Jean-Pierre: a (festive) night in Paris – in the heart of Sheung Wan

Words by Aude Camus
 
You know I’m not one to shy away from a good French bistro – especially when there’s garlic butter, beef tartare, and mousse au chocolat involved. But Jean-Pierre isn’t just another French restaurant in Hong Kong. This one hits different.

Opened by Black Sheep Restaurants on Bridges Street and named after co-founder Marc Hofmann’s father, Jean-Pierre is a decadent love letter to Parisian bistros – but not the polished, picture-perfect kind. Think late-night laughter, red velvet banquettes, bowtied captains weaving through tables, and a playlist that makes you want to stay for “just one more glass.” It’s a love letter to the spirit of convivial French dining. Think Steak Tartare, Soupe à l’Oignon, Boeuf Bourguignon, Profiteroles, Baba au Rhum… the hits just keep coming. But what sets Jean-Pierre apart isn’t just the food (more on that in a second) — it’s the atmosphere. That elusive joie de vivre. That feeling that, for a few hours, you’re not in Hong Kong but in a dimly lit bistro tucked away in Paris’ 7th arrondissement, where the night stretches endlessly and strangers become friends.

I visited last week and instantly fell under its spell. The Escargots were garlicky perfection — just make sure to do it the French way and mop up the sauce with your bread. The Oeufs Mimosa, which you can order by the half for $8 (or €1), hit me with a wave of nostalgia – that’s exactly how my grandmother used to serve them. The Steak Tartare was pitch-perfect, and then came the Poulet de Simone, Black Sheep’s take on poulet rôti using Hong Kong’s famed three yellow chicken. Honestly, I almost rolled my eyes when I saw it on the menu — we've seen this chicken pop up on so many menus lately — but I’m eating my words. And the chicken. The tarragon-packed stuffing was rich, fragrant, and the breast meat (yes, the driest cut!) was melt-in-the-mouth tender. I’d go back just for that.

And yes, of course I had the Mousse au Chocolat et the Profiteroles. You’re not supposed to pick favourites but… actually, you are. And mine was the mousse – whipped to fluffy perfection, dark and decadent without being too sweet.

But let’s go back to that atmosphere. Because honestly? Jean-Pierre might be the only French bistro in Hong Kong right now that nails the vibe. Not just the decor (though the red velvet banquettes, dark mahogany, and vintage bric-a-brac are divine) – it’s the spirit. It’s the joyful, unfiltered energy. The soundtrack of French classics that carries you from Apéro to digestif. It’s where you might end your evening singing along to Dalida, Michel Berger or Serge Gainsbourg while sipping a Cornichon Martini. That’s the energy. That’s what sets Jean-Pierre apart.
There’s a sense of theatricality to the whole experience – Crêpes Suzette flambéed tableside, Sole Meunière served with a flourish, and that central round table, La Table de Jean-Pierre, that puts you right in the middle of the action. You’re not just a diner here, you’re part of the show.

It’s easy to imagine Hong Kong’s French crowd (and plenty of locals too) turning this into their go-to late-night haunt, à la Le Boeuf sur le Toit or Le Piaf in Paris – places where Parisians gather for dinner and end up dancing to vintage French pop into the early hours.
Jean-Pierre is more than just another French bistro in Hong Kong. It’s a place that taps into something deeply nostalgic, deeply French – the art of living well.
 
Come for the food, stay for the music, the memories, and maybe, just maybe, for a late-night Santé with strangers-turned-friends.
 



Jean-Pierre
https://www.jean-pierre.com.hk/
9 Bridges Street, Central
 
 



 

This article is based on a complimentary dinner - hosted by Jean-Pierre for selected members of the media. No money has been paid to publish this review which is entirely based on the genuine opinion of its author.