F Bistronome

Signature smoked veal ribs are a hearty main at F Bistronome.[Photo provided to China Daily]

A sibling of the 18-year-old formal French dining room Flo Maison, F Bistronome is also in the new China World tower - the restaurant group's more laid-back, less pricy, family-style outlet. The theme is partager dining, which means placing every dish in the center of the table for the family to serve, share and enjoy. We stopped by for a pleasant lunch that started with fine de claire oysters and a charcuterie platter, nibbles of foie gras with carmelized apple and smoked Norwegian salmon. Fish and meat mains on the day's set menu were a delicate halibut and tomato fondue and the signature smoked veal short ribs. Whatever you order, the Grand Marnier souffle is pure orangey-gooey ooh-la-la not to be missed for dessert. Later this summer, the outdoor terrace will include a small market with fresh produce and some pantry goods.

7/F, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Beijing. 010-8595-9597.