GENDARMERIE

Within spitting distance of the much revered Borchardt, newcomer Gendarmerie has taken up the mantle of city chic bistro and run with it, providing the old top dog with some much needed competition. Run by local restaurateur magnate Josef Laggner (laying claim to some 21 other restaurants and bars in town at the last count), the restaurant’s focal points are the central custom-made Italian bar and an enormous wood painting by French Canadian artist Jean-Yves Klein (no relation to the YK blue master), commissioned to stand at 14 meters long. The menu features European finery, regional favourites and a dash of Gallic gastronomy for grown-up guests looking for a little more dash when they’re splashing the cash. They could of course, also check out the subterranean Oyster Bank if they really want to impress.