Le Pain Quotidien in Wan Chai serves hearty soups and salads and delectable breads

LE PAIN QUOTIDIEN
Shop G41, The Avenue, Lee Tung Ave, Wan Chai 2520 1801

FARE The name of the bakery/restaurant means "The Daily Bread", where friends gather around communal tables to share in breaking bread.

AMBIENCE Pleasant airy setting makes this an ideal place to grab a healthy meal, coffee break or for a quick business meeting.

COST About HK$650 for three courses for two, including drinks.

WHO TO BRING Someone whose company you enjoy. This is a place to savour the food, especially the exquisite breads, pastries and tartines (Belgian sandwiches, which went down well with other patrons).

TURN-ONS There's a big veggie and gluten-free selection at the brand founded by chef Alain Coumont in Brussels in 1990, which has grown to more than 240 restaurants in 18 countries. It was a credit to the staff that the food emerged quickly on a busy Sunday lunchtime. We both started with the pleasant home-made pumpkin soup, accompanied by delectable breads. Next up was the raw Asian salad, an excellent mix of fresh, crunchy and tasty flavours that incorporated iceberg lettuce, kale, mango, tomato, scallions, cucumber, snow peas, sweet chilli dressing, sesame oil, fresh coriander and avocado and wasabi. The Mezze platter comprising hummus, babaganoush, Lebanese tabbouleh, tomato and cucumber paled in comparison. When it came to dessert, the home-made Belgian waffle (with fresh and tasty berries) upstaged a tasty coconut yoghurt berry parfait (banana, raspberry compote, strawberries and raw granola). For drinks, we had a raspberry lemonade and fresh orange juice.

TURN-OFFS It can be difficult to attract the attention of the staff at busy times.

DRINKS Lots of hot and cold items are available.