By Thúy Hằng

Le Beaulieu is without doubt one of the most exciting dining spots in Hà Nội. After a seven-month refurbishment, the award-winning French fine-dining establishment has re-opened its doors to welcome back diners.

I was invited for a lunch recently at the restaurant that has operated since 1901 and is believed to be the oldest continually operating outlet in Việt Nam. I was overwhelmed when stepping into the venue. And I am sure that anyone coming here for the first time will have the same feeling.

The new look manages to meld the classical and the modern in a single scheme that’s long on white, gold and blue-greys. — Photo courtesy of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

While the old design braces the atmosphere and the classic representation of a restaurant in Paris in the early 20th century with brown wooden armchairs and canvas paintings hanging on the walls featuring garden landscapes in the Giverny residence of Monet, the new aspects manage to meld the classical and the modern in a single scheme that’s long on white, gold and blue-greys.

The leaf-shaped crystal chandeliers highlight the opulence of the venue. The signature restaurant at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi ties together the hotel’s 120-year-old storied past with a contemporary new look.

Le Beaulieu’s managers and as well as the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi do not hide their ambition to level up this place into a Michelin-level restaurant showcasing French haute cuisine and a wide selection of wines.

The starter – ‘Big-eye tuna carpaccio’. — VNS Photo Thúy Hằng

The new menu, intensively crafted by a well-known executive chef from Quebec in Canada, continues to spotlight modern French gastronomy with nods to classical French flavours. There is also an emphasis on seasonality and superior ingredients. While there are some traditional French touches, the presentation is stylish, with well-balanced portions and fresh produce from France, Việt Nam and elsewhere.

In addition to an impressive menu, Le Beaulieu boasts one of the most extensive wine collections in Hà Nội, featuring more than 600 labels from leading chateaux and wineries from France and around the world.

Our lunch was started when a waitress places our starter on the table – the ‘Big-eye tuna carpaccio’, while a sommelier pours golden-coloured champagne into our glass.

“It isn’t food, it’s an edible painting,” I thought to myself. As usual, I feel a bit guilty having to break up such a beautiful presentation for my appetite.

The decorative pieces of avocado, mango, orange, and lemon offered the fresh aroma of citrus and tropical fruit, enhancing the rich and sweet flavour of the fish. The dish was prepared with attention to detail, resulting in presentation and taste that is perfect.

'Creamy lobster bisque flambéed with cognac'. — VNS Photo Thúy Hằng

Next, we had ‘Creamy lobster bisque flambéed with cognac'. The buttery lobster flavour imparted from the shells perfectly blends into the savoury cream, wine, and cognac. This is not the first time I’ve tried the lobster bisque at Le Beaulieu, and other previous times, the ever-fascinating entree always made me feel pleasant. I've always thought of it as comfort food.

Next came our main course – the ‘Beef tenderloin Wagyu Kiwami MB9 with foie gras, chanterelles, creamy truffle polenta, and Madeira wine sauce'.

‘Beef tenderloin Wagyu Kiwami MB9 with foie gras, chanterelles, creamy truffle polenta, and Madeira wine sauce'. — VNS Photo Thúy Hằng

A fan of steak, I slowly enjoyed the silky flavour of the prime-grade meat that was tender yet juicy. It’s amazing. The dish has a complex flavour that is enhanced by a divine combination of meat and other ingredients placed on the plate, all coming together to create this delectable dish. A glass of the red wine Côtes du Rhône 'Les Albizzias' perfected our main course.

The dessert was a fruity and tangy French L’arlequin with apricot, mandarin, cream cheese, white chocolate, pistachio dacquoise, and yoghurt ice cream.

L’arlequin with apricot, mandarin, cream cheese, white chocolate, pistachio dacquoise, and yoghurt ice cream. — VNS Photo Thúy Hằng

At Le Beaulieu, the presentation will bring great pleasure to diners. And I am among those.

Honestly, the main course left me full and there was no room left for anything else. But I was curious about how it tasted and took a bite and it did not disappoint. I liked its fresh fruity flavour despite it being a bit sweet for my taste.

The bar in Le Beaulieu. Alongside an impressive menu, Le Beaulieu boasts one of the most extensive wine collections in Hà Nội. — Photo courtesy of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Anyway, lunch here was a gastronomical experience that left me full but still wanting more. As the menu is quite large, I will surely come back to try the other heavenly food creations. VNS

Le Beaulieu

Address: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, 15 Ngô Quyền St, Hoàn Kiếm Dist, Hà Nội, Tel: (+84) 24 3826 6919

Comment: inviting ambience and décor, understated opulence, heavenly food creations.

Price: Set lunch at VNĐ1,800,000++/pax. For dinner, 4-course tasting menu (VNĐ2,800,000++/pax), 6-course Epicurean menu (VNĐ3,800,000++/pax).

A la carte menu is also available for lunch and dinner. Some additional starters and main courses rotate daily.