With an interior that transports you back to the days of colonial Hong Kong, Louise hits all the right notes.
Oh, food… Hong Kong is such a hub of good eats. From the tastiest Italian restaurants to Chinese cuisine that lights the senses, we’re all a little spoiled for choice here. And one nation that has a number of wonderful outlets singing and sharing its delights is France, the newest of whom is Louise. Possibly the most French of French restaurants in Hong Kong, we had to go in to soak in the atmosphere for ourselves. Here’s what we thought.
Who is this Louise?
A collaboration between Asia’s Best Chef Julien Royer (of Singapore’s Odette) and JIA Group, the brains behind favourites like Mak Mak and Old Baikley, Louise is a modern French restaurant unlike any other in Hong Kong. Taking over the two floors which once housed Aberdeen Street Social, the interior spaces have been designed by André Fu of AFSO fame to imagine a chic colonial home for a fictional French lady named Louise. From the floral wallpapers to the traditional Parisian bistro seating and the extraordinary art programme, it’s the kind of place you want to linger and enjoy precious conversations with friends.
And the food?
Obviously Louise and her elegant crowd only dine on the best French cuisine, with reimagined classics showcasing the finest local and international produce. In the downstairs Parlour, guests can enjoy all-day casual dining or drinks on the patio, while upstairs, an à la carte menu is available in the Dining Room.
Executing Royer’s vision and injecting his own passion for exquisite food, Executive Chef Franckelie Laloum takes helm of the kitchen, producing dishes such as Pan seared French veal sweetbread, lemon confit, brown butter lettuce cream and potato gnocchi. Adding a local flavour to these dishes, guests can also enjoy Sautéed Hong Kong frog legs,
parsley, garlic crisps and Roasted Hong Kong yellow chicken, all of which are served on delightful ceramics and with place settings that include an elegant French vintners knife.
But how does the food taste?
Short answer: fantastic. I was overwhelmed by the depth of flavour in every dish I tried at Louise. From the perfect amuse-bouche to the heavenly Heirloom tomato tart with Luigi Guffanti burrata and basil sorbet; the chefs here make good food look easy, and I’m a fan!
When I mentioned that I’m vegetarian, the chef didn’t hesitate to suggest creating a dish of his freshest vegetables, and I can confidently say that this was the best food I’ve eaten all year. Asparagus, radish, potato and radicchio were all cooked to perfection and served with truffle and gnocchi – now that’s pretty much the vegetarian fantasy (and not a single drop of fake meat included – hurrah!)
It would have been rude to ignore dessert (we know Louise herself would have insisted) so we did partake in a cheeky mille feuille with raspberry sorbet to finish – unsurprisingly it was amazing.
Louise is the restaurant you’ve been waiting for. Don’t linger any longer.
Louise, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2866 0300
