After two years of operation, le beaujour, the French restaurant that offers an all-day fine dining experience, continues to evolve under the leadership of Chef Pili Chiang. The restaurant has recently introduced its 2.0 version. When asked about the key changes, Chef Jiang explained, “Many restaurants today focus on set menus, but sometimes customers don’t necessarily want such large portions. They’re looking for a better dining atmosphere but don’t want to commit to a long, multi-course meal. So, we’ve introduced à la carte menus for lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner, giving guests the flexibility to choose what they want.”
With the growing trend of “affordable luxury” attracting younger diners, le beaujour has adjusted its pricing to around 3,000 TWD. This price point makes the restaurant more accessible for casual dining, allowing friends to easily meet up and enjoy a fine meal without waiting for special occasions. It offers a taste of luxury at a more approachable cost. “However, we still uphold our high standards in ingredient selection and the meticulous presentation of each dish, as we want our guests to feel the team’s dedication,” he emphasized.
Chef Pili’s career began at Angelo Agliano Restaurant, Chef Angelo‘s passion for traditional Italian cuisine, combined with the refined elegance of French culinary techniques, which helped shape Pili’s culinary foundation. He then went on to work at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Taipei, where he experienced the guidance of Chef Olivier Jean and Chef Florence Dalia, further solidifying his expertise in both classic and contemporary French cuisines.
The restaurant mainly attracts a crowd of 25 to 30-year-olds, with a majority of female patrons. The interior, designed by the world-renowned Lilian Wu Studio, is an artistic masterpiece. Every corner is thoughtfully crafted, blending Eastern and Western cultural influences to showcase a unique contemporary style that invites diners to relax and enjoy the aesthetically pleasing surroundings.
Another highlight of the restaurant is its tea pairing, which blends POUYUENJI’s curated tea with the dishes. The combination of tea, whether in flavour or temperature, brings out the care put into the selection and leaves a lasting aftertaste. “Pairing tea with food is indeed challenging, so the tea must have distinct and prominent flavours to complement the dishes. I usually discuss the pairing with the tea sommelier after finalizing the menu or tasting the dishes, making sure she understands the theme of the menu and the intended flavours of each dish,” Chef Pili explained.
He believes that the chef is the bridge between ingredients and customers. The mission and responsibility of a chef is to bring out the rich flavours of good ingredients through imaginative presentation and correct cooking methods. Make full use of seasonal ingredients, presenting them in different forms and techniques, creating a harmonious pairing that enhances the flavours without overshadowing the natural essence of the ingredients.
Tasting the seasonal dinner menu designed by Pili, one can’t help but admire his deep understanding and attention to the balance of ingredients. From the appetizers to the final dessert, each dish offers a light, refreshing flavour without being overwhelming, with several dishes leaving a lasting impression. “beaujour” means “a beautiful day,” and I believe guests will surely feel this sense of beauty after their meal.
As a Michelin-selected restaurant, le beaujour has already met the high standards set by the judges, and earning a Michelin star is within reach. Chef Pili shared, “I believe being selected or earning a star is a huge encouragement for the team and restaurant operators. But our focus is still on providing guests with an excellent dining experience, allowing them to enjoy a wonderful meal in a relaxed and comfortable setting. This is what I want to focus on. Of course, receiving a Michelin star would be a great recognition for us, and I will continue to work hard toward that goal.”
le beaujour
Address: No.118, Section 2, Nanjing East Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Contact: 02-25672218
Website: https://lebeaujour.com.tw/