes.
Head Chef Jarrod Verbiak earned his stripes working under Daniel Boulud at Daniel in New York. The Rosewood Beijing as a whole made a commitment to sourcing locally wherever possible and Jarrod is no exception. He is clearly passionate about and supporting local farms and artisans with produce coming from farms in Shunyi out by the airport and cheeses made locally by Le Fromagier De Pekin. Seasonality is another priority, and the menu changes regularly to reflect this.
With an expansive open kitchen, a large display of fresh seafood and the smell of crisp baked bread, your senses will be alert from the get-go. A team of chefs buzzes busily around preparing and plating food. It’s another touch of honesty about the food that is nice to see.
Slow Cooked Primal Cuts: Roasts of the Day
Close-Up
Fresh Seafood Display
Bistro B offers lunch (11:30-14:30) and dinner daily (18:30-22:30). The 3-course lunch menu is exceptionally good value at RMB 170 per head including mineral water, tea or coffee.
Each course includes a selection between 7-9 diverse dishes. Starters range from Onion Soup Gratinee to Potted Salmon, Caesar Salad and Steak Tartare (add RMB 20). Mains range from the Roast of the Day to Croque Madame or Monsieur, Semolina Pappardelle, and Hong Kong Wonton Noodle Soup. Desserts also have a decadent selection between a seasonal fruit tart, berry sundae, Baba Au Rhum and a plate of artisanal cheeses with organic honey and hazelnuts.
Verbiak’s abilities shine through with the classic dishes executed in a manner befitting their status. You can’t go wrong with any of the daily specials, all of which are prepared with care. You won’t be let down by the desserts either, many of which change daily and there is a welcoming fireplace to retire to in colder months to sip your post-meal drinks.
For something with a little more extravagance however, the Wagyu Burger with Foie Gras and black truffle aioli (RMB 220) is decadent and delicious and will make you want to abandon all decorum. We very nearly did. It’s not part of Bistrot B’s set lunch options, but it’s available for a la carte order on both their lunch and dinner menus for RMB 220.
Freshly Baked Bread
Caesar Salad, Coddled Egg, White Anchovy
Steamed Atlantic Cod, Ratatouille, Basil
Wagyu Burger, Foie Gras, Black Truffle Aioli, Comte (RMB 220)
We asked for our burger to be prepped medium rare and this was spot on
Seasonal Fruit Tart du Jour
1st Floor Lounge just outside of Bistrot B
While the restaurant takes on an intimate, more formal atmosphere during dinner service, I thoroughly enjoyed Bistrot B’s business lunch where you can still treat yourself to fantastic French fare at great value.
For those who want to go all out with a fancy dinner, Bistrot B is all about fine French fare (with a splash of Asian dishes featured in the corner of the menu – Prawn Laksa and Wagyu Beef Noodle Soup), but much less stuffy than other French restaurants in town and the portions are generous and designed to be shared. We particularly like their sharing dishes like the Slow Braised Veal Shank (super tender) and the Côte de Bœuf which are great for a group of 3-4.
Bistrot B Contact Details:
- Address: 1F Jing Guang Centre 1 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Rosewood Beijing Chaoyang district
- 北京市朝阳区呼家楼京广中心北京瑰丽酒店
- Tel: +86 10 6597 8888
- Opening Hours: Daily from 7:30-10:30AM, 11:30AM-2:30PM, 5:30-10:30PM
- Website: Click here
About Kristen
Kristen Lum has an accomplished background in PR, communications and events in China. Born and raised in California, Kristen has been based in Beijing since 2006 and is founder of the lifestyle blog called LumDimSum, covering mostly restaurant news and reviews alongside upcoming events around town that relate to Beijing’s muti-faceted, quickly-developing creative industries like art, music, film, health and fitness, fashion, nightlife, charity events, and travel tips.
