We arrived at Bibo right on time but where's the big signage? After yelling "Open Sesame" without success, we started inspecting the door before finally locating a secret button to open the doorway to this culinary journey.
I thought we were done discovering the place but evidently not. There was this rustic staircase right behind the door that showed us the way to a secret world on the lower level of the building.
First up there's a small bar. Perfect for a pre-dinner drink while we wait for friends to show up.
And finally the dining area. This is a wonderful crossover of arts and French fine dining. I was told that the interior design is inspired by the bohemian 1930's and it features a lovely collection of artwork including wall paintings and vintage furniture.
Bibo's kitchen is led by executive chef Mutaro Balde who has previously worked for some of the finest French restaurants in the world including Alain Ducasse at the Plaza Athenee Paris and L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon in London. Chef Balde's menu not only includes some of the best fine dining favorites, there are also French bistro classics re-invented just for us.
First of all, a little amuse bouche to kick things off in the form of a carrot purée with wasabi foam.
To start, I had Les Gou Jonettes ($170), a deep fried French lemon sole served with roasted bell pepper tartar sauce and sucrine lettuce. Our server, Justin, described as the French version of "Fish and Chips". This was seriously good (6/10).
Le Carpaccio ($200) - a hamachi carpaccio with French aromatic herbs, lemon zest and espelette chilli was next. Love the hamachi with that gorgeous texture although a little too much herbs and chilli for my liking (5.5/10).
La Saint Jacques ($340) - I was longing for some scallops tonight and these pan seared Japanese scallops pretty much satisfied my crave for them. Really enjoy the corn done three ways (pureed, foamed and grilled) that worked well with the sweetness of the scallops. My only complaint (a small one) was with the size of the scallops. Don't think these were Hokkaido scallops (6/10).
Le Cochon ($380) - Last but not least, Japanese Sagabuta pork belly which has been cooked for 36 hours was my main course of the night. A simple garnish with grilled leeks and Jerusalem artichokes wrapped up this pretty enjoyable dinner (6/10).
A very simple but delicious petite fours.
While I was expecting a true fine dining French restaurant, they threw me a curveball with their arts-meet-food casual fare. But all in all, not bad although I thought the price was slightly on the high side.
Food Rating: 6/10
Price: $$$$
Address: 163 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Closest Metro Station: Hong Kong Station/ Sheung WanTel: +852 2956-3188
Website: www.bibo.hk
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