Confused, disappointed, sad. Three unwelcome emotions to sum up an unexpected letdown at La Belle Epoque. It is a French restaurant, with a menu written in French but heavy on Portuguese dishes. The disappointment set in early. The pan-fried foie gras with 'celery rave' cream and truffle sauce, indigo style ($130), had everything right - the sauce was delicious, the mash a creamy delight - but the foie gras was burned. Sacre bleu! Turning to the prawns sauteed with chilli, garlic and paprika ($160) was little consolation. The crustaceans were tough and their dressing underspiced. The mains did little to alleviate our apprehension. Duck confit roasted with potato in balsamico sauce ($170) was, again, overcooked. The sole fillets with capers and lemon butter ($250) was big enough for two to share with crispy fresh french beans sauteed with shallots ($50), but it lacked real lemony zest and was a little dry. Desserts did much to lift our spirits however. The apple sorbet, served with a glass of Calvados ($75), was wonderfully refreshing while the mango soup with coconut cream and Havana rum ($75) was a fabulous combination of sweetness. Despite superb service, a three-course dinner for two with a bottle of Portuguese Borba white ($198) and a bottle of mineral water came to $1,323 - the result was well off the mark. 62 Peel Street, Central. Tel: 2537 9381. Open: noon-2.30pm, 6pm-11pm (Saturday dinner only). $$$$$