BIZOU

There is no mistaking where you are at Bizou. With a prime location on the ground floor opposite Harvey Nichol’s in Pacific Place, this American brasserie is located in one of the city’s most upscale malls. Light floods the space and, compounded with the passing parade of shoppers and workers, lends the restaurant an alfresco atmosphere, especially the tables on the terrace, although it is completely indoors. Lunchtimes are noisy and busy, attracting tenants from the surrounding office towers and those taking a break from retail therapy. Staff can be harried during peak periods, with plenty of room for improvement in service. The a la carte menu roams the USA, with the likes of crab cakes, burgers, plenty of steaks and good old cheesecake. Southern fried chicken served with soft poached egg is crunchy on the outside, moist on the inside and very moreish. The compact wine list is well priced and features a mix of easy drinking new and old world labels, and there is also a handful of American boutique beers available.

Bizou’s contemporary look is reflected in the modern cooking