The Place
A recent opening, Le Banquet is chic and elegant. The dining room is adorned with oil paintings, abstract art and – most notably – dried trees, all adding an artistic flair to the warmly-lit space. There’s also vintage furniture and real leather seating. Heck, even the restroom is getting in on the restaurant’s classy vibes, with emerald-colored floor tiles and soothing salmon-colored walls.
Image by Tristin Zhang/That's
If you’re looking to play posh and dine on dainty European dishes, Le Banquet might as well be your first choice in Guangzhou.
The Food
We start our dining experience with the popular Antarctic scampi with caviar and sea urchin (RMB118), which is prepared raw and is an absolute delight – for our palates, anyway. Other highlights from the menu’s appetizer section include the French oyster platter (from RMB238 per half dozen) and Boston lobster with vegetables and black vinegar (RMB108).
Image by Tristin Zhang/That's
For mains, house recommendations include the lamb chops, Boston lobster, Atlantic cod and steaks. We ignore our server’s recommendations, though, and throw caution to the wind, ordering the classic seafood spaghetti with pesto sauce (RMB88). The pasta comes topped with juicy prawns and mussels, and the pesto sauce and noodles are authentic – rekindling memories of our 2016 trip to Italy.
Image by Tristin Zhang/That's
To our surprise, Le Banquet offers diners a complimentary salad or soup when they order an entree (for the time being, anyway).
On top of a fine selection of red and white wines, the drink menu offers some good ol’ single-malt Scotch whiskeys, such as The Macallan 18.
Image by Tristin Zhang/That's
We conclude our Le Banquet experience with a sweet matcha mousse (RMB58), which serves as an excellent end to a gourmet meal.
Image by Tristin Zhang/That's
The Vibe
Soft, soothing piano music floats throughout the bistro, where a quiet and relaxed ambiance is upheld by well-mannered patrons.
Image by Tristin Zhang/That's
Price: RMB200-300
Who’s going: CBD dwellers, in-the-know foodies
Good for: a romantic dinner, quality European fare
Nearest metro: Linhexi (Exit D), 5 minutes’ walk
Open daily, 11.30am-2pm, 5.30pm-1am; see listing for Le Banquet Bistro.
[Cover image by Tristin Zhang/That's]
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