Pierre

Pierre occupies the Senopati house that was once Emilie, a calm, Jaya Ibrahim-designed space of tiled floors, cane chairs and white tablecloths set back from one of Jakarta's busiest dining streets. The Union Group runs it as a traditional French bistro, with Singapore-born chef Brandon Foo cooking rustic, seasonal food.

The entrecôte au poivre, Black Angus rib-eye with a white peppercorn crust and brandy cream, is the dish regulars return for. Other fixtures are the oven-roasted free-range chicken with aromatic rice and foie gras, salmon in a crust of potato scales, frogs' legs, escargots, onion soup and potato mille-feuille. Seasonal specials currently include duck foie gras with Pontianak orange sauce and a Calvados soufflé. For dessert, choose profiteroles, crème brûlée or crêpes Suzette.

It suits a date, a quiet business lunch or a family celebration. A two-course weekday lunch costs Rp285,000++, and sharing sets serve four to eight. There is a full wine and spirits list. Book on Chope; prices carry tax and service.